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Stories from December 10, 2021

What omicron's fast spread could mean for the U.S. – and the world

What omicron's fast spread could mean for the U.S. – and the world

The variant has spread through South Africa with remarkable speed — and been detected in at least 60 other countries. Specialists are trying to figure out the next stage for this unwelcome variant.
by Will Stone

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Twin Cities metro area communities declare snow emergency

As a winter storm continues to move across the region, St Paul and Minneapolis were among several communities in the Twin Cities metro area to declare a snow emergency this afternoon. MPR News Evening update for Dec 10, 2021. Hosted by Natasha Senjanovic.   Our theme music is by Gary Meister. 

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Coronavirus FAQ: What does it mean if the booster knocks me out? What if it doesn't?

Coronavirus FAQ: What does it mean if the booster knocks me out? What if it doesn't?

Vaccine and booster side effects can include fever, aches and fatigue. And this may be the first vaccine in history where people complain if they don't experience side effects, says one doctor.
by Sheila Mulrooney Eldred

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'Christmas of Swing' honors WWII veterans through letters and song

'Christmas of Swing' honors WWII veterans through letters and song

The U.S. entered World War II 80 years ago this month, and as Americans in the military went out to fight, they sent back letters to friends and family filled with stories. Now, the History Theatre in St. Paul is bringing some of those stories together on stage, including four people from the north side of Minneapolis whose parts in the war effort were different, but very important.
by Ava Ewald

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Phil Klay's new book examines the globalization of violence

Phil Klay's new book examines the globalization of violence

Phil Klay’s much-anticipated second book is out. On Friday, he joined Kerri Miller to talk about his debut novel, the meaning of war, and how patriotism has become a loaded concept.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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With high COVID transmission, Mankato schools are rethinking safety protocols

With high COVID transmission, Mankato schools are rethinking safety protocols

With COVID-19 positivity rates on the rise again, Mankato public school officials are weighing whether to update its schools’ safety guidelines to help stop the spread of the virus.
by Cathy Wurzer

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As winters warm, Minnesota lakes are losing ice

As winters warm, Minnesota lakes are losing ice

Data show that ice cover on Minnesota lakes has declined an average of 10-14 days over the past 50 years.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Heavy snow, slippery roads as storm blankets southern Minnesota

Heavy snow, slippery roads as storm blankets southern Minnesota

Beware of rapidly deteriorating road conditions. Accidents are already happening. Minneapolis and St. Paul look set to get 7 to 9 inches by Saturday morning. Swaths of southern Minnesota may see more than 12 inches.
by Ron Trenda

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Latest on COVID-19 in MN: Hopeful signs amid high case counts

Latest on COVID-19 in MN: Hopeful signs amid high case counts

Friday’s numbers show the pandemic remains firmly dug in across Minnesota. But there are indications the surge from Thanksgiving gatherings may be subsiding.
by MPR News Staff

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What to watch for with Friday's major winter storm

A major winter storm is taking aim at southern Minnesota, with a foot or more of snow projected for some areas on Friday. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talked with retired meteorologist and climatologist Mark Seeley about the storm and snowfall trends in recent Decembers.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Holiday music that puts you in the spirit

Holiday music that puts you in the spirit

It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas, and MPR News host Angela Davis talks about your favorite holiday music. Freshen up you playlist and hear what other people are listening to this December.
by Angela Davis and Maja Beckstrom

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Two poets chronicle their friendship and isolation during the pandemic

Two poets chronicle their friendship and isolation during the pandemic

Marilyn Hacker and Karthika Nair were under lockdown in Paris only miles apart from each other. “A Different Distance” compiles the almost daily poems they wrote from March 2020 to March 2021.
by Jeevika Verma

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U.S. consumer prices soared 6.8% in past year, most since 1982

U.S. consumer prices soared 6.8% in past year, most since 1982

Prices for U.S. consumers jumped 6.8 percent in November compared with a year earlier as surging costs for food, energy, housing and other items left Americans enduring their highest annual inflation rate since 1982.
by The Associated Press

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Record snow Friday? Swaths of southern Minnesota may see 12+ inches

Record snow Friday? Swaths of southern Minnesota may see 12+ inches

Today’s snow will crush the Twin Cities’ current Dec. 10 record of 2 inches. It’s possible the statewide record of 14.2 inches for this date could also fall. Sunshine returns just in time for the weekend.
by Nicole Mitchell

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UK court allows Assange's extradition to U.S. for spying case

UK court allows Assange's extradition to U.S. for spying case

A British appellate court has opened the door for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to be extradited to the United States. The High Court in London overturned a lower court that found Assange's mental health was too fragile to withstand the American penal system.
by The Associated Press

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Winter storm takes aim; 12+ inches of snow possible in southern MN

Winter storm warnings are posted from the Twin Cities into Iowa and Wisconsin. This is an MPR News morning update for Friday, December 10, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

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The world watches, roots for a young loon trapped in an icy Minnesota lake

The world watches, roots for a young loon trapped in an icy Minnesota lake

For the past couple weeks, a young loon nicknamed “Gilligan" has been trapped in the ice in a lake near Nevis, Minn. The loon's plight has captured the attention of people around the world. It has also raised questions about just how much humans should intervene to save a single water bird.
by Dan Kraker

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As the Supreme Court weighs the future of Roe v. Wade, experts look beyond abortion

As the Supreme Court weighs the future of Roe v. Wade, experts look beyond abortion

A decision in the Mississippi abortion case in front of the Supreme Court isn't expected until next year, but some are looking ahead to what else could be at stake if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
by Wynne Davis

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Minnesota regulators OK rate hikes for Xcel customers

Minnesota regulators OK rate hikes for Xcel customers

The state Public Service Commission issued a news release Thursday saying the utility had asked to increase electric rates by 9.4 percent and natural gas rates by 4.9 percent.
by The Associated Press

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