Stories from January 26, 2021

Another storm will likely track through the Midwest this weekend. But will the heaviest snows fall across Iowa again?
CDC makes case for school reopening
Federal researchers say, with proper safety precautions, schools don't seem to fuel outbreaks, with some exceptions, such as indoor sports practices.
Chauvin trial won’t include Floyd’s past scrapes with the law
A ruling issued Tuesday by Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill is the latest indicator of what will be allowed as evidence in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who faces murder and manslaughter charges in the killing of George Floyd.
At some of MN's large hospital systems, teleworkers, volunteers, construction workers have COVID vaccine advantage
State officials say Minnesota’s medical institutions have taken a liberal view of who should be in the early rounds of vaccination. And it’s come at the cost of making sure shots get to the people who need them most.
Hundreds of teachers vaccinated as more students return to classrooms
Hundreds of Minnesota’s educators are expected to be vaccinated as schools start bringing students back into the classroom. Host Angela Davis spoke with school leaders about the return to in-person learning.
GOP largely votes against holding Trump impeachment trial
The Senate on Tuesday rejected a Republican attempt to dismiss the trial, allowing the case on “incitement of insurrection” to move forward. 
Gov. Tim Walz’ proposal aims to help balance the budget and to further fund Minnesota’s response to COVID-19. The two-year budget plan announced Tuesday would establish a fifth-tier income tax rate for an estimated 21,000 households, including married couples making more than $1 million and single filers making over $500,000. This is the afternoon MPR News update for Jan. 26, 2021. Hosted by Nina Moini. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Justice Department rescinds ‘zero tolerance’ immigration rule
Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson issued the new memo to federal prosecutors across the nation, saying the department would return to its longstanding previous policy and instructing prosecutors to act on the merits of the cases. 
Minnesota lawmakers start push for legal sports betting
A pair of legislators renewed a bipartisan, bicameral push Tuesday to legalize sports betting in Minnesota, but the proposal again faces long odds in passing this year. 
Biden administration to boost vaccine supply amid shortages
President Joe Biden announced the surge in deliveries to states Tuesday, along with the news that the federal government is purchasing an additional 100 million doses each of the two approved vaccines. With existing purchases, the White House expects to be able to deliver enough of the two-dose regimens to states to vaccinate 300 million people.
Biden, in first call with Putin, presses on Navalny, treaty
President Joe Biden had his first call with Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, raising concerns about the arrest of opposition figure Alexei Navalny while pressing the Russian president on his nation’s involvement in a massive cyberespionage campaign and bounties on American troops in Afghanistan, two senior administration officials said.
Walz budget would hike taxes on highest earners, boost school spending
The governor’s recommendations kick off a budget debate that will last well into spring. His call for tax increases on high-end earners and corporations will encounter pushback from Republican legislators.
Two men plead guilty to arson in Minneapolis unrest
Two men have pleaded guilty to federal arson charges in connection with fires that were set inside the Target corporate headquarters during unrest that followed rumors of a police shooting in downtown Minneapolis last August.
Minnesota's vaccine lottery system spawns equity concerns
Some in their 60s are wondering if they should step aside so those in their 80s have a better chance at getting a shot. Some white residents are wondering if it's fair for them to receive a vaccine over those in Black, American Indian and Hispanic communities, who have been disproportionately hit by the virus. 
Cold weather prevails through Thursday, including a couple of very frigid mornings. Milder weather and a chance for snow return by the weekend.
'THIS IS ME': Rioters flaunt involvement in Capitol siege
In dozens of cases on social media, Trump supporters downright flaunted their activity on the day of the deadly insurrection. Some, apparently realizing they were in trouble with the law, deleted their accounts only to discover their friends and family members had already taken screenshots and sent them to the FBI.
Goade becomes first Native American to win Caldecott Medal
Illustrator Michaela Goade became the first Native American to win the prestigious Randolph Caldecott Medal for best children's picture story, cited for "We Are Water Protectors," a celebration of nature and condemnation of the "black snake" Dakota Access Pipeline.
As Minnesota’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues, the state has expanded its pool of eligible recipients and is changing the way vaccines are allocated at its pilot sites.This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Twitter permanently bans My Pillow CEO
Twitter has permanently banned My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell's account after he continued to perpetuate the baseless claim that Donald Trump won the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
In Minnesota, a growing interest in reviving the local butcher shop
Temporary food supply disruptions prompted by the coronavirus pandemic have led more consumers to look for direct connections with farmers. It’s put a spotlight on a problem that's been developing for years in Minnesota: a shortage of the small meat processing operations that are a key link between farmers and consumers.
Minneapolis police Chief Arradondo withdraws from consideration for San Jose job
Minneapolis police Chief Medaria Arradondo has pulled his name from consideration to lead San Jose's Police Department after being listed as one of several finalists for the position. He was appointed Minneapolis’ chief in 2017.
McConnell relents on Senate filibuster stalemate
The Senate minority leader backed down from demands that Democrats promise to keep the filibuster intact. He and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer can now negotiate a power-sharing agreement.
Humankind documentary: 'Reforming the courts'
From the Humankind documentary series, “Judicial Independence,” a new documentary about reforming the federal court system.
Lawmakers hear recommendations to end structural racism in Minnesota
Exactly eight months after the killing of George Floyd, a new Minnesota legislative committee is urging lawmakers to consider a number of measures designed to close gaps across race in education, housing and public health and the criminal justice system.
U.S. virus numbers drop, but race against new strains heats up
Health experts warn the more contagious and possibly more deadly variant sweeping through Britain will probably become the dominant source of infection in the U.S. by March. Other mutant versions are circulating in South Africa and Brazil. The variant from Brazil was detected in Minnesota for the first time in the U.S.
Paying debts: Months after his COVID-19 death, woman sorts out what her father left behind
A Minneapolis woman lost her father to COVID-19 early in the pandemic. But she didn’t feel the impacts of his death in a single moment. They’ve rippled out over months. She’s still sorting through all he left behind.