Stories from January 19, 2021

Another return to school, with only 6,000 vaccine doses for MN teachers, child care workers
Students are back in classrooms, but only a small number of Minnesota educators and child care workers were registered to get vaccinated for COVID-19.
Doctor uses own doubts about vaccine to assure patients
Dr. Nathan Chomilo is convinced that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, but he also doesn’t hesitate to tell his patients that he had many of the concerns they share with him in clinic.
Federal court strikes down major Trump climate rollback
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia says the Trump administration acted illegally under the Clean Air Act in easing federal regulation of pollution from power plants.
One-day thaw: A shot at 40 Wednesday
Get ready for a one-day warmup. Arctic air returns Thursday into the weekend.
First day demand crushes debut of Minnesota's vaccine registration system, but officials say they’re taking steps to meet even more appointments. This is an evening news update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Trump wishes Biden luck without naming him in farewell video
President Donald Trump is offering rare, kind words to his successor in a farewell video as he spends his final full day in office. Trump in the video, however, did not utter President-elect Joe Biden’s name.
Tribal leaders blast congressman opposed to Biden nomination
A group of Native American tribes in a Minnesota congressman's district is rebuking him for his attempts to derail President-elect Joe Biden's pick for Interior secretary.
What is the Democratic Party’s mandate?
What do the results from this year’s election tell us about the priorities of Democratic voters? Two political scientists shared their views on the eve of President-elect Biden’s inauguration.
'Doctors Blackwell' tells the story of 2 pioneering sisters who changed medicine
Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman in America to earn her medical degree. Her sister Emily followed in her footsteps. Janice Nimura tells the story of the "complicated, prickly" trailblazers.
Tracking a possible winter storm Saturday
A windy but milder Wednesday gives way to another cold front Thursday. Saturday brings a potentially plowable snow system.
Everything you need to know about getting the COVID-19 vaccine in Minnesota
As Minnesota’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues, the state has announced the next two priority groups can start getting vaccinated. While more options are available for finding a vaccine, the state is warning that the number of doses available will continue to be limited. Here’s what you need to know.
McConnell said Trump 'fed lies' to mob about Biden election
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell opened the Senate on Tuesday saying the pro-Trump mob that stormed the Capitol was “fed lies” by the president and others in the deadly riot to overturn Democrat Joe Biden's election.
SAT discontinues subject tests and optional essay
The College Board, citing the pandemic for the changes, will shift focus to a new digital version of the college entrance exam.
The history in 'Angel of Greenwood' could not be more timely
Randi Pink's new novel follows a young couple, Angel and Isaiah, whose budding love is set against the backdrop of historical tragedy: the Tulsa race massacre of 1921.
'Peanuts' pen pals find comfort in correspondence
After being furloughed from his job at the Denver International Airport, Wesley Morgan began writing to over 500 older adults living in isolation due to the pandemic. He says 142 responded, and many have become consistent correspondents.
Two books to reflect on climate change in 2021
Kerri Miller provides her Thread Must-Read recommendations and she says 2021 will be a good year for great writing about climate change.
Behind Capitol security lines, COVID-19 is still main topic
Lawmakers are pressing for information about Minnesota’s COVID-19 strategy as they meet in a locked-down Capitol.
Tuesday is shaping up to be the coldest day so far this month for most of Minnesota, and it also brings areas of light snow.
Thousands of Minnesota elementary students will be on their way to school Tuesday morning — some of them seeing their classrooms in person for the first time ever.  This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Joe Biden to propose 8-year citizenship path for immigrants
President-elect Joe Biden plans to unveil a sweeping immigration bill on Day One of his administration, hoping to provide an eight-year path to citizenship for an estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without legal status
Jan. 19 update on COVID-19 in MN: 6 deaths; new cases below 1K
The January path remains encouraging following an awful November and December, but public health leaders still caution that another COVID-19 wave is likely.
Senate begins Biden Cabinet confirmation hearings as impeachment trial looms
The first five hearings on Tuesday include nominees who are already signaling sharp departures from the policies enacted under President Trump. They also showcase the diversity that Biden has vowed to be a hallmark of his Cabinet, and more broadly of his approach to his presidency.
Poll: Most Americans think Trump will be remembered as a subpar president
By a 60 percent to 27 percent margin, Americans said they thought Donald Trump would go down as either one of the worst presidents in history or below average. President-elect Joe Biden is viewed more positively.
It’s back to school — again — for many of Minnesota’s youngest students
Thousands of Minnesota elementary students will be on their way to school Tuesday morning — some of them seeing their classrooms in person for the first time ever. The return of in-person instruction is again shifting the picture of what education looks like in the middle of a pandemic. 
Minneapolis MLK Day speakers: Deval Patrick, Rev. Bernice King and Andrew Young
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast “virtual” speakers in 2021: Rev. Bernice King and Ambassador Andrew Young. As well as the 2016 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast keynote speaker: former Massachusetts governor and civil rights attorney Deval Patrick.
Renewed conversations about racial justice
As we remember the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we revisit some of the conversations about racial justice that are happening today.