Stories from November 22, 2021

Alex Jones, Roger Stone subpoenaed by House Jan. 6 committee
A committee investigating the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection has issued subpoenas to five more individuals, including former President Donald Trump’s ally Roger Stone and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.
Military medical staff are arriving in the Twin Cities to help with COVID and the state calls in the National Guard again to help with long term care, as the fall pandemic surge prompts yet more alarm. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Mosque on edge after weekend vandalism
Twin Cities Muslim leaders are calling for a hate crime investigation following vandalism at a northeast Minneapolis mosque.
Sunday morning, the Dar Al Qalam Cultural Center in northeast Minneapolis was vandalized when a man ripped security cameras from its walls and smashed them. Jaylani Hussein of CAIR-MN spoke with host Cathy Wurzuer about how this incident relates to a wave of hate crimes against Muslims.
Military doctors land in Minneapolis to take on hospital surge
Two dozen military medical personnel are flying and driving into the Twin Cities today, kicking off a 30-day stint as relief for beleaguered staff at Hennepin Healthcare, where they’re turning away some of the state’s sickest patients because they don’t have any more beds.
How supply chain drama affects holiday shopping, grocery prices and more
The pandemic has disrupted the global supply chain. Manufacturing, transportation and logistics have been affected by delays, labor shortages and rising prices. And that could impact everything from the price you’re paying for groceries to whether you can get a turkey for Thanksgiving. 
Need a relaxing moment to kick off a busy holiday week? Then listen to Monday’s Song of the Day, a jazz guitar solo from Briand Morrison, brought to us by WTIP music director Will Moore.
Influential poet and bracing critic Robert Bly has died
Minnesota poet, teacher and men’s movement founder Robert Bly was a major figure in American literature for decades who criticized the Vietnam War. Bly died Sunday. He was 94.
You don't have to be raised in Minnesota to know the stereotypes: “Oh, fer sure,” “doncha know,” hot dish — the list goes on. Comedian Charlie Berens told host Cathy Wurzer how he mines his roots in the Upper Midwest for creative inspiration.
U of M studies affordability impact of proposed Minneapolis light rail extension
The University of Minnesota is studying the impacts on housing and affordability of a possible extension of the Blue Line light rail through north Minneapolis and into the suburbs. Sahan Journal reporter Andrew Hazzard told host Cathy Wurzer why some communities are concerned about the extension.
How are Minnesota's Latino farmers dealing with stress?
With the drought and the COVID-19 pandemic, it's been a tough year for Minnesota farmers. Rodrigo Cala of the Latino Economic Development Center, a partner in a new Minnesota Department of Agriculture mental health initiative, spoke to Cathy Wurzer about stress among Latino farmers.
Former gun industry insider explains why he left to fight for the other side
“Gunfight” author Ryan Busse was once a rising star in the gun industry. But he became disillusioned after Columbine when, he says, the NRA began to use "fear and conspiracy and hatred" to boost sales.
CAIR-MN responds to vandalism of NE Minneapolis Islamic center
The Dar Al Qalam Cultural Center in northeast Minneapolis was vandalized Sunday morning when a man ripped security cameras from its walls and smashed them. Jaylani Hussein of CAIR-MN spoke with host Cathy Wurzuer about how this incident relates to a wave of hate crimes against Muslims.
Walz pledges National Guard help for nursing homes
Gov. Tim Walz said Monday he will deploy teams from the National Guard and pledged $50 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds to help nursing homes in Minnesota deal with short staffing and other needs related to COVID-19.
Target to keep stores closed on Thanksgiving for good
Target will no longer open its stores on Thanksgiving Day, making permanent a shift to the unofficial start of the holiday season that was suspended during the pandemic.
Study: Warmer summers worsen tick infestations for U.S. moose
Scientists with Michigan Technological University say higher summer temperatures are quickening the development of tick eggs and boosting the number that hatch. Moose can lose much of their bristly fur rubbing against trees to get rid of ticks. Infestation also makes them anemic and less able to reproduce.
The number of people expected to pass through the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is nearly double last Thanksgiving's peak travel day, and about 70 percent of pre-pandemic holiday travel. Airport officials predict Wednesday will be the busiest day, with nearly 32,000 travelers passing through airport security checkpoints. This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, November 22, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
No Thanksgiving week storms for Minnesota and Wisconsin
We’ll have no weather drama for Thanksgiving week. Storms will stay far away. Temperatures will have their ups and downs.
Jon Hassler's memoir 'Days Like Smoke' details a small-town Minnesota boyhood
Long after Jon Hassler’s death in 2008, the memoir that he worked on in his last years is now being published. A celebration of "Days Like Smoke" is planned for next month at the Community Center in Plainview, one of the two small towns where Hassler spent his childhood.
Why people with mental illness are at higher risk of COVID
Federal health officials have been urging adults with psychiatric conditions to get a booster shot to increase their COVID-19 protection. It turns out being mentally ill puts you at higher risk.
Life without reliable internet remains a daily struggle for millions of Americans
The newly signed infrastructure bill provides funding for rural high-speed internet expansion, as millions in the U.S. lack the connectivity that's become increasingly essential during the pandemic.
Rising breakthrough COVID-19 cases cause hassles, health worries
As more and more people are vaccinated against COVID-19 and their immunity wanes, breakthrough cases are rising. While it's still uncommon to get COVID-19 after vaccination, getting a breakthrough case can cause a ripple effect of hassle — from family logistics to financial worries.
Portland eliminates Minnesota United from MLS playoffs
Sebastian Blanco scored the go-ahead goal and added an insurance score, and the Portland Timbers eliminated Minnesota United from the MLS playoffs with a 3-1 opening-round victory Sunday.
Chief: No evidence parade-crash suspect knew anyone on route
Police say the suspect in a deadly Christmas parade crash in suburban Milwaukee was in a domestic disturbance just minutes before killing five people and injuring 48. Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said Monday there is no evidence of terrorism in the event.