Stories from March 15, 2021

Deb Haaland confirmed as first Native American Interior Secretary
Her historic role is also symbolic, as the agency was long a tool of oppression against Indigenous peoples. Haaland will be key to President Biden's ambitious efforts to combat climate change.
Floyd settlement hangs over Chauvin trial, even as jury selection continues. Also, Minnesota Department of Health officials issue new concern about UK variant. This is an evening update from Minnesota Public Radio News, hosted by Tim Nelson.
As second year of emergency begins, GOP again pushes to limit Walz powers
Even as DFL Gov. Tim Walz relaxes some long-standing COVID-19 restrictions, Republicans in the Legislature sought once again to limit the emergency powers he has used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
'The Impudent Ones' shows signs of future greatness
Marguerite Duras' never-before-translated debut novel “The Impudent Ones,” first published in 1943, isn't a pleasant read — but it is a signpost to what she would later achieve with “The Lover.”
Why is it taking so long to get high-speed internet to all of greater Minnesota? 
MPR News host Angela Davis talks to Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove and the president and CEO of the Blandin Foundation about how the pandemic underscored the need for better broadband. 
Major European nations suspend use of AstraZeneca vaccine
Germany, France and Italy on Monday became the latest countries to suspend use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine over reports of dangerous blood clots in some recipients, though the company and European regulators have said there is no evidence the shot is to blame.
What do domestic extremists and ISIS have in common? A social media strategy
People who stormed the Capitol were radicalized by what they consumed online and in social media. That should sound familiar: Ten years ago, ISIS used a similar strategy to lure Americans to Syria.
2 charged in assault of Capitol officer who died after riot
U.S. officials have arrested and charged two men with assaulting U.S. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick with bear spray during the Jan. 6 riot, but they do not know yet whether it caused the officer's death.
Ep. 14: The kids are alright
This week in The Warming House, we reveal more winners in our Great Minnesota Burger Bracket competition, Gov. Tim Walz goes head-to-head with his daughter Hope for Smarter Than Your College Kid and if you don't know what-in-the-*beep* Kidz Bop is, you're gonna find out! (Sorry, not sorry.)
New dialbacks in Minnesota’s COVID-19 restrictions take effect at noon on Monday. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are still grappling with how to best to aid businesses and communities going forward.
Syria's civil war started a decade ago. Here's where it stands
The conflict has not only pitted the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad against a band of rebels, but drawn the U.S., Iran, Russia and Turkey, among others, into a complex proxy war.
Read more romance by Black authors
A new report on race and romance novels finds that although many publishers have promised to publish more romance from writers of color that feature diverse characters, very little progress has been made.
'Mank' leads Academy Awards nominations with 10 nods
David Fincher's "Mank" has led nominations to the 93rd Academy Awards with 10 nods, and for the first time, two women — Chloé Zhao and Emerald Fennell — were nominated for best director.
Parts of southern Minnesota could get 6+ inches of snow
Most of southern Minnesota is under either a winter storm warning or winter weather advisory through Monday evening, including the western and southern Twin Cities metro area.
Vatican excludes gay union blessing
The Vatican decreed Monday that the Catholic Church cannot bless same-sex unions.
Planning a spring break? These 5 tips can help minimize risk
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still advises against nonessential travel, but many infectious disease experts say a trip to the beach or a family vacation can be done pretty safely if you do it right.
Jury selection continues Monday in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the ex-police officer facing murder and manslaughter charges in the killing of George Floyd. The work this week starts in the wake of a historic $27 million settlement announced Friday between the city and Floyd’s family. This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, March 15, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Beyoncé, Swift make history as women rule the Grammys
Beyoncé — with her 28th win — became the most decorated woman in Grammy history. Four women won the top four prizes, including Taylor Swift, who became the first female performer to win album of the year three times.
March 15 update on COVID-19 in MN: Vaccination pace flat; Carver Co. worries grow
Active case counts have been rising slowly over the past week, upping the urgency to get people vaccinated quickly. Officials are increasingly concerned about a Carver County outbreak that includes two deaths and the very contagious U.K. strain.
Pandemic brought more people outdoors — and parks are planning for a busier future
The pandemic has inspired a surge of interest in outdoor recreation. Some in the industry predict lasting interest in being outside, long after the pandemic and its demand for social distancing have passed.
Chauvin trial: Civil settlement roils criminal case; 9th juror chosen
Derek Chauvin’s attorney told the court Monday he wants his client’s criminal trial postponed following Friday's news of a $27 million civil settlement between Minneapolis and George Floyd’s family. The judge says he'll consider it.
'Useful Delusions' examines how beliefs can be powerful in positive and negative ways
In a new book, former NPR reporter Shankar Vedantam suggests attaining "a deeper psychological understanding of why people believe what they believe," being empathetic and considering costs involved.
How the pandemic can reinvent schools and learning
Keynote speakers from the Global Minnesota’s International Day of Education event in January: California’s Linda Darling-Hammond and Audrey Azoulay of UNESCO.