Stories from November 18, 2021

Minnesota COVID cases get even worse compared to the rest of the US, as the state is poised to open boosters to all adults as soon as tomorrow. Also, employment continues to improve, but other economic sings are less certain. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Federal grant to help St. Paul police to hire more officers
The city has won a $3.7 million federal grant that will allow its police department to hire dozens of new officers next year.
Expect to pay more this year to stage your Thanksgiving feast
The Farm Bureau's Thanksgiving report says the average cost of dinner for 10 people is $53.31. But don't cancel your meal yet: the cost for a turkey has already dropped since the survey was taken.
Holiday nostalgia: Dayton's project hearkens back to window shopping
The newly renovated Dayton’s building in downtown Minneapolis reopened to the public Thursday. While the department store is long gone, the project’s developers revived an old Dayton’s tradition, the holiday display windows.
Every Minnesota adult will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots by the end of the week. Dr. Abinash Virk, an infectious disease specialist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, answered questions about the booster shots from host Cathy Wurzer and Minnesota Now listeners.
Poetry inspired by a viral photo of drowned migrants wins the National Book Award
Photos of a father and his young daughter, drowned in the Rio Grande, underlined the deadly risks of the immigration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. Martín Espada drew on them for his book “Floaters.”
Thursday’s Song of the Day is new music from a southern Minnesota musician, courtesy Ben & Chris from the Keepin’ It Local show at KMSU in Mankato.
Navigating social anxiety during the pandemic holidays
As if the holidays aren’t stressful enough, many of us are still dealing with the mental health effects of the protracted pandemic. Host Angela Davis talks about navigating holiday stress during a pandemic and how to manage social anxiety when gathering in groups once again. 
Higher turkey prices not a windfall for farmers
Shoppers rushing to find a turkey for the Thanksgiving holiday might pay more this year. Wholesale turkey prices have hit a record high and while that sounds like good news for farmers in Minnesota, who lead the nation in turkey production, the higher prices at the store don't mean big profits for farmers.
What life is like when your kids have COVID-19
Brendan and Jocelyn Kennealy in Richfield have been taking care of their two young daughters, who tested positive for COVID-19 last week. We take you inside their home with this audio diary from the Kennealys.
Inside one of the largest youth community organizing groups in MN
MN Teen Activists is a student group that has organized huge protest actions across Minnesota. Jerome Treadwell, a senior at Highland Park Senior High School in St. Paul and an organizer for MN Teen Activists, sat down with Cathy Wurzer to talk about youth activism.
Border reopening reunites North American Indigenous music scene
When the U.S.-Canada border closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the North American Indigenous music scene was hit hard. The border reopened on Nov. 8, and George Strong, general manager of KBFT 89.9 FM Bois Forte Tribal Community Radio, told host Cathy Wurzer what that means for Native American artists.
Answering questions about COVID-19 boosters with Dr. Abinash Virk
Every Minnesota adult will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots by the end of the week. Dr. Abinash Virk, an infectious disease specialist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, answered questions about the booster shots from host Cathy Wurzer and Minnesota Now listeners.
Coronavirus FAQ: What is long COVID? And what is my risk of getting it?
One of the surprising aspects of the pandemic is that symptoms can linger months after infection. This syndrome has been called "long COVID" and it's had a profound impact on the lives of many people.
Minnesota unemployment rate ticks down to 3.5 percent
The state’s economy added jobs in October for the seventh straight month, according to numbers released Thursday by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Who will be hosting a new Trivial Pursuit game show? LeVar Burton!
It's unclear when the show will premiere. But the actor and Hasbro have confirmed that it's currently in development. Burton had been a favorite to host “Jeopardy!” after the death of Alex Trebek.
Minneapolis starts detail work for new 'strong mayor' structure
A newly formed 10-member panel will guide efforts to implement the so-called strong mayor form of government, backed by voters in November, making the Minneapolis mayor the head of almost all city departments, including the police force.  
White House offering more aid for winter heat, utility bills
The package provided an additional $4.5 billion for the government's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which typically has funding of $3 billion to $4 billion annually.
Cold wind Thursday; Thanksgiving weather looks cold, quiet
Thursday will be windy again and colder with scattered light snow showers. A milder southerly breeze is on tap for Friday. No big storms are likely in Minnesota through Thanksgiving.
U.S. overdose deaths topped 100,000 in one year, officials say
U.S. health officials say an estimated 100,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in one year. That's a total the nation has never seen. Experts say it's tied to the COVID-19 pandemic and a more dangerous drug supply.
Cold wind for Thursday; milder Friday
Thursday will be windy and colder before a milder south breeze blows our way on Friday.
With many Minnesota hospitals now at or near full capacity, the U.S. Department of Defense is sending two emergency staffing teams to help care for patients with COVID-19 and other ailments The teams, which each have 22 medical personnel, will be sent to HCMC in Minneapolis and St. Cloud Hospital. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, November 18, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Art Hounds: Dance set to poetry and ghosts of the season
Katha Dance Theatre collaborates with J.D. Steele in a cross-cultural performance about equality. Also an appreciation for Minneapolis rock band Annie and the Bang Bang’s new record, and the Commonweal Theatre opens its run of “A Christmas Carol” with women playing the ghosts and Scrooge.
A 35-year-old Moorhead, Minn. man has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of murder after a shooting that left two people dead Wednesday at a north Fargo business, police said.