Stories from December 12, 2021

Hennepin EMS paramedics collecting socks to help prevent cold-weather injuries
As Minnesota heads into months of cold, snowy weather, paramedics with Hennepin EMS in Minneapolis are once again collecting donations of winter socks. It's an effort to prevent cold-weather foot injuries among people without shelter.
Mobile bike fleet in Duluth, accessible playground in Rochester among projects in line for state grants
A mobile fleet of mountain bikes in Duluth, an accessible nature-based playground in Rochester, and a new park in Sherburne County east of St. Cloud are among 20 parks and trails projects around Minnesota to be recommended for state Legacy Fund grants.
Photo from tornado-damaged home lands almost 130 miles away
Katie Posten found a photo on her car's windshield Saturday morning in Indiana. A few hours later, she learned it had made quite a journey — almost 130 miles on the back of monstrous winds.
Vicente Fernández, revered Mexican singer, dies at 81
Fernández was known for hits such as “El Rey,” “Volver, Volver” and “Lástima que seas ajena,” and his command of the ranchera and mariachi styles of music attracted fans far beyond Mexico’s borders.
Above-normal highs through midweek, then temps retreat
Weather won’t interfere with outdoor plans Sunday afternoon or evening. We have the forecast update, including some big changes in our weather Wednesday into Thursday.
California governor wants Texas-like law to ban assault guns
California Gov. Gavin Newsom pledged to empower private citizens to enforce a ban on the manufacture and sale of assault weapons, citing the same authority claimed by lawmakers in Texas to outlaw most abortions once a heartbeat is detected.
Fox anchor Chris Wallace leaving network for CNN
Veteran anchor Chris Wallace signed off his “Fox News Sunday” show after 18 years to join CNN's new streaming service, dealing a blow to Fox's news operation at a time its opinion side has become preeminent.
You don't have to drink to celebrate the holiday season
If you think alcohol is problematic for you, or want to avoid drinking too much, or just aren't the biggest drinker, here are some strategies for navigating end-of-year celebrations.
Anne Rice, author of gothic novels, dead at 80
Anne Rice, the gothic novelist widely known for her bestselling novel “Interview With the Vampire,” died Saturday at the age of 80.
Was devastating tornado outbreak related to climate change?
Scientists say their understanding of how climate change affects the frequency of tornadoes is still evolving. But they say the conditions that give rise to such outbreaks — including rising temperatures, moisture, and wind shear — are intensifying as the planet warms.
There won’t be any weather drama this Sunday. The weather will cooperate with most outdoor plans.
Crews search for the missing after devastating tornadoes
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear initially said that only 40 of the 110 people working in one candle factory were rescued after the tornado hit. But on Sunday, company officials said that while eight people were confirmed dead and eight remained missing, more than 90 others had been located.
Search for Indian boarding school records gets a boost
A new collaboration between the federal government and a Minnesota nonprofit aims to make Indian boarding school records more accessible.