Stories from January 10, 2023

Murder charge filed for pregnant woman's slaying as rescued infant clings to life. Also, Minnesota has the worst winter air in more than a decade. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Foggy and smoggy with a light icy mix overnight
A stagnant air mass is producing the worst winter air quality since 2005 in Minnesota.
Meet the dads who resolved to become pro wrestlers in five weeks
Many of us are trying to become new people in 2023 and by lots of accounts, most New Year’s resolutions fail. But the journey is in trying something new. Jerard Fagerberg and Patrick Strait did exactly that.
Reports: Correa returns to Twins for 6 more years, $200M
Superstar shortstop Carlos Correa reportedly had deals fall through during the offseason with the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets amid concerns about a right ankle injury he sustained in 2014.
Mayor, activists say Brooklyn Center police recruitment video sends the wrong message
Cities across Minnesota and the United States are struggling to hire police officers. The City of Brooklyn Center posted a video in December intended to help with recruitment. But there was backlash among some in the region.
Will heavy winter snows quench Minnesota's drought?
The Twin Cities is on track for its third snowiest winter ever, but that doesn’t mean the drought is over. The speed of the spring thaw will dictate how much of that needed moisture makes it into the ground. Slower is better, University of Minnesota professor Jeff Strock tells MPR News.
Minnesota Now for Jan. 10, 2023
We’ll talk about the latest on the new Omicron subvariant and Minnesota’s top federal prosecutor Andy Luger’s ongoing crackdown on carjackings and guns. Sven Sundgaard explains the smog hanging over much of the state. We’ll hear about a controversial police recruitment video out of Brooklyn Center. And finally, we’ll meet two dads who tried to realize their childhood dreams of becoming pro wrestlers.
Party lines hold as abortion bill moves through MN Legislature
In the session’s first big skirmish, a bill confirming abortion access in Minnesota is on the fast track in the Legislature. It has now cleared three committees on party-line votes.
What is causing poor air quality and what does it mean for your health?
Minnesota’s air has been smoggy the past few days. Most of the state is under an air quality alert, which means people with lung disease, asthma, heart disease, and children and older adults may experience side effects. Host Cathy Wurzer talked with meteorologist Sven Sundgaard about what is causing the gloom and what it means for your health.
Worst winter air quality in Minnesota since 2005. Why is it so bad?
Officials have extended an air quality alert through midnight Wednesday for the Twin Cities. What’s behind this sudden turn that’s left many Minnesotans with coughs, irritated eyes and burning throats?
Violent crime is declining but federal prosecutor still focused on carjackings and guns
Violent crime dropped measurably in Minneapolis in 2022. While the numbers are still high compared to the years before the pandemic, the city reported far fewer homicides and carjackings than in 2021. Reporter Matt Sepic talked with Minnesota’s top federal prosecutor Andy Luger about his initiative on violent crime. He talks with host Cathy Wurzer about what he learned.
Osterholm: Newest COVID variant could drive hospitalizations higher here
Minnesota’s averaging about 560 weekly COVID hospitalizations and 180 deaths a month. “Those numbers could change substantially if XBB1.5 does show up” here in a big way, University of Minnesota epidemiologist Michael Osterholm tells MPR News host Cathy Wurzer.
Air quality alert extended through Wednesday; fog, smog, mild temps
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says Minnesota hasn’t seen a winter air quality problem this bad since Dec. 21, 2005. Snow showers with a possible wintry mix move through central Minnesota Tuesday night.
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. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
New Biden student loan plan unveiled amid agency funding crisis
The Office of Federal Student Aid has a lot on its plate in 2023, including implementation of an ambitious new student loan repayment plan. Now it just needs money to pay for it.
Brazil and Jan. 6 in U.S.: Parallel attacks, but not identical
Both incidents were fueled by claims of defeated populist presidents that fraud cost them re-election. Both were amplified by social media. And the two presidents share some common advisers and allies. But there are also differences between the two attacks. 
Federal crackdown continues as violent crime ebbs
Minneapolis reported significantly fewer homicides and carjackings last year after a big spike in 2021. Federal authorities continue to push forward with an initiative targeting violent crime, which Minnesota U.S. Attorney Andy Luger announced in May.
Putin has only 1 option left but won't accept it, says Ukraine's foreign minister
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba details the so-called ceasefire, the options he believes Vladimir Putin has left, and what counts as a victory for Ukraine from here on.
DOJ reviewing potentially classified docs at Biden center
The Justice Department is reviewing a batch of potentially classified documents found in the Washington office space of President Joe Biden's former institute, the White House said Monday.