Homepage

As COVID-19 vaccine eligibility expands, what caregivers should know

May 11, 2021

A woman looks away as she is given a vaccine.

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

Ford Automotive Chicago Assembly Plant

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 surveillance video showing police making an arrest outside a store.

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

A man with a facemask stands in an office space.

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 man and a woman stand near a table

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

A vigil and march in honor of Daunte Wright

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

Nursing home staff lag in COVID-19 vaccinations, but role models help

May 6, 2021

A poster with signatures all over.

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

A police car attempts to leave a scene and is blocked by a crowd.

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.

Call to Mind Live: How Child Poverty Shapes Mental Health

May 4, 2021

In Focus: Black Youth Resilience

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.