Stories from January 18, 2021

Minnesota is poised to launch a new community vaccination network, but needs more doses to accelerate shots to wider populations. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
COVID-19’s growing death toll reflects persistent health disparities
As America’s COVID-19 death toll surges, racial health disparities remain persistent. Two physicians spoke about structural issues that exacerbate racial disparities as well as solutions for closing the gaps.
'Aftershocks' is a powerful memoir of a life upended — then pieced back together
When Nadia Owusu was 4 years old, her Armenian American mother disappeared from her life. When she was 13, her Ghanaian father died. Owusu reflects the losses and her biracial identity in her memoir.
3 questions and the emerging answers about COVID-19 vaccine protection
First, can someone who has been vaccinated still spread the disease? Second, will the vaccine remain effective as the virus itself evolves? And third, how long will the vaccine's protection last?
Efforts underway to counter vaccine fears in St. Cloud’s Somali American community
In St. Cloud’s Somali American community, there's deep distrust around vaccinations that predates the COVID-19 pandemic, and questions already are swirling. Some local health officials and community leaders worry that might prevent people from getting the vaccine.
Minnesota goes on a temperature rollercoaster this week, from highs climbing back into the 30s to the coldest weather so far this month.
Poetry challenge: Honor MLK by describing how you dream a world
As we celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, Morning Edition asks for you to write a poem that starts with the words "I dream a world."
Protests to support President Donald Trump at the Minnesota Capitol on Saturday and Sunday drew only a handful of people. They came as authorities in state capitals across the country are on alert for possible violence ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration on Wednesday. This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, Jan. 18, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Woman who may have stolen laptop from Pelosi's office is arrested
A witness, identified as a former romantic partner of the woman, says she intended to sell the computer to a Russian friend, who planned to then pass it to the Kremlin's foreign intelligence service.
Jan. 18 update on COVID-19 in MN: New pilot vaccination program expands those eligible for limited supply
Minnesota is launching a new pilot program to expedite COVID-19 vaccinations of Minnesotans age 65 and older at community vaccination sites across the state. The program also includes plans to distribute a share of the limited vaccines for child care and school staff.
Understanding Martin Luther King's complex legacy
The APM documentary, “King’s Last March” explores the complex legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
FBI vetting Guard troops in DC amid fears of insider attack
U.S. defense officials say they are worried about an insider attack or other threat from service members involved in securing President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, prompting the FBI to vet all of the 25,000 National Guard troops coming into Washington for the event.
Twitter temporarily suspends congresswoman over election fraud claims
Twitter on Sunday temporarily suspended the account of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Republican congresswoman from Georgia who has expressed racist views and support for QAnon conspiracy theories online.
Democrats build impeachment case, alleging 'dangerous crime'
Democrats and the incoming administration are facing the challenge of reckoning with the Capitol attack at the same time that Biden takes office and tries to move the country forward. They say Congress can do both.
Heavy fortified statehouses around the U.S. see small protests
Small groups of right-wing protesters gathered outside heavily fortified statehouses around the country Sunday, outnumbered by National Guard troops and police brought in to prevent a repeat of the violence that erupted at the U.S. Capitol.