Jan. 11, 2021

Tonight, look for partly to mostly cloudy skies. Lows 15 to 21. Tomorrow will be partly sunny with highs in the 30s. Clouds will come back Tuesday night, with lows in the mid 20s. And we're gaining daylight as we cross off the days in January. Find the latest on the Updraft .

The controversial president of the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis says he’s retiring. Bob Kroll announced his departure in a letter to the department’s rank and file. He said he’d previously planned to retire in May, but moved up his retirement by four months in what he called the interest of his family. He recommended federation vice president Sherral Schmidt lead the union going forward.

Gov. Tim Walz criticized Republican legislative leaders Monday for not taking a strong enough stand against the political violence in Washington and recent threats made in Minnesota. Republican leaders have compared the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol last week to protests here after the police killing of George Floyd.

Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-East Gull Lake, said during the Monday event that he condemns all rhetoric that threatens violence. Comparing the recent events to the protests last summer against racial injustice, he said both sides need to tone down their rhetoric.

Minnesota will send a contingent of National Guard members to Washington next week ahead of potential further unrest over the change of power in the White House.

The head of the National Guard says at least 10,000 troops will be deployed in Washington, D.C., by Saturday, and an additional 5,000 could be requested from other states, including Minnesota.

In COVID-19 news, deaths and coronavirus cases plunged in the data posted Monday by the Minnesota Department of Health. The Health Department on Monday reported 980 newly confirmed or probable cases of the disease, along with four additional deaths. Both of those daily figures came in at levels not seen since October.

While Monday’s low death report was encouraging, “we’re not anticipating this signals a new trend necessarily,” Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm told reporters.

You can get more of the latest news, in just a few minutes, via the Minnesota Today podcast. — Tim Nelson | MPR News

Trump faces 'incitement of insurrection' impeachment charge

With nine days left before President Donald Trump's term comes to an end, the House of Representatives is forging ahead with plans to try to remove the president from office over his role in his supporters' violent attack last week on the U.S. Capitol.

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Oxygen, iPads and PPE: St. Cloud doctor treating COVID-19 patients recalls year of change

Central Minnesota, like much of the state, has edged close to crisis several times since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with hospital beds at a premium. Now, the pressure is beginning to ease, though health officials warn the state could swing quickly back into crisis.

Acting Homeland Security chief Wolf is resigning

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf is stepping down from his post, days after criticizing President Donald Trump over the riot at the U.S. Capitol. Wolf said in a message to staff Monday that he would step down at 11:59 p.m. Monday, even though he had earlier said he planned to remain in his job.

Standardized tests during COVID become flashpoint for Minnesota students learning English

Advocates for English-language learners in Minnesota’s K-12 schools had been pleading with state education officials to postpone mandatory testing this month, saying it was one more inequity for immigrant children during the pandemic.

Minnesotans with disabilities wonder when they'll get COVID-19 vaccine

Vaccines would allow people with disabilities to regain important connections with family, friends, as well as return to work. Studies indicate people with disabilities are more at risk of death from coronavirus infection.

How online sleuths identified rioters at the Capitol

As private researchers and ordinary individuals scrutinized online video and photos of the assault at the U.S. Capitol, they have identified some of those who took part and assisted law enforcement.

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