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Stories from June 8, 2020

Man charged in fire that gutted Minneapolis police station

Man charged in fire that gutted Minneapolis police station

Federal prosecutors have charged a St. Paul man who allegedly admitted helping fuel the fire that destroyed a Minneapolis police station with aiding and abetting arson. 
by The Associated Press

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96 degrees: Hottest day in nearly 2 years Monday

The hottest air mass in nearly two years visited Minnesota Monday. Tuesday brings tropical moisture with heavy rain and a flash flood threat.
by Paul Huttner

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In Minneapolis, rage over George Floyd extends beyond cops

In Minneapolis, rage over George Floyd extends beyond cops

To truly understand the rage people in this city felt as they watched a video of George Floyd begging, gasping and slowly succumbing beneath the weight of a police officer’s knee, it’s necessary to step back in time.
by The Associated Press

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Much of stimulus aid sent to states hasn't gone where it's needed most

Much of stimulus aid sent to states hasn't gone where it's needed most

Much of the billions in federal aid that was sent to states to help with the pandemic's economic fallout didn't go where it was most needed, leaving some hard hit areas struggling with little support.
by Laura Sullivan

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Judge sets Chauvin bail at $1.25M

A Hennepin County judge on Monday set bail for Derek Chauvin at $1.25 million without conditions, $1 million with conditions, as the ex-Minneapolis police officer made his first court appearance since being charged with murder in the killing of George Floyd. Three other ex-officers have been charged with aiding and abetting in Floyd’s death and are being held on $1 million unconditional bail. This is an MPR News evening update for Monday, June 8, 2020. Hosted by Tim Nelson and Britta Greene. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

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Some Minneapolis activists doubt disbanding police will work

Some Minneapolis activists doubt disbanding police will work

Dismantling an entire department is exceedingly rare. It was done in Camden, N.J. and was talked about — though ultimately discarded — in Ferguson, Mo. Such a move comes with legal issues, including a city charter that stipulates a police force, plus a union-protected workforce.
by The Associated Press and Tim Nelson

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Ransacked north Minneapolis clinic seeks larger justice

Ransacked north Minneapolis clinic seeks larger justice

As the Broadway Family Medicine Clinic partially reopened to patients Monday, physicians and other staff are focusing on repairing the damage and creating something even bigger — an effort to bring real systemic change that they hope will benefit their African American patients. 
by Melissa Townsend

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A closer look at police reform and what it means to defund the police

A closer look at police reform and what it means to defund the police

Is policing past the point of reform? Some protesters say that it is and are calling for cities to defund their police departments. What does that mean and what would it look like? Three guests share their views on the future of policing.
by Kerri Miller

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Can tear gas and pepper spray increase virus spread?

Can tear gas and pepper spray increase virus spread?

There’s no research yet on riot control agents and COVID-19. But a former Army officer who studied tear gas and other respiratory infections says it's plausible that the chemical irritants heighten the danger of spreading the virus. 
by The Associated Press

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Biden opposes defunding police, campaign says

Biden opposes defunding police, campaign says

The Democratic Party standard bearer's opposition comes as more activists call on cities and states to defund or abolish police departments, which President Trump's campaign has seized on.
by Sam Gringlas

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It's official: Scorekeepers say U.S. economy is in a recession

It's official: Scorekeepers say U.S. economy is in a recession

The committee tasked with marking U.S. business cycles says the economy peaked in February, and has since been in a recession triggered by the pandemic. But it said the recession could be short-lived.
by Scott Horsley

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Democrats propose sweeping police overhaul; Trump criticizes

Democrats propose sweeping police overhaul; Trump criticizes

Congressional Democrats on Monday unveiled the Justice in Policing Act of 2020, which aims to install wide-ranging reforms for police departments across the country. It faces Republican opposition.
by Claudia Grisales, Susan Davis, Kelsey Snell and Roberta Rampton

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Minneapolis' 3rd Precinct had ‘its own style’ of policing

Minneapolis' 3rd Precinct had ‘its own style’ of policing

The four officers facing charges in George Floyd’s death all worked at the city’s Third Precinct in south Minneapolis. Now, the Star Tribune is reporting what some residents have known for years: that some officers in the 3rd Precinct had a reputation not just for excessive use of force — but in many cases, ongoing harassment of people of color.
by Cathy Wurzer

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Floyd killing: Judge sets Chauvin bail at $1.25M

