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MPR News: The killing of George Floyd and trial of Derek Chauvin

April 19, 2021

A man listens in a courtroom.

Turn to MPR News for coverage of the trial of Derek Chauvin. - Full coverage The killing of George Floyd and trial of Derek Chauvin - Timeline George Floyd's death, protests and Derek Chauvin's trial - Daily recaps How the trial is unfolding - Videos Watch recordings of previous days in court - In Front of Our Eyes Listen to the podcast - Jury deliberations Key questions, answered - In Minneapolis Schools to shift to distance learning in advance of Chauvin verdict - NPR live blog The Derek Chauvin trial - NPR reporter's notebook Impressions of a city as trial nears its end - Biden administration Weighing how to respond after verdict in Chauvin trial - Remembering George Floyd, the man A ‘gentle giant’ who sought a fresh start - Voices of Minnesota Calls for change across the state - Timeline Floyd’s death, protests and Chauvin’s trial

Chauvin trial: Closing statements Monday start trial's final phase

April 19, 2021

Two men sit in a courtroom.

The climactic chapters of Derek Chauvin’s murder trial begin Monday morning at the Hennepin County Courthouse. Prosecution and defense attorneys will deliver closing arguments and then hand the case to jurors to await perhaps the most consequential verdict in Minnesota history. - Jury deliberations to begin Key questions, answered - In Minneapolis Schools to shift to distance learning in advance of Chauvin verdict - NPR live blog The Derek Chauvin trial

How we're processing the killing of another Black man by police in Minnesota

April 18, 2021

People in a large circle put their fists in the air.

As one former police officer is tried for murder in the killing of George Floyd, a young Black man named Daunte Wright is shot and killed by another officer during a traffic stop. Host Angela Davis talks about the trauma, grief, anger and fear in our communities. - From KARE11 Emmett Till's cousin reflects on his legacy and racial tensions in Minnesota

What you need to know about Minnesota's J&J COVID vaccine pause

April 17, 2021

A vial of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine

Federal authorities are investigating blood clots in six women who got the vaccine. While the side effects appear to be exceedingly rare, state officials say they are pausing use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in an abundance of caution. - Clot reports U.S. recommends 'pause' for J&J vaccine - What you need to know Johnson & Johnson vaccine and blood clots

Wright family questions lack of murder charges; officer makes 1st court appearance

April 15, 2021

People sit at a memorial site surrounded by flowers.

The family of Daunte Wright and their attorneys said Thursday they welcomed the criminal charge against the former police officer who fired the shot that killed him Sunday, but questioned why she wasn’t charged with murder. - Wednesday Officer charged with 2nd-degree manslaughter - Daunte Wright Known as jokester, doting dad - Former officer Kim Potter From veteran who trained colleagues to defendant

Creating a Minnesota for all Minnesotans: A Message from Duchesne Drew and Jon McTaggart

April 15, 2021

“Our community is once again reeling. We’re not only confronting the tragic killing of Daunte Wright in the midst of Derek Chauvin’s trial, but we’re grappling with the underlying history and systems that shape how differently Black, Indigenous and other people of color experience life here in Minnesota. It’s hard but important work that we must do individually and collectively. Many of us are trying to build understanding, heal wounds and lay the groundwork for a healthier and more equitable region.” Discover coverage, resources, and read more from Duchesne Drew, President, Minnesota Public Radio and Jon McTaggart, CEO, American Public Media Group.

Officer who shot Wright to face 2nd-degree manslaughter charge

April 14, 2021

People stand with signs.

Washington County Attorney Pete Orput on Wednesday said he is filing a second-degree manslaughter charge against former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter in the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. - Brooklyn Center officer, chief resign Mayor wants AG Ellison to handle Wright case - Chief Cop meant to use Taser on Wright - 'I never imagined this' Daunte Wright's family calls for accountability - Sahan Journal Brooklyn Center renters blame police for chaos at protests

Call to Mind: Spotlight on Rethinking Mental Health Care

April 14, 2021

Spotlight on Rethinking Mental Health Care

The nation’s mental health crisis is worsening with the COVID-19 pandemic. About two in five adults reported struggling with their mental health, including substance use, in the last year. That’s twice the number of Americans who typically experience a mental illness in any given year. It’s time to rethink mental health care.   How can our system of care shorten the ten year average to treat people after their first symptoms? What would the ideal mental health care system look like? What policies need to change to create it?  Join host Kimberly Adams and national leaders in mental health care and policy reform, in a free, live virtual event discussion. You can help inform this important conversation with your questions, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the recording of this radio program. Thursday, April 15, 2021 12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m. CDT REGISTER NOW for this free online event

Brooklyn Center officer, chief resign; mayor wants AG Ellison to handle Wright case

April 13, 2021

Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon looks on during a press conference.

Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott appealed for calm with demonstrations set to resume over the police killing of Daunte Wright. Minneapolis, St. Paul ordered 10 p.m. curfew. Ben Crump, the George Floyd family attorney, is now representing the Wright family. - Brooklyn Center chief Cop meant to use Taser on Wright - Explainer How does an officer use a gun instead of a Taser? - Minnesota Legislature Deadly Brooklyn Center traffic stop renews focus on policing laws - Photos from Sunday Night of unrest follows fatal police shooting - Nationwide Protests grow over death of Daunte Wright