Sunny, brisk Friday. Today's snow is expected to move out of the metro area by late afternoon, but it may linger into the early evening in parts of southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Sunshine returns Friday, but temperatures remain below average, with highs in the 30s.

Minnesota reports a record 7,228 new COVID-19 cases today. As officials warn that state hospitals are close to reaching their capacity, Minnesota also reported its second-highest daily number of deaths at 39. So far, at least 2,793 Minnesotans have died of COVID-19. 

There have been more than 200,000 confirmed positive cases across Minnesota so far, with the number increasing dramatically over the last few weeks.

Minnesotans can get tested for COVID-19 at the Twin Cities airport and by mail. Testing is free to Minnesota residents. Although reservations are encouraged, walk-in appointments are also available. 

The airport site is the ninth saliva-testing facility open around the state. Another saliva-testing site is opening next week in Burnsville. Turnaround for mail-in testing is expected to be about 48 hours plus delivery time. 

State environmental regulators issued several key permits today that just about clear the way for Enbridge Energy to build its controversial Line 3 oil pipeline. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Pollution Control Agency both approved permits for the Line 3 project. 

Now, Enbridge just needs a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and one additional permit that's expected from the MPCA in the next month.