Brooklyn Center policing overhaul could get vote within days
May 11, 2021
City leaders in Brooklyn Center say they could vote as soon as this Saturday on a proposed overhaul of policing in the community. A month ago, a white officer in the Minneapolis suburb killed Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, sparking protests and unrest.
- Over the weekend Brooklyn Center mayor proposes major public safety changes
- MPR News with Angela Davis What kind of police reform is possible and how do we get there?
As COVID-19 vaccine eligibility expands, what caregivers should know
May 11, 2021
Kids ages 12 to 15 are now eligible for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines, the FDA announced Monday.
The agency had already approved its use for kids 16 and older, and other pharmaceutical companies have their own pediatric trials underway.
As vaccination rates among older adults slow down, having more young people immunized could help the country inch closer to herd immunity and slow the spread of COVID-19.
Tuesday at 9 a.m., two physicians join host Kerri Miller to discuss the pediatric trials and answer questions from parents and other caregivers about getting kids vaccinated.
- Listen: Stream MPR News online
- More: FDA OKs Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 12-15 age group
A remote work revolution is underway — but not for everyone
May 10, 2021
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
Federal grand jury brings civil rights charges against ex-officers involved in Floyd's killing
May 9, 2021
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
Minnesota businesses struggle with back-to-work plans
May 9, 2021
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?
Trash to treasure: Plastics lab a new way to recycle
May 8, 2021
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
Families of Wright and Floyd speak in favor of policing changes
May 7, 2021
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
Mask-wearing, capacity limits, closing times: What you need to know about Minn.'s COVID restriction rollback
May 7, 2021
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?
Nursing home staff lag in COVID-19 vaccinations, but role models help
May 6, 2021
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
In police debate at Minnesota Capitol, echoes from past ring anew
May 6, 2021
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.