Stories from December 26, 2021

Federal program offers families cash to cover COVID-19 funeral costs
Families who have lost loved ones to COVID can apply for reimbursement from the federal government for up to $9,000 in funeral expenses. It’s clear many families who are eligible for reimbursement have yet to take advantage of the benefit.
‘Spider-Man’ surpasses $1 billion globally in second weekend
Even with some mighty competition from new Matrix and Sing movies and rising concerns over the omicron variant, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” stayed in the No. 1 box office spot over the holiday weekend.
Photos of aftermath of massacre in Myanmar fuel outrage
Photos of the aftermath of a Christmas Eve massacre in eastern Myanmar that reportedly left more than 30 people, including women and children, dead and burned in their vehicles, have spread on social media in the country, fueling outrage against the military that took power in February.
Vikings lose to Rams, lose control of wild-card playoff berth
Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams doesn't knock the Minnesota Vikings out of playoff contention. But they no longer control the final NFC wild-card berth, and now have to hope other teams lose.
Hundreds more flights canceled in U.S. because of staff shortages
Airlines canceled hundreds more flights Sunday, citing staffing problems tied to COVID-19, as the nation's travel woes extended beyond Christmas, with no clear indication when normal schedules would resume.
Winter storm ramps up Sunday evening; snow lingers into Monday a.m. in some areas
A winter storm will spread snow across much of Minnesota Sunday evening, with snow or a wintry mix in many areas during the overnight hours and into early Monday. We have the updated warnings and advisories plus forecast snow totals and a look at the week ahead.
Reactions to the death of former Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Reactions are coming in from around the world to the death of Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former Archbishop of Cape Town Desmond Tutu at the age of 90.
Winter storm spreads across Minnesota Sunday afternoon and evening
A plowable snow is in the way. It starts this afternoon in southwestern Minnesota, then spreads northeastward Sunday evening. We have the details.
Desmond Tutu, South African equality activist, dies at 90
The buoyant, blunt-spoken clergyman used his pulpit as the first Black bishop of Johannesburg and later Archbishop of Cape Town as well as frequent public demonstrations to galvanize public opinion against racial inequity both at home and globally.