Stories from March 14, 2021

February cold snap likely helped Minnesota's fight against emerald ash borer
A month ago, Minnesota was locked in temperatures well below zero. A silver lining of that February cold snap may be that it caused a big setback for the destructive emerald ash borer's spread across Minnesota forests.
Heavy snow in parts of southern Minn. Monday; cool start to the week
There’s snow in our Monday forecast, and parts of southern Minnesota will see heavy snow. We have the updated snow forecast, plus a look how our temperatures rebound by midweek and beyond.
Record-setting Saints QB Drew Brees announces retirement at 42
Saints quarterback Drew Brees, the NFL’s leader in career completions and yards passing, has decided to retire after 20 NFL seasons, including his last 15 with New Orleans.
Yo-Yo Ma serenades newly-vaccinated at inoculation clinic
Newly vaccinated Massachusetts residents were treated to a mini concert over the weekend when famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma brought out his instrument after getting his second COVID-19 vaccine shot.
How the COVID relief bill could help reshape the finances of American families
Included in the bill is a provision that provides many parents an allowance of $250 a month for each child and $300 for kids under 6. Although set to last only through this year, many experts see it as a potentially game-changing initiative to fight poverty.
Defense Production Act speeds up vaccine production -- though it's hard to track
A 1950 law allows the government to award contracts that take priority over all others for national defense. During the pandemic, the law has been used to defend the country against the coronavirus.
Winter storm closes roads in Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska
A powerful late-winter snowstorm intensified over the central Rocky Mountains on Sunday with heavy snow and wind leading to airport and road closures and power outages in parts of Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska.
More U.S. travelers are flying again despite COVID-19 risks
Friday marked the busiest day for the nation's airports since COVID-19 put the brakes on air travel almost a year ago. But the number of travelers remains far below 2019 levels.
March 14 update on COVID-19 in MN: Vaccination pace rises; uptick in active cases
The pace of vaccinations in Minnesota increased on Sunday, to an average of more than 43,000 doses daily over the past week — the highest on record. At the same time, the number of active COVID-19 cases in Minnesota continued to rise.
Heavy snow headed to southern Minnesota late Sunday night and Monday
Many of us will see some snow on Monday. We have an update on snow amounts and when the snow will arrive. Temperatures retreat on Monday, then they’ll rebound as we go through the week.
Blowing bubbles and running from bombs: The reality of war for the children of Syria
As the 10-year anniversary of the war in Syria approaches, a new book from the photojournalist Bassam Khabieh shares moments of normalcy and resilience against a backdrop of violence, displacement and fear.
Why America is moving: Money, space, family, lifestyle...
2020 made moving a reality for millions. Some moved to be near family. Others achieved their pipe dreams of moving to distant locations in pursuit of a better lifestyle and cheaper cost of living.
A breezy Sunday; snow late Sunday night and Monday
It’ll be a breezy Sunday, with temps a few degrees above normal for March 14. Snow moves in overnight and lingers through much of Monday. We have the updated advisories and warnings.
A story of youth, hope and loss — and the mystery of COVID-19
Audrey and Kelsey Ellis, twins born exactly 10 minutes apart, always made sure to spend their birthday together. Last year, on their 29th birthday, the celebration would be overwhelmed by illness.
FEMA to help manage unaccompanied minors at U.S.-Mexico border
The Biden administration is turning to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for help managing and caring for record numbers of unaccompanied immigrant children who are streaming into the United States by illegally crossing the border with Mexico.
In Louisville, Breonna Taylor’s family honors her legacy
On the one-year anniversary of the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor by police, the slain Black woman's family continued their call for justice as hundreds of demonstrators gathered in downtown Louisville on Saturday.
A breezy Sunday; snow in southern Minnesota Sunday night/Monday
Winds will pick up on Sunday, and it’ll be cooler. Snow is expected in southern Minnesota Sunday night and Monday. We have the latest info on winter storm watches.