Stories from November 18, 2020

Will our mild bias linger into December?
Some guidance suggests a milder than average December across the Upper Midwest.
Minnesota will take a four week pause as COVID continues to accelerate and opposition gathers to hospitality and sports restrictions that run through mid December. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Beth Dooley’s tips for a traditional Thanksgiving, minus the big bird
Small Thanksgivings are the watchword this year; the recommendation from the state is, nobody outside of your own household. That changes things for those who, like Beth Dooley, are used to big gatherings.
As U.S. reaches 250,000 deaths from COVID-19, a long winter is coming
Medical advances have reduced the infection fatality rate in the U.S. But experts warn that indoor gatherings, cold temperatures and pandemic fatigue augur dark months ahead.
Trump shakes up the military, but to what end?
The president has taken a series of abrupt moves, firing the defense secretary and announcing troop cutbacks in Afghanistan and Iraq. Critics say these actions have no clear strategic goal.
Pelosi reelected speaker by House Democrats despite party's losses
After Republicans unexpectedly picked up at least eight seats, House Democrats are still sorting out what went wrong. The party leadership must balance clashing priorities in the next term.
Prosecutors: 14-year-old boy cried ‘mom’ as Chauvin knelt on his back for 17 minutes
The former Minneapolis police officer charged with murder in the killing of George Floyd knelt on the teen’s back for 17 minutes in a domestic assault call from 2017, according to a court document filed by the office of the Minnesota Attorney General.
Judge orders U.S. to stop expelling children who cross border
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to stop expelling immigrant children who cross the southern border alone, halting a policy that has resulted in thousands of rapid deportations of minors during the coronavirus pandemic.
Remembering the life of Joan Drury, beloved North Shore writer, publisher and women's advocate
Minnesota has lost a great advocate for women and women writers. Drury died earlier this month at the age of 75. Her daughter Kelly Kager joined MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer to remember Drury’s remarkable life.
Trump pursues recount of 2 liberal Wisconsin counties
President Donald Trump's campaign has paid $3 million for a recount of two heavily Democratic Wisconsin counties, saying that they were the site of the “worst irregularities.” That comes although no evidence of wrongdoing has been presented and state elections officials have said there was none. 
Temperatures stay mild Wednesday and Thursday then stick closer to average through the weekend. Meanwhile, precipitation chances remain limited.
With cases surging, colleges turn to students for help
As Thanksgiving break approaches, many schools are seeing spikes in coronavirus cases. Some campuses are using students to work the phones as contact tracers.
2 DFL state senators quit caucus, become independents
Sens. Tom Bakk and David Tomassoni will form their own caucus, which will give majority Republicans more breathing room heading into the 2021 session.
FAA gives Boeing OK to resume 737 Max passenger service
After 20 months on the tarmac that followed two fatal crashes, Boeing's troubled airliner has been given the green light by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Breezy winds from the south make for a mild forecast Wednesday.
Target gains steam heading into crucial holiday season
The Minneapolis company reported Wednesday that its online sales surged 155 percent in the three months that ended Oct. 31. Sales at its stores opened for a least a year rose 10 percent. Customer traffic rose 4.5 percent and average dollars spent rose nearly 16 percent.
Gov. Tim Walz is scheduled to lay out his plan for countering an alarming spike in coronavirus cases today. Without sharing specifics, the governor's spokesperson said the new guidance will address bars, restaurants, fitness centers, gyms, youth sports and social gatherings. This is an MPR News morning update for November 18, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Pfizer: COVID-19 shot 95% effective, seeking clearance soon
Pfizer says that more interim results from its ongoing coronavirus vaccine study suggest the shots are 95 percent effective and that the vaccine protects older people most at risk of dying from COVID-19.
ChangeMakers: Marlena Myles, educating through art and innovation
Marlena Myles is a self-taught professional artist. Her art leverages technology to create immersive interaction that engages and educates people about the language, history and spirituality of her tribe, the Dakota people.
Walz hits the brakes on Minnesota social life as COVID-19 rages
“We’re at a dangerous point in this pandemic,” Gov. Tim Walz told Minnesotans in his address announcing the new four-week restrictions, which include no in-person social gatherings with people outside your household and restricting bar and restaurant service to takeout and delivery.
How Biden won: Ramping up the base and expanding margins in the suburbs
Remarkably few counties shifted in the 2020 election, which saw sky-high turnout. The president's base voted in big numbers in rural areas, but Biden's gains in the suburbs propelled him to victory.
Biden's win shows rural-urban divide has grown since 2016
In the 2020 election, the rural-urban divide sharpened even further from 2016, with Republicans consolidating power in rural America which could help them hold onto the U.S. Senate.
FDA approves first at-home coronavirus test
The Lucira COVID-19 All-In-One Test Kit is expected to provide results in 30 minutes or less. Its approval could help alleviate the strain on the nation's precarious coronavirus testing system.
MPR Journalist Series: Angela Davis interviews 1A's Jenn White
Jenn White became the new host of 1A this summer, and what a summer — and fall — it’s been. White spoke with MPR News host Angela Davis as part of the MPR Journalist Series.
A space to grieve: New Ulm moms connect for monument to infertility and loss
A group of women who had experienced similar loss joined together to build a dedicated space in the New Ulm Cemetery where people navigating infertility, miscarriages, infant loss and stillbirths can go to grieve and reflect.