Minnesota Today

Minnesota Health Department data shows the state’s vaccination trend line is headed in the right direction. The seven-day rolling average is running at nearly 37,000 a day, the highest it’s been since vaccinations began in late December.

This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, Mar. 3, 2021. Hosted by Phil Picardi.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

New COVID vaccine will help Minnesota, but it isn't clear yet how much, as 45,000 Johnson and Johnson doses arrive. This is an evening news update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Minneapolis city officials on Monday canceled plans to hire so-called "social media influencers" to disseminate official information during the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin. Under the scuttled plan, six “community members who are considered trusted messengers and have large social media presence” were to be paid $2,000 each to share "city generated and approved messages."

This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, Mar. 2, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

The first George Floyd trial faces its first major court test, just days before it is poised to start, as the state’s Court of Appeals weighs the charges against a former police officer. This is an evening news update from Minnesota Public Radio, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Whether the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin starts next week as scheduled hinges on whatever decision emerges from a state Court of Appeals hearing Monday afternoon. Prosecutors want the appeals court to reinstate a third-degree murder charge against Chauvin, who is already facing second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter charges in the killing of George Floyd.

This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, Mar. 1, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

The state budget picture has improved dramatically, according to the latest economic forecast from the Minnesota Management and Budget office.  The state is projected to have a positive balance of $1.6 billion over the next two years, due to higher revenue and lower spending. This is the MPR News update for Feb. 26, 2021. Hosted by Nina Moini. Theme music by Gary Meister.

The former Minneapolis police officer imprisoned for killing Justine Ruszczyk in 2017 is appealing his third-degree murder conviction to the Minnesota Supreme Court. The case could have implications for the upcoming trial of Derek Chauvin, one of the four former Minneapolis police officers charged in the May 25 killing of George Floyd.

This is an MPR News morning update for Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Walz lays out the state's long-term vaccination plan, with a goal of wrapping up this summer, with guidance about when to expect yours. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota public health officials are asking families to get tested for the coronavirus every two weeks from now until the end of the school year, in an effort to limit the impact of the disease. The state Department of Health campaign announced Wednesday it is reaching out to families, health professionals, schools and youth organizations to help encourage regular COVID-19 testing.

This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Razor wire and chain link are going up ahead of the Derek Chauvin trial, as preparations move into high gear in Minneapolis. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.