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Stories from December 4, 2020

Trump orders most American troops to leave Somalia

The Pentagon says President Donald Trump has ordered most of the approximately 700 troops in Somalia to leave the country. The move continues Trump's post-election push to shrink the number of U.S. troops operating against extremists abroad.
by The Associated Press

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Minnesota regulators deny request to delay Line 3 pipeline

Minnesota regulators deny request to delay Line 3 pipeline

A Minnesota regulatory panel has denied a request by two northern Minnesota tribes to prevent Enbridge Energy from moving forward with its contentious Line 3 crude oil pipeline replacement. The Red Lake and White Earth Bands of Chippewa asked the Public Utilities Commission to stay its order allowing construction, citing pending litigation in the Minnesota Court of Appeals and concerns about COVID-19 spread by construction workers in their communities.
by The Associated Press

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Minnesota Supreme Court tosses GOP election lawsuit

Minnesota Supreme Court tosses GOP election lawsuit

A bid to overturn certification of Minnesota’s 2020 election results was turned back by the state Supreme Court, which said the case was flawed in several respects.
by Brian Bakst

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St. Cloud diocese's plan to compensate sexual abuse victims approved

A bankruptcy court has approved a reorganization plan for the Catholic Diocese of St. Cloud to settle legal claims of clergy abuse survivors. Two years ago, the diocese announced that it planned to file for bankruptcy after receiving 74 claims of sexual abuse of minors. This is your MPR News evening update for Dec. 4, 2020. Hosted by Nina Moini. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
by Nina Moini

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Odds for a White Christmas this year?

Most of Minnesota is snow-free just three weeks before Christmas. What are the odds for a white Christmas this year?
by Paul Huttner

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Weekend forecast: Mild temps; a flurry chance

Weekend forecast: Mild temps; a flurry chance

Our stretch of mild (for December) weather will continue into the weekend. A few of us may see a few flakes this weekend, but chances of measurable snow are low. At this time last year we had plenty of snow cover in many parts of Minnesota; we’ll take a look back.
by Ron Trenda

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Gazelka: ‘Essential’ Capitol workers should get faster COVID-19 shots

Gazelka: ‘Essential’ Capitol workers should get faster COVID-19 shots

The Legislature’s ability to meet in person more often in 2021 could hinge on how fast the COVID-19 vaccine is distributed. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka suggested “essential” Capitol dwellers should have an early place in line.
by Brian Bakst

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Protecting the living while serving the dead, Hmong funerals adapt to COVID-19 times

Protecting the living while serving the dead, Hmong funerals adapt to COVID-19 times

Multiday ceremonies can draw hundreds for traditional rituals filled with feasting and song. To prevent coronavirus spread, community leaders and Minnesota health authorities have adopted streamlined funeral rites.
by Joey Peters

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The weekend brings a chance for flurries

A cold front drops temperatures Friday, then another disturbance brings a chance for flurries by Saturday.
by Nicole Mitchell

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Job growth slows sharply as pandemic takes toll on economy

Job growth slows sharply as pandemic takes toll on economy

U.S. employers added just 245,000 jobs last month, as the runaway pandemic continued to weigh on hiring. The unemployment rate fell to 6.7 percent from 6.9 percent in October.
by Scott Horsley

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Friday stays mild despite a cold front

A cold front moving across Minnesota drops temperatures slightly, while skies remain dry.
by Nicole Mitchell

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Uncertainty continues for high school athletes

The Minnesota State High School League voted Thursday to continue youth sports after Gov. Walz’s restrictions expire on Dec. 18. If Walz extends his order, the season will start on Jan. 4 or later. This is an MPR News morning update for December 4, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

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5 things we've learned about virtual school in 2020

5 things we've learned about virtual school in 2020

Most schooling has been offered online this semester. Teachers are working hard to improve that experience, but many students are still left behind.
by Anya Kamenetz

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Spruce top thieves: How demand for a north woods cash crop is sparking an illicit trade

Spruce top thieves: How demand for a north woods cash crop is sparking an illicit trade

A lot of the raw material that’s used to make holiday decorations — from Christmas wreaths and garlands to potted evergreen arrangements — comes from Minnesota’s north woods, where there's a thriving cottage industry of harvesters and distributors. But as the market has grown, so has the opportunity for spruce thieves looking to make a quick buck. 
by Dan Kraker

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More evidence TV doesn't reflect real life diversity

More evidence TV doesn't reflect real life diversity

A new study from the Nielsen company shows women, Latinos, Native Americans and older Americans are underrepresented on TV.
by Eric Deggans

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COVID relief plan snagged on $500 payment to families

COVID relief plan snagged on $500 payment to families

As Minnesota lawmakers work on a plan to provide businesses and workers relief amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a plan to provide struggling families with a one-time $500 payment has emerged as a stumbling block.
by Tim Pugmire

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As some pandemic aid ends, what's next for hurting Americans

As some pandemic aid ends, what's next for hurting Americans

It’s been a tough year and 2021 could get off to a rough start too as multiple pandemic- related programs and protections for millions of Americans come to an end.
by The Associated Press

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