Stories from April 7, 2021

Expert says police have long known dangers of restraining arrestees and the potential fatal consequences. Also state moves to close sexual assault law loophole. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Feeling guilty, anxious about your COVID-19 vaccine search? You're not alone
Every day, thousands more Minnesotans are receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. The legions of vaccine selfies make it clear that getting the shot is a huge relief for many. But some are experiencing other emotions — anxiety, if they haven't gotten vaccinated yet, and sometimes guilt, if they were able to secure an appointment.
How did music education adapt to the pandemic?
When the pandemic forced virtually all education online, music teachers faced special challenges. Host Angela Davis talks with music educators about virtual lessons, Zoom recitals, backyard concerts and looking forward to making music in person.
House roads plan includes higher gas tax
Democrats in the Minnesota House rolled out a transportation funding proposal this week that includes a gas tax increase that is strongly opposed by Republicans. The proposed legislation also includes other increases in taxes and fees.
Saks says no to fur, the latest fashion seller to go fur-free
Saks Fifth Avenue will phase out sales of animal-fur products, joining other retailers such as Macy's that are responding to growing anti-fur sentiment among shoppers.
Tiger Woods was speeding before crashing SUV, sheriff says
Tiger Woods was speeding when he crashed an SUV in Southern California less than two months ago, leaving the golf superstar seriously injured, authorities said Wednesday.
Author Viet Thanh Nguyen on ‘The Committed’
The award-winning author joined MPR News for a conversation about his life and the inspiration behind his latest novel.
Drugs targeting immune response to COVID-19 show promise
Researchers are reporting some progress in their search for drugs that tamp down the overwhelming immune reaction that can kill a patient with COVID-19.
Derek Chauvin trial breaks 'blue wall of silence,' but will it transform policing?
Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights attorney and activist, says it's "amazing" the Minneapolis police chief and others testified against Chauvin. But she's unsure if the trial will bring reforms.
EU agency: Rare clots possibly linked to AstraZeneca shot
The EU's drug regulator says it has found a "possible link" between the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine and a rare clotting disorder but said that the benefits of the shot still outweigh risks.
Too many 'Peaces' overload an otherwise entertaining story
Helen Oyeyemi's new novel is a no-holds-barred mashup of Agatha Christie-style mystery oddities like mongoose genealogy, kidnapped gaming champions and a woman who chokes on emeralds in her sleep.
Explainer: Reluctant witness won't testify in Chauvin trial
Morries Hall wants to avoid testifying, his lawyer telling the trial judge Tuesday that he risks exposure to third-degree murder and drug charges if he testifies. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill didn't immediately rule. Here's a look at Hall's significance in the case and the implications of any testimony from him.
Explainer: Why 'excited delirium' came up at the Chauvin trial
The attorney for the officer on trial in George Floyd's death has raised the concept of excited delirium as testimony examines whether reasonable force was used on Floyd.
Explainer: How long did it take medics to reach Floyd?
Defense attorney Eric Nelson seemed to suggest a drawn-out response time in his cross-examination of the paramedics and a emergency medical technician. However, the ambulance arrived on scene less than eight minutes after police requested help, which is well within standard response time.
Showers and storms continue across Minnesota Wednesday, and the areas seeing the most persistent rainfall through the day may only see highs in the 40s.
A brief history of how racism shaped interstate highways
Some of the country's highways were built through existing Black and brown communities. President Joe Biden's infrastructure plan aims to address racial inequities.
Target to spend more than $2B on Black-owned businesses
The Minneapolis retailer will add a broad spectrum of products from more than 500 Black-owned businesses and will increase its spending at more Black-owned companies, from marketing to construction.
An officer spotted the boy driving around 9:30 p.m. Sunday. The boy fled when the officer activated his emergency lights, leading police on a chase that reached speeds of 50 mph. Police eventually blocked his path, ending the chase. No one was hurt.
'Farewell For Now:' Leigh Bardugo On 'Rule Of Wolves'
Leigh Bardugo is winding up her Russian-inflected Grishaverse series (at least for now) with “Rule of Wolves,” which continues the story of the dashing King Nikolai of Ravka and his demonic interloper.
Jurors in Derek Chauvin’s murder trial have heard a succession of Minneapolis police officials in recent days call Chauvin’s use of force to subdue George Floyd unreasonable and outside the bounds of department policy. Police rarely call out a fellow officer for decisions made on the job, so those moments in court have been extraordinary.  This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, April 7, 2021. Hosted by Phil Picardi. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
April 7 update on COVID-19 in MN: Cases, ICU needs trend higher; vaccine supply up
Active cases are trending now at levels not seen since late December. Hospitalizations and intensive needs are climbing. But the vaccination effort continues apace, with the state on track to have half the adult population vaccinated within the next two weeks.
Chauvin trial: Floyd DNA on meth-fentanyl pill found in police squad
Forensic testimony Wednesday capped a day of details in Derek Chauvin’s murder and manslaughter trial ranging from “pain compliance” techniques to how long George Floyd lay unresponsive before paramedics arrived.
Your weather forecast update: Warmer climate will be the new 'normal'
In May, NOAA will release its once-a-decade update for the 30-year weather averages that local meteorologists use. In many places, it will mean far fewer days that are “above normal.”
Bari Weiss speaks at St. Olaf about her book, 'How to Fight Anti-Semitism'
Former Wall Street Journal and New York Times journalist Bari Weiss speaks at the St. Olaf College Institute for Freedom and Community about the ideas in her book, “How to Fight Anti-Semitism.”
In 'Caul Baby,' a rare gift becomes a double-edged sword
In Morgan Jerkins' novel, a family of Black women has a gift; they're born with a caul, a layer over their skin that protects them from harm. They can share and sell the caul — which brings trouble.