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Stories from December 17, 2020

Corrections commissioner on COVID exposure inside Minnesota’s prisons

Corrections commissioner on COVID exposure inside Minnesota’s prisons

Since March, most of Minnesota's facilities have remained on semi-permanent lockdown to stop the spread of COVID-19. Despite restrictions, inmates and corrections staff are still getting sick.
by Angela Davis and Karen Zamora

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Wintry mix into Friday

A wintry mix visits much of Minnesota into Friday.
by Paul Huttner

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How will Moderna meet the demand for its COVID-19 vaccine?

How will Moderna meet the demand for its COVID-19 vaccine?

Despite being founded a decade ago, Moderna has never had a product make it to market. And the company registered its first factory with the Food and Drug Administration just this week.
by Sydney Lupkin

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Cube Critics talk Meryl Streep and comets

Cube Critics Marcheta Fornoff and Euan Kerr discuss 'Let Them All Talk" and "Greenland"

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Emmer won't call Biden president-elect

Emmer won't call Biden president-elect

Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer acknowledged the Electoral College has certified Joe Biden's win over President Trump but said that the process is still not over.
by MPR News Staff

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2020 was supposed to be cooler — it could be hottest on record

2020 was supposed to be cooler — it could be hottest on record

La Niña weather patterns are supposed to bring cooler weather. But 2020 could become the hottest on record despite in being a La Niña year.
by Paul Huttner

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‘Who you are is valuable’: How Black male teachers in Minnesota are recruiting others to the profession

‘Who you are is valuable’: How Black male teachers in Minnesota are recruiting others to the profession

Minnesota K-12 students are more racially diverse than they've ever been. But it's a different story for the state's educators — Black teachers in particular make up just 1.4 percent of the state’s teaching population. One Twin Cities nonprofit organization is hoping to change that.
by Riham Feshir

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'Tis the season to celebrate. Here's how to do it safely

'Tis the season to celebrate. Here's how to do it safely

Many favorite holiday traditions could be treacherous this year because of the coronavirus. Here's how experts view the risks — and some creative, safer alternatives to keep up a festive mood.
by Patti Neighmond, Rosemary Misdary, Jane Greenhalgh and Carmel Wroth

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New book explores fragments of humanity’s past

New book explores fragments of humanity’s past

Fossils are the subject of a Minnesota author’s book that delves into humanity’s origins and the quest to find the oldest skeleton ever.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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U.S. cyber agency: Computer hack poses 'grave risk'

U.S. cyber agency: Computer hack poses 'grave risk'

The computer breach threatens federal, state and local governments, as well as private companies and organizations. In addition, the hack is ongoing and will be extremely difficult to remove.
by Bill Chappell and Greg Myre

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Minnesota bars' licenses suspended for defying restrictions

Minnesota bars' licenses suspended for defying restrictions

Attorney General Keith Ellison is seeking to enforce a closure order and penalize businesses that flouted restrictions from Gov. Tim Walz. They also face the loss of their liquor licenses.
by Brian Bakst

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'Plow Bunyan?' MnDOT to name snowplows in Minnesota

'Plow Bunyan?' MnDOT to name snowplows in Minnesota

MnDOT tweeted Thursday they will take a page out of Scotland’s book and start naming snowplows in Minnesota.
by Paul Huttner

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The secret to success? Having a big sister

A new study suggests big sisters have a powerful impact. (Sorry, big brothers, you don't make as much of a difference.) But there are also potential downsides for the sisters.
by Nurith Aizenman

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In historic pick, Biden taps Haaland as interior secretary

In historic pick, Biden taps Haaland as interior secretary

President-elect Joe Biden has picked New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland as interior secretary. The historic pick Thursday would make Haaland the first Native American to lead the powerful federal agency, which has wielded influence over the nation's tribes for generations. 
by The Associated Press

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Without resources, vaccine rollout could 'fall at the last hurdle,' journalist warns

Without resources, vaccine rollout could 'fall at the last hurdle,' journalist warns

Atlantic writer Ed Yong says the COVID-19 vaccination program will be the most complicated the U.S. has ever attempted: "It's going to be a slow process, and there are a lot of possible roadblocks."
by Terry Gross

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U of M President Gabel on COVID-19 challenges, plans

U of M President Gabel on COVID-19 challenges, plans

The University of Minnesota is facing a major budget shortfall as it grapples with losses in its athletics department, coupled with low revenue from student housing and other pandemic-related challenges.
by Cathy Wurzer

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A Mpls. cop told Somali American teens he was proud U.S. troops killed ‘you folk’. Union fought to keep his job.

A Mpls. cop told Somali American teens he was proud U.S. troops killed ‘you folk’. Union fought to keep his job.

