MPR News PM Update
Jan. 15, 2021

An unseasonably warm air mass for mid-January muted snowfall totals from our latest winter storm. Snowfall totals were cut by about one-third in this storm. Expect more drizzle and snow tomorrow, highs in the 20s across much of the state, and similar conditions Sunday, cloudy with a high near 30 degrees in the Twin Cities. Find the latest on Updraft.

Minnesota authorities say they are not aware of credible threats to the state Capitol but they’re not leaving anything to chance.

Officials briefed Minnesotans Friday on their efforts to safeguard the building while allowing for peaceful demonstrations in the days ahead. Despite initial concern that Minnesota’s Capitol was a target of militant groups, Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington says that does not appear to be the case for the moment.

Daily COVID-19 cases in Minnesota were up slightly Friday.

There are 1,640 newly reported COVID-19 cases in the state, up slightly over Thursday. That puts the seven-day average at around 1,700 cases per day, down from an average of 2,400 per day a week ago. 

The Minnesota Department of Health also reported 33 new COVID-19 related deaths, including one person in their late 40s.

The state's positivity rate is at 4.9 percent over the last seven days. Anything below 5 percent is considered manageable. 

You can get more of the latest news, in just a few minutes, via the Minnesota Today podcast. — Nina Moini | MPR News
 
'At war with this virus': Biden lays out his COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan
President-elect Joe Biden's sweeping American Rescue Plan includes ambitious proposals to bring the pandemic under control. Biden is shared details of the part of his plan focused on the vaccination rollout Friday afternoon.
- Thursday Biden unveils $1.9 trillion COVID relief plan
- $1,400 checks and help for the jobless 
What's in Biden's plan
 
Are you 65 or older? What you need to know about getting your COVID-19 vaccine
The state says health care providers are now allowed to vaccinate people 65 and older, and those who have underlying health conditions — if they have extra doses. The announcement appears to be the first step in following new federal guidance on who should be next in line to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Thursday State expands vaccination pool
- Walz, governors complain over 
Pace of COVID vaccine shipments
 
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U.S. says no direct evidence of 'kill/capture teams' so far in Capitol riot
The top U.S. prosecutor for the District of Columbia cited a "disconnect" after federal prosecutors in Arizona said there was "strong evidence" that pro-Trump rioters intended to kill officials.
 
'We will continue on': White Earth doctor finds hope, resilience in connection despite pandemic
Native nations in Minnesota managed the early months of the coronavirus pandemic with relatively few cases and deaths. But that changed in the fall, as COVID-19 cases and deaths surged. A doctor helping lead the coronavirus response for the White Earth Nation talks about fighting the virus with science and spiritual practices.
 
'I may not get there with you': An eyewitness account of MLK's final days
Clara Jean Ester was a college student in 1968 when she saw Martin Luther King Jr. give his final speech. A day later, Ester was at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn., when he was assassinated.
 
Southwest Light Rail Transit line faces delays
Met Council officials say the 14.5-mile line between Eden Prairie and Minneapolis will not begin service as originally scheduled.
 

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