Stories from January 18, 2023

Poll: Majority of Americans endorse democracy, younger generations skeptical
APM Research Lab’s analysis of the McCourtney Institute for Democracy’s most recent Mood of the Nation Poll finds majority of Americans agree that democracy is the best system of governance. The survey also finds pockets of skepticism among younger Americans.
Attorneys for Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis Police officer convicted of murdering George Floyd in 2020, are appealing his conviction in state court. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Dan Kraker. Music by Gary Meister.
Have a home fit for a governor? Walz may be calling
A temporary relocation looms for Gov. Tim Walz and his family when the Minnesota governor’s residence undergoes a rehabilitation project. The state has begun its search for “suitable living quarters.”
The science behind Minnesota's Iron Range
Host Cathy Wurzer talked with Jim Cotter, professor of Geology at the University of Minnesota Morris.
What a hoot! Houston, Minn., is a national hot spot for studying owls
Host Cathy Wurzer talked with Karla Bloem, executive director of the International Owl Center in Houston, Minn., where staff members teach visitors how to identify owls during small-group “owl prowls.”
Understanding the lawsuit at the center of the Hamline controversy
Professor Erika Lopez Prater announced yesterday she’s suing Hamline for defamation and religious discrimination. To help us understand the lawsuit, MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer talked with Jane Kirtley, the Silha Professor of Media Ethics and Law at the University of Minnesota’s Hubbard School of Journalism.
Heavy snow approaches southern MN; tough Twin Cities commute Thursday
The good news around these recent storms: The Twin Cities has recorded more then 5 inches of liquid equivalent moisture since Nov. 1. That’s erased about half of our precipitation deficit of 10 inches going into this winter.
Fed's Powell tests positive for COVID, has 'mild' symptoms
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing “mild symptoms,” the Federal Reserve announced. Powell is “up to date” with all COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, the Fed said, and is working from home.
Artistry Theater and Visual Arts is back on track, but offers a warning
Artistry, the Bloomington arts organization whose financial meltdown was recently profiled by MPR News, has received a bailout. The organization explains its plans to remain solvent, while also warning that what happened at Artistry could likely happen to other Minnesota arts organizations.
How to avoid and cope with falls and other winter injuries
MPR News with Angela Davis talks with an orthopedic surgeon and a physical therapist about winter injuries, from walking on the sidewalk to skiing down the slopes. We’ll talk about what to do if you slip or fall and when to seek medical help.  
Mall of America killing: Second alleged shooter arrested in Georgia
The 17-year-old suspect is awaiting extradition back to Minnesota. The teen’s mother, who police allege aided him while he was being sought by authorities after the fatal Dec. 23 mall shooting, was also arrested.
The world's oldest person, Sister André of France, dies at age 118
Born Lucile Randon in 1904, Sister André spent most of her life in religious service as a Roman Catholic nun. The oldest living person is now Maria Branyas Morera of Spain at age 115.
Expect 5-9 inches snow overnight in SE Minnesota, 3-6 in Twin Cities
Snow will fall mainly Wednesday evening into Thursday morning leaving behind more than 6 inches of snow for parts of southern Minnesota. Temperatures will be cooler Friday into the weekend.
Student group pushes U to offer abortions on campuses
At the University of Minnesota, one student organization is demanding administration open abortion clinics on campuses around the state.
Polar bear kills woman, boy in remote Alaska village
A polar bear entered the village of Wales in the state’s far northwest and chased multiple people before being fatally shot by a local resident, according to the Alaska State Troopers.
The former instructor at the center of the controversy over religion and academic freedom at Hamline has sued the university for religious discrimination and defamation. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Latest winter storm moves in late Wednesday into Thursday morning
Snow develops late Wednesday afternoon in southwest Minnesota and spreads north and east into the evening and overnight Wednesday night. Snow will wrap up morning to midday Thursday.
Court to hear appeal of ex-officer in murder of George Floyd
An attorney for Derek Chauvin is expected to ask an appeals court to throw out the former Minneapolis police officer's convictions in the murder of George Floyd.
Can you get COVID and the flu at the same time?
And what about a cold or RSV? With all the illness spreading, it's virus soup out there these days. Some people feel so sick they're wondering if they're fighting more than one germ at once.
Moriarty comes to role of chief prosecutor as former advocate for the prosecuted
Mary Moriarty didn’t take the traditional path to the county attorney’s office. She served in the public defender’s office for more than three decades, and was known for advocating strongly for racial justice, which earned her both admirers and critics.
4 ways around a debt ceiling crisis — and why they might not work
From an obscure congressional maneuver to a trillion-dollar coin, there are many ideas out there to help the U.S. can avoid debt default but they are untested and have major potential problems
Walz proposes big increases in school, child care spending
Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday proposed a major element of his budget plan that increases education spending and includes tax credits for families with children.
Former Hamline professor sues for religious discrimination, defamation
The former instructor at the center of the controversy over religion and academic freedom at Hamline has sued the university for religious discrimination and defamation.