Stories from March 31, 2021

Students of color disproportionately choosing distance learning
In-person learning options are now widely available in Minnesota. But students of color — especially Asian American students — are choosing to remain in distance learning at higher rates than white students. 
Derek Chauvin defends pinning George Floyd to the ground in body camera video, as jurors watch never-before-released footage from the fatal arrest. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
France to close schools, ban domestic travel as virus surges
French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday announced a three-week nationwide school closure and a month-long domestic travel ban, as the rapid spread of the virus ramped up pressure on hospitals.
Firefighters make progress containing Black Hills fires
Firefighters continued to make progress Wednesday on containing wildfires in the Black Hills of South Dakota that earlier forced the evacuation of more than 400 homes.
In Focus: A trial and Minnesota’s search for equity and healing
MPR News in partnership with Twin Cities Diversity in Practice convened a panel discussion about how BIPOC and white Minnesotans are navigating conversations, how we’re experiencing the trial of Derek Chauvin and how we can move forward as neighbors. 
'A Most Remarkable Creature' introduces the little-known, charismatic caracara
Through Jonathan Meiburg's inquiring lens, readers will find themselves with a new favorite animal — a bird of prey aptly described as "one of the strangest and most wonderful animals on Earth."
Mysterious ailment, mysterious relief: Vaccines help some COVID long-haulers
The possibility that vaccines meant to prevent the disease may also be a treatment for long COVID — when symptoms linger for months — has sparked optimism among patients and scientists.
UConn's Paige Bueckers is AP women's player of the year
UConn's star guard from Minnesota became the first freshman ever to win The Associated Press women's basketball player of the year award Wednesday.
AP interview: EPA head committed to 'scientific integrity'
The new head of the Environmental Protection Agency is taking steps to restore what he calls “scientific integrity” at the EPA. And one way Michael Regan is trying to do that is by reversing Trump administration actions that sidelined many academic scientists as advisers in favor of industry figures.
Wisconsin Supreme Court strikes down mask mandate
The 4-3 ruling from the conservative-controlled court is the latest legal blow to attempts by Gov. Tony Evers to control the coronavirus. It comes after Republicans in the Legislature voted to repeal the mask mandate in February, only to see Evers quickly reissue it.
The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office said a missing girl had been found. Police believe she may have been driving a black 2018 Chevy Equinox.
Walking in her south Minneapolis neighborhood last May, off-duty firefighter Genevieve Hansen said she was drawn to the sound of agitated voices near 38th Street and Chicago Avenue and went to see if anyone needed help. She found an active police scene outside Cup Foods, and officer Derek Chauvin’s knee pressed against the neck of George Floyd as the man lay handcuffed and face down on the street, pleading for air. This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
 For some COVID patients, ICU stay comes with post-traumatic stress
Being severely sick with COVID-19 can lead to a host of long-term symptoms and side effects. For some, a prolonged stay in the intensive care unit can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder connected to the experience of having been sedated and intubated for weeks at a time. One Minnesota hospital is trying to help those patients.
Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine protects younger teens
Pfizer announced Wednesday that its COVID-19 vaccine is safe and strongly protective in kids as young as 12, a step toward possibly beginning shots in this age group before they head back to school in the fall.
Suspect in attack on Asian American woman in NYC is arrested
The suspect wanted in a brutal attack of an Asian American woman near New York City’s Times Square has been arrested and charged with felony assault as a hate crime, police said early Wednesday.
March 31 update on COVID-19 in MN: Vaccination pace jumps; ICU, active cases climb
The state’s vaccination pace is firmly on the upswing after plateauing for several weeks. But active COVID-19 cases are trending higher, too, and intensive care needs are at their highest level in more than two months.
Chauvin trial: Jurors shown extended, intense officer bodycam video
Viewed in succession, the videos offered a brutal, up-close look at officers struggling to push a handcuffed Floyd into the squad car, then pinning him to the pavement to subdue him as he pleads that he can’t breathe, while bystanders on the curb yell that Floyd is dying.
Here's what's in President Biden's $2 trillion infrastructure proposal
The proposal would overhaul roads, transit, utilities, internet access and more in the name of creating jobs. It's also intended to combat climate change, racial inequality and competition from China.
Filmmakers call out PBS for a lack of diversity, over-reliance on Ken Burns
A group of documentarians have signed a letter to PBS expressing concerns that white stars like Ken Burns get too much airtime and resources, while filmmakers of color struggle to build careers.
On the last day of Women’s History Month, an opportunity to learn about a trailblazing civil rights leader from Minnesota.
G. Gordon Liddy, a former FBI agent and Army veteran, was convicted of conspiracy, burglary and illegal wiretapping for his role in the Watergate burglary, which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.