Stories from November 8, 2021

COVID cases hit a 2021 high, as a pause in a long surge ends and deaths climb to the highest point since before Christmas. Also, the state is adding to its list of polluted waters, including some nothern lakes where fish have been found with PFAS, the so-called forever chemicals. This is an evening update from MPR news, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Biden team defends worker vaccine rule, wants cases combined
The Biden administration wants the multiple challenges to its workplace COVID-19 vaccination rule consolidated in a single federal court and has asked for a decision by early next week. 
Sahan Journal provides readers multilingual information on COVID-19 vaccines
Sahan Journal, a digital news organization that serves immigrant commutes and people of color in Minnesota, produced a series of videos in different languages to provide more clarity. Ben Hovland and Joey Peters joined Cathy Wurzer to talk about their effort to combat misinformation and connect with readers in their first language.
As St. Paul voters back rent control, developers pause projects
Last week, St. Paul voters headed to the polls to approve a rent control measure that caps rent increases at 3 percent per year.
Jan. 6 panel issues new wave of subpoenas for ex-Trump officials
Six Trump allies, including Michael Flynn and John Eastman, were issued subpoenas tied to their efforts "to overturn the results of the 2020 election," the panel said.
Artist and curator on new installation at Wall of Forgotten Natives
There's a new art installation in Minneapolis at the former site of the Wall of Forgotten Natives, a homeless encampment so named because many of the people staying there in 2018 were Native American. The artist and the curator behind the installation sat down with host Cathy Wurzer to discuss the project.
Why Philadelphia has banned low-level traffic stops
City councilmember Isaiah Thomas, who spearheaded the new legislation, says the new rule was inspired in part by his own experiences with police as a Black man.
RISE for Youth works to address racial disparities for young people
RISE for Youth, a new collaboration between Mayo Clinic and the Rochester, Minn., branch of the NAACP, is working to create equitable pathways for Black and underrepresented students.
Latest on COVID-19 in MN: Pandemic digs in; bad numbers accelerate
Minnesota’s firmly back on the wrong track in the pandemic. The state on Monday posted its highest single-day count of new cases since December. Active cases also reached a 2021 high and the rate of tests coming back positive is edging higher.
Women are unhappy. What can we do about it?
A recent Gallup poll found that a record low percentage of women say they are satisfied with the treatment of women in society. Host Angela Davis explores gender disparities in Minnesota and how to address them. 
What Dr. Fauci sees coming for the pandemic this winter
The country's top infectious disease doctor says he is looking for "a level of control" over COVID-19 such that it is less disruptive to society — and he again stressed the importance of vaccination.
Deer disease doesn't deter excitement for hunting experience
With deer hunting opening this week, Minnesotans are also on the lookout for chronic wasting disease, which is a prion disease that affects deer, elk, reindeer, sika deer and moose. In Minnesota, a majority of CWD reports have been in the southeastern part of the state.
Minnesota’s weather undergoes a drastic change this week, from starting the week with more sunshine and a few 60s, to a storm that brings rain, snow and highs only in the 30s by the weekend.
As rules ease, travelers head to U.S. for emotional reunions
The U.S. is lifting restrictions on travel from a long list of countries including Mexico, Canada and most of Europe, setting the stage for emotional reunions nearly two years in the making and providing a boost for the airline and tourism industries decimated by the pandemic.
Health experts say making COVID-19 vaccines available for 5 to 11 year olds at school will make it easier for parents to get their kids immunized against the virus. This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, November 8, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Carbon markets drive research in soil carbon storage
A growing number of agri-businesses are offering to pay farmers for practices that store carbon in the soil. But the cost of accurately measuring carbon in fields might be keeping farmers out of the market. Researchers are trying to improve the process.
Frustrated Vikings lament inability to win the close ones
The Minnesota Vikings keep losing close games. Their latest collapse came Sunday, when they fell to the Baltimore Ravens in overtime after blowing a 14-point lead in the second half.