Minneapolis budget committee approves cuts in police funding
July 24, 2020
A majority of people calling into a public hearing Wednesday urge the Minneapolis City Council to make much deeper cuts to the Police Department’s $193 million budget.
- Minneapolis residents ask Dismantle the police — then what?
- Ballot question passion Hundreds call in on removing police from the city's charter
Opening day amid virus: Masks, empty parks, social justice
July 24, 2020
A 60-game season, stars opting out. Ballparks without fans, players wearing masks. Piped-in sound effects, cardboard cutouts for spectators. Spray-painted ads on the mound, pitchers with personal rosin bags.
Minnesota’s mask mandate: What you need to know
July 23, 2020
Here’s what you need to know about Minnesota’s mask mandate and what face coverings do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Yes, wearing masks helps Here's why
- More FAQs Is a homemade mask effective? And what's the best way to wear one?
- A user's guide to masks What's best at protecting others (and yourself)
How decision to resume school might affect Minnesota’s communities of color
July 23, 2020
Minnesota officials have told schools to prepare for three different scenarios for resuming classes in the fall. None of these options is an ideal choice for most students. And the reality for students of color is likely to have a disproportionate impact on their health, families and education.
- Poll Very few Americans back full school reopening
Lawmakers: Deal near on police changes
July 21, 2020
With a special session of the Legislature due to end Monday, leading lawmakers said they were close to a deal on police accountability measures. Other agreements, notably on a public works construction bill, were not in sight.
- Earlier Special session enters second week with little accomplished
Helping north Minneapolis rebuild — and putting businesses on more solid ground
July 20, 2020
North Minneapolis was hit hard in the uprising following George Floyd’s killing. The destruction spread to more than 100 businesses — many of them locally owned shops that were already flat on their backs from the economic fallout from COVID-19.
- MPR News with Angela Davis Rebuilding, reopening and returning to Minneapolis
- Waiting for justice for George Floyd North siders work the land as an act of healing
- June 8 Ransacked north Minneapolis clinic seeks larger justice
Don’t let COVID-19 stop your vote. Here’s how to vote by mail in Minnesota
July 19, 2020
The coronavirus is posing unprecedented challenges for the 2020 election. But most Minnesotans hoping to cast a ballot can do so without going any farther than the closest mailbox.
- Related Most Minnesotans support vote by mail
- Fact check Is mail ballot fraud as rampant as President Trump says?
To celebrate his new Virtual Choir 6, Eric Whitacre picks 6 favorite virtual choir performances
July 19, 2020
Virtual choir performances have become the norm now, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the concept was started 10 years ago by composer Eric Whitacre. So who better than him to pick six of his favorite recent virtual choir videos to celebrate the July 19 release of his Virtual Choir 6?
- Listen Choral Stream
The Current: MPR President Duchesne Drew talks about creativity, confidence, and kindness
July 18, 2020
In April 2020, Duchesne Drew was named president of Minnesota Public Radio. In his first appearance on The Current's Morning Show, Drew talks with host Jill Riley about what drew him to MPR - and how MPR had a place in his heart long before he got here.
Blinded by the lights? Where to better see Comet Neowise
July 18, 2020
The weather has been favorable this week for catching a glimpse of Comet Neowise — the 3.1 mile across hunk of ice currently hurtling by Earth. With clear skies and low humidity, all you need to do is grab your binoculars and find a dark spot. But if you live in a metropolitan area, that’s easier said than done.
Here are some spots outside of Minnesota’s biggest cities to settle down and catch a glimpse of the celestial wonder before it’s gone.