Stories from December 3, 2021

Hennepin Theatre Trust buys iconic Brave New Workshop
As they pass on the torch of responsibility for Brave New Workshop, long-time co-owners John Sweeney and Jenni Lilledahl say adaptability to change is part of the comedy institution’s fabric.
Weekend storm will ease snow drought up north
Snow cover is running well below average across Minnesota for early December.
Colorado supermarket shooting suspect incompetent for trial
Experts have determined that a man charged with killing 10 people at a Colorado supermarket earlier this year is mentally incompetent to stand trial for now.
Jury selection is complete in the trial of former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter. She is charged in the April killing of Daunte Wright. This is an MPR News evening update for Dec 3, 2021. Hosted by Nathan Stevens. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Explainer: Who are the jurors in the trial of Kimberly Potter?
The jurors in former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter's trial in the death of Daunte Wright are a mostly white group, with two people who identify as Asian and one as Black.
Man charged with allegedly harassing judge overseeing Potter case
Prosecutors say on Nov. 6, 32-year-old Cortez Aaron Rice entered a Minneapolis apartment building and went to the floor where he believed Judge Regina Chu lives. 
Buying Minnesota-made for the holidays
How’s that holiday gift list coming along? Host Angela Davis helps you shop local for the holidays. Learn about Minnesota makers and retailers where you can find local goods for everyone on your list.  
Congress avoids a government shutdown — but a long to-do list looms
Lawmakers are juggling must-pass items, like addressing the nation's borrowing authority and an annual defense authorization package, along with major political priorities for Democrats.
Wrapping up a warmer than normal autumn
From September through November, more than 60 percent of days were warmer than normal in Minnesota, according to retired University of Minnesota meteorologist and climatologist Mark Seeley. He ran down the balmy weather and more with host Cathy Wurzer in their weekly weather chat.
Netflix is making a feature film about the Thanksgiving grandma text mix-up
One grandmother's mistaken text message — and the friendship the followed — is now being adapted into a Netflix feature film. Jamal Hinton and Wanda Dench say they "hope it inspires more people to reach out and make connections that they wouldn't ordinarily make."
Cross country skiers grapple with how to rid their sport of 'forever chemicals'
For decades, PFAS, the group of so-called “forever chemicals,” have been used to make ultra-fast wax that’s prized by cross country skiers. The industry is slowly trying to wean itself from the wax. But it will still be allowed at a big national-level race in Duluth this weekend.
Getting outdoors this winter 
The difference between enduring winter and enjoying winter might be as simple as finding an outdoor activity that makes you happy. Host Angela Davis talks about winter biking, snowshoeing, skiing and other ways to have fun in winter. 
Hiring was a bust in November, even before omicron, with 210,000 jobs added
Hiring slowed sharply last month, even as the unemployment rate fell to 4.2 percent. Data from the Labor Department suggest the economy was losing steam even before the appearance of a new COVID-19 variant.
Opening statements are still set for Dec. 8 in the trial of the former Brooklyn Center police officer charged in Daunte Wright’s killing. Jury selection is expected to finish on Friday. This is an MPR News morning update for Friday, December 3, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Winter blast: Heavy snow, cold target Minnesota this weekend
Following a mild Friday, major changes impact Minnesota over the weekend thanks to a storm that brings heavy snow, high winds, and much colder temperatures.
The wet weather that impacted Minnesota early Friday continues to move out, giving way to more sunshine and mild temperatures.
Leonard is the brightest comet all year. Here's how to see it
The comet was discovered less than a year ago near the orbit of Jupiter. Now, observers in North America can see it in the northeastern sky around sunrise.
Minnesota’s COVID tracking retooled amid surge, variants
Contact tracing has evolved to include the most-pressing COVID-19 cases rather than casting a wider net. But a smartphone app is producing more exposure alerts than ever.
Kimberly Potter trial: Jury chosen; opening statements Wednesday
Jury selection ended Friday morning for the trial of the former Brooklyn Center police officer charged in the Daunte Wright killing. Opening statements are set for Dec. 8. Potter is expected to testify during the trial.
21 states poised to ban or severely restrict abortion if Roe v. Wade is overturned
So-called "trigger laws" in 12 states would automatically enact an abortion ban if Roe v. Wade is overturned. In nine others, bans that were blocked by courts or have long been unenforced could take effect.
Forest Service to cut entry permits into the Boundary Waters
The U.S. Forest Service said it plans to reduce the number of entry permits into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area next summer. The goal is to reduce the impacts on the wilderness, but it also reduces the number of customers for canoe outfitters in the region.
Multiple cases of omicron virus variant detected in NYC
Health officials say multiple cases of the omicron coronavirus variant have been detected in New York, including a man who attended an anime convention in Manhattan in late November and tested positive for the variant when he returned home to Minnesota.