Stories from December 1, 2021

Biden says HIV/AIDS strategy needs to confront inequity
President Joe Biden has unveiled his new HIV/AIDS strategy to end the more than 40-year-old epidemic, calling for a renewed focus on vulnerable Americans.
The Minnesota Department of Health said Wednesday it's not approving anxiety disorders as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, unlike neighboring North Dakota and three other states.
Minnesota abortion rights advocates watch Supreme Court apprehensively, but opponents say they’re heartened by what they heard from the justices today. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
More than 50,000 Minnesotans — many of them Black, Indigenous and people of color — are kept from voting while on probation or supervised release after incarceration. The Minnesota Supreme Court is hearing a case about their voting rights; MPR’s Brian Bakst brought host Cathy Wurzer the story.
The mystery of where omicron came from — and why it matters
How did this new strain of the novel coronavirus evolve? Researchers are investigating various possibilities. One leading theory involves ... just one person.
Cookbook author and cancer survivor finds soup is a balm
Caroline Wright was so touched by offerings of soup when she was fighting a brain tumor that she’s become a de facto soup lady. It inspired her most recent cookbook, “Soup Club,” which features all plant-based soups.
A different kind of COVID vaccine is about ready to roll
Protein subunit vaccines work by injecting people with a tiny portion of a virus. In the case of the COVID-19 vaccine, that tiny portion is the spike protein that the coronavirus uses to enter cells.
Latest on COVID in MN: Case surge appears to ebb; hospital needs still high
The newest numbers offer some hope the fall wave has crested. Hospitalizations, however, remain concerning. Minnesota remains “firmly in the grip” of the COVID virus, the state’s health commissioner said Wednesday.
Fourth student dies from Michigan high school shooting
A fourth student, a 17-year-old boy, died Wednesday from wounds he suffered when a sophomore opened fire at a Michigan high school a day earlier, authorities say.
Deer are catching the COVID-19 virus. What does that mean for humans?
Earlier this month, researchers announced that a stunning number of deer in Iowa had been found to be infected with the coronavirus. Jeff Bender, a veterinarian and public health expert, told host Cathy Wurzer more about the findings and what they mean for humans and the COVID-19 pandemic.
A tough case for the MN Supreme Court: Voting rights for those on probation, supervised release
More than 50,000 Minnesotans — many of them Black, Indigenous and people of color — are kept from voting while on probation or supervised release after incarceration. The Minnesota Supreme Court is hearing a case about their voting rights; MPR’s Brian Bakst brought host Cathy Wurzer the story.
How to deal with the uncertainty surrounding the omicron variant
The discovery of the new omicron variant was first reported to the WHO last week, so researchers haven’t learned much about it yet — but, understandably, some people are worried. Science journalist Maggie Koerth joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk about how we can approach the uncertainty surrounding omicron as individuals and as a society.
A political thriller about sexual misconduct in the #MeToo era
On this week’s show about big books and bold ideas — what a lawyer who investigates sex crimes says about the state of #MeToo and writing a novel about his experience. 
Carpools and church buses: How families are coping with the ongoing bus driver shortage
Parents are coming up with workarounds in how they get their kids to and from school each day. Some have turned to carpools with friends and neighbors, while in other cases, school staffers or after-school care employees have stepped up to fill the void.
Work continues Wednesday to pick a jury in the trial of the former Brooklyn Center police officer charged in Daunte Wright’s killing. Potter’s attorney has made it clear Potter will testify in her defense. This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, December 1, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Overnight precipitation had mostly ended by Wednesday morning, and now the same pattern will send temperatures soaring by afternoon.
Overnight precipitation mostly came to an end Wednesday morning, and now the same pattern will send temperatures soaring by afternoon.
Rep. Omar urges House GOP to address 'anti-Muslim hatred'
Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar on Tuesday played a harrowing death threat recently left for her by voicemail, while imploring House Republican leaders to do more to tamp down "anti-Muslim hatred" in their ranks and "hold those who perpetuate it accountable."
Supreme Court considers whether to reverse Roe v. Wade arguments
At issue is whether to reverse the court's nearly half-century-old decision, Roe v. Wade, and subsequent decisions declaring that women have a constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy.
Kimberly Potter trial: 9th juror seated; Potter to testify
The jury now has nine members out of the 12 jurors and two alternates in the trial of the former Brooklyn Center police officer charged in the Daunte Wright killing. Potter’s attorney has made it clear Potter will testify in her defense.
Kimberly Potter trial: 8 key questions, answered
Former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter is charged in the shooting death of Daunte Wright. Here are answers to key questions around the trial.
CNN suspends Chris Cuomo indefinitely over his role in his brother's defense
CNN said new documents "raise serious questions" about the anchor's role in trying to help his brother, former N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, respond to sexual misconduct allegations.
Pfizer wants the FDA to let 16- and 17- year-olds get a COVID-19 booster shot
Pfizer's CEO says the vaccine maker has asked federal regulators to authorize boosters for 16- and 17-year-olds. Currently, only people 18 and over are eligible for a booster in the U.S.