Stories from January 23, 2023

Climate Cast 10-Year Anniversary special airs Tuesday at 9 am on MPR News
The past 8 years are the warmest 8 years in the global surface temperature record since 1880. Other records like ice cores and ancient tree rings indicate this is the fastest warming period in millions of years.
Special: Exploring the 'Future of Us'
MPR News host Tom Crann presents the series “The Future of Us,” which explores how a pandemic, a police murder and a city on fire have changed us and our path forward. 
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter says the city will review safety policies at its recreation centers following a shooting last week that left a teen critically injured. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Nina Moini. Music by Gary Meister.
Q&A: Penumbra's Lou Bellamy on his brother Terry's legacy
Local actor and director Terry Bellamy has died from COVID at the age of 70. Bellamy was a founding member of the Penumbra and Mixed Blood theaters, as well as a two-time Drama Critic's Circle Award-winner. MPR News spoke to Lou Bellamy, Bellamy’s brother and longtime collaborator. Lou Bellamy is also founder and co-artistic director of the Penumbra.  
Bill to extend benefits for laid-off mineworkers passes Minnesota House
A bill to extend unemployment benefits for more than 400 laid off mineworkers on the Iron Range is headed to Gov. Tim Walz for his expected signature, after it was overwhelmingly passed by the Minnesota House Monday.
Walz again pitches $300 million for public safety efforts
Gov. Tim Walz is revisiting some previous spending ideas for improving public safety and access to health care in his budget proposal. He’s also calling for more money for health care for children and for housing efforts. 
In December of 1856, Ignatius Loyola Donnelly began his campaign to get people to move to the wonderful town of Nininger in southern Minnesota. The thing is — the town wasn’t wonderful, and it wasn’t a town at all.
Rep. María Isa brings hip-hop to the Minnesota House
The same day the newly elected Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega was sworn into office, she also released a hip-hop EP, Capitolio, inspired by her campaign run, motherhood, community, and day-to-day living.
Inside Minneapolis band Creeping Charlie's rapid growth
Word of Creeping Charlie has spread over the Twin Cities music scene as quick as the evergreen creeper. On Friday, Jan. 20, they played First Avenue’s Best New Bands of 2022 show.
Abortion rights advocates push to end state funding for 'crisis pregnancy centers'
Dozens of anti-abortion centers have received millions of dollars from the state since 2005. Gov. Tim Walz could change this now that Democrats control the Capitol.
Listen to a Lunar New Year 'Celebration' with Gao Hong
Minnesota musician and composer Gao Hong is world-renowned for her skill on the pipa, a traditional Chinese string instrument with a wide-ranging, versatile sound. Gao and chamber music organization ProMusica are scheduled to perform a Lunar New Year concert in New Ulm next weekend.
Looking for love? The Modern Yentas can help
You may remember the name “Yenta” from the Jewish match maker in Fiddler on the Roof. Three Minneapolis 20-somethings have taken on name and are matching up their peers.
Passerby alerts residents of burning Duluth home, shovels snow to douse flames
The Duluth Fire Department says a passerby who spotted a fire on the outside of a home Monday morning helped the building's residents escape — and then mostly extinguished the blaze by shoveling snow onto it.
Disney World's Splash Mountain runs dry, as the iconic ride closes for good
Sunday was the last day for the ride in the Florida park. Controversy surrounded the ride, based on the 1946 film Song of the South and its racist themes. It will relaunch as Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
Group hopes body camera ruling leads to change in other Minnesota cases
The group Communities United Against Police Brutality sued for the release of the video of a Morrison County shooting involving law enforcement last April. It hopes the ruling will lead to more timely releases of body camera video in use-of-force cases.
Mild week; light snow chances, mainly in the north
Mild temperatures for the depth of winter are on tap for Monday through Friday. Light snow and flurries are possible at times. It will turn much colder next weekend.
As Gov. Tim Walz issues his complete budget proposal this week, he says he’s attempting to invigorate a state that has “lived on our laurels” of bygone days. This is a morning MPR News update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Mild Monday with a little light snow mainly north
Rather mild temperatures are on tap for Monday through Friday with occasional chances of light snow.
FDA considers major shift in COVID vaccine strategy
The new approach would simplify vaccination guidance so that, every fall, people would get a new shot, updated to try to match whatever variant is dominant.
California shooter kills 10 at dance club; motive unclear
Authorities are searching for a motive for the gunman who killed 10 people at a Los Angeles-area ballroom dance club during Lunar New Year celebrations. The gunman was found Sunday, dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a van.
Looking for Amazon alternatives for ethical shopping? Here are some ideas
Amazon ended its charity donation program, AmazonSmile, after a series of other cost-cutting measures. Many shoppers expressed disapproval on social media and have been searching for alternatives.
'Going big': Walz to fill in rest of budget puzzle this week
As Gov. Tim Walz issues his complete budget proposal this week, he says he’s attempting to invigorate a state that has “lived on our laurels” of bygone days.
Minnesota businesses get creative amid worker shortage
Minnesota businesses continue their struggle to fill job vacancies. And many have learned new ways of getting work done with fewer employees. The pandemic accelerated the trend toward robotics, flexible scheduling and more.
12 people are injured from a shooting at a Louisiana nightclub
A dozen people were injured in a Baton Rouge nightclub shooting, authorities in Louisiana said Sunday. No arrests have been made, but police believe the early morning attack was "targeted."
'Avatar' marks 6 straight weeks at No. 1 as it surpasses $2 billion in ticket sales
James Cameron's “Avatar: The Way of Water” led ticket sales in movie theaters for the sixth straight weekend, making it the first film to have such a reign atop the box office since 2009's “Avatar.”