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Stories from May 6, 2021

The search for a better EV battery as customer demand rises

The search for a better EV battery as customer demand rises

The surge in demand for electric vehicles has ignited a new kind of “space race” within the automobile industry.
by Paul Huttner

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A remote work revolution is underway — but not for everyone

A remote work revolution is underway — but not for everyone

It's not just tech companies embracing work-from-home for the post-pandemic era. But manufacturers like Ford also have to consider the huge swathes of their workforce that simply can't work remotely.
by Camila Domonoske

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Charges expected Friday after standoff at St. Cloud bank

Charges expected Friday after standoff at St. Cloud bank

Five hostages were freed and a suspect is in custody after a standoff Thursday that lasted more than eight hours at a Wells Fargo branch in St. Cloud. The Stearns County Attorney says the suspect will be charged Friday with aggravated robbery, kidnapping and second-degree assault, and may also face federal charges.
by Nina Moini, Matt Sepic and The Associated Press

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Are you worn down and unfocused? You’re languishing

Are you worn down and unfocused? You’re languishing

Many people feel worn down and unfocused after a difficult year. Mental health experts have a name for the feeling — languishing. Host Angela Davis talked to a researcher and a therapist about how to deal with the cumulative toll of the COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest and other stresses of the year.
by Angela Davis and Maja Beckstrom

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Families of Wright and Floyd speak in favor of policing changes

Families of Wright and Floyd speak in favor of policing changes

House and Senate negotiations on a public safety bill focused on police accountability proposals Thursday during a conference committee meeting that included testimony from families touched by recent fatal police encounters.
by Tim Pugmire

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Governor says Minnesota can have a mask free 4th of July

Governor says Minnesota can have a mask free 4th of July as he rolls out a rollback on COVID restrictions. This is an evening update from Minnesota Public Radio News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

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Goodwill doesn't want your broken toaster

Goodwill doesn't want your broken toaster

"Wish-cyclers" are donating millions of pounds of broken goods and trash to Goodwill.
by Todd Bookman

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Sheriff: Student shoots 3 at Idaho school; teacher disarms her

Sheriff: Student shoots 3 at Idaho school; teacher disarms her

Authorities say a sixth grade student brought a gun to her Idaho middle school, shot two students and a custodian and then was disarmed by a teacher. The three victims are expected to survive their injuries, officials said.
by The Associated Press

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New study estimates more than 900,000 people have died of COVID-19 in U.S.

New study estimates more than 900,000 people have died of COVID-19 in U.S.

The total, estimated by researchers at the University of Washington, is 57 percent higher than the official death toll. Worldwide, they said, COVID-19 deaths are nearing 7 million, twice the official total.
by Becky Sullivan

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'New era in resettlement': U.S. refugee advocates count on more community-based help

'New era in resettlement': U.S. refugee advocates count on more community-based help

Refugee advocates have welcomed President Joe Biden's decision to raise the U.S. refugee cap from 15,000 to 62,500 this year. Community-based resettlement efforts are expected to become more prominent.
by Deborah Amos

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Mask-wearing, capacity limits, closing times: What to know about MN's COVID restriction rollback

Mask-wearing, capacity limits, closing times: What to know about MN's COVID restriction rollback

For more than a year, Minnesota has been operating under some level of restrictions, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. But soon, most of those restrictions will be lifted. Here’s what you need to know.
by Dan Kraker

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Weekend forecast: Saturday p.m. rain chance in some areas; dry on Mother's Day

Weekend forecast: Saturday p.m. rain chance in some areas; dry on Mother's Day

Cool temps will linger this weekend, but it’ll be dry on Mother’s Day. We have your weekend forecast details, including which areas could see some rain showers Saturday afternoon and evening.
by Ron Trenda

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Highs stay stuck in the 50s and 60s into next week

Minnesota’s recent trend of below-average temperatures and drier than average weather continues through at least late next week.
by Nicole Mitchell

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Can COVID-19 vaccines affect your period?

Can COVID-19 vaccines affect your period?

