Stories from November 8, 2022

Polls close, counting starts in potentially historic Minnesota elections
It’s all over but the counting. Polls closed at 8 p.m. Tuesday in an election that could bring historic changes in Minnesota from counties to the state Legislature to the U.S. House. People in line at 8 p.m. can still vote as the tally begins.
Election Day is here as divided Minnesotans agree on one thing: time to settle this. Plus, after a long dalliance, winter is about to take the stage in northern Minnesota. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Twin Cities comedians on finding humor in stressful times
The Twin Cities are known for a vibrant comedy scene. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with three local comedians about how they keep finding ways to make people laugh.
Powerball ticket sold in California snags record $2.04B win
Someone who bought a Powerball ticket in California has won a record $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot after more than three months without anyone hitting the top prize.
Election scrutiny high, but no big hitches as voting begins
Final voting began without major hitches Tuesday in midterm elections under intense scrutiny after two years of false claims and conspiracy theories about how ballots are cast and counted.
Outside a polling place in South St. Paul, reporter Tim Nelson finds out what's driving voters this year
MPR News reporter Tim Nelson spent several hours speaking to voters outside the Kaposia Education Center, an elementary school in South St. Paul.
UN experts urge stringent rules to stop net zero greenwash
Oil companies pledging to get their emissions down to net zero better make sure they’ve got a credible plan and aren’t just making false promises, U.N. experts said in a report Tuesday urging tough standards on emissions cutting vows.
Nicole has strengthened to a tropical storm as it churns toward the northwestern Bahamas and Florida’s Atlantic coastline. A range of warnings and watches remained in place Tuesday throughout the region. 
From the archives: Poet Tracy K. Smith at Talking Volumes in 2019
The season finale of the 2022 Talking Volumes season will appear on Big Books and Bold Ideas this week, featuring poet Ross Gay talking about joy. Enjoy this 2019 Talking Volumes conversation with another poet, Tracy K. Smith, as you anticipate what’s coming.
Waves of rain through Thursday; winter storm watch up north Thursday, Friday
Milder air returns Tuesday with gusty south -southeast winds at 10-20 mph. Afternoon showers develop from west to east across Minnesota. Expect periods of rain through Thursday. Rain turns to significant snow in northern Minnesota Thursday with lighter amounts south.
Artist explores his identity between Native and white worlds in a Highpoint Center for Printmaking exhibit
Artist Brad Kahlhamer coined the term “yondering” to describe a philosophy and practice that embraces a rambling exploration of the world, with his sketchbook always in hand.
Voter Voices: What matters to Minnesotans this election
As the midterm election approaches, MPR News reporters and producers are setting out to hear from Minnesotans: What’s on voters’ minds heading into the polls this year?
Voters in Duluth and St. Cloud are voting on park funding this election in addition to choosing political candidates, as cities in Minnesota and across the country increasingly turn to voters to help pay for parks. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Discovery of bronzes rewrites Italy's Etruscan-Roman history
Italian authorities have announced the extraordinary discovery of more than 2,000-year-old bronze statues in an ancient Tuscan thermal spring. They say the find will “rewrite history” about the transition from the Etruscan civilization to the Roman Empire. 
Warmer Tuesday; rain develops late; stormy through Friday
Tuesday will be warmer and windy with highs in the 50s and 40s. Showers develop west to east late in the day. It’ll be the first of several rounds of rain through Thursday before transitioning to snow in the north Thursday and south Friday.
Supreme Court considers fate of landmark Indian adoption law
At issue is whether the the Indian Child Welfare Act — aimed at preventing Native American children from being separated from their tribes — is tribal protection or racial classification.
Everything you need to know to vote with a disability in Minnesota
From curbside voting and assistive technology to letting anyone bring someone to help them vote, here are all the options Minnesota offers to make Election Day more accessible.
New VA study finds Paxlovid may cut the risk of long COVID
For those at high risk, Pfizer's antiviral drug helps stave off severe COVID-19. Now research suggests it may also reduce their chances of long COVID.
MN statewide offices: DFLers sweep AG, auditor, secretary of state races
Keith Ellison will return for another term as Minnesota attorney general after GOP challenger Jim Schultz conceded Wednesday afternoon. Secretary of State Steve Simon won a new term Tuesday. DFLer Julie Blaha remains state auditor after her opponent also conceded Wednesday.
Health care officials prepare as RSV, influenza cases increase in Minnesota
Hospitalizations due to RSV cases are continuing to climb in the Twin Cities, mainly among children younger than one. The most recent state report reflects what doctors are seeing across the country, and raising concerns about how health care systems will manage this spike in infections amid flu season, and a potential COVID-19 surge.
Minnesota Legislature: DFL keeps House, gains Senate control
Voters on Tuesday kept the Minnesota House in the hands of the DFL Party, and DFLers gained control of the state Senate, giving the party total control of the Legislature and the governor’s office for the first time in nearly a decade.
U.S. House: Craig beats Kistner in hotly contested race; incumbents win
Rep. Angie Craig won a new term in Congress, beating Republican Tyler Kistner in one of the nation’s most closely watched congressional races. Minnesota’s congressional incumbents did well Tuesday night.
What you need to know to vote on Election Day in Minnesota
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. While hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans have voted early using absentee ballots by mail or in person, millions more are eligible to vote on Tuesday. Here’s what to know about voting in person on Election Day.