Stories from March 10, 2021

Minnesota's Supreme Court weighs in on the Chauvin case, as more jurors are added and the southeastern suburbs get a rare pre-St. Patrick’s Day tornado warning. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Reporter acquitted in case seen as attack on press rights
Jurors have acquitted an Iowa journalist who was pepper-sprayed and arrested by police while covering a protest in a case that critics have derided as an attack on press freedom and an abuse of prosecutorial discretion. 
Signs of the times: Months after the election, yard signs still causing a ruckus
The 2020 election is over, but in some Minnesota communities, the campaign is still sparking controversy — in people’s yards. And cities are now rethinking their election sign restrictions. 
Heavy snow and tornado risk in Minnesota today
Welcome to March in Minnesota. Winter storm warnings and severe weather risk cover parts of our state Wednesday.
Senate confirms Ohio Rep. Fudge as housing secretary
The Senate has confirmed Marcia Fudge to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development, placing the longtime Ohio lawmaker in charge of the agency just as Congress is poised to pass new benefits for renters and homeowners who have suffered economic losses amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Americans put off health care during the pandemic, and it's time to catch up
Many people put off health screenings, medical procedures and even childhood vaccinations during the pandemic. Host Angela Davis talks to two doctors about catching up on delayed care.
Are we failing boys in America?
In her searing new book, investigative journalist Emma Brown says boys in America face a crisis of emotional and mental health. Can we fix the system that is failing them? 
Faith leaders divided over bill protecting LGBTQ people
Some religious groups fear the Equality Act could undermine the freedom to exercise traditional faith beliefs. Other denominations say anti-LGBTQ discrimination cannot be tolerated.
Wisconsin protest shootings trial delayed at least 7 months
The trial for an 18-year-old from Illinois accused of killing two people and wounding a third during a protest against police brutality in Wisconsin has been pushed back by seven months and could be delayed even longer. 
China, Russia announce plan to build moon research station
The two countries' space agencies say the proposal, which sets no time frame, could include an orbiting station, a base on the surface, or both.
A potent storm brings rain, thunderstorms, snow and high winds across Minnesota Wednesday.
'Phantom Tollbooth' author Norton Juster dies at 91
The author of the beloved children's book reunited with its illustrator for the more recent “The Odious Ogre.” Juster was also an architect and he died due to complications from a recent stroke.
Congress OKs $1.9T COVID relief bill in win for Biden, Democrats
Congress has sent President Joe Biden the landmark $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill. The House approved the bill Wednesday over solid Republican opposition in a vote that gives the new president and Democrats a victory just seven weeks after he took office.
Three jurors were chosen Tuesday for the trial of Derek Chauvin, the ex-Minneapolis police officer facing charges of murder and manslaughter in the killing of George Floyd. The three jurors seated appear to include two white men and one woman of color. This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, March 10, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
The weird world of 'Cosmogony' is immensely inviting
In her first collection, Lucy Ives proves herself — and we mean this as a compliment — a real literary weirdo. Her stories are strange without ever performing strangeness, baffling yet precise.
Reporter's notebook: What's behind spikes in COVID case, death numbers in Minnesota's latest data release?
Four private testing labs apparently didn't report 37,350 COVID-19 test results — including 891 positive cases — to the state Health Department over a period of months. And those unreported cases mean that 22 hospitalizations and 138 deaths weren't classified as being connected to COVID-19.
Chauvin trial: MN justices won't review 3rd-degree murder question
The Minnesota Supreme Court has denied Derek Chauvin's petition to review an appeals court ruling on an additional murder charge against him in the killing of George Floyd.
History Forum: Martha S. Jones on Black women's work to achieve voting rights for all
Historian Martha S. Jones speaks at the Minnesota Historical Society’s History Forum about her new book, “Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All.”
Pentagon extends National Guard presence at the Capitol
The troops were expected to leave the Capitol on March 12, but U.S. Capitol Police last week requested an extension following reports of a potential security threat.
George Floyd family lawyer Ben Crump: Trial is 'a chance for justice'
Ben Crump has long represented families of Black people killed by police. Crump says accountability is one thing, but "justice would be them still here with us living."