Stories from March 11, 2021

April-like weekend ahead
This weekend will feel more April than March in Minnesota.
What we know about how climate change is affecting walleye
It’s the center of many Minnesota traditions, but the prized fish isn’t exempt from the effects of climate change.
Minnesota's COVID restrictions will loosen says the governor, and prosecutors win their Chauvin appeal and get 3rd degree murder charges reinstated against the former police officer. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Your questions about the Chauvin trial, answered
Why are potential jurors asked about religion, who can dismiss them and why can the jury hear about Derek Chauvin’s past but not George Floyd’s? We tapped a law professor to answer your questions.
Activist and Christian hip-hop artist remembers his friend, George Floyd
NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Ronnie Lillard, an activist, Christian hip-hop artist and friend of George Floyd, as the trial of former officer Derek Chauvin continues.
Meaningless legislation? Not to top lawmakers
From legal marijuana to an ID requirement for voters, the Minnesota House and Senate have advanced several proposals this session that appear to have no chance of becoming law. Still, leaders say there are good reasons to debate them.
Cuomo aide says governor groped her in executive mansion
After Gov. Andrew Cuomo denied touching women inappropriately, "the female aide became emotional" as she and other staff watched his remarks, according to the Times Union newspaper in Albany.
'Why is this so hard?' A glimpse into a year of virtual high school in MN
In a year upended by the coronavirus pandemic, the roller coaster of open and closed school buildings and experiments with learning scenarios means that it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what high school has been like for any given student on any given day. 
Planners rethink Bottineau light rail line in wake of rail dispute
The reconsideration comes after years of haggling over the initially preferred alternative for the line. It also follows the death of George Floyd, which turned international focus on racial equity in Minnesota and helped spur new calls for the light rail line to provide better service to the heart of north Minneapolis.
Examining the pandemic's toll on mental health and addiction
The future president and CEO of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation spoke about what the pandemic has taught us about mental health and how this period could spark changes for the way we view mental health and addiction.
Will the coronavirus ever go away?
Nobody knows for sure how the coronavirus will behave over the long term, but experts say it may be with us for decades or longer. That doesn't mean it will keep posing the same threat. Many scientists believe it's likely the disease will eventually become a nuisance like the common cold.
Prince William defends UK royal family against racism claims
Prince William on Thursday defended Britain's royal family against accusations of racism made by his brother Prince Harry and sister-in-law Meghan, saying the royals are "very much not a racist family."
Gunnar Johnson, 52, of Duluth, Minn., was withdrawn from the event at the McGrath, Ala., checkpoint, the organizers said in a news release. Johnson, the former city attorney of Duluth, did not come into close contact with race personnel or community members.
Asian Americans experience 'far more' hate incidents than numbers indicate
Racially motivated attacks against Asian Americans have been on the rise since the start of the pandemic, but a Los Angeles-based civil rights group says the actual numbers are even higher.
Biden sets goal of July 4th to 'mark independence from this virus'
President Joe Biden is aiming for the country to begin to find a degree of normalcy and begin to move on from the coronavirus pandemic by the July 4th holiday, Biden announced in his first prime-time address Thursday night from the White House on the one-year anniversary of the pandemic.
Jury selection continues in the trial of Derek Chauvin as the court awaits a decision on whether Judge Peter Cahill will restore a third-degree murder charge against the ex-Minneapolis police officer in the killing of George Floyd. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, March 11, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
A year on, WHO still struggling to manage pandemic response
A year later, the U.N. agency is still struggling to keep on top of the evolving science of COVID-19, to persuade countries to abandon their nationalistic tendencies and help get vaccines where they’re needed most.
The stories in 'Reality' have some bite
John Lanchester's sharp new story collection considers the dark side of technology, from smartphones to selfie sticks. But you don't have to be a Luddite to appreciate this smart, scary book.
Walz set to ease COVID curbs; 1st case of South Africa strain confirmed
Gov. Tim Walz will announce the changes Friday. On Thursday, he indicated restrictions will be loosened for spring proms, sports and other larger public gatherings. Separately, officials said they’ve confirmed the state’s first case of the so-called South Africa COVID-19 variant.
Chauvin trial: Judge reinstates 3rd-degree murder charge; 6th juror chosen
Judge Peter Cahill on Thursday granted prosecutors’ request to restore a third-degree murder charge against the former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death. A sixth person was selected for the jury during morning proceedings.
Daily recaps: Here's how the trial unfolded
A jury found Derek Chauvin found guilty on all counts — second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter — in George Floyd’s killing last May.
Video: The early days of the pandemic as seen through your camera roll
We asked people to send us their last "normal" photo of 2020 and their first pandemic photo. Thousands of you responded. These are some of the stories that defined our pandemic year.
'Maniac' recounts deadliest school mass murder in American history
Author Harold Schechter details the 1927 school bombing in Bath Township, Mich., that killed 38 children and six adults. Days later, Charles Lindbergh's famous transatlantic flight captured headlines.
March 11, 2020: The day everything changed
The World Health Organization declared a pandemic. The NBA shut down its season. President Donald Trump banned travel from Europe. Tom Hanks tested positive. On this day a year ago, the coronavirus became very real in America.
Art Hounds: Landscapes from southern Minnesota celebrate light
An artist captures the landscapes of the Driftless Region in southeastern Minnesota, Plus, M.A.C. House Gifted Variety Show puts emerging artists on stage, and a dance film’s world premiere invites audiences to listen well.
Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty on the future of the GOP
Former Republican Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty speaks at a University of Minnesota Humphrey School event about the future of the GOP.
Books hold the key to 'The Postscript Murders'
The woman who turns up dead at the start of Elly Griffiths' new novel billed herself as a "murder consultant" for writers. Griffiths says she was inspired by her aunt, who enjoys thinking up murders.
Security camera hack exposes hospitals, workplaces, schools
Hackers aiming to call attention to the dangers of mass surveillance said they were able to peer into hospitals, schools, factories, jails and corporate offices after they broke into the systems of a security-camera startup. 
Biden's $1.9 trillion rescue plan set to turbocharge U.S. economy
Economists expect the additional federal spending, coupled with an improving public health picture, will jumpstart economic growth this year.
Kyle Rittenhouse trial in Kenosha killings delayed until November
The request to postpone came from prosecutors and defense lawyers looking for more time to build their cases. Rittenhouse is accused of killing two men and wounding another.
Nursing home residents can get hugs again, feds say
Nursing home residents vaccinated against COVID-19 can get hugs again from their loved ones, and all residents may enjoy more indoor visits, the government said Wednesday in a step toward pre-pandemic normalcy.