Floyd killing: Judge sets Chauvin bail at $1.25M

Derek Chauvin was seen on video kneeling on George Floyd’s neck as the prone, handcuffed man pleaded for air. Chauvin was fired from the Minneapolis police force, arrested days later and charged with murder.
by Peter Cox and Tim Nelson

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Policast: A call to defund Minneapolis police

Minneapolis city council members want to defund the police department; new agenda items for special legislative session
by Mike Mulcahy

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Hot and humid: Southern Minnesota to roast with 90-degree highs

Hot and humid: Southern Minnesota to roast with 90-degree highs

Very warm, muggy air will be accompanied by a strong southerly breeze on Monday. Strong storms are likely in the northwest by late in the day. Much cooler air will blow in from Canada by Wednesday.
by Bill Endersen

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'Marchers are full of hope': Civil rights leaders see progress in today's movement

'Marchers are full of hope': Civil rights leaders see progress in today's movement

The Rev. Jesse Jackson and Josie Johnson reflect on the civil rights movement and the protests following the killing of George Floyd. "We're not going to give up. We're not going to stop," Jackson says.
by Steve Inskeep

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Beyond protests: 5 more ways to channel anger into action to fight racism

Beyond protests: 5 more ways to channel anger into action to fight racism

Social justice advocates and psychologists point to a range of strategies to promote racial justice, including using your creative energy and talents. Political engagement and self-care help, too.
by Allison Aubrey

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Hot and muggy Monday; much cooler by midweek

Hot, muggy, breezy weather is coming our way for Monday. Strong storms are likely in the northwest by late in the day.
by Bill Endersen

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St. Paul school board chair dies from COVID-19

Marny Xiong had been hospitalized for a month in critical condition, according to her family. She was 31. This is an MPR News morning update for June 8, 2020. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

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Thousands mourn George Floyd in Texas amid calls for reform

Thousands mourn George Floyd in Texas amid calls for reform

The last chance for the public to say goodbye to George Floyd has drawn thousands of mourners to a church in Houston, where he grew up. The service took place Monday as his death continues spurring protesters, leaders and cities around the world into action two weeks after his death at the hands of police.
by The Associated Press

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June 8 update on COVID-19 in MN: 1,197 deaths; ICU cases stay below 200

June 8 update on COVID-19 in MN: 1,197 deaths; ICU cases stay below 200

While it was encouraging to see current hospitalizations stabilize and ICU cases dip, officials remain concerned “because we have seen deaths in healthy, younger adults.” One of the people reported in Monday’s death count was a person in their 20s with no underlying health conditions.
by MPR News Staff

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Northwest Angle first isolated by geography, now by COVID-19

Northwest Angle first isolated by geography, now by COVID-19

Minnesota’s resort industry is reopening, and hoping for a good season. But in the state’s most isolated community, where tourism is the only industry, resorts are still empty.  
by John Enger

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Floyd killing adds new issues to special session agenda

Floyd killing adds new issues to special session agenda

When Minnesota lawmakers return for a special session later this week, issues related to COVID-19 will now have competition from issues related to police brutality and racism.  Several legislative proposals have surfaced in response to the police killing of George Floyd and the resulting civil unrest.
by Tim Pugmire

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New York Times editorial page editor steps down amid controversy

New York Times editorial page editor steps down amid controversy

The resignation of James Bennet comes after the publication last week of a column by Arkansas Republican Sen. Tom Cotton, who called for federal troops to quell violent protests.
by Scott Neuman

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Child psychologists on helping children process pandemics and crises

Child psychologists on helping children process pandemics and crises

Kids understand that COVID-19 has changed nearly everything. School, camps and activities are online, some parents are working at home or have lost their job, and danger seems everywhere. Two child psychology experts share their insights about managing stress and anxiety.
by MPR News Staff

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Doctors race for answers as kids fight rare inflammatory syndrome tied to coronavirus

Doctors race for answers as kids fight rare inflammatory syndrome tied to coronavirus

While early research suggests the condition is rare, experts are still racing to answer even the most basic questions about the illness — such as why some children are more susceptible than others, how to safely treat it and what it might mean for their long-term health.
by Peter Breslow and Lulu Garcia-Navarro

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When protesters call for 'defunding the police,' what does it mean?

When protesters call for 'defunding the police,' what does it mean?

Protesters are pushing to “defund the police" over the killing of George Floyd and other black Americans killed by law enforcement. But what does “defund the police” mean? It’s not necessarily about gutting police department budgets.
by The Associated Press

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