Stories from January 9, 2023

Coronavirus FAQ: How do I avoid catching COVID while flying in 2023?
You'll see testing in some airports these days — it's just like we're going back in time! And speaking of looking back, the things that protected fliers from COVID then are still a good idea.
Lawmakers will take up allowing undocumented immigrants to get MN drivers licenses, and iPhones are making bogus crash calls to Minnesota 911 lines. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Real estate development firm run by doctors donates St. Paul building for affordable housing
Two Minnesota doctors donated the former 8-story Gallery Medical Building to the Salvation Army in St. Paul to curb homelessness. Appraisers set the St. Paul building’s value at about $5 million, a major gift for the charity.
MN House panel weighs driver's licenses for unauthorized immigrants
House members will hear a bill on Tuesday that would allow Minnesotans lacking permanent legal status here to get a driver's license. “It is critical to our economy to get this passed,” one advocate tells MPR News host Cathy Wurzer.
Rape case dismissed after Hennepin County prosecutor admits misconduct
New Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty calls the instance a “breach of the public trust,” as a 35 year-old man charged with raping a minor girl was released from custody.
Edina police investigate after gunfire reported at Southdale Center
Edina police are investigating after a gun was fired Monday inside Southdale Center mall. Authorities found signs that someone may have injured, but could not locate any victims. A lockdown has been lifted.
Minnesota National Guard Major Katie Lunning honored with highest award for aerial achievement
Air Force Major Katie Lunning was in Kabul, Afghanistan last year as part of the largest evacuation airlift in U.S. military history. Over the weekend, she was awarded the highest medal awarded for aerial achievement.
Bills safety Hamlin back in Buffalo to resume recovery
Damar Hamlin was discharged from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in the morning and flown to Buffalo, where Dr. William Knight said he was "doing well." He will continue his recovery at a Buffalo hospital.
Ask a science teacher with Jill Jensen
Listen in for news about transparent frogs, snow on Mars and a lynx population in Minnesota update.
Why Jair Bolsonaro left Brazil for Florida (and what Biden can do about it)
Brazil's far-right ex-president was laying low in Orlando, Fla., as a mob of his supporters stormed government buildings this weekend. Analysts say the move insulates him from possible legal jeopardy.
Minneapolis City Council mainstay Lisa Goodman won’t seek reelection
Goodman, 56, the longest-serving current member of the Minneapolis City Council, listed “unprecedented investment and growth in downtown” among the achievements of her tenure. She said Monday she plans to stay in Minneapolis and seek “public service-oriented” work.
Apple devices trigger false calls for winter rescues in Minnesota
Some law enforcement agencies around the state are reporting a small spike in unintended 911 calls from snowmobilers and skiers, part of a nationwide rise in accidental emergency calls from the built-in SOS functions on Apple and Android mobile devices.
How to spot modern scam techniques, from fake remote jobs to check fraud
Scams are getting harder to spot, and more young adults are becoming victims. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how you can identify the latest scams from fake checks to fake jobs.
Above-normal temps, lower air quality; light snow Tuesday night
Reduced air quality remains Monday and Tuesday as well as the possibility of freezing fog in the early mornings and overnight. Temperatures will be above normal with light snow Tuesday night.
2022 Books We Love: Realistic Fiction
NPR's Books We Love is full of stories. The feature rounds up fiction and nonfiction of many different kinds, and it gives you lots of ways to find what you might love, too. Today, we're diving into the category of realistic fiction – the stories that may not be literally true, but they feel true to the world that people encounter when they walk out the door.
The bill would align state tax deductions with federal changes made in recent years. DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman says the chamber will take up the bill Monday, and that she hopes to get the proposal on the governor’s desk as quickly as possible. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Different Dakota: SD State wins 1st FCS title over ND State
Mark Gronowski threw for three touchdowns and ran 51 yards for another one as South Dakota State won its first national championship with a 45-21 win over North Dakota State.
A college student created an app that can tell whether AI wrote an essay
Some students have been using ChatGPT, a text-based bot, to do their homework for them. Now, 22-year-old Edward Tian's new app is attracting educators working to combat AI plagiarism.
MN Legislature charges ahead on quick-strike bills
The oaths, introductions and organizing are done in the Minnesota Legislature. Now lawmakers are moving ahead with decisions that will set the state’s direction for years to come. 
Artistry in crisis: Arts organization struggles to recover from financial shortfall
A Bloomington arts organization is trying to continue with the help of the city council, but its future looks tenuous after a financial meltdown that has ripple effects in the theater community and among patrons.