Stories from January 11, 2021

FBI warns of plans for nationwide armed protests next week
The FBI is warning of plans for armed protests at all 50 state capitals and in Washington, D.C., leading up to President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.
Officials say wing extremism remains a real threat for Minnesota, as the FBI warns of weekend attack, and the governor reveals his family was threatened at his residence. This is an evening news update from MPR news, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Fallout from D.C. riot filters down to Minnesota Capitol
Tensions surfaced Monday among Minnesota political leaders over the pro-Trump mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol last week.
State Sen. Michelle Benson on vaccine rollout
The state passed a milestone last week, with more than 100,000 Minnesotans having received their first dose. But some say the process is not going quickly enough.
Parler sues Amazon, seeking to restore web service
"Over the past several weeks, we've reported 98 examples to Parler of posts that clearly encourage and incite violence," Amazon Web Services said, according to court documents.
Minneapolis police Lt. Bob Kroll moves up retirement to end of January
Kroll attracted support from his union, but also withering criticism from those who sought reform of the Minneapolis department and accountability of officers accused of brutality or were involved in fatal incidents.
Minnesota National Guard members requested for Biden inauguration
Minnesota’s National Guard will contribute to an increased military presence in Washington for the presidential inauguration of Joe Biden next week. 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.
Minnesota's businesses reopen, again
On Monday, food, drink and entertainment venues were allowed to reopen with restrictions — again. How are business owners and employees feeling about the shifting of the rules? Plus, we look at the latest economic news with MPR News senior economic contributor Chris Farrell.
New York State Bar Association considers expelling Rudy Giuliani
The bar association said it received "hundreds of complaints in recent months" about Giuliani, ultimately deciding Monday to launch a "historic" inquiry into the president's attorney.
Ep. 6: Cooling down and pressing on
We covered a lot of ground this week in The Warming House. Starting on a cool note Waxahatchee's album "St. Cloud," gathering essential advice from Sanni Brown on homeschooling, talking about furry friends with The Uptown Veterinarian and getting a much needed Silver Lining from the executive director of The Warming House music venue in Minneapolis, Brianna Lane — who played live! Remember live music?
How online sleuths identified rioters at the Capitol
As researchers gave the online video and photos closer scrutiny, they produced forensic evidence that has identified those involved.
Parler squeezed as Trump seeks new online megaphone
Though stripped of his Twitter megaphone, President Donald Trump does have alternative options of much smaller reach. They are led by the far right-friendly Parler, though that's getting increasingly difficult. Parler has already had its wings clipped, however. Google and Apple have removed it from their online stores and Amazon has kicked it off its web-hosting service.
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.
Morning temperatures across the state are ranging from 15 to almost 40 degrees above average Monday morning, and highs will also be mild for January.
Records show fervent Trump fans fueled U.S. Capitol takeover
The evidence gives lie to claims that the violence was perpetrated by left-wing antifa activists rather than supporters of the president. An FBI official says investigators have seen "no indication" antifa activists were disguised as Trump supporters during the Capitol riot.
Minnesota health officials had been watching for signs that a new, more contagious variant of the coronavirus had entered the state — and over the weekend, they received confirmation. The Health Department reported late Saturday that five people in the Twin Cities metro area had contracted the variant — and that it likely was more widespread across the state. This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Capitol assault a more sinister attack than first appeared
The full extent of the assault on the U.S. Capitol is coming into sharper focus, with scenes of violence so vast they are difficult to grasp. New videos and witness accounts reveal the sinister nature of the assault. And they point to the crowd as a force determined to occupy the inner sanctums of Congress and hunt down leaders.
Biden chooses veteran diplomat William Burns as CIA director
A former ambassador to Russia and Jordan, William Burns, 64, had a 33-year career at the State Department under both Republican and Democratic presidents. He rose through the ranks of the diplomatic corps to become deputy secretary of state before retiring in 2014 to run the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Jan. 11 update on COVID-19 in MN: New daily cases, reported deaths ebb
Despite the hopeful numbers Monday, the state’s health commissioner says officials expect to see daily death and case counts trending higher again following the year-end holidays.
Report: Minnesota air quality good — but not for everyone
A new report says Minnesota's air quality is good overall, but isn't the same in all parts of the state. It finds people in some areas experience pollution levels high enough to affect the health of children, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. 
In wake of Capitol attack, House begins moves to impeach Trump — again
As the House prepares for impeachment, President Donald Trump faces a single charge — "incitement of insurrection" — over the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol, according to a draft of the articles obtained by The Associated Press.
Philosopher Michael Sandel on the politics of the common good
Political philosopher Michael Sandel of Harvard University speaks in the Aspen Ideas series about his new book, “The Tyranny of Merit: What’s Become of the Common Good?”
Trump remains defiant amid calls to resign
President Donald Trump enters the last days of his presidency isolated and shunned by former allies and members of his own party as he faces a second impeachment and growing calls for his resignation.
What Biden's Cabinet picks say about how he plans to govern
The president-elect announced his final Cabinet picks this past week. Some nominees have decades of experience in their respective agencies — and that's especially important, Democrats say, as the pandemic and economic turmoil rage.
Pelosi says House will impeach Trump, pushes VP to oust him
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday the House will proceed with legislation to impeach President Donald Trump as she pushes the vice president and the Cabinet to invoke constitutional authority to force him out, warning that Trump is a threat to democracy after the deadly assault on the Capitol.