Stories from March 13, 2021

Critics call Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson's insurrection comments racist
Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson is being called racist for an interview in which the white Republican said he wasn't worried about the predominantly white supporters of President Donald Trump during the deadly insurrection at the Capitol, but that he might have been if they had been Black Lives Matter protesters.
The COVID-19 relief bill passed. What's Biden's next big move?
Democrats passed the $1.9 trillion bill on a party-line vote, and Republicans do not appear ready to compromise on infrastructure, voting rights, the minimum wage, immigration or much else.
Black farmers have long faced discrimination. New aid aims to right past wrongs
Generations of systemic discrimination have decimated the number of Black farmers in the U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack talked with NPR about provisions in the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill that are meant to help Black farmers.
'Nothing but problems': Shipwreck removal enters fifth month
When salvage crews in Georgia began cutting apart the capsized Golden Ray, a shipwreck the size of a 70-story office building, they predicted the demolition could be wrapped up by New Year's Day. But the job remains far from finished.
'Silence Is A Sense' works to dispel the terrible abstractions of Syria's civil war
Layla Alammar's new novel is about a journalist who's fled the Syrian civil war for a new life in London — but can only tell anonymous stories about her neighbors because trauma has left her silent.
Sanders: Americans care more about $1,400 checks from aid plan than lack of GOP votes
Sen. Bernie Sanders, who helped shepherd the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan through Congress, says the package is "the most consequential piece of legislation for working families" in decades.
April weather today, March on Sunday; heavy snow southern Minn. Sunday night/Monday?
It’ll feel like April today, and there could be some flip-flop sightings Saturday afternoon. March weather returns on Sunday, and parts of Minnesota could see heavy snow Sunday night and Monday. We have your weekend forecast details, plus a look at the week ahead.
Texas 'cold-stun' of 2021 was largest sea turtle rescue in history, scientists say
Last month’s winter storm in Texas caused sea turtles to become catatonic and unable to swim. Many of them died, but volunteers who worked to rescue the turtles are being praised for how many survived.
A year after Breonna Taylor's killing, family says there's 'no accountability'
Breonna Taylor was shot and killed in her apartment by Louisville police last March. "I can't believe it's a year later and we're still just asking people to do the right thing," her mother said recently.
MPCA wants to change some clean water rules. What does that mean?
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says that the standards haven't changed much since the 1960s, and are based on outdated science. Environmental groups worry the proposed changes could lead to more pollution.
Ask a Bookseller: 'Milk Fed,' a novel about self-discovery — and frozen yogurt
This week’s recommendation comes from Montpelier, Vt., where Claire Benedict is co-owner of Bear Pond Books. Benedict says she devoured the novel “Milk Fed” by Melissa Broder — an appropriate description for a novel that is about appetites and what sustains us — also, lots of frozen yogurt. 
March 13 update on COVID-19 in MN: 'Normalcy' finally within reach?
If you’re a Minnesotan waiting for a COVID-19 vaccine shot and hoping for a return to pre-pandemic life, this was a pretty good week. Restrictions are easing. The vaccination pace is up and officials expect it will only accelerate.
If you like sunshine and unusually warm weather, you’ll enjoy Saturday. We have the details, plus a look at the snow that may move in on Monday.
'The Lost Apothecary' is a poisonously good read
Sarah Penner's new novel, set both now and in 18th century London, follows a woman who uncovers a mystery involving an apothecary shop that helped women get rid of troublesome or abusive men.
Week 1 of Chauvin trial: A special edition of Minnesota Today
A trial with huge local, national and international attention began as trials typically do, with jury selection. But the circumstances are far from typical. This week, we begin a new Saturday edition of Minnesota Today to bring you the highlights and takeaways from the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged with murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd.
IRS says new round of COVID relief payments on the way
Along with daylight saving time, this weekend could bring Americans fatter bank balances. Officials at the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service say processing the new round of stimulus payments has already begun.
In March 2021, the first of the former officers charged in the killing of George Floyd will go on trial in Minnesota. Police officers are rarely prosecuted in such cases—and the world will be watching. MPR News, which has followed this case in detail from the beginning, will bring listeners updates on this monumental case, and the consequences it holds for the city and the country. Created in collaboration with American Public Media.