Stories from April 22, 2021

House OKs tax plan with breaks for some, hikes for others
The proposal, which hinges on higher taxes on corporations and top earners, is integral to a House budget plan but must be aligned with a Senate version that doesn’t raise new revenue.
Carbon dioxide in atmosphere spikes to new high
In the past month, atmospheric carbon dioxide reached 420 parts per million for the first time. That’s a 50 percent increase from pre-industrial levels.
Daunte Wright’s family and friends celebrated his life Thursday at his funeral alongside national civil rights leaders who came again to the Twin Cities to mourn another Black man killed by police. This is an MPR News evening update for April 22, 2021. Hosted by Kirsti Marohn. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Cube Critics Marcheta Fornoff and Euan Kerr fearlessly make Oscar predictions
As COVID cases rise among kids, teens targeted for vaccination
As the state warns of widespread and growing transmission of COVID-19 among kids, local officials and school districts are teaming up to vaccinate teens 16 and older.
Police standards board calls for changes in response to protests
The Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training has unanimously approved creating two new policies to address issues currently under scrutiny. The first would create a policy and accountability for how police respond to gatherings protected by the First Amendment. The second would prohibit police officers from supporting white supremacist groups.
Senate OKs bill to fight hate crimes against Asian Americans
The Senate on Thursday passed a bill that would help combat the rise of hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, a bipartisan denunciation of such violence during the coronavirus pandemic and a modest step toward legislating in a chamber where most of President Joe Biden's agenda has stalled.
COVID-19 hospitalizations tumble among U.S. senior citizens
COVID-19 hospitalizations among older Americans have plunged 80 percent since the start of the year, dramatic proof the vaccination campaign is working. Now the trick is to get more of the nation's younger people to roll up their sleeves.
George Floyd and Daunte Wright now part of Minnesota history
Host Angela Davis talks with two historians about the conviction of Derek Chauvin on murder charges and how the killings of George Floyd and Daunte Wright raised awareness of inequality and support for police reform nationwide.
 ‘Right now, it is the soul of this nation’: What’s next for George Floyd Square
At the intersection where George Floyd died, people are organizing to defend a space they’ve held in protest for nearly a year. The city said it would reopen the streets there after the trial. Activists say it’s too soon.
Why did the chicken befriend the widow? Find out in this plucky Italian novella
An older woman living on a remote farm turns to an emotional-support hen for company. Sacha Naspini's newly translated novella is a slim volume, packed with unexpected secrets and epiphanies.
House Democrats pass bill to make D.C. the 51st state
The effort to make Washington, D.C., the 51st star on the U.S. flag has never had more support. But the measure's fate in the Senate is uncertain.
Amid sexual misconduct allegations, publisher suspends shipping of Blake Bailey book
Three former students and a publishing executive have alleged sexual misconduct by award-winner Blake Bailey, with two accusing the author of rape, according to reports. Bailey denies the allegations.
Temps will be cool this weekend, but we’ll see many dry hours. We have details on who may see some rain or snow showers.
Would dispatching social workers instead of cops save lives?
Since 2015, more than 1,400 people with mental illness have been killed by police — nearly a quarter of all fatal police shootings. That’s led some cities to dispatch mental health professionals to respond to some 911 calls instead of police. Does this new approach reduce the violence? 
Surprise: The charge for his spine surgery after a car crash topped $700,000
Generous personal injury coverage on your auto insurance policy may not be enough to cover your medical bills. Patients can get financially blindsided when car and health insurance policies differ.
After a brief return to average warmth Thursday, cooler temperatures settle back in for the weekend. Warmer weather returns early next week, but it comes along with a rainier pattern.
'He was guilty': Alternate juror in favor of Chauvin conviction
Lisa Christensen said in an interview that aired on “CBS This Morning” that she saw Derek Chauvin as the leader of officers at the scene and that he brushed off warnings by bystanders that George Floyd was in danger.
Under the influence of high pressure and southwesterly winds, Minnesota returns to more typical springtime warmth Thursday.
How long does protection from COVID-19 vaccines last?
Experts are still studying vaccinated people to determine if and when boosters might be needed. So far, evidence indicates shots by Pfizer and Moderna last at least six months, and likely longer.
At 'moment of peril,' Biden opens global summit on climate
President Joe Biden convened leaders of the world's most powerful countries on Thursday to try to spur global efforts against climate change, drawing commitments from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin to cooperate on cutting emissions despite their own sharp rivalries with the United States.
The Minnesota House has passed a bill that limits officers' authority to make routine traffic stops, does more to flag problem officers and increases transparency in critical investigations. But those measures are far from certain to reach the governor’s desk. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, April 22, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
MN urges more COVID-19 youth testing, OKs playing sports maskless outdoors
“We really do believe that the end of the pandemic is in sight, but we’re not there yet,” Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm told reporters Thursday. While the current case wave seems to be cresting, proms, graduations and other spring school events are “not a given.”
Civil rights leaders, loved ones remember Daunte Wright
Family and friends celebrated the 20-year-old’s life Thursday at his funeral alongside national civil rights leaders who came again to the Twin Cities to mourn another Black man killed by police.
Minnesota House pushes to limit police powers
The Minnesota House is working on a bill that limits police officers' authority to make traffic stops for minor issues, does more to flag problem officers, and increases transparency in critical investigations. But those measures are far from certain to reach the governor’s desk.
Art Hounds: Landscapes and memory-scapes
Artists and art appreciators this week also recommend a streaming show from Theater Latté Da, which invites artists to perform favorite show tunes outside of their “type” and a retrospective of renowned Duluth artist Carl Gawboy, Bois Forte Anishinaabe storyteller and scholar.
Minnesota's search for a better policing system
How are Black Minnesotans feeling after Chauvin was found guilty on three counts of murder and manslaughter? What steps do we need to take next for meaningful police reform? Host Angela Davis talks about efforts in Minnesota to change a system of policing that has had a disproportionately negative impact on Black Americans.
Grim list of deaths at police hands grows even after verdict
The murder conviction in George Floyd’s death has been hailed as a sign of progress in the fight for equal justice, but the case is an outlier in many ways and leaves unanswered difficult questions about law enforcement’s use of force and systematic racism in policing.
Minnesota Guard troops standing down as Twin Cities are quiet after verdict
Minnesota National Guard troops are heading home this week following the conclusion of Derek Chauvin's murder trial. Gov. Tim Walz activated 3,000 soldiers and airmen to protect property in the Twin Cities metro area while the trial was underway.