Stories from March 12, 2021

Mapping Máaz: NASA uses Navajo language to name features on Mars
Members of NASA's Perseverance rover team, in collaboration with the Navajo Nation, have been naming features of scientific interest with words in the Navajo language.
A look at big settlements in U.S. police killings
The attorney for George Floyd’s family says a $27 million settlement by the city of Minneapolis is the largest pretrial civil rights settlement ever. It “sends a powerful message that Black lives do matter and police brutality against people of color must end,” says attorney Ben Crump.
Coronavirus FAQs: Can I drink between vaccine doses? What is 'vaccine efficacy'?
People who've had dose one are wondering — “Can I have a few drinks before dose 2 or will that muck things up?” Also: Do you really understand the concept of "vaccine efficacy"? It's complicated!
The Minneapolis City Council Friday approved a record $27 million civil settlement with the family of George Floyd. Until now, the largest misconduct payout in state history was the $20 million settlement in 2019 for the family of Justine Ruszczyk, shot and killed by former Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor after she called 911. Also, Gov. Walz announced a major rollback of COVID-19 restrictions. This is the afternoon MPR News update for March 12, 2021. Hosted by Nina Moini. Theme music by Gary Meister.
 A top Foxconn Technology Group executive has purchased a $2.18 million home in Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Alan Yeung and his wife, Stella Chan, bought the home in Elm Grove on March 5.
Biden and 'Quad' leaders launch vaccine push, deepen coordination against China
The president was joined virtually by the leaders of Japan, India and Australia, in his first multilateral leaders' meeting. They launched a plan to boost vaccine production and distribution in Asia.
In the pandemic's first year, three huge losses in one family
The Aldaco family of Phoenix suffered more than most in this year of unfathomable losses. Three brothers perished in the pandemic: Jose in July, Heriberto in December and Gonzalo in February.
Netflix tests out a possible password-sharing crackdown
Netflix is testing a way to crack down on password sharing. The streaming service has been asking some users of the popular streaming site to verify that they live with the holder of the account.
Talking Volumes: A conversation with Reginald Dwayne Betts
Reginald Dwayne Betts animates the ideals of justice, integrity and equity in his work as both an attorney and a poet. He went to prison as a teenager for carjacking and later went to Yale to study law. He joined MPR News host Kerri Miller on the virtual Talking Volumes stage for a conversation about race, criminal justice and reading.
Minneapolis council approves $27M Floyd family settlement
It’s a record payout for the city. George Floyd was killed in May while in police custody. “If I could get him back, I would give all of this back,” Philonise Floyd, George’s brother, said of the settlement. “America, we need to heal. This nation needs healing. Our family needs healing.”
More than a third of the state’s K-12 learners are students of color, but fewer than 6 percent of teachers in Minnesota are educators of color. A set of bills at the state Legislature to close that gap, the Increase Teachers of Color Act, has garnered bipartisan support this year.
Following cooler weather Friday, temperatures rebound over the weekend, but another storm system brings back cooler weather and snow chances to start next week.
AP-NORC poll: People of color bear COVID-19's economic brunt
A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that compared with white Americans, Black and Hispanic Americans are more likely to have experienced job and other income losses during the pandemic, and those who have lost income are more likely to have found themselves in deep financial holes.
Following higher than average temperatures most of the week, cooler weather Friday brings the state closer to our March averages.
'One take, no CG': How that viral Bryant Lake Bowl drone video was made
The video includes jaw-dropping shots such as sneaking past two people through the front door and flying through a tight space where the bowling lanes meet the pin machines. Here’s how the creators pulled it all off.
Gov. Tim Walz is set to announce a major pullback on Minnesota’s remaining COVID-19 restrictions Friday, almost a year after he first imposed emergency measures. Walz said Thursday that it would be his biggest move yet in easing restrictions on proms, sports and other larger gatherings. This is an MPR News morning update for Friday, March 12, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Slick Tom Cruise deepfakes signal that near flawless forgeries may be here
When they're not lighthearted movie star cameos, the digital doppelgängers have scary disinformation potential. A deepfakes researcher hopes our wariness keeps up with the tech's quickening advances.
March 12 update on COVID-19 in MN: Vaccinations up; U campuses to reopen fully in fall
New numbers show vaccinations heading in the right direction. The University of Minnesota said Friday it will return to full on-campus operations for the fall semester as Gov. Tim Walz eases COVID-19 restrictions. Other schools are likely to follow.
Chauvin trial: 7th juror seated; Mpls. to pay $27M to settle Floyd family lawsuit
The Minneapolis City Council has unanimously agreed to a $27 million civil settlement with the family of George Floyd. The settlement was announced Friday as jury selection continues in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former officer charged with murder and manslaughter in Floyd’s death.
'Normalcy on the horizon': Walz OKs larger gatherings, fans at Twins games
Gov. Tim Walz’s latest pullback will let people gather in larger groups indoors and outdoors, while bars and restaurants will be able to serve at 75 percent capacity. The May fishing opener also looks like a go. “We’re beating this thing,” Walz said Friday.
Shuttered venue grants are coming in April, after a long wait
The live music industry breathed a sigh of relief when Congress passed a $15 billion grant program for struggling venues. But owners still face uncertainty and delays.
Moderna and Pfizer on track to hit vaccine production goals
Pfizer and Moderna each agreed to supply 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to the U.S. by the end of March. With just under three weeks left, both companies have their work cut out for them.