Stories from February 11, 2021

Report: MPCA faltered in oversight of Water Gremlin’s air emissions
A new report from a state watchdog office says the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency should have done more to regulate a White Bear Township manufacturer with a history of air pollution problems.
Chick Corea, jazz great with 23 Grammy Awards, dies at 79
Chick Corea pushed the boundaries of the genre and worked alongside Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock. Corea died Tuesday of a rare for of cancer, his team posted on his website. 
Authorities say quick thinking at the Allina Clinic saved lives on Tuesday, as the suspect faces 7 criminal charges in court. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Minn. lawmakers wrestle with what follows COVID-19 eviction rule
A pandemic-related executive order has put most renter evictions on hold, but Minnesota lawmakers are starting to sort through what will be put in its place and how to avoid a surge in removals.
Wisconsin judge orders start to wolf hunt this month
Wisconsin law mandates the state DNR run a wolf season from November through February. The department had planned to start the season this November but a pro-hunting group filed a lawsuit to force an immediate start. 
6 killed in 130-vehicle pileup on icy Texas interstate
Police say six people were killed and at least 65 injured in a massive crash involving more than 130 vehicles on an icy Texas interstate. The pileup on Interstate 35 near downtown Fort Worth happened as a winter storm is dropping freezing rain, sleet and snow on parts of the U.S.
White House says it will defer to CDC on reopening schools
The White House says it's aiming for a full reopening of schools but will defer to science experts on how to get there in the middle of a pandemic. 
Wisconsin judge denies new arrest warrant for Kyle Rittenhouse
Prosecutors asked the judge last week to issue a new warrant and raise Rittenhouse's bail by $200,000, arguing that he violated conditions of his release by not alerting them to his change of address.
Bill seeks to crack down on catalytic converter thefts
Minnesota lawmakers have introduced legislation to crack down on rising catalytic converter thefts, which can cost car owners thousand of dollars. 
How policing is different for ‘Women in Blue’
Filmmaker Deirdre Fishel’s newest project follows the lives of women officers in the Minneapolis Police Department. Fishel joined MPR News reporter and guest host Brandt Williams for a conversation about the project.
Officials: Chauvin was ready to plead to 3rd-degree murder
Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was prepared to plead guilty to third-degree murder in George Floyd's death before then-Attorney General William Barr personally blocked the plea deal last year, officials said.
Clubhouse may be social media's future. What's all the hype about?
The invite-only app lets you eavesdrop on chats between celebrities, journalists and tech savants. Oprah, Elon Musk and White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain have all joined.
Thursday brings light snow and low temperatures that linger through the weekend. Weekend wind chills may exceed 50 below for portions of northern Minnesota.
Hormel Foods is going nuts. The Austin, Minn.-based company, known for its meat brands like Spam and Applegate, said Thursday it is buying the Planters nut business from Kraft Heinz Co. for $3.35 billion. Included in the deal are Planters brands like Nut-rition, Cheez Balls and Corn Nuts.
The already arctic weather Minnesota turns even colder again Thursday with light snow for the southern half of the state.
Fauci: Vaccines for kids as young as first graders could be authorized by September
For this to happen by the start of the next school year, trials need to prove the vaccine is safe and effective in children. Experts say manufacturers aren’t moving quickly enough, and that this is important for achieving herd immunity and stopping the spread of variants.
Black-owned businesses find lifeline in small banks as they scramble for survival
Black-owned businesses were often at the back of the line when the first coronavirus relief loans were doled out. Now, some are turning to banks that specialize in minority firms for help.
Let this 'Wild Rain' sweep you away
The latest from Beverly Jenkins revisits an old favorite spot — the town of Paradise, Wy., where Spring Rain Lee (sister of previous hero Colton Lee) meets a man who may upend her independent life.
Rioters acted on Trump's 'order,' Democrats say in trial
House Democrats prosecuting Donald Trump's impeachment say the Capitol invaders believed they were are acting on "the president's orders” to storm the building and stop the joint session of Congress that was certifying Democrat Joe Biden's election.
Feb. 11 update on COVID-19 in MN: 'Reasons to feel good' as pandemic ebbs
“We’re in a better place right now than we have been for quite some time,” Kris Ehresmann, the state’s infectious disease director, said Thursday in a surprisingly upbeat assessment. The latest data shows COVID-19 metrics improving, and an uptick in vaccinations.
Wright County officials are expected to explain Thursday how they believe a man known to a central Minnesota clinic attacked staff in a shooting rampage. County Attorney Brian Lutes said he plans to file murder, attempted murder and explosives charges against Gregory Paul Ulrich, 67, of Buffalo, Minn. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021. Hosted by Phil Picardi. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Art Hounds: Take your Valentine to look at art
Artists in the Northrup King building in northeast Minneapolis open studios Saturday evening. Plus, Art Hounds recommend an exhibition of woven art from Artistry, and the Prairie Gate Literary Festival from the University of Minnesota Morris holds its first event.
Charges against alleged health clinic shooter detail terror at the scene
Gregory Ulrich walked into Allina Health “knowing that he was going to shoot up that clinic … knowing that he was going to explode bombs at the clinic,” Wright County Attorney Brian Lutes told reporters after the charges were filed.
'Gay Bar' tracks the wave of a whole culture — and one life
Author Jeremy Atherton Lin writes of the history of gay bars, as their existence is threatened by the popularity of dating apps and rising property costs, and reflects on their presence in his life.
Hustler publisher Larry Flynt dies at 78
Larry Flynt, who turned Hustler magazine into an adult entertainment empire while championing First Amendment rights, has died at age 78.