Stories from November 25, 2020

Minnesota college students reflect on the semester, Thanksgiving holiday
Thanksgiving presents a tough decision this year for many college students. Some schools are asking students living on campus to head home, while others are asking them to stay. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with two college freshmen about how they’re spending the holiday, and what this semester has been like.
With hunger on rise, Walz says food relief is 'hand up' not 'handout'
The food relief group Second Harvest Heartland estimates that 1 in 8 Minnesotans, including 20 percent of children, don't know where their next meal is coming from. Walz said he’s hoping to reach a deal with legislators on a COVID-19 aid package as early as next week.
Minnesota touches a record COVID death toll for the second time in a week, as authorites move in a rare enforcement action on state shutdown order. This is an MPR News evening update, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Trump pardons Flynn, taking direct aim at Russia probe
Flynn is the second Trump associate convicted in the Russia probe to be granted clemency by the president. Trump commuted the sentence of longtime confidant Roger Stone just days before he was to report to prison.
Sababta khasab kaaga dhigeysa inaad ku dedaasho joojinta faafidda COVID-19
Kiisaska COVID-19 ayaa ku soo badanaya meelo badan oo gobolka ka mid ah, oo khubarada caafimaadka waxay ka walaacayaan in uusan xaalku waxba iska beddeleyn haddii aysan dadku raacin talooyinka iyo shuruudaha la iska rabo oo ah sida lagu badbaadi karo.
See you online: How to 'gather' digitally
State policy makers and health officials are urging Minnesotans refrain from social gatherings for the next few weeks. Though you and your loved ones may not be able to get together in person, you can still “gather” virtually. Here are a few different online activities you can do while staying safe at home.
Vim li cas koj thiaj li yuav mob siab txog kev cheem txoj kev sib kis tus kab mob COVID-19
Cov neeg kis muaj tus kab mob COVID-19 coob zuj zus nyob rau txhua txhia qhov chaw hauv lub xeev, thiab cov kws kho mob tshaj lij yeej txhawj xeeb tias ntshe tus qauv sib kis kab mob no yuav pheej muaj zuj zus mus vim cov neeg tsis ua raws li cov kev pom zoo thiab kev yuam coj kom nyab xeeb.
Prosecutor offers to cut Burrell's prison term by 15 years
Burrell’s case made national headlines earlier this year after a yearlong investigation by The Associated Press exposed major flaws in the police probe and prosecution, raising questions as to whether he may have been wrongfully convicted.
Mild Thanksgiving weekend ahead for Minnesota.
Por qué debería preocuparse de detener la propagación del COVID-19
Los casos de COVID-19 están aumentando en prácticamente todo el estado y los expertos en salud están preocupados de que esta tendencia se mantenga, ya que las personas no siguen las medidas de seguridad sugeridas y obligatorias.
Why new age spirituality is more popular than ever
More Americans are turning to things like astrology, tarot cards and crystals to make sense of the world.
As states certify ballot totals, an extraordinary election comes to an end
Voting took place amid a pandemic and unprecedented polarization. Despite baseless claims by the president and his allies that the outcome was rigged, states say the results are accurate.
Chef David Chang on depression, being a dad and the burden of 'authenticity'
The Momofuku chef says COVID-19 has introduced "seismic" changes to his industry. "We're doing anything and everything to to stay afloat," he says. Chang's new memoir is “Eat a Peach.”
Trump races to weaken environmental, worker protections; implement last-minute policies
The Trump administration is rushing to approve dozens of eleventh-hour policy changes. Among them: The Justice Department is fast-tracking a rule that could reintroduce firing squads and electrocutions to federal executions.
Following a mostly cloudy day Wednesday, the weather pattern turns quiet, with more sunshine and only limited precipitation chances.
US jobless claims up for 2nd straight week as virus worsens
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week to 778,000, evidence that the U.S. economy and job market remain under strain as coronavirus cases surge and colder weather heighten the risks. 
'America is back': Biden pushes past Trump era with nominees
Joe Biden’s Washington veterans all have ties to the Obama administration as the president-elect has sought to deliver a clear message about his desire to reestablish a more predictable engagement from the United States on the global stage. Biden said his team “reflects the fact that America is back.”
Although skies will be dry Wednesday, areas of low clouds and fog persist through much of the day.
Gov. Tim Walz and GOP lawmakers seemed to agree they need to help bar and restaurant owners and workers hurt by the current ban on in-person service. And the trend line on new hospital admission flattened, even as single-day admissions jumped. This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, November 25, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
As COVID-19 vaccine nears, employers consider making it mandatory
With promising news out of COVID-19 vaccine trials, the question now is how many people will get the vaccine? And can or will employers require their workers to get vaccinated?
Epidemiologist says restricting small gatherings isn't enough to stop the surge
To turn around the current jump in coronavirus cases, epidemiologist Ellie Murray says governments need to focus on the places that are driving the spread, like restaurants and bars.
ChangeMakers: Autumn Dillie, combating homelessness with culture and care
Autumn Dillie, 31, is a street outreach worker for the American Indian Community Development Corporation. She provides Native Americans experiencing homelessness with culturally specific services, which Dillie says is key to long-term stability.
Move fast? Push for a big deal? Biden faces debate over more COVID-19 aid
A question for Joe Biden and his team is whether they should be encouraging Democrats to move quickly, to deliver aid faster, even if that means accepting a smaller deal.
Expanded access to voting yielded huge turnout. Will states take it away?
Voting experts say it's not easy to remove options once they've been given to voters. But the fraught politics around alleged "fraud" complicate the outlook for coming elections.
COVID spread causing 'surreal' staffing problems in nursing homes
Long-term care in Minnesota is in dire need of staffing support. With COVID-19 peaking, large numbers of staff are out sick or quarantining because of exposure. The situation is forcing state officials to take unusual measures to fill gaps.
Research: Older people resilient, but stressed by COVID-19 isolation
The pandemic has isolated many of us from friends, family and coworkers. But for older people who live alone, the loss of connection can cut even deeper. Researchers have been talking with dozens of older adults in Minnesota and North Dakota since the pandemic started, in an ongoing study of the impacts of isolation.
Six months in, the call for justice at 38th and Chicago persists
While the angry demonstrations that consumed much of south Minneapolis and other cities this summer have largely disappeared, a protest with deep roots has taken hold at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue.
Washington Post Reports: The Life of George Floyd
From the Washington Post: “Post Reports: The Life of George Floyd.”
Sanford replaces CEO after controversial email about masks
The head of one of the largest regional health systems in the Midwest was replaced Tuesday, less than a week after telling employees that he had recovered from COVID-19 and was not wearing a mask around the office.