In their own words: Three Black Minnesota officers reflect on race and policing
May 28, 2021
There are around 12,000 peace officers in Minnesota. About 250 of the officers are Black, according to the National Black Police Association’s Minnesota Chapter. MPR News spoke with three members of the organization as they reflected on race and policing, one year after the killing of George Floyd.
- 2020 Black cops feel pain of Floyd's death, duty to their uniform
Travel tips for your post-vaccination Memorial Day weekend
May 28, 2021
COVID-19 cases are down, half of the country is at least partially vaccinated and the wanderlust has struck. But the rebound could also mean new challenges for your getaway. Here's how to avoid them.
After last year's unrest, some businesses rebuilt. But many have not recovered
May 27, 2021
Minneapolis business advocates say rebuilding, especially for properties that were leveled by fire, will take five to 10 years. City officials and fundraising groups have calculated the total cost at around $500 million to be shared by 1,500 businesses. But fundraisers have only secured a fraction of what they say they need.
- April 29 State aid for Twin Cities businesses uncertain as end of session looms
- August 2020 Lake Street business owners say post-unrest return may take years
Call to Mind Live: Impacts of Homelessness on Youth Mental Health
May 26, 2021
About 5,000 young people are currently experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County. The reasons vary from abuse or conflict at home to housing and economic insecurity experienced by families. Now, after more than a year of a global pandemic, many advocates worry those numbers could climb.
On May 27, KPCC will host Call to Mind Live: Impacts of Homelessness on Youth Mental Health, a Well Beings Virtual Tour Event. Take Two’s A Martínez and special guests will explore the mental health effects on homeless youth and talk about the reasons why young people end up on the streets and what help is available - from finding secure housing to trauma therapy.
Register now to join Call to Mind and KPCC Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 7 p.m. CT for this free online event.
Younger generation gets a voice on police reform in Minneapolis
May 26, 2021
Co-chairs of a youth group say their peers have negative feelings about police, but many want to reform the department, not defund or dismantle it.
- 'We cannot stop' Families of victims push for police reform
- MPR News with Kerri Miller One year later, where do we stand on policing?
- Washington Floyd family meets with Biden as Congress mulls police bill
Video: Remembering George Floyd, one year after his murder
May 26, 2021
George Floyd’s death sparked days of unrest in the Twin Cities and mass protests across the world over the treatment of Black people and racial minorities. But before he became a symbol in the fight for racial justice, friends and family say Floyd was a "gentle giant" who sought a fresh start.
- MPR News with Angela Davis How George Floyd changed us
- Photos George Floyd and the year of racial reckoning
- MPR News journalists look back One year of covering the George Floyd story
Special report: Host Angela Davis explores how George Floyd changed us
May 25, 2021
It started with a Minneapolis store clerk calling police over a possible counterfeit bill. Minutes later, people were calling 911 on the police. A murder was unfolding in front of their eyes, as a white officer had pinned a Black man to the pavement, ignoring his pleas of “I can’t breathe.”
Until that day — May 25, 2020 — many knew Minnesota more for its many lakes and cold winters than for its persistent racial disparities. But a teenager’s cellphone video, which captured the crime at a bustling intersection in south Minneapolis, told a different story.
- MPR News journalists look back One year covering the George Floyd story
- Poll Police violence remains high concern in U.S.
- A movement memorialized Plywood art honoring George Floyd goes on display
- Full coverage George Floyd, one year later
Bob Dylan: your favorite songs
May 24, 2021
In the run-up to Bob Dylan's 80th birthday, Radio Heartland listeners were asked their favorite Dylan songs — and you responded enthusiastically! To celebrate Dylan's birthday — happening Monday, May 24, 2021 — Radio Heartland featured your favorite Bob Dylan song picks and also built a Spotify playlist.
Peruse the songs and listen to the playlist
In Focus: George Floyd’s Legacy and Impact
May 23, 2021
Minnesota continues to grapple with questions about police reform, racial inequity and the meaning of the word “justice” one year after George Floyd, a black man, was killed by a white Minneapolis police officer.
MPR News host Angela Davis will lead the latest In Focus conversation with community leaders, memory keepers and activists working to preserve and maintain George Floyd’s impact and legacy in our Minnesota communities and beyond.
Wednesday, May 26
12 noon CT
FREE Online Event
RSVP Now
Brains On! Coronavirus Episodes and Resources
May 23, 2021
The coronavirus has turned much of the world upside down and the Brains On! team wants to help families understand what’s going on. What exactly is it? How does it spread? Can I protect myself? What's in the COVID vaccine? How does it work? And how do they make it?
The podcast team answered all those questions and more in our series. Learn more about the vaccines and find family-friendly coronavirus explainers at BrainsOn.org/Coronavirus