Stories from November 10, 2022

Signs point to marijuana legalization approval by the new DFL-controlled legislature, and DFLers pick a woman to be majority leader in the Senate for the first time. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Slavery, involuntary servitude rejected by 4 states' voters
Voters in four states have approved ballot measures that will change their state constitutions to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for crime, while those in a fifth state rejected a flawed version of the question.
Dire warnings from world leaders at annual global climate conference
The United Nations’ COP27 global climate summit of world leaders takes place this week. And the need for global cooperation against climate change is more urgent than ever.
Why Lake Superior's legendary gales blow especially hard in November
Gale force winds and 20 foot tall waves are whipped across Lake Superior today, on the anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. There are specific reasons why the wind and waves tend to whip up the same time of year around the Great Lakes.
Minnesotans of color gathering for 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' premiere
“It is not often that when you look at Hollywood or you look at television, children of color can look out and see themselves in a positive light,” said Raazon King, president of a Minnesota chapter of a historically Black fraternity that’s hosting a private screening of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” after it premieres Thursday.
Police reform advocates say voters skeptical of tough on crime message
Progressives hope voters may have started to embrace their argument that public safety means more than just hiring cops and locking up criminals.
Now that the DFL controls the MN state government  - what will they do with their power?
Host Cathy Wurzer talks with Erik Eskola, journalist and political observer and Brian Bakst, MPR News political reporter about what they are watching for when lawmakers convene this winter.
Knock on a stranger's door to talk politics? These Minnesotans say sure!
Krista Gomez and Aaron Farris spent long afternoons door-knocking for their parties (DFL and GOP respectively) in the run up to the midterm elections. They talk with host Cathy Wurzer about how they’re treated at the doors, how they try to get out the vote and how they feel about the outcome.
Are you feeling sleepy? Here’s how to get a better night’s rest
Have you been losing sleep this week? MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two sleep experts about why rest is so important for your body and your mind, and how to deal with common sleep problems.
A western Wisconsin nurse has been charged with elder abuse, accused of amputating a hospice patient’s frostbitten foot without his consent and without doctor’s orders.
Wintry weather up north; metro thunderstorm chance; chilly weekend ahead
Northern Minnesota will see very wintry weather Thursday, with heavy snow and areas of ice. We have an update on the winter storm and blizzard warnings up north, plus thunderstorm chances and plunging afternoon temperatures in the Twin Cities metro area.
What is a runoff election? Let's break down what's happening in Georgia
The race between Georgia incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker is too close to call and will go to a runoff election this December. What does that mean?
Split Rock’s beacon will shine to mark Edmund Fitzgerald anniversary
Today — Nov. 10 — is the 47th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald in a Lake Superior storm. Split Rock Lighthouse on Minnesota’s North Shore will mark the anniversary with its annual ceremony.
U.S. consumer inflation eased to 7.7% over past 12 months
Price increases moderated in the United States last month in the latest sign that the inflation pressures that have gripped the nation might be easing as the economy slows and consumers grow more cautious.
Blizzard, winter storm warnings in northern Minn.; metro thunderstorm chance
We have an update on the blizzard warning in northwestern Minnesota and the winter storm warnings and ice storm warnings elsewhere in northern Minnesota. The metro area and southeastern Minnesota could see a thunderstorm.
Mohamed Jama Ismail pleaded guilty to falsely claiming on a passport application that he'd lost his old one. In reality, the FBI seized Ismail's travel documents in January while searching his home as part of an investigation into an alleged $250 million fraud scheme involving federal child nutrition programs. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Here are 3 dangerous climate tipping points the world is on track for
Global leaders are negotiating about how to cut greenhouse gas emissions as quickly as possible. Scientists say every passing day, and every tenth of a degree, makes a big difference.
Rising prices are on the menu for Thanksgiving this year
With Thanksgiving just two weeks away, food and family are on many people's minds. But turkey and travel will carry a hefty price tag this year, in another sign of high inflation.
Nonprofit drops suit against state amid FBI food fraud investigation
A St. Paul nonprofit allegedly tied to a major food aid fraud scheme has dropped its lawsuit against the state. Partners in Quality Care had sued in September, alleging that the Minnesota Department of Education improperly cut off child nutrition program funding.
Waite Park grapples with granite’s role
As old quarries are given new life, a fast-growing St. Cloud suburb considers how to balance mining and development with nature preservation.
Art Hounds recommend irresistible rhythms of Taiko drumming and jazz guitar
The documentary “Finding her Beat,” about premiere Taiko drumming women gathering in Minnesota, makes its state premiere at the Sound Unseen festival this weekend. The Jazz and Fingerstyle Guitar Concert Series features two duos playing hot club jazz and swing next Tuesday. Plus, an exhibit at Madison Mercantile celebrates the “Life in Art” of the influential artist Franz Allbert Richter.