It's not just tech companies embracing work-from-home for the post-pandemic era. But manufacturers like Ford also have to consider the huge swathes of their workforce that simply can't work remotely. - In Minnesota Businesses struggle with back-to-work plans - MPR News with Kerri Miller The future of working from home
A federal grand jury has indicted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin and the three other former officers involved in the killing of George Floyd last May on charges that the officers violated Floyd's civil rights. - 4 ex-cops indicted on federal charges in Floyd's death Here's what that means - April 21 Feds to probe Minneapolis police practices - Last week Chauvin seeks new trial, impeachment of verdict
What will office space look like after the pandemic? Open-plan shared spaces may be the thing of the past and many people might be splitting their time between conventional workspaces and home offices. - MPR News with Kerri Miller The future of working from home - Will work from home outlast virus? Ford's move suggests yes - Workers are moving first, asking questions later What happens when offices reopen?
A unique new space in Fergus Falls lets artists and entrepreneurs experiment with turning plastic waste into nearly anything they can imagine. County officials hope the space will spark creative ideas — and educate more people about recycling. - Northwestern Minnesota Counties make innovative bet on recycling - Keep recycling Some say financial challenges in the industry could spur innovation - Plastic pollution Here's what you can do about it
House and Senate negotiations on a public safety bill focused on police accountability proposals Thursday during a conference committee meeting that included testimony from families touched by recent fatal police encounters. - Wright's killing Deadly traffic stop renews focus on policing laws - In police debate at Minnesota Capitol Echoes from past ring anew
For more than a year, Minnesota has been operating under some level of restrictions, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. But soon, most of those restrictions will be lifted. Here’s what you need to know. - #AskMPRNews What do you want to know about the new timeline for restrictions?
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, 57 percent of staff in skilled nursing homes statewide have their shots, and a somewhat smaller percentage — 48 percent — of workers in assisted living facilities are vaccinated. - Biden administration looks for help With next phase of pitching COVID vaccines - Get vaccinated How to get a COVID vaccine in Minnesota
Within the next week or so, Minnesota lawmakers will decide whether law enforcement officers in the state must change how they do their jobs. While many ideas are on the table, some people involved in similar debates over the years have low expectations.
On May 5 as part of KERA’s On Our Minds initiative, Syeda Hasan hosts Call to Mind Live: How Child Poverty Shapes Mental Health, a Well Beings Virtual Tour Event. Community members and experts explore how the mental health of children and teens is affected by poverty. When basic needs aren’t met, what happens to well-being? How are low-income kids in Texas faring during the COVID-19 pandemic, the worst economic disaster in recent memory? And how does economic insecurity during childhood inform decision making into adulthood? We'll explore all this and more during a free in-depth, live virtual discussion. Register now and join Call to Mind for this FREE online event in collaboration with KERA Wednesday, May 5 at 12 noon CT.
Six-year-old Jase Nelson and his mom, Michelle, sat down together this week to look at a class picture from kindergarten last year. Jase wanted to remember one classmate in particular. “I played with her last year,” the now-first grader at Marshall’s Park Side Elementary School said. “At recess, she will want to play tag or she would want to play with me. She was a little shy. She would like to take pictures.” It was a bittersweet memory that left Jase crying, and Michelle trying to help comfort her child through her own grief. “She had lots of friends,” Jase said. “She would be nice.” Last Sunday, Jase’s kindergarten classmate — a little girl, 6 years old like him — died from complications of COVID-19. More from MPR News