Welcome to the weekend! The return of a warmer pattern puts all of Minnesota back above average today, with almost the entire state seeing highs in the 20s. There's a chance of freezing drizzle this morning in west-central Minnesota, so be extra-careful if you're driving out in that part of the state. We may see some flurries over the weekend, up to 4 inches by Sunday. A lake-effect wind flow along the North Shore could produce more significant snowfall totals there. Get the latest on the Updraft. Minnesota's pilot program has vaccinated thousands of teachers, but it's also brought chaos, confusion and frustration. Minnesota’s race to vaccinate educators and child care workers is now in its second week. The launch has successfully gotten shots into the arms of thousands of people, but it’s just a fraction of the state’s teaching force. And a drastic change in pilot strategies from state leaders has caused confusion, allowing more people to sign up for the chance to get vaccinated than the number of available shots. That's left around 10,000 teachers on a vaccine waitlist. “It should be good news about these vaccines, and it’s turning into ‘Hunger Games,’” said Nick Faber, president of the St. Paul Federation of Educators. Officials say they’re reviewing their pilot procedures and more doses from the federal government should help with distribution issues in future. Read the full story here. As vaccination speeds up, Minnesota's COVID-19 trends continue to look positive.
New and active caseloads ticked up a little from the prior day’s report, but the trend lines on hospitalizations, active cases and vaccinations continue to be encouraging. On Thursday, Minnesota reported 1,335 new COVID-19 cases — along with 16 more deaths. Active, known case counts came in at 9,893, staying below 10,000 three straight days for the first time since mid-October. Here are Minnesota’s latest COVID-19 statistics: - 6,124 deaths (18 new)
- 458,633 positive cases (1,335 new), 442,600 off isolation (97 percent)
- 6.5 million tests, 3.2 million Minnesotans tested (about 56 percent of the population)
- 5.8 percent of Minnesotans vaccinated with at least one dose
Today, the Minneapolis City Council is taking steps toward the city's first rent control policy. The measure would set limits on the rates at which housing prices can grow. Supporters say rent control is an important part of a larger strategy to keep people in their homes, and it can bring stable households and neighborhoods. Three City Council members are pushing for the rent stabilization measure, hoping to the rent stabilization measure before voters. In addition to regulating rent increases, the City Council is also seeking to protect renters from evictions. Read more here. At 11 a.m.: How are you enjoying outdoors this winter in Minnesota? We are known for our love of outdoor activities, and our enthusiasm for cold weather sports like skiing and snowshoeing — pandemic or not. Today, host Angela Davis talks with two tourism experts about how the pandemic has affected Minnesota's popular winter travel and recreation destinations. Share your pandemic winter activity stories with us by calling 651-227-6000 or tweeting @AngelaDavisMPR during the live show. 🎧 Tune in to stay informed and connected. Here's what's coming up on MPR News today. — Jiwon Choi, MPR News MPRNews.org. | 
