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Stories from December 13, 2021

Rain, snow and high winds by midweek

The recent quieter stretch comes to an end Wednesday as a strong storm sends temperatures soaring then crashing, and also brings rain, snow and wind gusts up to 60mph.
by Nicole Mitchell

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One year of vaccines: Many lives saved, many needlessly lost

One year of vaccines: Many lives saved, many needlessly lost

The vaccines’ first year has been rocky with the disappointment of breakthrough infections, the political strife over mandates and, now, worries about whether the mutant omicron will evade protection. 
by The Associated Press

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More Black families are homeschooling their children, citing the pandemic and racism

More Black families are homeschooling their children, citing the pandemic and racism

In Alabama, the co-founders of Black Homeschoolers of Birmingham say membership is growing as parents try to shield their children from racism in education and teach them about their own heritage.
by Kyra Miles

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Minneapolis behavioral health crisis teams will respond to some 9-1-1 calls

Starting today, behavioral health crisis teams will respond to some 9-1-1 calls in Minneapolis. Teams of two people will respond to calls dispatchers determine don't require a police response. This is an MPR News evening update for Dec 13, 2021. Hosted by Nathan Stevens. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

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In statewide ad, MN hospital leaders warn COVID is overwhelming health care

In statewide ad, MN hospital leaders warn COVID is overwhelming health care

The leaders of nine Minnesota health care organizations are calling the situation critical. In a letter published this weekend in newspapers across the state, they said hospitals are overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients, and called the current situation heartbreaking.
by Dan Gunderson

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You'll have the best view of the Geminid meteor shower overnight

You'll have the best view of the Geminid meteor shower overnight

Although the moon will brighten up the sky and make it harder to see the Geminids this year, astronomers say from about 2 a.m. to sunrise will be prime viewing time.
by Joe Hernandez

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Here's how you can support Minnesota's minority-owned businesses

Here's how you can support Minnesota's minority-owned businesses

As businesses struggle to stay afloat in this second holiday season of COVID-19, what can you do to support entrepreneurs of color and foster a more inclusive local economy? Beyond a one-time purchase or donation, here’s a list of things you can do now to help.
by Jiwon Choi

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Raging against the indignities of holiday gift-giving

Raging against the indignities of holiday gift-giving

With 12 days until Christmas, has holiday shopping sent your blood pressure soaring to eye-popping new highs? If so, maybe you'll relate to these thoughts from MPR News producer and working comedian Aron Woldeslassie.
by Cathy Wurzer and Aron Woldeslassie

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USA Gymnastics, USOPC reach $380M settlement with victims

USA Gymnastics, USOPC reach $380M settlement with victims

The vast majority of the 500-plus victims voted in favor of the settlement. Rachael Denhollander, the first woman to detail sexual abuse at the hands of former USA team doctor Larry Nassar, says the lawsuit wasn't about the money but the hope of effecting change within the organization.
by The Associated Press

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Group homes face severe shortage of caregivers for Minnesotans with disabilities

The worker shortage sparked by the pandemic has created a staffing crisis in Minnesota’s group homes, which serve vulnerable Minnesotans with disabilities. Sue Schettle, CEO of the Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota, told host Cathy Wurzer about the shortage of disability service caregivers.
by Cathy Wurzer and Lindsay Guentzel

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Why Allina Health's CEO signed a full-page ad about COVID

The leaders of nine major health systems published a full-page ad in newspapers across the state asking Minnesotans to help reduce the strain on hospitals overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients. One of the signees, Allina Health CEO Dr. Penny Wheeler, joined Cathy Wurzer with more on the situation.
by Cathy Wurzer

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The author of MN's definitive guide to holiday lights on the state's best displays

The author of MN's definitive guide to holiday lights on the state's best displays

When it comes to holiday light displays, Mike Marcotte has seen it all. The KSTP-TV producer has released his fifth annual Minnesota Holiday Lights Display Guide, and he shared the highlights with host Cathy Wurzer.
by Cathy Wurzer and Lindsay Guentzel

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Allina Health's CEO on the statewide hospital plea for help

