Stories from March 30, 2021

After year of trauma, Minneapolis students to return to police-free schools
Some of the district’s new security specialists have law enforcement training. Experts say they could encounter elevated behavioral problems linked to trauma.
Witnesses to the death of George Floyd take the stand in the Derek Chauvin trial, including a Minneapolis firefighter that offered graphic detail of Floyd’s dying struggle. This is an evening news update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Will the pandemic permanently change how we dress? 
Host Angela Davis talks to a clothing designer and a professor of apparel about how fashion choices are changing during the pandemic. Some consumers want comfort and brands that reflect their social concerns.
Lake Minnetonka, White Bear Lake ice out 2 weeks ahead of average
Ice out is progressing well ahead of average this year. The Hennepin County Sheriff and Freshwater Society declared Lake Minnetonka ice out at 1:13 p.m. Tuesday. That’s more than two weeks ahead of the median date of April 14.
Biden announces new steps to tackle anti-Asian violence and discrimination
The White House on Tuesday unveiled actions to reverse the rising violent crimes against the AAPI community. Advocates and Asian American leaders have pressed the administration to do more.
Video shows Asian American woman assaulted on NYC street
An Asian American woman was attacked in New York City by a man who repeatedly kicked her as two people nearby who appeared to be security guards did not intervene, according to surveillance footage released by police.
Lawmakers facing big to-do list when they return from spring break
It's spring break for Minnesota lawmakers. They’re on a 10-day recess until next Tuesday, April 6. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with political reporter Brian Bakst about what’s yet on the agenda.
Many world leaders call for treaty on future pandemics
Given a lack of international coordination that has beset the current coronavirus pandemic, whether such a treaty could be reached or adhered to is an open question.
Proponents argue the tests are a needed benchmark after a year that for many students has involved more time at home than in a classroom. But others say they are creating logistical hurdles for already burdened districts, and more stress for kids.
What we learned from Day 1 of testimony in the Chauvin trial
Two key questions are at play in Derek Chauvin's murder trial: What killed George Floyd and did Chauvin use excessive force? Civil rights lawyer Charles Coleman Jr. discusses the early takeaways.
Following record warmth Monday, much colder air is gripping the state Tuesday. However, the chillier trend is brief, with very mild weather returning for the weekend.
As bad information spreads, Florida schools seek to teach 'digital literacy'
Many Florida high schools now teach a cybersecurity program. There's a larger plan to help students figure out what is and isn't true online. Organizers hope it will become a nationwide model.
The same storm that brought record warmth to parts of Minnesota on Monday has now moved a cold front across the state, sending temperatures plummeting.
Many of the state’s highest-risk residents, including seniors, have received at least one dose already. Minnesota expects to see its federal vaccine supply shipments jump starting in April. This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, March 30, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
March 30 update on COVID-19 in MN: Vaccination upswing; active cases trend higher
The state’s vaccination pace is moving higher again after plateauing for several weeks. But active COVID-19 cases are trending higher, too. On the first day of shots for anyone 16 and older, officials said more than 1 million Minnesotans are now fully vaccinated.
Chauvin trial: Witnesses tell of anger, helplessness watching Floyd die
In sometimes emotional testimony Tuesday, witnesses spoke of feeling powerless at the scene as they admonished and pleaded with the officer who had his knee pressed into George Floyd’s neck.
Intelligence Squared debate: Should America forgive student debt?
Facing growing discontent over the rising student loan repayments in the middle of a Pandemic, many prominent Democrats – and some Republicans – are calling on Washington to cancel much of the $1.7 trillion that Americans owe. But some argue that it would balloon the federal deficit, waste taxpayer money and benefit wealthy borrowers who don’t need their student loans canceled.
'Captain Underpants' spinoff pulled for 'passive racism'
The book under scrutiny is 2010's "The Adventures of Ook and Gluk" by Dav Pilkey, who has apologized, saying it "contains harmful racial stereotypes" and is "wrong and harmful to my Asian readers."