Stories from December 9, 2020

Hunter Biden says he is under federal investigation for tax matter
Joe Biden's son Hunter said he learned that "the U.S. Attorney's Office in Delaware advised my legal counsel ... that they are investigating my tax affairs."
Canada authorizes use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
The vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech is the first to be authorized by Canadian health officials. The decision makes Canada just the third country in the world to grant such an authorization.
First woman, next man on moon will come from these NASA 18
NASA has named the 18 astronauts who will train for its Artemis moon-landing program. The first woman and next man on the moon will come from this select group.
Pet treat company eyeing former Del Monte plant in southern Minn.
Almost a year after California-based Del Monte Foods announced the closing of its canning plant in Sleepy Eye, Minn., a pet treat manufacturer is in talks to take over the facility.
Even during a pandemic, doctors say physical activity is crucial for your health
At a time when more people are staying at home, the World Health Organization recommends finding ways to be physically active and limit the amount of time you spend sitting.  
A closer look at Indigenous Minnesotans making history
In November, MPR News introduced you to Indigenous Minnesotans who are making positive change in their community. We heard from a few of them on their hopes for the future.
AP-NORC poll: Only half in U.S. want shots as vaccine nears
A new poll finds only about half of Americans are ready to roll up their sleeves for COVID-19 vaccines even as states frantically prepare to begin months of vaccinations that could end the pandemic.
Author explores the taste of Minnesota in new book
What defines traditional Minnesota cooking? Author Patrice M. Johnson says it’s informed by the seasons, and shaped by Scandinavian heritage. But that’s far from the whole picture. Her new book is called “Land of 10,000 Plates: Stories and recipes from Minnesota.”
Minneapolis poised to start cutting police in wake of George Floyd's death, even as mayor and police chief say its a bad idea in the face of rising violence. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Casey Goodson update: Death at deputy's hand is ruled a homicide
The Franklin County, Ohio, Coroner's Office said in a statement that Goodson died of "multiple gunshot wounds to the torso" but did not address the family's claim that he had been shot in the back.
Jupiter and Saturn will be together again for the holidays
At least, that's how it will look to someone craning their head aloft. On the winter solstice, the pair of gas giants will appear closer to each other in the night sky than they have in centuries.
Poll: Just a quarter of Republicans accept election outcome
While 61 percent of Americans overall say they trust the results of the 2020 presidential election, Republicans appear to be taking their cue from President Donald Trump in not accepting the result.
How to grieve after a year of loss
No matter who you are and what your unique experience has been, 2020 has been a year of loss. How do we work through the complicated grief and look toward healing in the new year?
Trump HHS proposal criticized as burden for Biden administration
The rule would require health officials to review about 2,400 regulations on everything from Medicare benefits to prescription drugs approvals. Those not analyzed within two years would become void.
Northern lights possible Wednesday night across Minnesota
The aurora borealis could be visible through the entire state late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning. It’s a product of what may be the strongest solar storm of 2020.
Voyageurs National Park designated a dark sky park
The area in northern Minnesota has some of the darkest skies in the Midwest, which makes the night sky more visible to people on the ground. There are only about 80 such parks worldwide.
Collaboration improves access to dental care in west-central Minnesota
A first-of-it’s-kind collaboration between a state agency and a nonprofit organization will expand access to dental care in west-central Minnesota and could serve as a model for other communities.
Hudson approves three-day, weekly curfew for bars, restaurants
The Hudson City Council has approved a 10 p.m. curfew for bars and restaurants across the city on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. It goes into effect this Friday and lasts through Jan. 3.
UK investigates possible allergic reactions to COVID-19 shot
U.K. regulators said Wednesday that people who have a "significant history'' of allergic reactions shouldn't receive the new Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine while they investigate two adverse reactions that occurred on the first day of the country's mass vaccination program.
A new legal analysis recommending the release of Myon Burrell, a Black man convicted in the 2002 shooting death of an 11-year-old Minneapolis girl, could weigh into his fate as he takes his case before the state Board of Pardons next week.  Burrell was 16 when a stray bullet hit and killed Tyesha Edwards, a Black sixth-grader, as she did her homework at her dining room table. Even though Burrell was a juvenile, he was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, December 9, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Dec. 9 update on COVID-19 in MN: 82 more deaths; cases, hospitalizations ebb
The newest death toll extends an already difficult December, although other pandemic measures improved. Still, Minnesota may soon hit 400,000 cases after passing 300,000 cases less than two weeks ago, the state’s health commissioner says.
With new report recommending his release, Myon Burrell takes his case to pardons board
Burrell was 16 when a stray bullet hit and killed Tyesha Edwards, a Black sixth-grader, as she did her homework at her dining room table. Even though Burrell was a juvenile, he was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. A panel of legal experts found serious flaws in the investigation and recommends Burrell’s release.
Murdock votes to allow whites-only group to use former church
The Asatru Folk Assembly bought an abandoned Lutheran church in the Swift County town of Murdock, with plans to make it a place for worship and celebration. But some residents have voiced opposition due to the AFA’s pro-white beliefs.
Chinese vaccine 86% effective, UAE health ministry says
The Sinopharm vaccine, developed by a Chinese pharmaceutical company, has already been approved for emergency use in a few countries.
Judge hears closing arguments in Minnesota mosque attack
Prosecutors and defense attorneys have delivered closing arguments in the trial of the alleged mastermind behind the bombing of a suburban Minneapolis mosque in 2017.