Allina Health's CEO on the statewide hospital plea for help

The leaders of nine major health systems published a full-page ad in newspapers across the state asking Minnesotans to help reduce the strain on hospitals overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients.
by Cathy Wurzer and Alex Cheng

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Navigating the multigenerational workplace

Navigating the multigenerational workplace

It’s likely that four different generations of people work in your office — baby boomers, Gen X, millennials and Gen Z. How’s that working out for you? Are there tensions? Or are your differences making your workplace more dynamic? Guest host Chris Farrell leads a conversation about the multigenerational workplace.
by Angela Davis and Susan Davis

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AP-NORC poll: Omicron raises COVID worry but not precautions

AP-NORC poll: Omicron raises COVID worry but not precautions

As the omicron variant sparks worldwide fears of renewed virus outbreaks, Americans’ worries about infection are again on the rise. But fewer say that they are regularly wearing masks or isolating compared with the beginning of the year.
by The Associated Press

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Pardons Board allows release of woman who killed baby

Pardons Board allows release of woman who killed baby

Samantha Heiges left prison Monday, about four years early but will remain under supervised release for another decade. She served 12 years in the Shakopee prison for killing her newborn in 2005.
by Brian Bakst

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Thousands without heat, water after tornadoes kill dozens

Thousands without heat, water after tornadoes kill dozens

Kentucky's governor says at least 74 people were killed in the state during a devastating cluster of tornadoes. At least 14 people are dead in four other states: Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas and Missouri. 
by The Associated Press

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Minnesota's newest agricultural specialty: Crickets?

Minnesota's newest agricultural specialty: Crickets?

Pat and Madeline Revier run Revier Family Farms in Moorhead, Minn., where they raise over a million crickets for human and animal consumption. They told host Cathy Wurzer about their story and the versatility and sustainability of crickets as a protein source, and they even shared a recipe for chocolate chip cookies — made with cricket flour.
by Cathy Wurzer, Melissa Townsend and Alex Cheng

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Midweek storm may bring record warmth to Minnesota

Quiet and milder weather prevails until Tuesday, then a strong storm causes a huge temperature swing accompanied by high winds and a rain-snow mix.
by Nicole Mitchell

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Bill allows UW System to negotiate tuition reciprocity

Bill allows UW System to negotiate tuition reciprocity

A bipartisan bill introduced in the Wisconsin state Assembly would give the University of Wisconsin System authority over tuition reciprocity with Minnesota. The legislation would also let UW campuses keep additional revenue from students paying Minnesota tuition rates, revenue that is currently deposited into Wisconsin’s state budget.
by The Associated Press

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Mild and sunny Monday

Quiet weather prevails again Monday, keeping temperatures above average.
by Nicole Mitchell

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State health officials confirm Minnesota’s second omicron case

The person is connected to Minnesota State University Mankato, and they were vaccinated. They developed mild symptoms on Nov. 30, stayed isolated from others and have since recovered. This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, December 13, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

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Biden aims to cut bureaucratic runaround for gov't services

Biden aims to cut bureaucratic runaround for gov't services

President Joe Biden on Monday will sign an executive order aimed at saving Americans time and frustration when seeking a broad array of federal services, like renewing passports, applying for Social Security benefits and getting aid after natural disasters.
by The Associated Press

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‘Great Resignation' will force employers to be more flexible

‘Great Resignation' will force employers to be more flexible

Americans are quitting their jobs at a record pace. Some people are retiring early. Others are switching careers. Employers are having to change up their worker recruiting and retention strategies.
by Mark Zdechlik

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Vicente Fernández, revered Mexican singer, dies at 81

Vicente Fernández, revered Mexican singer, dies at 81

Fernández was largely considered the last living legend of the Mexican ranchera, the style of song deeply rooted in the values and traditions of rural Mexico. Over a six-decade career, his voice became synonymous with Mexico itself.
by Adrian Florido

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Monday a.m. freezing fog chance, then mild; shot at 50 degrees Wednesday

Monday a.m. freezing fog chance, then mild; shot at 50 degrees Wednesday

We may have some fog and freezing fog to deal with Monday morning, but the rest of the day looks good. We have your forecast details, including who may see some rain and snow on Wednesday.
by Ron Trenda

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