The officer’s words — described as volatile, prejudiced and horrific — remained a secret for five years. They highlight the Minneapolis Police Department’s troubled relationship with people of color and especially the Somali community.
by Tony Webster

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Weekend forecast: no real weather drama; flirting with 40 on Sunday

Some people like too see a blanket of snow this time of year. That won’t happen in most areas this weekend. We have your weekend forecast details.
by Ron Trenda

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Biden to nominate Brenda Mallory to run Council on Environmental Quality

Biden to nominate Brenda Mallory to run Council on Environmental Quality

Mallory, an Obama veteran, would take the helm at a White House office where she worked as former general counsel. The CEQ is seen as critical to address climate change and environmental equity.
by Neela Banerjee and Rebecca Hersher

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Russia gets its doping ban reduced but will miss next 2 Olympics

Russia gets its doping ban reduced but will miss next 2 Olympics

A panel from the Court of Arbitration for Sport found that Russia was not in compliance with international anti-doping rules. It is banned from using its flag, name and anthem for two years.
by Merrit Kennedy

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Only chances for light snow into next week

Mild weather continues over the next week. While still uncertain, it does look like a system may pass through the state Wednesday that could bring a fresh coat of snow, especially to northern Minnesota, right before Christmas. 
by Nicole Mitchell

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Driver dies after calling 911 to say he had been shot

A man died early Thursday after calling 911 to report that he had been shot while driving down University Avenue in St. Paul, according to police. Preliminary information indicates the victim may have been shot by someone in another vehicle, police said. No arrests have been made.
by The Associated Press

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FDA panel recommends Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use

FDA panel recommends Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use

Advisers to the Food and Drug Administration voted 20-0 to recommend that the agency authorize Moderna's vaccine for emergency use during the pandemic. There was a single abstention. 
by Scott Hensley

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Thursday remains dry and mild

Temperatures across Minnesota stay above average all day, although breezy winds keep the wind chill in the teens most of the day.
by Nicole Mitchell

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Bars and restaurants fume at continued indoor dining ban

About 100 hospitality businesses have pledged to defy the governor’s order to remain closed. Some establishments that have opened despite the shutdown order have faced steep penalties including the suspension of liquor licenses. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, December 17, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

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Dec. 17 update on COVID-19 in MN: 83 deaths; hospitalizations, cases easing

Dec. 17 update on COVID-19 in MN: 83 deaths; hospitalizations, cases easing

The newest data extends an awful December — 1,065 COVID-19 deaths reported in the first 17 days of the month. Counts of new cases and hospitalizations, though, continue to retreat from their late November, early December highs.
by MPR News Staff

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Analysis: Are restaurants and bars feeding Minnesota's COVID-19 spread?

Analysis: Are restaurants and bars feeding Minnesota's COVID-19 spread?

Bar and restaurant owners say their COVID-19 numbers don’t justify Gov. Tim Walz’s ban on indoor dining. MPR News data reporter David Montgomery took a deep dive into the limited, available data. Here’s what he found.
by David H. Montgomery

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French President Macron tests positive for coronavirus

French President Macron tests positive for coronavirus

The Élysée Palace said President Emmanuel Macron will quarantine for seven days following his positive test results.
by Jaclyn Diaz

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Art Hounds: A holiday performance with soul

Art Hounds: A holiday performance with soul

Plus, a virtual Rock and Roll Christmas Spectacular from central Minnesota and a Duluth-based puzzle room to play with friends over the holidays.
by Emily Bright

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Bars and restaurants fume at continued indoor dining ban; some pledge to defy order

Bars and restaurants fume at continued indoor dining ban; some pledge to defy order

Many restaurateurs and bar owners are worried their businesses won’t be able to survive at least another three weeks of restrictions on indoor service. Meanwhile, about 100 hospitality businesses have pledged to defy the governor’s order to remain closed.
by Mark Zdechlik

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The annual economy year-in-review with Chris Farrell and Louis Johnston

The annual economy year-in-review with Chris Farrell and Louis Johnston

Economist Louis Johnston and MPR’s Chris Farrell size up the economy at year’s end and look to the future in the annual program hosted by MPR’s Gary Eichten.
by MPR News Staff

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Duluth officer 'off duty indefinitely' after internal review

The Duluth Police Department says the actions of an officer charged in a September shooting that left a man with a bullet lodged in his shoulder went against department policies and training regarding the use of force.
by The Associated Press

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In 'Funny Boy,' a young Sri Lankan gay man comes of age as ethnic tensions explode

In 'Funny Boy,' a young Sri Lankan gay man comes of age as ethnic tensions explode

Deepa Mehta's new film, “Funny Boy,” is Canada's Oscar submission. It's being distributed by Ava DuVernay's company and premieres on Netflix. It's based on the novel by Shyam Selvadurai.
by Bilal Qureshi

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Vice President Pence to get COVID-19 vaccine publicly on Friday

Vice President Pence to get COVID-19 vaccine publicly on Friday

The vice president is scheduled to get the vaccine in an event that will be publicly broadcast as officials seek to calm people's fears surrounding the vaccine.
by Alana Wise

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Experts look to overcome immigrant skepticism of COVID vaccine

Experts look to overcome immigrant skepticism of COVID vaccine

Many immigrants and refugees are likely to be skeptical. Experts say listening closely, relying on community leaders, and maybe incentives will help.
by Joey Peters

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