Stories from January 25, 2024

Oro by Nixta owners reflect on James Beard nomination and making corn the star of a dish
Co-owners and chefs of Oro by Nixta, Gustavo and Kate Romero, joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about celebrating heirloom corn and their recent nomination.
Frozen masterpieces: Ice sculptures at the Minneapolis Institute of Art
Pearson’s “Veiled Lady” is one of ten ice sculptures by Minnesota Ice on view starting Thursday for Mia’s “Minneapolis Institute of Ice” event. The sculptures will be on view in the museum courtyard through Feb. 4, weather permitting.
Data confirm trend of warming global temperatures in last ten years
Last year was by far the warmest year on record globally. NOAA, NASA, and European datasets all confirm the numbers. That means the 10 warmest years on record globally are the past 10 years. How do climate scientists explain this unprecedented warming trend?
JN.1 takes over as the most prevalent COVID-19 variant. Here's what you need to know
The CDC estimates that up to 86 percent of new COVID-19 cases stem from the latest mutation. The virus continues to evolve so rapidly that "our immune systems have not been able to keep up," an expert says.
Mille Lacs Band's chief executive Benjamin won’t seek reelection, calls job ‘greatest honor of my life’
The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe’s chief executive Melanie Benjamin announced she will not be seeking a seventh term in office. Benjamin has served the nearly 5,000 member Ojibwe nation as the band’s top executive for nearly two and a half decades. 
Minnesota auditor finds missteps in cannabis boss hire but won’t launch further probe
Minnesota’s legislative auditor concludes that background steps were missed when Gov. Tim Walz picked his first Office of Cannabis Management leader, which ended with a quick resignation.
Minnesota post office report shows deficiencies, spurs statewide audit
An audit of Minnesota post office branches found delayed mail, safety issues and deficiencies in property conditions. The audit looked at branches in Apple Valley, Eagan and New Brighton, as well as the St. Paul processing and distribution center.
Anthony Edwards scores 38 as Timberwolves return to form, beat Wizards 118-107
Anthony Edwards scored 38 points and the Western Conference-leading Minnesota Timberwolves avoided their first three-game skid of the season, beating the Washington Wizards 118-107.
Montreal moves into the top spot in the PWHL standings with 2-1 win over Minnesota
Laura Stacey scored in the first period, Tereza Vanišová added the go-ahead goal in the third and Montreal beat Minnesota 2-1 to move into first place in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. 
President Joe Biden visits the Twin Ports Thursday to highlight $1 billion in federal funding for a major bridge connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin. And an audit of Minnesota post office branches found delayed mail, safety issues and deficiencies in property conditions.
The colonoscopies were free but the 'surgical trays' came with $600 price tags
Health providers may bill however they choose, including in ways that could leave patients with unexpected bills for "free" care. Preventive care left an Illinois couple with "surgical tray" charges.
Housing is now unaffordable for a record half of all U.S. renters, study finds
A new Harvard analysis finds people across income levels got squeezed by rent hikes during the pandemic. The market has lost millions of low-rent places, and new construction is mostly high-end.
Brooklyn Park initiative offers alternative to police response to mental health crisis calls
The Brooklyn Park Police Department partnered with Hennepin County and North Memorial Health to launch a mental health Alternative Response Team which consists of a social worker and a paramedic who can handle calls police officers may not need to respond to.
In Ojibwe tradition, snow on the ground means it’s sacred storytelling season
The Native News team talks about the seven grandfather teachings, seasonal storytelling and Native books with James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw, a speaker, digital creator and author of “The Seven Generations and the Seven Grandfather Teachings.”
Native-led EV initiative launches by distributing millions of dollars worth of vehicles to tribal communities
Native-led renewable energy program startup Electric Nation is sending millions of dollars worth of electric vehicles to two tribal communities in Minnesota and North Dakota.
The FAA lays out a path for Boeing 737 Max 9 to fly again, but new concerns surface
While the Federal Aviation Administration says the grounded 737 Max 9 aircraft can resume flying after inspections, the agency imposed sweeping jet production restrictions at Boeing factories.
Religious 'Nones' are now the largest single group in the U.S.
28 percent of Americans are now religiously unaffiliated. A new study from Pew Research looks at how atheists, agnostics and those whose religion is "nothing in particular" view God, religion and morality.
Wins and losses: Democrats reflect on the New Hampshire primaries
The New Hampshire primaries are over, but candidates eyeing for presidential nomination are staying in the race — whether they lost or not. MPR host Tom Crann spoke to Rep. Dean Phillips and Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee Ken Martin about the primary results.