Welcome to Thursday,
Springy! A few spotty showers early. Turning sunny & milder. High 64. Wind NW 10-18 mph. Check out the latest forecast from Updraft.
President Joe Biden returned to the U.S. Capitol, his home for more than three decades, and used his first address to Congress to make the case that the era of big government is back.
Biden said the U.S. is "on the move again" after struggling through a devastating pandemic that killed more than 570,000 Americans, disrupted the economy and shook daily life. And he pitched an expansive — and expensive — vision to rebuild the nation's roads, bridges, water pipes and other infrastructure, bolster public education and extend a wide swath of other benefits. [Read More] 'Madam Speaker, Madam Vice President': Women make history at Biden's joint address
When a president addresses Congress flanked by the vice president and speaker of the House, it's tradition. But when both of those seats are filled by women, it's history in the making.
Such was the case on Wednesday night, when President Joe Biden delivered his first joint address to a scaled-back crowd of mask-wearing lawmakers.
Vaccination urgency remains as case wave ebbs
- Vaccination pace flattens while active caseloads retreating
- About 56 percent of Minnesotans 16 and older have received at least one dose; 42 percent fully vaccinated
- Walz plans more loosening of restrictions
You're vaccinated. Congrats! Now what can you do safely?
NPR spoke with nine infectious disease specialists and epidemiologists about the relative safety of various activities after full vaccination. Bottom line: "If you are fully vaccinated, you should feel good about participating in things that are important to you," says Dr. Preeti Malani, an infectious disease specialist and chief health officer at the University of Michigan.
Just remember, you still want to behave in ways that reduces the risks for everyone.
🎧 Here is what's on MPR News today. — Michael Olson, MPR News | Find me on Twitter @publicmic
| 
