Stories from March 19, 2021

Next pandemic: Scientists fear another coronavirus could jump from animals to humans
Researchers worry another coronavirus will spill over from a bat or some other creature. They're hunting for sources — and finding evidence that a new pandemic could be around the corner.
Corrections Commissioner Schnell on why Minnesota should consider more early release
Host Angela Davis talks with Minnesota Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell about a new plan to shift the focus from how much time people spend in prison to how they spend that time.
4 Proud Boys charged with conspiracy over Jan. 6 Capitol riot
They were indicted for allegedly conspiring to obstruct Congress' certification of the Electoral College, including in discussions on encrypted messaging apps.
The FBI says a Moorhead, Minn. man was arrested Friday in connection with January's insurrection at the U-S Capitol. He's believed to be the first Minnesota resident arrested in connection with the riot. Also, Judge Peter Cahill ruled that the trial of Derek Chauvin will go on as scheduled in Hennepin County. This is the afternoon MPR News update for March 19, 2021. Hosted by Nina Moini. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota man charged in connection with Capitol siege
The charges say that a former classmate alerted authorities after seeing social media postings, and that when the FBI questioned 31-year-old Jordan K. Stotts he admitted to entering the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
A look at the ethics of the vaccine rollout
The chaotic vaccine distribution across the country has elicited strong feelings about who should be get the vaccine now and who should wait their turn. Host Angela Davis talks with with two experts about the ethics of vaccine distribution.
Weekend forecast: Warmer, with gusty winds
Our temps will be unusually warm this weekend, but the winds will be gusty. We have the forecast details, including the rain chance that arrives on Sunday. Parts of Minnesota still have snow cover; we’ll show you where that snow lingers.
Talking Volumes: A conversation with writer N. Scott Momaday
Award-winning novelist and poet N. Scott Momaday cultivated a boundless imagination as a boy exploring the vast landscape of the American Southwest on horseback. He joined host Kerri Miller for Talking Volumes: Talking Race, a collaboration between MPR and the Star Tribune.
CDC says schools can now space students 3 feet apart, rather than 6
In many places, the 6-foot guidance was interpreted as requiring schools to operate on part-time schedules in order to reduce class sizes. A 3-foot rule would allow many more schools to fully reopen.
Dry, mild, and breezy conditions lead to fire concerns through the end of the week, then next week starts off soggy.
From Minnesota, Asian American women mourn Georgia spa victims
Police initially said the Atlanta spa killings, in which six Asian women were among the dead, wasn’t a hate crime. But Minnesota’s Asian women say that added insult to grievous injury.
Explainer: Chauvin's lawyer is outnumbered, but has help
As opening statements approach for a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd's death, the early proceedings suggest it's not exactly a fair fight. No fewer than four attorneys have appeared for the prosecution so far, compared to a single attorney to defend Derek Chauvin. Many other lawyers are working for the prosecution behind the scenes.
Friday brings more sunshine and above average temperatures, but the dry weather is contributing to fire concerns.
Biden, Harris offering solace to grieving Asian Americans
“Hate can have no safe harbor in America,” President Joe Biden said during his visit to Atlanta, calling on Americans to stand up to bigotry when they see it. “Our silence is complicity. We cannot be complicit.”
Wave of bills to block trans athletes has no basis in science, researcher says
Legislation in several states would limit or prohibit transgender women from competing in women's athletics. An expert on sex differences in athletes says the bills aren't rooted in science.
Pivotal moments in the Derek Chauvin trial arrive Friday as Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill is set to decide on several motions that will shape the trial’s future. Cahill is expected to rule on a defense request to delay or move the trial due to last week’s $27 million wrongful death settlement announced between Minneapolis and the family of George Floyd. This is an MPR News morning update for Friday, March 19, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
March 19 update on COVID-19 in MN: Vaccinations rise; cases, hospitalizations up
“We are in a race between the variants and the vaccine,” and the actions Minnesotans take to check the spread of the disease will be critical in the coming weeks, the state’s infectious disease director said Friday.
4 questions to help sort through the ethics of getting a COVID vaccine before you’re eligible
Opportunities to get the COVID-19 vaccine are expanding, but not everyone is eligible yet. Still, people are sometimes finding themselves in situations that might allow them to jump the line. What questions should you consider, according to an ethicist, if you find yourself in a similar circumstance? 
Yes, Capitol rioters were armed. Here are the weapons prosecutors say they used
An NPR review of federal charges against people involved in the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot shows they were armed with a wide variety of weapons, contradicting a false claim that rioters were not armed.
Chauvin trial: Judge won't delay, move trial; jury selection continues
Judge Peter Cahill on Friday acknowledged there was no optimal time or location in Minnesota to escape the publicity around the high-profile case. Thirteen jurors have been seated and jury selection will resume Monday.
Another perk of getting COVID shot: Some MN businesses offer incentives for vaccinations
In an effort to speed up recovery from the pandemic, some Minnesota business owners are offering cash incentives for COVID-19 vaccinations. And they're not just going to employees — some are rewarding customers who get vaccinated, too.