Stories from January 6, 2023

A new program on the White Earth Reservation is helping parents overcome trauma and become community leaders. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Hannah Yang. Music by Gary Meister.
FDA approves Alzheimer's drug that appears to modestly slow disease
An Alzheimer's drug that removes the substance amyloid from the brain has received a conditional approval from the FDA. A large study found the drug decreased the loss of thinking and memory by 27%.
McCarthy nears victory for speaker after grueling fight
House leader Kevin McCarthy is getting closer to victory in the grueling, hard-fought struggle to become speaker of the new Congress. On the fourth day of voting, 14 of the 20 conservative holdouts switched to him.
According to retired University of Minnesota climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley, the 15 or so inches on the ground this week is nothing compared to January 23, 1982 – when snow depth in the metro measured 38 inches.
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Online disinformation expert Joan Donovan on the power of memes
Memes have been used since America’s founding to motivate political action. But Harvard researcher and online disinformation expert Joan Donovan says they’ve never been so powerful. Her new book says they even incited the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Meet Cheryl Johnson, the House clerk managing the speaker votes
Johnson has served as House clerk since 2019, the fourth woman and second Black person to do so. She's drawn praise from both sides of the aisle for running the speaker vote and maintaining order.
Snow pack and seasonal snowfall; cool weekend but milder next week
Minnesota has plenty of snow so far this season with lots of water locked up in the snow pack. Temperatures will remain cool in the weekend with more freezing fog Friday night. It’s milder again next week.
Slurp: Chef Yia Vang and his pop up Hmong noodle restaurant
Chef Yia Vang has started a popup venue that serves hot noodles, and where he can host chefs who need a space and expertise before opening their own kitchens.
Prince Harry's book exposes grief, war, drugs, family rifts
An explosive memoir reveals many facets of Prince Harry, from bereaved boy and troubled teen to wartime soldier and unhappy royal. From accounts of cocaine use and losing his virginity to raw family rifts, "Spare" exposes deeply personal details about Harry and the wider royal family.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission unanimously accepted Summit Carbon Solution’s route permit application. It also ordered an environmental review of the project which has drawn opposition from communities along the proposed route in northwestern Minnesota. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Morning freezing fog, cooler through the weekend
After some morning freezing fog, we’ll see sunshine with cooler temperatures Friday. Highs will be in the teens and low 20s. The cooler conditions persist into the weekend.
Biden's national security adviser is hopeful war over Taiwan can be prevented
In an exclusive interview at the White House, Jake Sullivan spoke with NPR's Steve Inskeep. They discussed China-Taiwan tensions, the war in Ukraine, and his upcoming trip to Israel.
A newborn was surrendered to Florida's only safe haven baby box.
A newborn was surrendered recently under a program that lets people give up an unwanted infant anonymously. There are dozens of baby boxes scattered across the U.S., but the practice is controversial.
Tesla's stock lost over $700 billion in value. Elon Musk's Twitter deal didn't help
The transformational automaker's market cap has dropped by a staggering amount over the past year. Blame new competition, sales that fell short of a lofty target — and a distracted CEO.
'I got myself back': White Earth project strengthens individuals to build community
A new initiative is teaching parents on the White Earth Reservation life skills to be better parents, but just as importantly, how to use their voices to create community change. Cultural identity is central to the first-of-its-kind program in Minnesota that seeks to help people heal from trauma and empowers them to help others.
A biotech firm says the U.S. has approved its vaccine for honeybees
Global honeybee populations have been declining for many years, due to disease, loss of habitat and poor beekeeping practices. A newly approved vaccine helps fight American Foulbrood disease.
St. Paul resident reflects on his time covering Pope Benedict XVI for Catholic News Service
Many believe Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died Saturday, mishandled the clergy sexual abuse scandal. But John Thavis, who was the Rome bureau chief for Catholic News Service during Benedict’s papacy, says his record is more nuanced. And he says it was music that could stir the stubbornly straight-faced pontiff.