Stories from May 5, 2021

Why is India running out of oxygen?
Hospitals don't have enough oxygen for patients on ventilators. There are delivery bottlenecks. Families are sometimes told to get their own supplies. Health experts say it didn't have to be this way.
Minnesota's governor about to unveil a COVID pandemic exit strategy as the state hits 2 million fully vaccinated. This is an evening update from MPR news, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Biden backs waiving international patent protections for COVID-19 vaccines
President Joe Biden threw his support behind waiving intellectual property rights for the vaccines, yielding to international pressure. The move could allow other countries to manufacture the drugs.
Bus depot pop-up clinics highlight state's evolving vaccine strategy
As the once-high demand for COVID-19 vaccinations has ebbed, public health officials are adjusting strategies for getting shots to as many Minnesotans as possible. That shift has been on display in Duluth this week, where nurses have answered questions about vaccines and given out free shots — no appointment required — in the downtown transit center.
Tax talks underway, but agreement hinges on larger deal
Minnesota House and Senate negotiators are working toward a tax compromise that they can’t reach until top leaders settle their differences.
Life after vaccines: When does 'normal' become possible?
Host Angela Davis talked to two doctors about how to stay safe during the push toward herd immunity to COVID-19. They also explored how getting life back to “normal” during the transitional period after vaccination might be more complicated than it first seems.
In police debate at Minnesota Capitol, echoes from past ring anew
Within the next week or so, Minnesota lawmakers will decide whether law enforcement officers in the state must change how they do their jobs. While many ideas are on the table, some people involved in similar debates over the years have low expectations.
Families, advocates mark day of awareness for Native victims
From Washington to Indigenous communities across the American Southwest, top government officials, family members and advocates gathered Wednesday as part of a call to action to address the ongoing problem of violence against Indigenous women and children.
For more context on the policing proposals being floated at the state level, MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talked with University of Minnesota law professor Maria Ponomarenko. She’s a co-founder of the NYU-based Policing Project.
Man who helped burn precinct during Floyd unrest sentenced
A St. Paul man has been sentenced to more than three years in prison for his role in the arson fire that burned a Minneapolis police station during protests over the death of George Floyd.
Brooklyn Center police union: Wright killing 'devastating' to community, cops
“It is impossible for me to grasp the overwhelming emotional burden of taking a life after dedicating your career to protecting life,” Chuck Valleau, a detective, said Wednesday in the union’s first statement since a Brooklyn Center officer killed Wright at an April 11 traffic stop.
New climate normals show Minnesota turning warmer
In contrast with the cooler and drier forecast for the next week, overall, Minnesota is turning warmer and wetter based on trends shown by our new 30-year averages.
Facebook board upholds Trump suspension
Former President Donald Trump won’t return to Facebook — for now. The social network’s quasi-independent Oversight Board voted to uphold his ban from the platform after his account was suspended four months ago for inciting violence that led to the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
Following a frosty start, Minnesota temperatures remain below average through the day, and light rain showers move through.
Nature at its craziest: Trillions of cicadas about to emerge
Trillions of cicadas are about to emerge from 15 U.S. states. Scientists say Brood X (as in 10, not the letter) is one of the biggest for these bugs that come out only once every 17 years.
The attorney for Derek Chauvin filed a motion Tuesday seeking a new trial for the former Minneapolis police officer, who was convicted of murder last month in the death of George Floyd. The motion cites 10 reasons Chauvin should be granted a new trial, including judicial abuse of discretion over granting a change of venue and sequestering the jury before deliberations. It says “publicity during the proceedings threaten[ed] the fairness of the trial.” This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, May 5, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
Nursing home staff lag in COVID-19 vaccinations, but role models help
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, 57 percent of staff in skilled nursing homes statewide have their shots, and a somewhat smaller percentage — 48 percent — of workers in assisted living facilities are vaccinated.
Audio postcard: Early spring violets in bloom
Our resident Morning Edition wildflower chasers Phyllis Root and Kelly Povo have been out and about, letting us know where the earliest spring flowers are starting to pop up. Today, they have a report of a beautiful display of violets in Washington County.
A daughter rediscovers her deceased father's life in 'Negative Space'
Lilly Dancyger's memories, coupled with her father's art and conversations with his friends, create a map she uses to navigate her past, her childhood and growing up, and her father's life and legacy.
Former Best Buy CEO Hubert Joly: 'Business must lead in new ways'
Former Best Buy Chairman and CEO Hubert Joly talks about his new book “The Heart of Business” at a University of Minnesota Humphrey School event in April.