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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

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