Stories from May 13, 2021

Active-duty Marine Corps Major charged in Capitol riot
Officials say Maj. Christopher Warnagiris is believed to be the first active-duty military service member to be charged in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Rebroadcast — In Focus: Equity in Education
Children of color in Minnesota face some of the worst education disparities in the U.S. In this rebroadcast of an event in MPR News’ In Focus series, host Angela Davis spoke with community leaders about how to close the gaps, the obstacles we need to overcome and the reforms we need to realize.
The trial of three former Minneapolis police officers charged with aiding and abetting murder in the killing of George Floyd has been postponed until March. A Hennepin County judge overseeing the case ruled that the trial, originally scheduled for August, should be delayed to give time for the three officers to be tried on separate and more serious federal charges. This is the afternoon MPR News update for Thursday, May 13, 2021. Hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Theme music by Gary Meister.
MN Capitol focus shifts to timetable to avoid shutdown
Minnesota lawmakers won’t get a budget passed during the regular session. Now they’ve got to worry about getting one in place to avoid a government shutdown in July.
Vaccines bring back joy to Eid celebrations
COVID-19 vaccinations have made it possible for Minnesota families and friends to gather once again to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
CDC: Fully vaccinated people can largely ditch masks indoors
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is easing indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to safely stop wearing masks inside in most places. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is expected to discuss the new CDC guidelines around 6 p.m. Thursday.
Some proms are back, with masks, testing and distancing
A year after the pandemic canceled most proms, school districts around the country are considering whether they can once again hold the formal dance for seniors. Striking a balance between safety and fun, districts are requiring masks and booking outdoor venues like baseball stadiums or setting up tents.
Poll finds public health has a trust problem
A new Harvard poll shows that only half of Americans trust the CDC — other health agencies were rated even lower. During a pandemic, trust is critical to the success of a public health response.
Our weekend weather will feature reasonable temperatures, and the possibility of spotty showers. We have details on that, plus a look at Minnesota fishing opener weather extremes over the years.
Author Michael Lewis on ‘The Premonition’
Michael Lewis, the author of “The Big Short” and “Moneyball,” has a new book out called “The Premonition: A Pandemic Story.” He spoke with MPR News about how it came together.
Virus, Mideast turmoil stifle Eid al-Fitr celebrations
Muslims are celebrating Eid al-Fitr in a subdued mood for a second year as the COVID-19 pandemic again forces mosque closings and family separations on the holiday marking the end of Ramadan.
2 years later, former White House counsel Don McGahn agrees to testify
The former Trump White House counsel will speak only to committee members in private, under an agreement negotiated by his attorneys, the committee and the Justice Department.
National Gallery of Art rebrands to emphasize the 'National' in its name
The federally funded museum has been accused of "institutional misconduct" including racism and sexual harassment. A petition claimed some employees call it "the last plantation on the National Mall."
Following a couple dry and sunny days, unsettled weather returns to Minnesota, bringing light rain chances though the weekend. However, it will not be enough precipitation to turn around our recent drier trend.
Reality TV inspired this poetic look at people and the things they hoard
In her latest book of poems, artist Kate Durbin looks at modern consumerism and the way people process trauma and loss through the objects they hoard. Durbin was inspired by the A&E show “Hoarders.”
Art Hounds: New work that highlights Yiddish poetry and Asian American voices
A world premiere by composer Anat Spiegel sets Yiddish poetry to music; the Great Lakes Academy of Fine Art celebrates its first student show in Duluth; and Theater Mu’s Un(Scene) short plays festival tackles violence against Asian Americans.
Temperatures turn even warmer Thursday, and despite a couple areas seeing light rain chances, humidity levels remain very low under mostly sunny skies.
Trial for 3 officers tied to Floyd killing pushed back to March
The officers’ trial was expected in August, but Judge Peter Cahill pushed the trial back to March 2022 given the recently announced federal charges against the men. He said the defense teams also deserve space from publicity.
Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill has found aggravating factors that would justify a tougher sentence for Derek Chauvin, including treating George Floyd with “cruelty” that resulted in his “slow death.”  The former Minneapolis police officer was convicted of murder and manslaughter last month in Floyd’s killing. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, May 13, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
May 13 update on COVID-19: More than half of adults fully vaccinated
Thursday’s COVID-19 report shows Minnesota’s passed an important milestone in its fight against the pandemic: More than half the state’s 16-and-older residents have all their vaccine shots. The effort to get the rest vaccinated, however, is turning out to be a challenge.
Minnesota mask mandate ends Friday; Walz pleads for more vaccinations
Gov. Tim Walz says Minnesota will end its statewide mask-wearing order Friday following new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention allowing people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to stop wearing masks.
Minnesota geologists identify rare meteorite impact site in Dakota County
An area around Inver Grove Heights, Minn., is the site of an ancient meteorite crash, according to recent analysis by the Minnesota Geological Survey. “It’s really exciting and new,” geologist Julia Steenberg says.
Teens move to forefront of MN's COVID-19 vaccination effort
Children ages 12 to 15 start to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Thursday across Minnesota, after federal health advisers endorsed the Pfizer vaccine for younger children Wednesday afternoon. The question now is — how many will?
Legal pot bill poised to pass Minn. House
The DFL-controlled Minnesota House is expected to pass an adult-use cannabis bill Thursday, but the measure faces strong opposition in the GOP-controlled Senate, which is unlikely to even consider the legislation.
Twin Cities girls of color need a place to thrive. Here come the Radical Monarchs
The Radical Monarchs — a Girl Scouts alternative focused on social justice — will launch a troop this summer in the Twin Cities. Its mission: help girls and girl-identified youth of color ages 8 to 11 navigate their experiences and conversations about race, gender and class. 
MPR Connect event: Tom Crann talks with Peter Sagal on the durability of the Constitution
An MPR Connects event hosted by MPR News’ Tom Crann, featuring Peter Sagal, host of “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me.” Sagal also produced a PBS documentary, “Constitution USA.”
A sweet way to celebrate Eid: Annual community candy drive is back
The St. Cloud community comes together to distribute candy to children for Eid al-Fitr, a two- to four-day celebration marking the end of Ramadan.