| Dec. 22, 2020 Winter weather is expected to hit much of the state tonight and tomorrow morning, which will include high winds, dropping temperatures and snowfall. Most parts of the state are expected to see freezing drizzle and snow starting tonight or Wednesday morning. Check out the latest from Updraft. The daily number of COVID-19 cases in Minnesota hit its lowest number since October. But the pandemic reached another grim threshold in the state, with 400,000 positive cases — about 7 percent of the state’s population. And the virus has continued to take its toll in long-term care facilities. Ten of the 22 deaths announced today were residents of these facilities. State officials say residents and staff will start getting vaccinated before the end of the month. Minnesota officials expect the number of overall vaccine doses to increase in the coming weeks, especially now that a second vaccine is becoming available. Around 3,000 health care workers have been vaccinated so far.
Liberians in the U.S. affected by Deferred Enforced Departure will have more time to get permission to legally work here. The extension of an additional year is contained in the stimulus bill that Congress passed overnight. Minnesota is home to the largest Liberian population in the country. Struggling music venues will be another beneficiary of the stimulus package. It includes $15 billion dollars in funding for cultural institutions. Sen. Amy Klobuchar was a key sponsor of the provision.
You can get more of the latest news, in just a few minutes, via the Minnesota Today podcast. — Jon collins | MPR News | 
