Stories from November 10, 2021

Widespread rain changing to snow up north. Winter storm ramps up.
The system is delivering widespread rain to Minnesota, and that rain will change to snow overnight and Thursday across northwest and north-central Minnesota.
Health officials say waning vaccine protection and precautions against infection drive COVID spike they’re calling alarming. They also opened another care center in Brainerd to relieve the pressure on hospitals. Also, the Vikings said COVID sent one of their players to the hospital, seriously ill. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
A judge temporarily halts baby powder cancer lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson
Federal bankruptcy Judge Craig Whitley in North Carolina halted roughly 38,000 lawsuits against J&J but only for 60 days. He also shifted the case back to New Jersey where J&J is headquartered.
How SARS-CoV-2 in American deer could alter the course of the global pandemic
Scientists have evidence that SARS-CoV-2 is circulating in white-tailed deer in the U.S. They say the findings could essentially dash any hopes of eliminating the virus in the U.S. — and the world.
Minnesota is in line to receive billions of dollars in infrastructure money from the federal bill soon to be signed by President Biden, and some of that money could go toward expanding electric vehicle infrastructure in the state.
Probation, house arrest for MN man in U.S. Capitol riot
A Moorhead, Minn., man has been sentenced to probation, house arrest and community service for participating in the U.S. Capitol riot Jan. 6.
Suit alleges Vikings star Dalvin Cook assaulted woman in 2020
A Texas woman is suing Vikings running back Dalvin Cook, alleging he physically and emotionally abused her during a two-year relationship. 
Dave Nimmer, a former journalist, spent his career as a hard-charging police reporter turned managing editor at The Minneapolis Star newspaper before leaping into a career in television news at WCCO.
Will Smith says he crafted a joyful image to cover the pain of the past
As a child, Smith watched helplessly as his father beat his mother. The experience shaped him: "The mental anguish that I had to overcome was a big part of me growing into the person I am today."
Retired game warden Tom Chapin's favorite stories of hunting poachers
Tom Chapin is a retired Minnesota game warden, and he’s written two books full of funny, harrowing, wild stories about catching poachers in the act. He told host Cathy Wurzer a few tales from his time on the job.
Stillwater City Council approves one-year moratorium on CBD
The Stillwater City Council met Tuesday night to vote on a proposal that would stop new businesses from selling CBD-related products within city limits. City council members were asked to consider the one-year moratorium which would prohibit the city from accepting or considering applications for new CBD businesses.
Defense calls for mistrial as Kyle Rittenhouse takes the stand in his homicide trial
Kyle Rittenhouse, the 18-year-old who shot and killed two demonstrators at a racial justice protest last year in Kenosha, Wis., took the stand in his highly-watched homicide trial to say he feared for his life when he fired his rifle.
Appetites: African delicacy biltong brings flavors of Zambia and Zimbabwe to Minnesota
Beef jerky is sold practically everywhere. But a new product is hitting the shelves across the Twin Cities that adds a traditional African twist to the popular snack.
Latest on COVID-19 in MN: Hospital needs jump; cases surge
“We find ourselves in a really truly alarming spike in cases in recent days,” the state’s health commissioner said, adding that waning vaccine immunity is likely contributing to the surge. The burden on Minnesota hospitals is growing rapidly again.
Feds increase spending for MinnesotaCare program
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced Wednesday that President Joe Biden’s administration will send an additional $100 million to Minnesota next year to help people with low incomes buy health insurance.
What does it mean to have long-haul COVID?
Early studies show that anywhere between 10 and 30 percent of COVID-19 patients will experience long COVID symptoms. MPR News host Angela Davis spoke with two doctors about long-haul COVID — what we know about the condition and how to treat it.
Inflation surges to its highest since 1990
Consumer prices were 6.2 percent higher in October than a year ago as inflation continues to chip away at the buying power of households across the country.
On Wednesday, Minnesota stays on the warmer side of a strong storm that brings impacts through Friday, keeping most of the precipitation throughout the day rain.
Citing the ongoing pandemic, the judge in the Kimberly Potter case will let media record, broadcast and livestream the high-profile trial later this month. Potter is charged in Wright’s killing during a Brooklyn Center traffic stop. This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, November 10, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Despite calls to improve, air travel is still a nightmare for many with disabilities
Congress told the Transportation Security Administration and airlines in 2018 to improve air travel for people with disabilities. But TSA data and stories from flyers suggest little has improved.
NFL fines Green Bay Packers, Aaron Rodgers for violating COVID protocols
With Aaron Rodgers sidelined by the diagnosis and league protocols on Sunday, the Packers lost 13-7 to the Kansas City Chiefs. He remains at home as part of a league-imposed 10-day quarantine.
Judge rejects Trump's bid to block release of Jan. 6 documents
In a ruling issued Tuesday, U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan said records of interest can be released to the panel overseeing the probe into the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol.
'Passing' — the original 1929 novel — is disturbingly brilliant
The movie adaptation of Nella Larsen's “Passing” is out now, and if you're less familiar with the book, critic Carole Bell describes it as a "decades-early precursor to a Patricia Highsmith novel."
A Twin Cities doctor spread misinformation about COVID-19. Then he died from it
Dr. Christopher Foley was a beloved natural medicine doctor with dozens of patients who said he helped them manage their chronic illnesses. But Foley also spread misinformation about COVID-19. In October, he died from the virus.
Hefty spike in heating costs expected to hit Minnesotans
The higher bills are coming as many families are already struggling due to COVID-19, and the rising cost of food, housing and other expenses. 
Split Rock ceremony to remember Edmund Fitzgerald, crew on 46th anniversary of wreck
A crowd is set to gather under forecast moody, gloomy skies along Minnesota’s North Shore on Wednesday afternoon for a memorial ceremony marking the 46th anniversary of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Walz declares ‘effective end’ to veteran homelessness in central Minn.
Minnesota’s governor cited efforts by state and local governments, nonprofits and landlords that help veterans overcome barriers to finding housing. He said the state is on track to become the fourth in the nation to eliminate veteran homelessness.