Stories from January 20, 2021

Our one-day micro-thaw gives way to arctic air by late Thursday. Saturday brings a chance for significant snow.
Minnesota plays a part in maroon and gold for Biden inauguration, as Amy Klobuchar emcees the transfer of power on the Capitol’s west front. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Fire at homeless encampment in St. Paul leaves one dead
A person sheltering in a tent has died after an apparent fire near the Mississippi riverfront in St. Paul, the city’s fire officials said.
Bernie Sanders and his mittens win the Inauguration Day meme game
The solemn day representing the peaceful transfer of power was peppered with moments of levity, including various memes celebrating the winterwear donned by the Vermont senator.
Listen to highlights of the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony
Highlights of the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony of Joseph R. Biden on Wednesday, Jan. 20.
Tracking potentially plowable snow Saturday
It’s still early in the forecast process with snowfall about 72 hours away. Forecast models continue to paint potentially plowable snow for much of Minnesota Saturday through Saturday night.
On Day One, Biden targets Trump policies on climate, virus
On his first day in office, President Joe Biden is moving to dismantle Donald Trump's legacy by signing a series of executive actions that reverse course on immigration, climate change, racial equity and the handling of the coronavirus pandemic. 
Vice President Harris: A new chapter opens in U.S. politics
Vice President Kamala Harris broke the barrier Wednesday that has kept men at the top ranks of American power for more than two centuries when she took the oath to hold the nation's second-highest office.
17 House GOP freshmen write to Biden about working together
The group includes several lawmakers who backed challenges to the electoral votes, as well as those who voted last week to impeach President Trump.
Fact check: Biden's inaugural address
Joe Biden gave his inaugural address after being sworn in as the 46th president of the United States. NPR reporters annotated his speech live with fact checks and analysis.
In 'Remote Control,' drones fly over the yam fields of a near-future Africa
Nnedi Okorafor's multi-faceted new novella follows a young girl in a near-future version of Ghana who becomes the Adopted Daughter of Death — but she can't quite figure out how that happened.
Following milder weather Wednesday and Thursday, temperatures dive again late-week, then more snow targets Minnesota Saturday and Sunday.
Trump revokes administration ethics rules on his way out the door
Members of the Trump administration won't have to wait five years before lobbying the agencies where they worked. Trump had been highly critical of former President Bill Clinton for a similar reversal.
Significantly milder weather returns Wednesday, along with gusty winds and more sunshine for much of the state.
Trump bids farewell to Washington, hints of comeback
Donald Trump pumped his fist and waved as he departed the White House on Marine One Wednesday for the last time as president, leaving behind a legacy of chaos and tumult and a nation bitterly divided.
After weeks of vaccinating health care workers and nursing home residents and staff, the state of Minnesota has opened up vaccinations to anyone 65 and older to get the COVID-19 vaccine. But the rollout, billed as a pilot, was almost too popular. This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Jan. 20 update on COVID-19 in MN: Active caseload lowest since mid-October
While the January numbers continue to look encouraging, public health leaders caution another COVID-19 wave is likely. They are also pleading with an increasingly frustrated public for patience with the vaccination rollout.
Watching history from afar, some Harris supporters feel 'robbed' of a big moment
For so many people, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris' inauguration is a momentous occasion. But it is also a moment that has been stripped of much of the traditional pomp and circumstance.
Thousands of vaccine slots for older Minnesotans fill quickly, demand swamps phone lines, website
After weeks of vaccinating health care workers and nursing home residents and staff, the state of Minnesota has opened up vaccinations to anyone 65 and older to get the COVID-19 vaccine. But the rollout was almost too popular.
Here's what Biden plans to do in his 1st day as president
When he gets into the Oval Office, President- elect Joe Biden plans to sign 17 executive actions on priorities like COVID-19, climate, racial justice — and rolling back Trump rules.
Republicans try to change laws to curtail Walz powers
Republicans in the Minnesota Senate are turning to legislative remedies to try to curtail the emergency powers Gov. Tim Walz has been using to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Biden takes the helm as president: 'Democracy has prevailed'
Joe Biden has taken the helm as the 46th president of the United States, summoning the tradition of American resilience to confront a historic confluence of crises. He used his inaugural address to urge people to come together to heal a nation left deeply divided by a tumultuous four years. More history was made at his side, as Kamala Harris became the first woman to be vice president. 
Prosecutors seek to try officers accused of killing Floyd together in summer
State prosecutors are enlisting the help of a prominent Minnesota epidemiologist as they seek to recombine the trials of four former Minneapolis police officers charged in the killing of George Floyd and delay the proceedings until summer.
Biden arrives for inauguration with big plans, big problems
President-elect Joe Biden is making a sober entrance to the nation’s capital, ready to assume power as the nation reels from the coronavirus pandemic and soaring unemployment. There's also serious concern about whether more violence could be in the offing as he prepares to take the oath of office on Wednesday.
How have museums made it through the pandemic?
On Jan. 11, the state's museums were allowed to reopen once more — at 25 percent capacity. MPR News guest host Chris Farrell spoke with three museum directors about the year they’ve had and what visitors can expect as they gradually re-open their doors.