Stories from January 24, 2024

Legendary hockey town Warroad hosts ‘Hockey Day Minnesota’
The small town of Warroad, long known as Hockey Town USA, will host thousands of hockey fans this week when it hosts the annual Hockey Day Minnesota event.
It’s much warmer out this week, but that doesn’t absolve us of Midwest weather warnings: Watch for slippery areas and fog through Wednesday evening.
4 things to know about Elise Stefanik, as VP rumors swirl
Just a few years ago, Stefanik was rated the 13th most bipartisan House member. She also differed from Trump on several key issues — but times have changed.
Two firefighters injured in Minneapolis fire; businesses displaced
A fire in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis heavily damaged two buildings early Wednesday. Two firefighters were injured in an explosion caused by smoke and gas buildup.
American Lung Association urges Minnesota lawmakers to crack down on flavored tobacco products
In a scathing new report released Wednesday, the organization argues products like wintergreen chewing tobacco, fruit-flavored vapes and menthol cigarettes not only harm young users but can lead to a disproportionate number of tobacco deaths among Black Minnesotans compared to their white peers.
Minnesota state trooper charged with murder in the killing of Ricky Cobb II
Cobb, 33, was shot to death by trooper Ryan Londregan during a stop on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis on July 31 at about 2 a.m. Londregan is charged with second-degree murder, first-degree assault and second-degree manslaughter.
Soul doctors: How Minnesota chaplains’ roles are changing
They’re the people who show up at some of the worst moments of our lives. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with three chaplains about helping Minnesotans through pain and suffering as society becomes both less religious and more religiously diverse. 
Why are Minnesota jail deaths on the rise?
KARE 11 Investigative Journalist A.J. Lagoe has reported extensively on jail deaths and their sometimes flawed and “often toothless” investigations in Minnesota. He shared his insight as a guest on Morning Edition with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer.
Mild, cloudy Wednesday; spotty wintry precipitation Thursday
The mild streak continues and the weather will get even warmer next week. A bit of spotty, wintry precipitation is possible Wednesday night into Thursday for portions of Minnesota.
Former DFL state lawmaker Jen Schultz is angling for a rematch against Republican Rep. Pete Stauber. And a Minneapolis city council committee has moved forward a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
5 takeaways from the New Hampshire primary
Donald Trump beat Nikki Haley in the Republican primary Tuesday night. It's hard to see another chance for Haley to get ahead, but she is vowing to keep fighting and is looking toward South Carolina.
Johansson scores twice against former team, Wild beat Capitals 5-3 for 3rd straight win
Marcus Johansson scored twice against his former team, Joel Eriksson Ek and Marcus Foligno each had a goal and an assist, and the Minnesota Wild beat the Washington Capitals 5-3 on Tuesday night.
Americans' economic outlook brightens as inflation slows and wages outpace prices
After an extended period of gloom, Americans are starting to feel better about inflation and the economy — a trend that could sustain consumer spending, fuel economic growth and potentially affect President Joe Biden’s political fortunes.
The West Bank economy has been hammered by war
More than three months into Israel's war in Gaza, the economy of the West Bank is reeling. Many fear the economic pain may lead to even more violence in the territory.
U.S. hits Iraq militia sites and anti-ship missiles in Yemen
The U.S. military struck facilities in Iraq and Yemen operated by Iranian-backed militias that are said to be involved in attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria.
Closing time? No, it’s Oscar time for Minnesotan Dan Wilson
Minnesotan Dan Wilson was nominated for an Oscar on Tuesday for his work on the movie “American Symphony.” Wilson is known for being in the Minneapolis rock band Semisonic.
Trump wins New Hampshire primary as rematch with Biden appears increasingly likely
Donald Trump and President Joe Biden have won the New Hampshire primaries. The former president clinched his second straight victory in his quest for the 2024 GOP nomination after knocking out the rest of the field with a commanding win in Iowa.
In Minnesota’s northeast, Schultz tries again to unseat Rep. Stauber
A rematch is shaping up in Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District, where Republican U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber could face former state Rep. Jen Schultz for a second time.
Minneapolis City Council advances cease-fire resolution for Israel-Hamas war
A Minneapolis council committee on Tuesday moved forward a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel. The council voted 9-3 with one abstention to send the resolution on to the full council meeting on Thursday.