Stories from January 1, 2021

Mild weekend temps; no arctic chill in sight
We have mild temps in our weekend forecast, and you won’t see any new snow piling up. We have details on that, plus the January temperature outlook.
U.S. surpasses 20 million confirmed coronavirus cases
In less than two months, the country doubled its total number of infections, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Here’s what we know about the fatal police shooting outside a Minneapolis gas station
Dolal Idd, 23, was shot and killed Wednesday by Minneapolis police during a tense traffic stop on the city’s south side. It was the first fatal police shooting for the city since the killing of George Floyd in May. Police released body camera footage that appears to show Idd shooting at officers before they return fire, but many questions remain.
In a first, Congress overrides Trump veto of defense bill
Congress has overridden President Donald Trump's veto of a defense policy bill, a first by lawmakers since he took office nearly four years ago. In an extraordinary New Year's Day session, the Republican-controlled Senate easily turned aside the veto.
Tell me something good: Joyful news in a really bad year
Most people will probably agree that it's been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year. MPR News host Angela Davis recently walked around the Minnesota state fairgrounds, Rosedale Mall and Mall of America and asked people to tell her something good. Take a listen to hear what is bringing people joy.
As Georgia awaits, GOP still has Senate control
The consequences of Georgia's twin Senate runoffs are well known: They'll determine which party controls the Senate. But the circumstances of Georgia's seats and the timing of the Jan. 5 runoffs make things a bit messier.
Biden's pick to lead Treasury made over $7M in speaking fees
President-elect Joe Biden's choice to be treasury secretary, Janet Yellen, collected more than $7 million in speaking fees in 2019 and 2020 from major financial firms and tech giants including Citi, Goldman Sachs and Google. That's according to financial disclosure forms as part of her nomination.
Pence seeks dismissal of suit aiming to overturn election
The Justice Department has asked a federal judge to dismiss a last-gasp lawsuit led by a House Republican that seeks to give Vice President Mike Pence the power to overturn the results of the presidential election won by Joe Biden when Congress formally counts the Electoral College votes next week.
2020 is behind us and as we look back at the weather in Minnesota, the two biggest trends were that it was a warm and a dry year across the state. And now, the first days of 2021 are going to start off similarly — mild and dry.
Don't let the pandemic winter get you down: 9 creative ways to socialize safely
With bad pandemic news and endless social distancing, it can already feel like the longest winter ever. But keeping up nourishing bonds of human connection is possible with a little ingenuity.
U.S. Rings In New Year With Subdued Celebrations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged people find an alternative option for celebrating the holiday — with an aim to avoid large crowds and indoor gatherings.
Florida becomes 3rd U.S. state to identify new coronavirus variant
"The individual is a male in his 20s with no history of travel. The Department is working with the CDC on this investigation," Florida Department of Health officials announced Thursday.
Shutdown, impeachment, virus: Chaotic Congress winds down
Congress is ending a chaotic session with a rare rebuff by Republicans of President Donald Trump. GOP senators are ignoring the outgoing president's demand to increase the $600 COVID-19 aid checks to $2,000. 
Minneapolis police release body cam video, apparently showing suspect firing at officers before they fired, killing him in a gas station parking lot. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.