Stories from January 8, 2021

 Why is the coronavirus vaccine rollout going slowly? 
Was the United States ready for the biggest vaccination effort in history? Host Kerri Miller talks to two public health experts about the bumpy vaccine rollout and ways to fix it.
A primer on invoking the 25th Amendment
A growing number of lawmakers are calling for Vice President Mike Pence to remove President Donald Trump from office by using the powers granted in the 25th Amendment. Two lawyers discussed how that legal process would work if invoked.
Stauber says he is 'disappointed' in Trump but doesn't support impeachment
U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, who represents Minnesota’s 8th District, called the Capitol attack “unacceptable,” and said President Trump bears some responsibility for his heated rhetoric ahead of the incident. But the Republican congressman stressed that the tone of politics on both sides needs to “calm down.” 
Democrats plan lightning Trump impeachment, want him out — now
If President Donald Trump were to be impeached by the House and convicted by the Senate, seemingly unlikely, he might also be prevented from ever holding public office again. He would be only the president twice impeached. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also discussed other ways Trump might be forced to resign.
The violent clash that left five people dead and many injured at the U.S. Capitol has the Minnesota Department of Public Safety concerned about safety at the State Capitol. This is the MPR News afternoon update for Jan. 8, 2021. Hosted by Nina Moini. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Robbinsdale police officers fatally shoot man with knife
Robbinsdale police say their officers fatally shot a man with a knife Friday morning after a brief vehicle chase in a residential neighborhood.
Longtime Dakota County chief prosecutor James Backstrom to retire
After more than three decades as Dakota County attorney, Backstrom told staffers Friday morning that he plans to retire next month. “You judge your career by your efforts to pursue justice in a fair and impartial way with integrity. In that regard, I’m always going to hold my head up high,” the outgoing county attorney says.
More than 100,000 Minnesotans have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Among them is 73-year-old Judy Olson of St. Paul, who is currently living with her daughter, Melissa, after an outbreak at her senior living complex.
Weekend forecast: Saturday clouds; skies may brighten Sunday afternoon
Our mild (for January) temps will stay with us this weekend. Saturday looks murky, but we may see a bit of sunshine Sunday afternoon. We have details on that, plus an updated Minnesota snow depth map.
Ben Sasse rips Trump for stoking mob, calls Josh Hawley's objection 'really dumbass'
In an interview with NPR, the senator called the president's conduct a "flagrant dereliction of his duty." He also criticized Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley for his challenge to the election's results.
U.S. tops 4,000 daily deaths from the coronavirus
The U.S. has topped 4,000 daily deaths from the coronavirus for the first time, breaking a record set just one day earlier.
Public Safety Commissioner Harrington on Capitol security measures
Security remains high at the Minnesota State Capitol complex, days after a mob of pro-Trump insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol, interrupting the certification of Joe Biden’s win.
Temperatures in Minnesota have been warmer than normal so far this year, particularly in northern Minnesota. That’s according to retired University of Minnesota climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley, who discussed the balmy weather and more with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer.
Pandemic pricetag: U.S. employers cut 140,000 jobs in December
The runaway pandemic put more pressure on the U.S. job market last month. Employers shed 140,000 jobs as the unemployment rate held steady at 6.7 percent.
RI governor, Boston mayor among Biden adds to economic team
President-elect Joe Biden has announced Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo as his choice to become commerce secretary, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh as his candidate for labor secretary and Isabel Guzman as his pick to lead the Small Business Administration.
Minnesota is in for another dreary day Friday, with most of the state seeing fog through the morning and predominantly cloudy skies all day.
President Trump won't attend Joe Biden's inauguration
President Donald Trump says he won’t attend President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20. He will be the first incumbent president since Andrew Johnson to skip his successor’s inauguration.
Nearly 400,000 doses of the vaccine have been delivered to Minnesota since mid-December. This is an MPR News morning update for Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Stay or go? After Trump-fueled riot, aides debate early exit
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao on Thursday became the highest-ranking administration officials to resign over the pro-Trump insurrection. But some of Trump's critics don't give those in the early exit caucus much credit for walking away from their jobs with less than two weeks left.
Jan. 8 update on COVID-19 in MN: 48 more deaths, 2,387 new cases
The latest COVID-19 data records 48 new deaths and 2,387 new cases on Friday. Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said this week that officials are watching for any bump in COVID-19 cases due to holiday gatherings.
Police officer's death intensifies Capitol siege questions
A police officer has died from injuries sustained as President Donald Trump's supporters stormed the Capitol, intensifying questions about the defeated president's remaining days in office and the ability of the Capitol police to secure the area.
Publisher cancels book by Sen. Hawley, citing his role in inciting Capitol attack
Simon & Schuster says it has decided not to publish a forthcoming book by Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley, citing the lawmaker's role in fomenting this week's "disturbing [and] deadly insurrection" at the U.S. Capitol.
On far-right websites, plans to storm Capitol were made in plain sight
The groundwork for the attack on the U.S. Capitol was laid five years ago, say experts on extremism and social media — but one was surprised when this time, the rhetoric turned into real violence.
GOP's Loeffler concedes to Warnock in Georgia runoff
Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler has conceded to Democrat Raphael Warnock in one of two Georgia Senate runoffs that will give control of the U.S. Senate to Democrats.
How are you processing the violence in D.C. that unfolded Wednesday?
Violence and chaos erupted at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday afternoon, as a pro-Trump mob stormed the building. How are you talking to your family and friends about what you’re seeing and hearing? How are you processing it all?