It's not yet known if COVID-19 vaccines can affect your period, but researchers are starting to study the issue. If scientists do eventually find a link between the vaccine and short-term changes in bleeding, experts say that would be no reason to avoid getting vaccinated.
by The Associated Press

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Suspect arrested in death of cab driver in Moorhead

The 18-year-old man was taken into custody Wednesday night following a joint investigation by Moorhead and Fargo, North Dakota police, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Clay County Sheriff's Office.
by The Associated Press

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'History is watching': Liz Cheney doubles down on Trump criticism amid fallout

'History is watching': Liz Cheney doubles down on Trump criticism amid fallout

The No. 3 House Republican has previously warded off an attempt to remove her from her leadership role in the party, but this time around, her support from GOP leaders seems to be crumbling.
by Barbara Sprunt and Susan Davis

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From a frosty start to a fire risk by Thursday afternoon

Temperatures remain below average Thursday, but even without warmer weather, the state will be dry and windy enough for an elevated fire risk.
by Nicole Mitchell

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Some question whether hospital visitation bans during pandemic were too strict

Some question whether hospital visitation bans during pandemic were too strict

For more than a year, people couldn't sit with loved ones as they died in hospitals. Those lonely deaths took a toll on families. Now some doctors are questioning whether the rules were too strict.
by Lesley McClurg

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Deepening drought holds 'ominous' signs for wildfire threat in the West

Deepening drought holds 'ominous' signs for wildfire threat in the West

After one of the most destructive and extreme wildfire seasons in modern history, residents of California are bracing again. Widening drought is creating conditions even worse than last year.
by Eric Westervelt

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Walz to announce wind-down of Minnesota's COVID restrictions

Governor Walz is expected to lay out what his office described as “a timeline to end all COVID-19 restrictions in Minnesota.” He’s set to explain the reasons for the steps he’s taking during an address at noon Thursday. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, May 6, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

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Judge strikes down federal eviction moratorium, setting up high-stakes appeal

Judge strikes down federal eviction moratorium, setting up high-stakes appeal

A federal judge has ruled the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention overstepped its authority by issuing a nationwide moratorium on evictions. The fate of millions of renters rests on appeal.
by Chris Arnold

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May 6 update on COVID-19 in MN: Pandemic data steady; vaccination pace falling

May 6 update on COVID-19 in MN: Pandemic data steady; vaccination pace falling

Minnesota’s pandemic metrics look solid enough that Gov. Tim Walz plans to end the state’s COVID-19 restrictions by May 28 and end the mask wearing mandate by July 1. The state’s vaccination pace, however, continues to drop.
by MPR News Staff

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If your brain feels foggy and you're tired all the time, you're not alone

If your brain feels foggy and you're tired all the time, you're not alone

The pandemic has done a number on us, in too many ways to count. Our bodies are responding with feelings of fatigue and lack of focus, experts say. Here are some tips to help you feel better.
by Rhitu Chatterjee

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'Everybody' examines the idea that bodies can confine or free

'Everybody' examines the idea that bodies can confine or free

Olivia Laing weaves the history of people and ideas in with her own life, bringing readers on a fleet, gracious tour of bodily distress and joy that takes in Malcolm X, the Marquis de Sade and others.
by Annalisa Quinn

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Why Facebook's decision on Trump could be 'make or break' for his political future

Why Facebook's decision on Trump could be 'make or break' for his political future

Facebook's Oversight Board sent the decision of whether to let the former president back on the platform back to the company itself, and it's a critical one for former President Donald Trump's political future.
by Domenico Montanaro

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Walz sets May 28 end to COVID curbs, July 1 end to mask mandate

Walz sets May 28 end to COVID curbs, July 1 end to mask mandate

"It's been a long journey, but we did the things that needed to be done,” Gov. Tim Walz said. He pleaded with Minnesota adults still hesitant about vaccinations to get their shots.
by Brian Bakst

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Trash to treasure: Plastics lab a new way to recycle

Trash to treasure: Plastics lab a new way to recycle

A unique new space in Fergus Falls lets artists and entrepreneurs experiment with turning plastic waste into nearly anything they can imagine. County officials hope the space will spark creative ideas — and educate more people about recycling.
by Dan Gunderson

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Man arrested in San Francisco stabbing of 2 Asian women

Man arrested in San Francisco stabbing of 2 Asian women

The two women, age 84 and 63, were attacked while waiting at a bus stop on Tuesday, police said. It's the latest in a string of nationwide violence against Asian Americans during the pandemic.
by Emma Bowman

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Eye on education, Alan Page puts treasured art up for sale

Eye on education, Alan Page puts treasured art up for sale

Alan Page first began collecting art when he was married in 1973. That was midway through his Hall of Fame career with the Minnesota Vikings. Their collection flourished. His wife, Diane Sims Page, died in 2018. Her surviving husband and children decided the time was right to sell two of their most treasured pieces.
by The Associated Press

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