Stories from October 12, 2022

Virtually all PPP loans have been forgiven with limited scrutiny
Officials promised a robust review process before forgiving PPP loans, but most loans could be forgiven with a simple, one-page form. Meanwhile, just 2% of loans have gotten close, hands-on reviews.
A snowy coating up north by Friday?
Blustery October weather brings showers for southern Minnesota and some snow up north.
The two candidates for Congress in Minnesota's competitive 2nd District race are focusing on different issues as they head into the final weeks of the campaign. DFL Congresswoman Angie Craig is facing a rematch challenge from Republican Tyler Kistner. This is the evening MPR News update, hosted by Jacob Aloi. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Alex Jones ordered to pay $965 million for Sandy Hook lies
The conspiracy theorist Alex Jones should pay $965 million to people who suffered from his false claim that the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax, a jury in Connecticut decided Wednesday.
Minnesota bids for world’s attention with expo pitch
Minnesota should learn next June if it will host a world expo. Officials spent the week showcasing the region to an international delegation.
An October weather reality check with Paul Huttner
In the midst of a weather week that will deliver a little bit of everything, MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner delivered an October reality check on what we can expect for the next stretch of fall.
Craig talks about abortion; Kistner the economy in toss-up CD 2 race
The candidates for Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District are talking about a very different set of issues with less than a month to go until Election Day.
Following Minneapolis encampment evictions and protests, experts discuss solutions to homelessness
The renewed call for added support for Minneapolis’ unhoused community follows two recent evictions of large tent encampments in northeast and north Minneapolis.
Money is 'A Made Up Thing' — but that doesn't change rising inflation
Author and podcaster Jacob Goldstein says we don't think of money as a technology, but we should. He traces the first paper currency to China's Sichuan province, and ponders the Fed's next move.
Feeding Our Future fraud investigation: First guilty pleas expected
Three people charged with wire fraud would be the first defendants to admit guilt in what authorities allege was a massive Minnesota-based scheme to steal at least $250 million in federal funds intended to feed needy children.
Omicron boosters for kids 5-12 are cleared by the FDA. The CDC's OK is the last step
Tweaked boosters rolled out for Americans 12 and older last month, modified to target today's most common and contagious variant. The latest move may expand protection before an expected winter wave.
Showers possible Wednesday; cooler-than-normal conditions set in
Highs will range from the 40s to the low 60s Wednesday with scattered showers possible. Thursday will be cooler with highs in the 40s and low 50s. Temperatures stay below normal into next week.
Millions of Americans are losing access to maternal care. Here's what can be done
A report from the nonprofit March of Dimes finds that 36 percent of counties in the U.S. are "maternity care deserts," meaning they have no obstetric hospitals or birth centers and no obstetric providers.
Windy, cooler Wednesday with a few showers
It will be much cooler across Minnesota Wednesday with highs in the 40s north to low 60s south. We’ll have a few scattered showers also. Northwest winds at 10-20 mph will cool it off even more into Thursday.
The federal lawsuit challenged a key permit for the new pipeline, which has been in service for just over a year. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
477 whales die in 'heartbreaking' New Zealand strandings
Some 477 pilot whales have died after stranding themselves on two remote New Zealand beaches over recent days, officials say. None of the stranded whales could be refloated and all either died naturally or were euthanized in a “heartbreaking” loss.
A Minnesota man pleaded guilty Tuesday to filing fraudulent insurance claims for a staged arson he attempted to portray as a politically-motivated attack.
Egypt calls for the return of the Rosetta Stone and other ancient artifacts
People calling for the repatriation of the ancient tablet and other items say the continued display of the objects in European institutions ignores a history of colonialist looting and exploitation.
For some, online learning is just the right fit
Online learning got a bad rap during the pandemic. But at a new virtual school in Rochester, some students are finding the right fit. 
Why build a fantasy world that still has racism? B.A. Parker moderates a discussion on Black science fiction and fantasy with authors Tochi Onyebuchi and Leslye Penelope at the National Book Festival.
Biden is rethinking the U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia after OPEC cuts
After the cartel said it would cut oil production by 2 million barrels per day starting next month, the White House said it's time to look at the longstanding partnership with Saudi Arabia.