Stories from October 26, 2021

Climate change is a risk to national security, the Pentagon says
Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks says the effects of climate change are already being felt. Storms have damaged U.S. bases and rising seas could submerge U.S. installations in the Pacific.
State officials say they'll have tens of thousands of kids COVID shots in hand soon; the Sisters of St. Benedict are apologizing for running a boarding school on Minnesota’s White Earth Reservation, and Xcel Energy is asking for a big rate increase. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Booster buds: Walz, Pawlenty pair up again for COVID shot sequel
The current and former governor made a bipartisan pitch for vaccinations as they got booster shots at a Minneapolis pharmacy. The campaign comes as health officials also get ready for younger children to be immunized against COVID-19. 
Xcel seeks 20% electric rate increase over three years
Xcel Energy says it needs the increase to cover the costs of replacing an aging electrical system. The proposal comes at a time when many Minnesotans are experiencing rising utility costs.
FDA advisers back Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for young kids
U.S. health advisers have endorsed kid-size doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for younger children. The vote Tuesday by the Food and Drug Administration panel moves the U.S. closer to vaccinating children ages 5 to 11.
What you need to know about COVID boosters
You've seen the headlines about COVID boosters. But what does it all mean for you? Here's how to sort through the science and figure out if and when you need a booster and which one to get.
Judge in Chauvin trial to release names of jurors on Nov. 1
Judge Peter Cahill. who oversaw the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, said Monday that he will make the names of the 15 jurors and alternates who sat in the courtroom public next week.
If the FDA green lights COVID vaccines for kids, what happens next?
Are COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 5-11 almost here? Dr. Nathan Chomilo talked to host Cathy Wurzer about what the FDA advisory panel discussed on Tuesday — and what he believes will happen next.
Welcome to Nobles County: Political representation in the fastest diversifying county in Minnesota
Host Angela Davis and producer Samantha Matsumoto traveled to Nobles County this summer to put human voices to the statistics that show Nobles is the most rapidly diversifying county in Minnesota. On Monday we introduced you to Nobles County. And Tuesday we explored political representation in the county.
On a new podcast, Ojibwe elders tell their stories
Erik Redix is an Ojibwe language teacher at Oshki Ogimaag, a charter school in Grand Portage. He’s also the host of a new podcast called “Anishinaabe Bizindamoo Makak” which translated into English means “Anishinaabe Radio.” It features Ojibwe elders telling stories about their life and culture in English and Ojibwe.
US Olympic trials for curling get underway on the Iron Range
MPR News curlers Matt Mikus and Euan Kerr tell Cathy Wurzer about the sport of curling as the U.S. Olympic Curling Trials get underway in Eveleth, Minn.
The Order of St. Benedict apologize to White Earth Nation for Native boarding school
Earlier this year, the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn., formally apologized to the White Earth Nation for harm caused to generations of Native Americans at church-run boarding schools. It’s led to the start of a journey toward truth and reconciliation.
Wind advisory west, rainy Wednesday
Around an inch of rain for much of Minnesota
Windy, wet storm moves into Minnesota; Halloween still looking dry
A fall storm brings Minnesota gusty winds followed by soaking rain. Drier weather returns by the weekend, with Halloween evening temperatures ranging from the low 40s in southern Minnesota to upper 30s north.
Ghosts, vampires, and monsters: 5 titles to get you in the Halloween spirit
Whether you’re looking to send a chill up your spine or uncover the secret of the vampire next door, look no further. We’ve rounded up five titles by independent booksellers recommended to get you in the right spirit for the season. 
Facebook froze as anti-vaccine comments swarmed users
Last spring, as false claims about vaccine safety threatened to undermine the world's response to COVID-19, researchers at Facebook found they could reduce vaccine misinformation by tweaking how vaccine posts show up on users' newsfeeds. Yet despite evidence that it worked, Facebook took a full month to implement the changes at a pivotal time in the global vaccine rollout.
Low pressure moving towards Minnesota is causing gusty winds and funneling in slightly milder than average weather for late October.
St. Louis County prosecutors say they’re now examining evidence for possible charges following an investigation into allegations of misconduct by members of the Proctor High School football program. This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, October 26, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
A reckoning: St. Benedict nuns apologize for Native boarding school
Earlier this year, the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn., formally apologized to the White Earth Nation for harm caused to generations of Native Americans at church-run boarding schools. It’s led to the start of a journey toward truth and reconciliation.