Stories from March 5, 2021

Trump is no longer tweeting, but online disinformation isn't going away
While removing former President Donald Trump from social media has led to a significant decrease in election-related disinformation, online falsehoods about the election and vaccines continue to flourish.
After Floyd’s killing, police reform efforts not fast or far enough for some
As the Derek Chauvin trial looms, police reform efforts by state and local leaders inspired by George Floyd’s killing move forward — though not fast enough or far enough for people calling for immediate and transformational change.
Are we raising unhelpful, bossy kids? Here's the fix
In some cultures kids roll their eyes when asked to do chores. In others, they'll pitch in without even being asked. Researchers have identified two key practices to raise helpful children.
The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled Friday that a lower court erred by striking a third degree murder charge against Derek Chauvin. The former Minneapolis police officer is expected to go on trial Monday on charges of second degree unintentional murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd last year. This is the afternoon MPR News update for March 5, 2021. Hosted by Nina Moini. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Is spring break in a pandemic giving you decision fatigue?  
Spring break is coming up and people are deciding whether to travel or stay home as the CDC recommends. Host Angela Davis talks to a behavioral scientist and a mom blogger about why making plans in a pandemic is making your brain tired. 
'Tragic': Driving was down in 2020, but traffic fatality rates surged
A report estimates that traffic deaths rose 8 percent last year compared to 2019. When measured by number of miles driven, fatalities surged by 24 percent, the highest in nearly a century.
Former State Department aide charged in connection with capitol riot
Federico Klein, who served as a midlevel aide in the Trump State Department, was arrested and charged with several counts connected to the Capitol attack, including assaulting an officer.
 The movie 'Fargo' marks its 25th anniversary
Host Angela Davis talks with Todd Melby about his new book on the making of the movie “Fargo.” Was the 1996 crime drama by the Coen Brothers based on a true story and were those Minnesota accents for real?
1 shot or 2 shots? 'The vaccine that's available to you — get that'
As the new Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine rolls out, the health care community is trying to ward off misconceptions about it. The vaccine's one-shot feature may be what wins many over.
Pregnancy is typically a time of connection and celebration with family and friends, but that experience has changed dramatically this year. The birth experience is different, too.
NFL names its first Black female official
"I am honored to be selected as an NFL official," said Maia Chaka, a teacher in the Virginia Beach area. "It is an accomplishment for all women, my community, and my culture."
State data shows disparities in race, ethnicity of who's getting COVID-19 vaccine
For people of color in Minnesota age 65 and older, the percentage of people receiving vaccinations is trailing slightly their share of the state's population. That's even as communities of color have seen higher rates of serious illness and death from COVID-19.
Study: On-premises dining linked to increased COVID-19 cases
A study published Friday in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found that cases and deaths decreased after states enacted mask mandates and increased after they reopened on-premises dining.
Activist and author Jemar Tisby on how to fight racism
Author Jemar Tisby believes we stand at a turning point. Will the racial reckoning kicked off by a string of police killings in 2020 be enough to produce lasting change?
Wisconsin wolf hunt overshoots quota, worrying conservationists
After gray wolves were removed from the federal endangered species list, hunters in Wisconsin killed nearly twice the allowed quota of gray wolves.
Appeals court says judge in Chauvin case ‘erred,’ must reconsider additional murder charge
Citing its own opinion last month in a separate police killing case, the Minnesota Court of Appeals says the district court needs to reconsider the addition of third-degree murder charges against former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin.
Gov. Walz to head to Mankato for State of the State address
For the second consecutive year, Gov. Tim Walz won’t make the address in the state House chamber. That’s due in large part to the pandemic and restrictions on large gatherings.
Reports: NY officials altered count of nursing home deaths
Some New York lawmakers are calling for Gov. Andrew Cuomo's impeachment after reports late Thursday that his top aides altered a state Health Department report to omit the true number of people killed by COVID-19 in the state's nursing homes.
Record warmth likely next week
Already mild temperatures turn even higher by Sunday, putting parts of Minnesota in a position to set record highs. Plus, needed rain returns and we may even see thunderstorms next week.
Senate resumes work on virus bill after jobless benefit deal
Senate leaders and moderate Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin have struck a deal over emergency jobless benefits, breaking a nine-hour logjam that had stalled the party’s showpiece $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill. 
Quiet and mild weather continues Friday with most of the state seeing highs in the 40s and 50s again.
Pope Francis begins historic visit to Iraq
The pontiff arrived at Baghdad International Airport where he was greeted by the prime minister. During his four-day visit, Francis will focus on Iraq's ancient but dwindling Christian community.
A Minneapolis City Council panel has moved forward the latest proposal to eliminate the city’s Police Department as it is and pave the way for a new Department of Public Safety similar to the state agency. The council's Public Health and Safety Committee voted to approve a proposal Thursday to allow Minneapolis voters to decide the fate of the Police Department this fall. This is an MPR News morning update for Friday, Mar. 5, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Research: Scanning wastewater could offer advance warning of COVID — or other viruses
A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, Minnesota researchers say their effort to learn whether surveying a community’s sewage could help detect the prevalence of COVID-19 — and possibly predict surges of the virus — appears promising.
Latest on COVID in MN: Vaccination pace quickens; UK variant outbreak 'rapidly growing' in Carver Co.
Minnesota’s newest data shows the vaccination trend line climbing. Gov. Tim Walz said the state may be able to “break the back” of the pandemic in the next four weeks. Meanwhile, state health officials are recommending a two-week suspension of youth sports in Carver County amid an outbreak of a COVID-19 variant.
Musicians tackle powerful, personal topics for 10th round of Cedar Commissions
Over the past 10 years, the Cedar Commissions series in Minneapolis has been a platform for emerging musicians. The show will go on this year in streaming format, starting Friday night, as the artists take on subjects both powerful and personal.
Study finds wildfire smoke more harmful to humans than pollution from cars
In Southern California, pollutants from wildfire smoke caused up to a 10 percent increase in hospital admissions. Researchers say there's a need for better air monitoring and public health programs.
Timeline: The killing of George Floyd
The killing of George Floyd — who repeatedly told Minneapolis police officers he couldn’t breathe as officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck in May 2020 — sparked days of unrest in Minneapolis and St. Paul and mass protests across the globe. In April, Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter.
What you need to know about the Derek Chauvin trial
The former Minneapolis police officer is facing charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the killing of George Floyd. Opening statements began March 29. The three other officers charged are expected to stand trial in August.
Got questions about Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine? We have answers
The third COVID-19 vaccine authorized for use in the U.S. requires one shot instead of two, and works a slightly different way from the others. Here's what we know about its safety and effectiveness.
By slimmest of margins, Senate takes up $1.9T COVID relief bill
Democrats have made eleventh-hour changes in the measure aimed at ensuring they can pull President Joe Biden’s top legislative priority through the precariously divided chamber. They hope for Senate approval of the package before next week.