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.
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.
Minnesota’s newest COVID-19 data again offered a mixed bag of hopeful and concerning trends. New deaths remained in single digits and current hospitalizations remained relatively flat, but new confirmed cases leaped again, continuing a steep two-week climb.
As one of the few Black employees at the St. Louis County courthouse in Duluth, John Staine felt he was being singled out — and he was sick of it. So, he took an unconventional approach to confronting the bias. - MPR News with Angela Davis Fighting racism in greater Minnesota - ‘We never solved the problem’ Echoes of 1920 Duluth lynching persist at centennial - Voices of Minnesota Calls for change across the state
Workers and employers are facing myriad questions and concerns about workplace safety. Here’s what you need to know about your rights as you return to work.
The Minneapolis Police Department is changing its policy on reporting use-of-force incidents to require that officers document their attempts to de-escalate a situation. - Last week Task force designed to guide changes for Minneapolis police - More Minneapolis council members pledge thoughtful police revamp
A coalition of local and national media organizations, including MPR News, is challenging the restrictions, setting up a fight over public access over evidence in the case that has sparked protests and calls for change across the country. - Related Attorneys ask Floyd judge to hold AG Ellison in contempt - Lawyers 3 Minneapolis ex-cops want Floyd gag order lifted - Floyd killing News outlets push for greater access to bodycam video
While hospitalizations and deaths continued to slow, the uptick in cases had New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announce Tuesday that visitors from Minnesota and Wisconsin must now quarantine for 14 days on arrival in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. - Statewide Duluth joins growing list of Minnesota cities to require masks - First vaccine Tested in U.S. poised for final testing
Law enforcement officials say excited delirium usually happens to people who have been using drugs or who have a serious mental illness. It may be seen when a person is held in a chokehold, hog-tied, or Tasered, though some medical associations don't recognize the condition. - Full coverage The killing of George Floyd - Call to Mind MPR mental health coverage
When George Floyd said he couldn't breathe, two of the Minneapolis officers at the scene pointed out that he could still speak. Medical experts say that reaction is dangerously wrong, and that a person can still utter words, even if they can't inhale enough breath. - 'You’re going to kill me, man' Transcripts of police videos reveal Floyd's final moments - More Former officer seeks dismissal of charges in Floyd case