Minnesota Today

The state Dept. of Education is asking districts and charter schools to plan for three different scenarios this fall: in-person classes, distance learning, or a hybrid of the two. A decision on those scenarios is expected by late next month. MPR News morning update for June 16, 2020. Hosted by Phil Picardi.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Meanwhile, St. Cloud is cleaning up after a night of unrest following a shooting that wounded a police officer. Also, state health officials will wait until the end of July to make recommendations on school for fall. MPR News update for June 15, 2020, hosted by Britta Greene and Tim Nelson. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

On June 15, 1920, three black men wrongfully accused of a crime were lynched by a mob in Duluth.

One hundred years later, the city's residents are remembering the killings of Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson and Isaac McGhie — even though a large event marking the somber anniversary had to be canceled because of the pandemic. 

This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, June 15, 2020. Hosted by Phil Picardi.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Minnesota lawmakers heard testimony for seven hours Saturday from people weighing in on potential legislation to change policing in the state, in the wake of the killing of George Floyd. MPR News update for June 14, 2020. Hosted by Emily Bright. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Minnesota lawmakers are meeting Saturday to discuss potential legislation on policing in the state, in the wake of the killing of George Floyd. MPR News update for June 13, 2020. Hosted by Emily Bright. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Republicans and Democrats are at odds over how long the special session should go. Meanwhile, the Minneapolis City Council took a first step toward having voters decide whether to remove the police department from the city's charter. MPR News update for June 12, 2020, hosted by Nina Moini. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Gov. Tim Walz and DFL legislative leaders have outlined an ambitious agenda aimed at addressing police brutality and racial injustice. Republican Senate leaders are expected to have more to say on the special session in a Friday news conference. This is an MPR News morning update for June 12, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

A group of 14 Minneapolis police officers issued a public letter today condemning Dererk Chauvin, the former officer who’s now charged with the murder of George Floyd.

“Dear Everyone - but especially Minneapolis citizens,” they wrote, “We are with you and want to communicate a sentiment that is broad within our ranks.”

The letter is a rare break from the united front that the rank and file of the Minneapolis police usually present in public, even after the shooting of Justine Ruszczyk in 2017. It’s almost unheard of for any members of any department in the country to speak out regarding a criminal matter involving one of their own.

This is an MPR News evening update for Thursday June 11, 2020. Hosted by Tim Nelson and Britta Greene.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

University president Joan Gabel is recommending reopening campuses for in-person instruction in the fall. This is an MPR News morning update for June 11, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister. 

Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo announced Wednesday that the city aims to withdraw from negotiations over the police union’s contract, but labor law experts say it’s not within the city’s authority, and would likely trigger a court battle.

Community activists have long pointed to the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis as an obstacle to reform within the department. The union’s contract, which governs wages, benefits and work rules, has provisions that make it difficult for many firings of police officers to stick, Arradondo said.

This is an MPR News evening update for Wednesday, June 10, 2020. Hosted by Tim Nelson and Britta Greene.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.