Stories from November 23, 2021

State leaders say they’re getting more monoclonal antibody treatments for Minnesotans who have contracted COVID. MPR News evening update for Nov 23, 2021. Hosted by Natasha Senjanovic. Our theme music is by Gary Meister. 
Man charged with 5 homicide counts in deadly Waukesha crash
Prosecutors in Wisconsin have charged a man with intentional homicide in the deaths of five people who were killed when an SUV was driven into a Christmas parade. Prosecutors say a sixth person, a child, has died and additional charges are pending.
COVID-19 spike sending Minnesota students home, closing schools
Minnesota’s rise in COVID-19 cases is prompting some school leaders to cancel classes, move students to distance learning or make changes to their safety policies.
The opioid reckoning in Minnesota
More than 75,000 people died last year in the United States from an opioid overdose. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about why more people are using opioids and what we’re learning about how to treat opioid addiction.
Jury finds rally organizers liable for the violence that broke out in Charlottesville
Plaintiffs alleged that the organizers and participants of the 2017 "Unite the Right" rally conspired to commit violence and interfered with their right to be free from racially-motivated violence.
Minnesota legislative leaders have been going around and around on whether there will be a special session this year to address hero pay for frontline workers, drought relief and nursing home stability measures. Republican Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller told host Cathy Wurzer he's willing to set aside Republican threats to oust health commissioner Jan Malcolm in exchange for other agreements, which DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman called a big move forward.
Minnesota expands access to COVID antibody treatment
More Minnesotans will have access to monoclonal antibody treatment to stave off hospitalization resulting from a COVID-19 infection. This announcement comes as capacity at Minnesota hospitals reaches record levels, and case counts remain high.
A St. Olaf football player is building a barbershop — and a platform for student-athletes
Oles Against Inequality, a group of student-athlete activists at St. Olaf College in Northfield, has organized a pop-up barbershop on campus to better serve their school's diverse communities. Aidan Lloyd, the founder of OAI, told host Cathy Wurzer why he thinks it's important for athletes to speak up and take action.
Miller, Hortman closer to deal on MN legislature special session
Minnesota legislative leaders have been going around and around on whether there will be a special session this year to address hero pay for frontline workers, drought relief and nursing home stability measures.
Dr. Jay-Sheree Allen on how to stay safe from COVID-19 this Thanksgiving
As COVID-19 case numbers surge in Minnesota, you might be wondering how to stay safe at Thanksgiving gatherings this week. Dr. Jay-Sheree Allen joined host Cathy Wurzer to answer common questions and offer her advice.
MPR's Tim Nelson on federal military doctors bolstering MN hospitals
Dozens of military medical personnel will be pulling on scrubs and stepping into patient rooms at Hennepin Healthcare in downtown Minneapolis this week. MPR reporter Tim Nelson gave host Cathy Wurzer the latest on the medical response team from FEMA and the Department of Defense.
Science shows a massive Marvel plot hole: Thanos couldn't have snapped with a glove
Researchers have determined that "the blip" couldn't have happened because you can't snap with a glove on. They also found that snapping is one of the fastest motions the human body can create.
Stalemate over special session appears to be easing
Legislative leaders plan to resume negotiations over a special session agenda that would include pandemic worker bonuses, drought aid and nursing home assistance. Republicans signaled they’re willing to wait on commissioner confirmation votes.
Mild Tuesday, cold Thanksgiving Day; good travel weather
Much milder temperatures will blow in from the south on Tuesday. Thanksgiving Day will be on the cold side. Good travel conditions will continue for Minnesota and Wisconsin through the week.
Minnesota poet, teacher and men’s movement founder Robert Bly was a major figure in American literature for decades. He died Sunday. This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, November 23, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Bus crashes, catches fire in Bulgaria; at least 45 dead
A bus carrying people home to North Macedonia from a tourist trip to Istanbul crashed and caught fire in western Bulgaria early Tuesday, killing at least 45 people, authorities said.
Breezy and much milder Tuesday; good travel weather continues
A southerly wind will bring much milder temperatures to Minnesota on Tuesday. Good travel conditions will continue for Minnesota and Wisconsin through the week.
The move is an effort to bring down rising gas prices. Gasoline prices nationwide are averaging about $3.40 a gallon, more than double their price a year ago, according to the American Automobile Association.
Ann Patchett reflects on love and relationships in new essay collection
Even when nominally about something else, the essays in “These Precious Days” are about the weight and grief of relationships. "I was asking what mattered most in this precarious and precious life."
The white ghosts haunting Native Americans in 'The Sentence'
Louise Erdrich's novel turns the trope of the haunted Indian burial ground on its head with the story of a Native-run bookstore being visited by the ghost of a white woman obsessed with indigeneity.
Voice-only telehealth might go away with pandemic rules set to expire
State rules were temporarily loosened in 2020 to help patients get care outside a doctor's office. But is telehealth by phone safe and effective? State legislatures and insurers must soon decide.
A Native American man wants police reform in Duluth. His son wants to be a cop
Blair Powless is part of a community effort to reform Duluth’s Police Department, work that stems from a long personal history of negative interactions with law enforcement. But some of those same hurtful experiences have fueled Powless’ son Key to want to become a police officer.
A barbershop of their own: St. Olaf students bring diverse barbers to campus
A group of student athletes at St. Olaf College — many of whom are people of color — decided that instead of traveling outside of Northfield to find barbers who specialize in cutting different hair textures, they would bring the barbers to campus.
Remembering the Waukesha Christmas parade victims
At least five people died and 48 others were injured, the Waukesha, Wis., police chief said. Officials have also identified one suspect.
Woman serving prison sentence in death of newborn may see early release
The Minnesota Board of Pardons appears ready to commute the sentence of Samantha Heiges, who was convicted in Dakota County in 2008 and has been in the Shakopee prison since 2009.