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Stories from February 1, 2021

Biden meets Republicans as Democrats push on for virus aid

Biden meets Republicans as Democrats push on for virus aid

President Joe Biden has met with a group of Republican senators who have proposed a slimmed down $618 billion coronavirus aid package, about a third of what he's seeking. The Republicans propose fewer benefits, including $1,000 in direct payments to individuals earning up to $40,000 a year, or $80,000 for couples. 
by The Associated Press

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The growing threat of right-wing extremism 

The growing threat of right-wing extremism 

Emboldened by years of support from the president and encouraged by millions of Americans joining the disinformation whirlpool, far-right extremist groups are growing in number and in danger.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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Study: Killings surge in 2020 as pandemic, protests play roles

Study: Killings surge in 2020 as pandemic, protests play roles

A study that looked at crime rates in 34 cities found a 30 percent spike in homicides in 2020 compared to 2019. Study leaders call for urgent action to improve relations with police and expand anti-violence initiatives. 
by The Associated Press

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Minnesota is making a third try at jump starting widespread COVID vaccinations

Minnesota is making a third try at jump starting widespread COVID vaccinations, with an online map and a push for health care providers to reach out to seniors. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

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Moderna increases COVID-19 vaccine shipments while Pfizer lags behind

Moderna increases COVID-19 vaccine shipments while Pfizer lags behind

The two companies producing COVID-19 vaccines for use in the United States will have to raise production to meet contractual goals of 100 million doses each by the end of March.
by Sydney Lupkin

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Judge’s emergency reprieve sides with Minneapolis teachers 

Judge’s emergency reprieve sides with Minneapolis teachers 

Minneapolis public school teachers who have accommodations to work from home cannot be forced to return to in-person work this week after a Hennepin County judge issued a temporary restraining order against the state’s third-largest district.
by Elizabeth Shockman

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Report: Many U.S. nursing home staff decline first COVID shots

Report: Many U.S. nursing home staff decline first COVID shots

Only a little more than a third of nursing home workers have been getting shots against COVID-19 when the vaccinations are first offered. A CDC expert says more staffers do get vaccinated when a second or third clinic is held at a nursing home.
by The Associated Press

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Legal cannabis bill returns with prospects still hazy

Legal cannabis bill returns with prospects still hazy

Minnesota House Democrats have again introduced legislation to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, but it is unlikely to move in the Republican Senate.
by Tim Pugmire

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Many Latinos are hesitant to get a COVID-19 vaccine

Many Latinos are hesitant to get a COVID-19 vaccine

Worries about how quickly the vaccine was developed and what long-term effects it may have are keeping some Latinos from getting vaccinated for the coronavirus.
by Brenda León

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Meatpacking companies, OSHA face investigation over coronavirus in plants

Meatpacking companies, OSHA face investigation over coronavirus in plants

The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis is seeking documents from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, as well as three of the country's largest meatpacking companies.
by Rachel Treisman

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What does poverty look like in 2021?

What does poverty look like in 2021?

Americans struggle in a pandemic year marked by economic hardship.
by Angela Davis and Arfie Ghedi

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Biden threatens sanctions on Myanmar after military coup

Biden threatens sanctions on Myanmar after military coup

President Joe Biden is threatening new sanctions on Myanmar after its military staged a coup and arrested the civilian leaders of its government, including Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. Biden assailed the country’s army for the coup, calling it a “direct assault on the country’s transition to democracy and rule of law.”
by The Associated Press

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Who's getting vaccinated — and who's not?

Who's getting vaccinated — and who's not?

