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Stories from January 17, 2023

Walz rolls out budget with big increases for schools, children's mental health and child tax credits

Walz rolls out budget with big increases for schools, children's mental health and child tax credits, and former Hamline prof sues the school in dispute over use of an image of the prophet Mohammed in art history class materials. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

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Future of Us: After the pandemic took worship online, a Rochester church takes stock

Future of Us: After the pandemic took worship online, a Rochester church takes stock

As the pandemic tested hospital workers, so too did it test houses of worship. But Rev. Beth Royalty, leader of the 163-year-old church that stands next door to the Mayo Clinic, says her congregation has come out the other side with a fresh perspective. “We can let go of the past. We have to let go of the past.”
by Tom Crann and Megan Burks

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Study: Freshwater fish contain concerning levels of ‘forever chemical’

Study: Freshwater fish contain concerning levels of ‘forever chemical’

The researchers with the nonprofit Environmental Working Group calculated that eating one fish a year was equal to ingesting water with PFOS at 48 parts per trillion for a month, much higher than what the Minnesota Department of Health considers a safe level for drinking water.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Minnesota Now Jan. 17, 2023

Minnesota Now Jan. 17, 2023

We talk education funding, a potential St. Cloud medical school and jail staffing shortages. Also: Here’s how to connect with nature year-round, plus a Lynx star’s retirement announcement.
by Cathy Wurzer, Gretchen Brown, Ellen Finn and Alanna Elder

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Retiring Lynx star Maya Moore Irons reflects on legacy on and off the court

Retiring Lynx star Maya Moore Irons reflects on legacy on and off the court

The Minnesota Lynx star and Olympic champion announced Monday that she will officially retire from professional basketball after stepping away four years ago. MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer talks with Moore about the story and her legacy as she moves on from a career in basketball.
by Cathy Wurzer and Ellen Finn

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Tri-county community corrections director says jail staffing shortage is multifaceted

Tri-county community corrections director says jail staffing shortage is multifaceted

As jails around Minnesota struggle to hire and retain staff, administrators say they are trying to adapt to a changing workforce. MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer talks with Andrew Larson, executive director of Tri-County Community Corrections about what’s driving the staffing shortage and what policy changes may help.
by Cathy Wurzer and Gretchen Brown

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What do DFL lawmakers mean by 'fully funding' schools in the state?

What do DFL lawmakers mean by 'fully funding' schools in the state?

MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer talks with Senate Education Policy committee chair Steve Cwodzinski, who represents District 49 including Eden Prairie and Minnetonka, about proposals to “fully fund” schools in the state and how much they would cost.
by Cathy Wurzer and Alanna Elder

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Social isolation linked to an increased risk of dementia, new study finds

Social isolation linked to an increased risk of dementia, new study finds

Socially isolated older adults have a 27% higher chance of developing dementia, according to researchers from Johns Hopkins. The findings suggest that simple interventions could be meaningful.
by Kaitlyn Radde

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CentraCare seeks partnership with U of M for rural medical school

CentraCare seeks partnership with U of M for rural medical school

A major health care provider in wants to partner with the University of Minnesota to establish another medical school in the state. CentraCare CEO Dr. Ken Holmen speaks about the plan for a rural medical school on Morning Edition.
by Cathy Wurzer, Heidi Raschke and Ngoc Bui

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From the archives: Mary Doria Russell on what really happened at the O.K. Corral

From the archives: Mary Doria Russell on what really happened at the O.K. Corral

This week, Big Books and Bold Ideas heads West. Friday, host Kerri Miller talks with Katie Hickman about her new book, which tells the tales of the women of the American West. To get you in the mood, this week’s archive is a conversation between Miller and Mary Doria Russell about her book, “Epitaph,” which investigates what really happened at the O.K. Corral.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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Duluth med school leader remembered for rural health care legacy

Duluth med school leader remembered for rural health care legacy

Dr. Jim Boulger, who for nearly 50 years helped train and inspire physicians to live and work in Minnesota’s rural communities, died Saturday. He was 81.
by Dan Kraker

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Tuesday snow winds down; next winter storm moves in late Wednesday

Tuesday snow winds down; next winter storm moves in late Wednesday

Snow showers linger in northeastern Minnesota Tuesday. Highs will be in the 20s and 30s for most of the state. A winter storm watch is posted for late Wednesday into Thursday for southern Minnesota.
by Sven Sundgaard

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'Shaking things up': Minnesota’s LGBTQ lawmakers see new strength at Capitol

'Shaking things up': Minnesota’s LGBTQ lawmakers see new strength at Capitol

Nearly 50 years after Minnesota’s Allan Spear became one of the nation’s first openly gay legislators, LGBTQ lawmakers walked into the 2023 legislative session with the critical mass needed to form a caucus and flex some political muscle. They’re ready to use it.
by Sam Stroozas

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It’s no snow emergency, but St. Paul wants your vehicle off the street this week

Vehicles may be tagged and towed if they are parked on streets designated for plowing. This is a morning update from MPR News, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.

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Snow wraps up, still mild Tuesday; another storm Wednesday night into Thursday

Snow wraps up, still mild Tuesday; another storm Wednesday night into Thursday

Lingering snow showers will exit for most but linger into the Arrowhead. Temperatures will continue to be mild — mainly in the 30s and 20s — across the state. Another storm system is possible late Wednesday.
by Sven Sundgaard

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Norway archaeologists find 'world's oldest runestone'

Norway archaeologists find 'world's oldest runestone'

Archaeologists in Norway say the inscriptions are up to 2,000 years old and date back to the earliest days of the enigmatic history of runic writing.
by The Associated Press

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Here's what's at stake in Elon Musk's Tesla tweet trial

Here's what's at stake in Elon Musk's Tesla tweet trial

In 2018, Musk tweeted he had secured enough funding to take Tesla private, but a deal never materialized. A trial over the risk he brought to shareholders could further tarnish the CEO's reputation.
by Emily Olson

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A kid's guide to climate change (plus a printable comic)

A kid's guide to climate change (plus a printable comic)

Learning about climate change? Here's a comic for kids about what it is and how it's affecting the planet — as explained by kids who are experiencing it. And find out how to print this comic at home!
by Lauren Sommer and Malaka Gharib

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'Not sustainable': Jails struggle with worker shortage

'Not sustainable': Jails struggle with worker shortage

Jails around Minnesota are struggling to hire and retain staff. Administrators say they're trying to adapt to a changing workforce, but they don’t see a quick or easy solution.
by Dan Gunderson

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Feeling a little blue? You might be standing under a bad streetlight

Feeling a little blue? You might be standing under a bad streetlight

Minnesotans driving and walking through St. Paul at night may notice the pools of weird street lighting, changing hue from daylight white to stunningly blue. It’s not on purpose and the city wants help spotting them.
by Tim Nelson

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