Stories from February 4, 2021

Study shows faster payoff for reaching net-zero by 2050
A recent study shows that if the world can reach net-zero by 2050, global temperatures would stabilize within a few decades. That’s more optimistic than some scenarios suggesting temperatures would keep rising.
How has EMS changed during the pandemic?  
Across the state, first responders are facing shortages of staff and protective equipment as they struggle to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bundle up: Minnesota may be about to break a wind chill record, dating back to 1982 with nearly a week of below-zero windchills. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Wisconsin governor issues new mask mandate after GOP repeal
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers says his priority is keeping people safe and that wearing a mask is the most basic way to do that. Republicans who voted to repeal the order say the Democratic governor has exceeded his authority by issuing new public health emergencies rather than having the Legislature approve extensions.
Lexington Mayor Mike Murphy has announced that he is a Republican candidate for governor in 2022.
Cube Critics Marcheta Fornoff and Euan Kerr discuss the wonders of “Nomadland” and the sadness of “Bliss.”
Author interview: ‘Ida B. The Queen’
To kick off Black History Month, we talk to Michelle Duster, the great-granddaughter of journalist and Black activist Ida B. Wells, about her new intimate biography of her great-grandmother’s legacy.
After Noor ruling, prosecutors seek to reinstate third-degree murder charge against Chauvin
Prosecutors want all four former officers charged in the killing of George Floyd to get an additional charge of third-degree murder. The motion filed Thursday is based on an appeals court decision earlier this week tied to the case of another former Minneapolis police officer, Mohamed Noor, who was convicted in the 2017 killing of Justine Ruszczyk.
Minnesota Orchestra announces $11.7 million deficit for fiscal 2020
COVID-19 cancellations of concerts and the orchestra’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the Symphony Ball, punched a hole in the organizations finances.
Biden plan to expand child tax credit could help lift millions of kids out of poverty
The president wants to expand the federal child tax credit for lower-income households. "In one fell swoop, it'll essentially lower the child poverty rate by more than 40 percent," says analyst Chuck Marr.
Snow shifts eastward and temps plunge; arctic cold this weekend
Who saw the most snow today? We have some updated snow totals, plus a look at the very cold air that’s headed our way. We also have your weekend forecast; it’s time to locate your warmest coat!
You'll never look at your 'Good Neighbors' the same way again
Sarah Langan's new novel takes the old theme of "something rotten in suburbia" and pushes it into the future, in an intense, uncomfortable story about class resentment and the horrors it can lead to.
Clash deepens over Chauvin trial security aid
Senate Republicans say they’re not on board with an advance fund to prepare for possible civil unrest during the trials of former Minneapolis police officers over George Floyd’s death. Instead, they’re seeking to push the cost burden to Minneapolis.
Dangerous cold starts to grip Minnesota
Thursday’s snow moves out, but high winds keep funneling in much colder weather, bringing subzero highs and dangerously cold wind chills by the weekend.
UnitedHealth names former Glaxo CEO Witty to lead company
UnitedHealth Group is promoting former GlaxoSmithKline leader Sir Andrew Witty to become the health insurance provider's next CEO immediately. The company said Thursday that current CEO David Wichmann will retire, more than three years after being promoted from chief financial officer.
As snow moves out Thursday, the cold moves in
Areas of snow associated with a cold front move out quickly Thursday, but gusty winds remain and temperatures continue to fall through the day.
After Myanmar coup, Karen refugees in Minn. fear for homeland
Minnesota is home to one of the country's largest concentrations of the Karen, an ethnic group in Myanmar, who decades ago fled political violence and persecution. Now, they're seeing history repeat itself.
A female white dove that was adored by legions of Prince fans has died. Divinity was one of the original doves Prince kept at his iconic Paisley Park compound. Officials at the mansion-turned-museum say her health had been declining due to age. At 28, Divinity surpassed the average lifespan of most doves.
Vaccinations are the one trend line in the COVID-19 pandemic that Minnesota officials want to see rising rapidly and consistently. Last week, it looked like they were taking off following a flat start. This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, Feb. 4, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
While the possible is possible: A 2021 poetry preview, part 3
In the final installment of our 2021 poetry preview, we bring you books that demonstrate the incredible capaciousness of poetry — and that we hope will be sustaining company for the year ahead.
Biden administration resurrects office to help women 'at the breaking point'
President Joe Biden pledged that equal pay, paid family leave and affordable child care will be at the forefront of his administration's work. He's creating a Gender Policy Council to take these on.
Digital race for COVID-19 vaccines leaves many seniors behind
Glitchy websites, jammed phone lines and long lines outside clinics are complicating the vaccine rollout. And older Americans and those without caregivers and computer skills are at a disadvantage.
CEO of social media app Parler says board fired him
John Matze, Parler's chief executive, was ousted just as the company struggles to find a way back online, with Big Tech companies cracking down on the site after the riot at the Capitol.
'Pouring money from my pocket': Mpls. skyway business owners worried about slow return when COVID relents
By one estimate, 3 out of 5 skyway-level businesses have closed, at least temporarily. Other restaurant and shop owners are hanging on in the hopes that COVID-19 vaccines will spark a rebound.
Art Hounds: Paintings hearken back to warmer seasons
Art Hounds also recommend the work of an artist who uses torn paper to mimic brush strokes and new music from the Iron Range’s Rich Mattson.
State regulators push ahead with 'clean car' rules, despite GOP opposition
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is pushing ahead with proposed “clean car” regulations, despite strong opposition from many Republican legislators. Meanwhile, supporters say it's only a small step toward what's really needed to prevent the worst effects of climate change.
Palm Beach town attorney says Trump can live at Mar-a-Lago full time
In a memo to local officials, John Randolph says he agrees with Donald Trump's lawyer that the former president can legally reside at his private club. "It appears the Zoning Code permits him to," he says.
Takeaways from legal filings for Trump's impeachment trial
The legal sparring around Donald Trump's impeachment trial is underway, with briefs filed this week laying out radically different positions ahead of next week's Senate trial.
Wisconsin mother meets baby delivered during COVID-19 coma
Nearly three months after Kelsey Townsend gave birth to her fourth child, the 32-year-old Wisconsin woman was finally face to face with her. Lucy, now bright-eyed and alert, flashed her a smile. 
Wild 4th NHL team shut down for COVID-19 reasons
The National Hockey League now has four teams paused for virus-related reasons after the Minnesota Wild were shut down through at least Tuesday. The Wild now have six players on the league’s COVID-19 list and had their next four games postponed.