While many Americans are clamoring to get a COVID-19 vaccine, others are turning down their doses despite being prioritized based on their age, occupation or risk level. Two doctors discussed the vaccine rollout, who is opting out and what groups are currently being missed.
by Kerri Miller and Marcheta Fornoff

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Ep. 8: A pre-Super Bowl, pre-Valentine's Day potluck

Ep. 8: A pre-Super Bowl, pre-Valentine's Day potluck

We’re waxing nostalgic this week in The Warming House — remembering how wonderful it is to walk through art museums and hang out with friends, and how that’s changed since the Before Times. We also heard from a pair of pizza delivery pros and a two women organizing a massive mask-sewing effort.
by Nina Moini, Sean McPherson and Tiffany Hanssen

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Ida. B Wells: The life and power of the pioneering journalist

Ida. B Wells: The life and power of the pioneering journalist

Kerri Miller is here with her Thread Must-Read book recommendation.  This week she’s got the story of a pioneering journalist and often-overlooked crusader more Americans should know about.
by Kerri Miller

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Trump names new defense team ahead of Senate impeachment trial

Trump names new defense team ahead of Senate impeachment trial

Attorneys David Schoen and Bruce Castor Jr. will help defend the former president in next week's trial before the Senate on one article of impeachment, "incitement of insurrection."
by Jaclyn Diaz

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35K vaccine doses for older Minnesotans this week; permanent sites to open

35K vaccine doses for older Minnesotans this week; permanent sites to open

More than 35,000 Minnesotans ages 65 and older will be able to get COVID-19 vaccines this week at community vaccination sites but also at clinics and hospitals, Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday. The state is also opening up three permanent vaccination sites, in Minneapolis, Duluth and southern Minnesota.
by MPR News Staff

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Spurred by the Capitol riot, thousands of Republicans drop out of GOP

Spurred by the Capitol riot, thousands of Republicans drop out of GOP

About 4,600 Republicans changed their party status in Colorado in the immediate aftermath of the Capitol riot. Other states are reporting similar defections from the GOP.
by Andrew Kenney

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February starts mild, then temperatures plummet

Following a warm January, February starts off mild and quiet, then takes a big turn the second half of the week. A storm Thursday brings both snow chances and the coldest weather parts of Minnesota have seen since December.
by Nicole Mitchell

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Report: Hate groups in decline, migrate to online networks

Report: Hate groups in decline, migrate to online networks

During one of the most politically divisive years in recent memory, the number of active hate groups in the U.S. actually declined as far-right extremists migrated further to online networks, reflecting a splintering of white nationalist and neo-Nazi groups that are more difficult to track.
by The Associated Press

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Highs in the 20s for the first day of February

February is off to a very mild start, even though limited sunshine is expected Monday.
by Nicole Mitchell

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'Fully erased': With Harris' rise, there are no Black women in the Senate

'Fully erased': With Harris' rise, there are no Black women in the Senate

The lack of a Black woman in the Senate has turned a moment of triumph for many thrilled to see Kamala Harris ascend to the vice presidency into something more bittersweet.
by Juana Summers

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Minnesota Department of Health expected to announce next steps in COVID-19 vaccination effort

The Minnesota Department of Health is expected to announce an increase in vaccine doses for people 65 and older, and more ways to get those vaccinations. This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, Feb. 1, 2021. Hosted by Phil Picardi. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

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From fees to IDs, a deep dive into Walz budget

From fees to IDs, a deep dive into Walz budget

While tax rates and increased classroom aid will drive the budget debate, smaller but important changes that line Gov. Tim Walz’s plan could have a better shot at passage.
by Brian Bakst

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Trump names two lawyers to impeachment defense team

Trump names two lawyers to impeachment defense team

Former President Donald Trump announced a new impeachment legal defense team Sunday, one day after it was revealed that he had parted ways with an earlier set of attorneys with just over a week to go before his Senate trial.
by The Associated Press

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Military stages coup in Myanmar, detains Aung San Suu Kyi

Military stages coup in Myanmar, detains Aung San Suu Kyi

Myanmar's military staged a coup Monday and detained senior politicians including Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi — a sharp reversal of the significant, if uneven, progress toward democracy the Southeast Asian nation has made following five decades of military rule.
by The Associated Press

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GOP lawmakers across the U.S. seek tougher voting rules after record turnout

GOP lawmakers across the U.S. seek tougher voting rules after record turnout

The proposals are advancing not only in Texas and other traditional red states but also in such places as Arizona, Georgia and Pennsylvania that supported Donald Trump four years ago, then backed Joe Biden in November.
by The Associated Press

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