Stories from November 10, 2023

A lawsuit filed this week in Hennepin County District Court alleges some recipients of federal grant money were involved in lobbying or had close ties to city hall. However, the city says there’s nothing illegal about granting money to community organizations which have worked with the city before.
The U.S. Department of Justice says that Anoka's "crime free" housing program unfairly penalizes some landlords and tenants for so-called nuisance calls to their properties.   And Minnesota is hosting its official Veteran’s Day celebration tomorrow, honoring the state’s veterans.  Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Meister.
2024 Grammy nominations led by SZA, Billie Eilish and Phoebe Bridgers
The R&B star led all artists with nine nominations for the 66th Grammy Awards. She’ll compete with Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo and Jon Batiste in album, song and record of the year.
More than a quarter million cases of chikungunya virus have surfaced in South America this year. The virus can cause debilitating joint pain. Now the U.S. FDA has approved a new vaccine.
The Vatican says priests can baptize transgender people
The statement came in response to a series of questions from bishops seeking guidance on administering the sacraments.
Sixty degrees, is that you? Well, almost. High temperatures increase steadily Friday through Tuesday, reaching a balmy 59 degrees by next week. No forecasted snow or inclement weather to speak of.
Groups call for greater federal oversight of insurance industry amidst climate change impacts
Several groups call on Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and the Financial Stability Oversight Council to provide greater federal oversight of the insurance industry in light of soaring disaster costs.
Weekend weather: Breezy; warmest temps on Sunday
It’ll be breezy this weekend, and some areas could see a shower Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening. We have the weekend weather details for you.
Talking Volumes: Margaret Renkl on 'The Comfort of Crows'
New York Times columnist and nature writer Margaret Renkl closed out the 2023 Talking Volumes season with meditations on the joys of a backyard oasis, the inevitable losses of a warming climate and how to live while holding both of those truths in tandem.
Warming trends in November could be felt as early as next week
An MPR listener wanted to know: What are the recent climate trends for Minnesota? MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with meteorologist and climatologist Mark Seeley about the warmer trends in this weeks weather chat.
Students and faculty of the University of Wisconsin River Falls are mourning the loss of four members of the campus community. In September, a professor of journalism died unexpectedly of natural causes. The obituaries of three students say they all lost their battles with depression.
Chilly Friday with clouds; big warm up starts Sunday
Clouds accompany colder air Friday and Saturday. A few showers are possible late Saturday ahead of a major warmup starting Sunday into next week. 
A couple of St. Paul City Council races could see a final winner Friday. Ballots cast this week in Ward 1 and Ward 7 will be reallocated through the ranked choice voting process Friday. A reallocation in Ward 3 will happen Monday. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Music by Gary Meister.
Chilly, breezy Friday with clouds; much warmer Sunday
Winds will be lighter but still breezy Friday, adding a chill to the cooler than normal temperatures. We’ll also have more clouds. A big warm up is on track for Sunday into next week. 
Israel has agreed to a daily 'humanitarian corridor.' What does this mean?
Israel has already allowed civilians to use a "humanitarian corridor" into southern Gaza in the past week. Thousands of Palestinians have managed to use this time to head south.
Speaker Johnson navigates 'mission impossible' to avoid shutdown, without clear plan
Congress has a week to avoid a government shutdown. But the new speaker is facing familiar GOP divisions trying to pass his party's own spending bills and still hasn't decided on a short term bill.
From Minnesota to Arizona, new research tracks a remarkable, centenarian fish
New research has found several species of the buffalofish, which are native to Minnesota, can live to be well over 100 years old. That’s helped spark new appreciation for the fish, and efforts to give it greater protection.
Split Rock Lighthouse hosts annual Edmund Fitzgerald memorial ceremony
A crowd of several hundred people is expected to gather at Split Rock Lighthouse on Friday for a memorial ceremony and beacon-lighting to mark the 48th anniversary of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Which flag fits? Superlatives and accolades for Minnesota’s flag redesigns
We have absolutely no control over what design will be the final choice by the State Emblems Redesign Commission. But that won’t stop us and the rest of the MPR newsroom from recognizing some of the great and humorous submissions.
Police urge Kia, Hyundai owners to get anti-theft upgrades
Police are urging owners of many Kia and Hyundai models to get free software upgrades in an effort to deter car thieves. Thefts of the vehicles spiked after widely-circulated social media videos provided hotwiring instructions.