Stories from March 29, 2021

Mavericks make history, blank Gophers for MSU's first Frozen Four trip
A pair of early goals and a near-perfect defensive game led Minnesota State Mankato to an upset of top-seed Minnesota in Sunday's regional finale, and the first-ever Frozen Four trip for the Mavericks, who are headed to an in-state showdown with St. Cloud State in Pittsburgh.
How Rodney Scott learned to cook – and went for it, whole hog
Pitmaster Rodney Scott describes his lifelong journey as a chef and his hope for the future. "I want to take over the world with barbecue," the James Beard Award winner tells NPR.
Preparing for the next pandemic
Two physicians spoke with host Kerri Miller on Monday about what they’ve learned during this pandemic and how the country can be better prepared for the next one.
Iowa's Lee, Minnesota's Steveson share wrestling's top award
Iowa’s Spencer Lee and Minnesota’s Gable Steveson have been named winners of the Dan Hodge Trophy as the most dominant college wrestlers in 2020-21. It marks the first time in the award’s 20-year history that two wrestlers shared the honor.
Opening statements in the highly anticipated murder and manslaughter trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin took place in a Minneapolis courtroom. Chauvin is accused of killing George Floyd on Memorial Day last year. This is an MPR News evening update for Monday, March 29, 2021. Hosted by Mark Zdechlik. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth doesn't pull punches in memoir 'Every Day Is a Gift'
Duckworth was raised by a Thai-Chinese mom and American soldier dad before becoming a decorated veteran who lost both legs in combat; she was also the first U.S. senator to give birth while in office.
Photos: Prayers, calls for justice for Floyd as Chauvin trial starts
George Floyd’s supporters held a rally at the courthouse and a prayer walk at George Floyd Square Monday to mark the start of the trial of Derek Chauvin, the ex-Minneapolis police officer indicted in his killing.
George R.R. Martin signs new five year deal with HBO and HBO Max
The best-selling fantasy author whose books were turned into the hit series “Game of Thrones” is attached to multiple projects in the pipeline for the media company and streaming service.
Air travel is on a rebound 
Restless Minnesotans are starting to fly again, emboldened by rising vaccination rates and tempted by cheap fares and expiring vouchers. Host Angela Davis talks to Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler about what to expect if you take to the sky. 
Biden, CDC director fear 'impending doom' if U.S. opens too quickly
"Just please hold on a little while longer," said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, warning of a possible fourth surge. U.S. coronavirus cases are up 10 percent over the previous week.
Biden boosts offshore wind energy, wants to power 10M homes
The Biden administration is moving to sharply increase offshore wind energy along the East Coast, saying Monday it is taking initial steps toward approving a huge wind farm off the New Jersey coast as part of an effort to generate electricity for more than 10 million homes nationwide by 2030.
COVID vaccine found highly effective in real-world U.S. study
The U.S. government’s first look at the real-world use of COVID-19 vaccines found their effectiveness was nearly as robust as it was in controlled studies. The study was done in Miami; Duluth, Minnesota; Portland, Oregon; Temple, Texas; Salt Lake City; and Phoenix and other areas in Arizona.
It was a big weekend for college hockey fans in Minnesota. MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer caught up with Jess Myers, hockey writer for @therinklive and Forum News, for the latest.
Ep. 16: Gone fishing!
That's a big giant bow on the top of our first season of The Warming House, friends. And, boy oh boy, did we go out in a blaze of glory!
Federal eviction moratorium extended just two days before expiration
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is extending an order preventing evictions. It was set to expire this week, which could have displaced staggering numbers of people from their homes.
A strong storm brings a remarkable turn from warm to cold weather over the next two days, plus high winds that will cause a fire risk.
A strong warm front is bringing Minnesota its warmest day so far this year, but that comes along with gusty winds and a fire risk.
Opening statements are set for Monday in a trial with international attention, and for the first time, the world will be able to see every twist and turn of the case from a Minnesota courtroom, thanks to an unprecedented decision by Judge Peter Cahill. Many media outlets — including MPR News — will livestream the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, after pressing for access. This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, March 29, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
‘Sick for a season’: A glimpse at the road to recovery after a difficult battle with COVID
After more than a month in Mayo’s ICU, doctors weren’t sure Gabe Pastores would make it out alive. And then one day he started to get better, marking the start of a long recovery that Pastores said he’s determined to conquer.
WHO report: Wildlife farms, not market, likely source of coronavirus pandemic
The coronavirus most likely did not originate at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, says a WHO report due Tuesday. But critics are questioning the independence of the investigative team.
Giant container ship that blocked Suez Canal set free
Salvage teams on Monday set free a colossal container ship that has halted global trade through the Suez Canal, bringing an end to a crisis that for nearly a week had clogged one of the world's most vital maritime arteries.
March 29 update on COVID-19 in MN: Vaccination pace quickens; active cases up
An encouraging rise in Minnesota vaccinations has the trend line headed in the right direction as officials prepare to open vaccine eligibility to any Minnesota adult. Active cases, however, continue to edge higher.
Televised Chauvin trial due to pandemic yields wide access — and concern
Opening statements are set for Monday in a trial with international attention, and for the first time, the world will be able to see every twist and turn of the case from a Minnesota courtroom, thanks to an unprecedented decision by Judge Peter Cahill.
Chauvin trial: 'Blood choke' used on Floyd, prosecution witness says
A key eyewitness in the trial of Derek Chauvin testified Monday that his mixed martial arts training convinced him that the position of Derek Chauvin’s knee on the neck of George Floyd, and the way Chauvin was moving his knee, was deliberate and dangerous.
What the words say: Why so many kids don't understand what they read
The goal of reading instruction is for children to understand what they read. The question is: How do they get there?
Photos: Hundreds gather for 'Stop Asian Hate' rally in St. Paul
The event, held with the support of more than 20 community groups, aimed to offer space for healing in the wake of the recent Atlanta shootings that left eight people dead, six of whom were Asian women.
Funerals become scenes of Myanmar resistance, more violence
The escalating violence — which took the lives of at least 114 people Saturday, including several children — has prompted a U.N. human rights expert to accuse the junta of committing “mass murder” and to criticize the international community for not doing enough to stop it.