Stories from November 15, 2022

Judge overturns Georgia's ban on abortion around 6 weeks
Judge Robert McBurney overturned Georgia's ban on abortion starting around six weeks into a pregnancy, ruling that it violated precedent when it was enacted three years ago and was therefore void.
Sanford, Fairview eye health mega merger again, after a bruising failure nearly a decade ago, and U.S. Representative Tom Emmer wins a spot on the GOP podium in Congress. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Next St. Paul police chief wants to reduce gun violence, focus on evolution
Commander Axel Henry is a 24-year veteran of the department and is set to be confirmed Wednesday. He says police reform isn’t a bad thing, and he is looking forward to evolve the department and curb gun violence.
What to know when you’re going through a 'quarterlife crisis'
Many young adults are experiencing a “quarterlife crisis.” MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how people in their 20s and 30s can get through a pivotal period in life.
Missiles cross into Poland during strike
Russia pounded Ukraine's energy facilities with its biggest barrage of missiles yet, striking targets across the country and causing widespread blackouts. A senior U.S. intelligence official said missiles crossed into NATO member Poland, where two people were killed.
McCarthy wins nomination for House speaker, but grind ahead
Republican leader Kevin McCarthy won the nomination Tuesday for House speaker, clearing a first step with majority support from his colleagues, but he now faces a weeks-long slog to quell right-flank objections before a final vote in the new year.
The Paris 2024 Olympic mascots are ... hats. Here's why
Organizers call it a tip of the chapeau to the spirit of the French revolution. Critics see something different.
Fairview, Sanford health care systems plan to merge
The regional care giants say they are in discussions now and intend to combine next year. Public criticism in Minnesota scuttled a similar proposal in 2013.
It’s Jessie Burton week at Big Books and Bold Ideas. Enjoy a conversation from the archives, when host Kerri Miller talked with Burton about her runaway hit “The Miniaturist.” Then Friday, come back to hear a new discussion between the pair about “The House of Fortune,” which is a companion novel to “The Miniaturist” that was published earlier this year.
Obama’s former speechwriter reflects on time White House.
Cody Keenan served as former President Barack Obama’s chief speechwriter during the president’s time in the White House. In his new book, Keenan takes readers inside a pivotal 10-day period in Obama’s presidency.
Periods of light snow into Thursday, then temps drop
Expect periods of light snow and flurries on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, followed by a cold snap with highs likely in the teens Friday and Saturday. Next week looks milder.
Walmart offers to pay $3.1 billion to settle opioid lawsuits
The retail giant become the latest major player in the drug industry to announce a plan to settle lawsuits filed by state and local governments over the toll of opioids sold at its pharmacies.
'Did not end well': New Pence book details split with Trump
Former Vice President Mike Pence blames Donald Trump for endangering his family “and all those serving at the Capitol” on Jan. 6, 2021, in his new memoir. 
DNR: Suspected CWD case found in wild deer in Bemidji area for first time
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said Monday it's identified a suspected case of chronic wasting disease in a white-tailed deer near Bemidji. Officials say it's the first time a wild deer in that area is suspected of having the disease.
The State Patrol reported more than 300 crashes on Minnesota highways in just five hours on Monday. While the snow was a headache for many, it also was a welcome sight for Minnesotans eager to get out skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
U.S. fines airlines $7.5 million and they must refund customers for canceled flights
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced action against six airlines but only one is a U.S. carrier; the others are foreign. "It's too little and too late," one consumer advocate says.
There are now 8 billion people on Earth, according to a new U.N. report
The number of people on Earth reached 8 billion for the first time, according to the U.N. The world's population continues to grow, but it's slowing down as people live longer and have fewer kids.
Photos: Twin Cities sees first sticky snowfall
The first snowfall stuck to Twin Cities streets Monday calling for the annual round up of car crashes, bus delays, sidewalk slips and photos.
Appeals court ruling keeps Biden student debt plan on hold
President Joe Biden's plan to forgive student loan debt for millions of borrowers was handed another legal loss Monday when a federal appeals court panel agreed to a preliminary injunction halting the program while an appeal plays out.
Prosecutors: No criminal charges expected from Giuliani raid
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani will not face criminal charges over his interactions with Ukrainian figures in the runup to the 2020 presidential election, federal prosecutors revealed in a letter to a judge Monday.