Stories from April 28, 2021

Senate votes to reinstate methane rules loosened by Trump
Congressional Democrats are moving to reinstate regulations designed to limit potent greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas fields. It's part of a broader effort by the Biden administration to combat climate change.
3 men indicted on federal hate crime charges in Ahmaud Arbery killing
Gregory McMichael, his son Travis McMichael and William Bryan all face charges of attempted kidnapping and hate crimes in the death of Arbery, a Black man gunned down while on a run last year.
Where does Minnesota stand in the hunt for herd immunity?
Host Angela Davis talked to two public health experts about the hurdles Minnesota faces when it comes to COVID-19 vaccination rates, availability and inequities. Plus, senior reporter Catharine Richert stopped by to discuss the latest pandemic headlines.
Finally, spring
Highs in the 60s, 70s and 80s over the next week.
For Minneapolis activists, guilty verdict just the start of a long journey toward justice
The racial justice movement spurred by the killing of George Floyd doesn’t end with last week’s murder conviction of Derek Chauvin. Proponents of change in the city where Floyd died under Chauvin’s knee say their work is just beginning.
Survey finds student learning, mental health suffered during pandemic
A new survey from University of Minnesota researchers finds that Minnesota students in grades 6 through 12 managed to learn despite dramatic pandemic-related school changes. But their rate of learning was perceived to be lower than before COVID-19 and their mental health was challenged.
Copper-nickel mining gets another setback as environmentalists win in Supreme court, and a Chauvin juror speaks out about the case. This is an evening update from Minnesota Public Radio News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
New blood tests should show how long a COVID-19 vaccine will protect you
Researchers are trying to come up with tests that can be performed using a blood sample that will determine not only whether a COVID-19 vaccine will work, but for how long.
At two Mankato high schools, new course aims to tie history of social justice to movements today
Starting next fall, students at Mankato East and Mankato West high schools will be able to take the brand-new course — developed as a way to help them explore topics of race, civil rights and social justice. It’s intended to serve as a place where students can learn about history, and connect it to the social movements of today.
Judge delays public release of bodycam footage of Andrew Brown Jr.'s death
Judge Jeffrey Foster ordered law enforcement to disclose videos to Brown's family within 10 days but blocked public release until an investigation of the shooting is complete in 30 to 45 days.
When classes start this fall at St. Paul’s Macalester College, students and employees on campus will be vaccinated against the coronavirus. That’s because the college is requiring it, with only limited exception.
National Guard presence during Chauvin trial cost $25M
Roughly 3,500 members, about one-quarter of the full Minnesota National Guard, were brought into the Twin Cities during Derek Chauvin’s trial to watch over key buildings and respond if demonstrations devolved into something more severe.
'It was just thrilling': 2 NPR founders remember the first days, 50 years ago
All Things Considered debuted on May 3, 1971. ATC creator Bill Siemering and former co-host (then production assistant) Susan Stamberg look back on the iconic first broadcast.
Both sides claim victory in complicated PolyMet court ruling
Both sides claimed victory Wednesday after the state Supreme Court issued a complex ruling over state permits for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The justices affirmed a lower court’s decision to reverse the critical “permit to mine” for the $1 billion project.
Federal investigators search Rudy Giuliani's apartment
The former New York City mayor has been under investigation for years by federal authorities, who have been looking into his business dealings in Ukraine.
'Forgotten astronaut' Michael Collins dies
Collins was the crew member who stayed in orbit on the Apollo 11 command module while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon. Later he oversaw building of the National Air and Space Museum.
How women can reclaim their power
In her new book, “Unbound,” former dominatrix Kasia Urbaniak teaches women how to step into their power.
'Mom Genes' aims to examine biological transformations of motherhood
Abigail Tucker's descriptions of how radically women may change at the time of motherhood — and, as an extension, how this might affect their ability to focus on other things — gets pretty harrowing.
Police say a tip from staff at a local store led investigators to a 22-year-old Moorhead man, who was booked Tuesday night on suspicion of felony harassment and criminal damage to property.
The risk of COVID-19 spread for children and students
Minnesota health officials are urging more testing of middle and high school students for COVID-19. They're increasingly concerned about spread of the virus among children who are not yet authorized for the vaccine. This sets up a tough dynamic for parents. It can be hard to know how safe certain activities are for the family, if not everyone is immunized.
More sunshine spreads across Minnesota Wednesday, and much warmer weather returns by Saturday.  Next week starts off with a wetter pattern again.
Chauvin juror: After intense trial, verdict was 'easy part'
Brandon Mitchell told a TV interviewer there were days he didn’t know how he could keep returning to watch footage of George Floyd dying in police custody under Derek Chauvin’s knee. "I didn't see any remorse,” he said of Chauvin’s demeanor in court.
After Minnesota breaks out of widespread morning fog, the return of more sunshine will help push most of the state back into the 60s and even 70s by the afternoon.
No one can claim that DFL sponsors have rushed through a measure to legalize marijuana without discussion. The bill cleared it’s ninth House committee Tuesday, and the multicommittee path has been considerably longer than the ones other bills travel. This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, April 28, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Real ID deadline is now May 2023 because of COVID-19
The deadline had been Oct. 1, and it was becoming clear that many people wouldn't make it, in part because the COVID-19 outbreak has made it harder for states to issue new licenses.
GOP's Sen. Scott suggests Dems use race as political weapon
Sen. Tim Scott is crediting former President Donald Trump and Republicans with creating “a joyful springtime for our nation.” In the GOP's official response to President Joe Biden’s first address to Congress, excerpts of Scott's remarks show he is also asking why the country feels “divided and anxious” despite progress against the pandemic.
What to watch during Biden's 1st big speech to Congress
The prime-time speech Wednesday has been timed to mark his 100th day in office later this week. The address will not resemble past presidential speeches to Congress, with attendance limited because of the pandemic.
Biden's declaration: America's democracy 'is rising anew'
Speaking in highly personal terms while demanding massive structural changes, the president marked his first 100 days in office by proposing a $1.8 trillion investment in children, families and education to help rebuild an economy devastated by the virus and compete with rising global competitors.
Legal pot bill moving in MN House despite Senate GOP opposition
Legislation to legalize marijuana has cleared its ninth committee in the Minnesota House, even though there is no path for it to reach the governor's desk. 
Prancer, the 'haunted Victorian child' dog from viral ad, has been adopted
The 13-pound Chihuahua, who hates men, children and other animals, was also described as "a chucky doll in a dog's body." Now, he has found a home with a 36-year-old single woman in Connecticut.