Remember when homegrown hero Sunisa Lee made history by becoming the first Hmong American to represent Team USA in the Olympics and won Olympic gold?
Shyenne Lee reacts as she watches her sister Sunisa Lee win Olympic gold in July. | Evan Frost for MPR News, file
It might be hard to believe, but that was just back in July. Lee's story is one of many that stand out when MPR News reporters, editors and producers look back on the colossal year that was 2021.
After more than 25 years on the job, Duluth Assistant Fire Chief Clint Reff is retiring Thursday. When he leaves, there will be only one remaining African American firefighter in a department of about 130 people. Efforts are underway to recruit more diverse fire departments — in Duluth, and beyond.
The new CDC isolation guidelines have some health experts, and workers, concerned. According to new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, people with asymptomatic COVID or whose symptoms are "resolving" (defined as without fever for 24 hours) can leave isolation after five days instead of the usual 10. Public health experts — including Minnesota infectious disease specialist Michael Osterholm — are raising questions about the new recommendations. And some essential workers such as nurses and airline staff feel at increased risk.
Back to a more "normal" cold today, before it gets really cold again Friday and into the New Year. An appropriately Minnesotan way to ring in 2022. More weather details on the Updraft.
