Stories from June 3, 2021

Crews from the city of Minneapolis early Thursday removed some barriers at the intersection of 38th and Chicago known as George Floyd Square. The site had been closed to vehicles and became a memorial after Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer there last year. This is the afternoon update for Thursday, June 3, 2021. Hosted by Nina Moini. Theme music by Gary Meister.
Education leaders talk about where Minnesota schools go from here
Host Angela Davis talks about educational equity, teacher morale, learning recovery and more with new Education Commissioner Heather Mueller and Robbinsdale interim superintendent Stephanie Burrage who starts as deputy commissioner in June. 
Gilberto Vázquez Valle was a beloved host on KFAI community radio in the Twin Cities. For nearly 15 years, before he passed away last week, he broadcast a deeply researched program on Latin American folk music. His show, Encuentro, aired on Thursday nights from 8-10 p.m.
Why and when do COVID-19 vaccines expire?
How soon vaccines expire is a critical question as the Biden administration prepares to send tens of millions of unused COVID-19 doses abroad to help curb the pandemic.
5 things we learned from Anthony Fauci's emails
Thousands of pages of Dr. Fauci's emails have been released to reporters. Here's what they tell us about his life and manner during the early months of the pandemic.
Walker show asks: Is a still life really still or life?
A new exhibition at the Walker Art Center is challenging its audience to consider the term “still life.” It's been used so long to describe a conventional kind of art that it's taken for granted. But can an image that is still really be alive?
We’ll have a very warm weekend! Highs will reach the 90s in most areas, with dew points in the sticky 60s. We have the weekend forecast details, including who may see some rain.
Millions of women haven't rejoined the workforce — and may not anytime soon
Millions of women who lost their jobs in the pandemic have yet to return to work, even though the economy has improved. What's keeping them back is a mix of factors that may not be resolved quickly.
Ecologist Suzanne Simard on understanding the wisdom of forests
Ecologist Suzanne Simard talked with host Kerri Miller about her new book “Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest” and what humans can learn from the way trees cooperate and communicate with other plants.
Science chief wants next pandemic vaccine ready in 100 days
The new White House science adviser wants to have a vaccine ready to fight the next pandemic in just about 100 days after recognizing a potential viral outbreak.
Minnesota turns even hotter the final days of the week, with widespread 90s and even isolated 100s possible. This could bring everything from an elevated fire risk to concerns about heat illness, while setting records across the state.
The Thursday forecast brings even warmer weather, with a few portions of the state seeing scattered showers.
Netanyahu foes push for quick vote to end his 12-year rule
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s opponents on Thursday pushed for a quick parliament vote to formally end his lengthy rule, hoping to head off any last-minute attempts by the premier to derail their newly announced coalition government.
Prosecutors are seeking a 30-year sentence for the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murder in George Floyd’s death, but a defense attorney is asking that Derek Chauvin be sentenced to probation and time already served, according to court documents filed Wednesday. Chauvin is scheduled to be sentenced June 25 following his conviction on murder and manslaughter charges. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, June 3, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Minneapolis starts to reopen George Floyd Square, but some push back
Mayor Jacob Frey said Thursday’s clearing of barriers at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue was the start of a reopening of the site, which has been closed in the year since George Floyd was murdered. Some, though, called the process an affront to Floyd’s memory.
Yes, there are crimes — and much more — in 'The Thousand Crimes Of Ming Tsu'
Tom Lin's new novel promises — and delivers — lots of crimes in a cinematic Western starring a Chinese American gunslinger on a mission of revenge against the men who sent him to work the railroads.
After a grueling year in the ICU and at George Floyd Square, an unexpected friendship
More than a year after two epidemics — of COVID-19 and racial injustice — collided in Jeanette Rupert’s world, the nurse and social justice activist says she’s learned no one person can go it alone. It’s a lesson that was underscored for her by a letter from a stranger. 
Experts call it a 'clown show' but Arizona 'audit' is a disinformation blueprint
"It's an audit in name only," says one former election security official. "It's a threat to the overall confidence of democracy, all in pursuit of continuing a narrative that we know to be a lie."
A year of rebuilding a neighborhood
Near the epicenter of protests launched in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, organizations in one pocket of Minneapolis say they’re working to build a better, more just community.
June 3 COVID-19 update in MN: Pandemic data solid; vaccination pace crawls
Minnesota’s COVID-19 picture continues to brighten, although there’s still a concern the recent end of masking requirements and capacity limits for bars and restaurants may bring an uptick in cases in a few weeks. Officials continue to stress testing and vaccination.
Art Hounds recommend live, in-person dance and music performances
It’s the first time in well over a year that we have been able to feature three live, in-person only performances. BRKFST Dance Company performs “60/40” at Southern Theater in Minneapolis, StoLyette plays at Icehouse and Z-Fest screens this year’s crop of seven-minute films by veteran and emerging Minnesota filmmakers.
George Mason University economics professor Bryan Caplan speaks at St. Olaf College about “Freedom, Populism and Big Tech.”
Sackler family empire poised to win immunity from opioid lawsuits
A federal bankruptcy judge cleared a plan for final vote by Purdue Pharma's creditors that would release members of the Sackler family and their financial empire from liability for the opioid crisis.