Stories from May 10, 2021

Rebroadcast — In Focus presents Locked Out: The path from incarceration to inclusion
A rebroadcast of a conversation presented by MPR News and partner Tech Dump and hosted by Angela Davis about the challenges faced by Minnesota’s formerly incarcerated residents and what we can do as a state to support successful reentry after incarceration.
FDA OKs Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 12-15 age group
Pfizer said in late March that clinical trials found "100 percent efficacy and robust antibody responses" to the coronavirus in 12- to 15-year-olds.
Frost advisory includes Twin Cities
Frost advisories cover most of southern Minnesota into Tuesday morning.
Brooklyn Center poised to make major changes to policing as legislature winds down, and Minnesota’s COVID-19 comes in higher than expected. This is an evening update from Minnesota Public Radio News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Rochester, N.Y., wants to reimagine police. What do people imagine that means?
Stanley Martin wants to rethink Rochester police — a radical new plan to abolish the police gradually. Others also talk about "reimagining" police, though they mean the same word very differently.
Americans will lose unemployment benefits if they turn down jobs, Biden says
Biden said that his administration would not stand for people gaming the system, but pressed the importance of continued financial support for those left jobless as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
Why people are fleeing Honduras for the U.S.: 'All that's left here is misery'
Hunger, violence and catastrophic flooding are leading more families to flee the Honduras for the southern U.S. border than any other country. At least 200 families a day are asking for asylum.
Federal rescue dollars to start flowing to Minnesota this week
More than $2.8 billion is headed to the state treasury along with additional aid for local governments. The money will factor into the budget debate at Minnesota’s Capitol.
AP-NORC poll: Biden approval buoyed by his pandemic response
President Joe Biden is entering the next phase of his administration with the steady approval of a majority of Americans. The AP-NORC poll shows Biden is buoyed in particular by the public’s broad backing for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Following a few light showers Monday morning, the state turns dry again. Ample sunshine finally helps Minnesota get back to seasonably warm weather.
The Biden administration says the government will protect gay and transgender people against sex discrimination in health care. That reverses a Trump-era policy that sought to narrow the scope of legal rights in sensitive situations involving medical care.
Who isn’t getting the vaccine?
Almost a quarter of U.S. adults say don’t want the COVID-19 vaccine — at least not right now. Why not? And if that number doesn’t budge, what does it mean for our efforts to reach the elusive goal of herd immunity?
Prospects of on-time finish for Legislature dim
The Legislature’s 2021 session must end by May 17 — next Monday. Lack of agreement on the state budget looks increasingly likely to push lawmakers into a special session to finish the job.
He bought health insurance for emergencies. Then he fell into a $33,601 trap
Since the Trump administration deregulated the health insurance industry, there’s been an explosion of short-term plans that leave patients with surprise bills and providers with huge revenue.
After a few morning sprinkles, Monday turns sunnier, but the state continues its trend of below average temperatures.
After scrap metal fire, renewed calls to protect north Mpls. residents from toxic air
A recent fire at Northern Metal Recycling reignited concerns among residents about health and environmental impacts from nearby industrial sites. One lawmaker is sponsoring legislation that would require state regulators to consider residents' cumulative exposure to pollutants before issuing permits to industries in environmental justice areas.
Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott is proposing major changes to public safety in the Twin Cities suburb, nearly a month after the fatal police shooting of Daunte Wright during a traffic stop. Elliott told residents at a meeting Saturday that his proposal would "add more tools to our toolbox to appropriately respond when members of our community are in grave need." This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, May 10, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
I came close to dying: Wall Street's most photographed man is ready for normalcy
If 100 percent of a firm's traders are fully vaccinated, they can start sending more to the stock exchange floor. They can eat lunch in their booths again. Masks will be optional in some parts of the floor.
May 10 update on COVID-19 in MN: Spring wave receding; vaccination pace crawling
Monday’s Health Department data showed active cases and hospitalizations ebbing — and zero newly reported deaths. Vaccinations, though, remain at a relative crawl even as state public health leaders plead with still-unvaccinated adults to get their shots.
Anthea Yur, ‘raising the vibration’ of the Asian community
Activist and organizer Anthea Yur has stepped up in the last year to support Minnesota communities of color and draw attention to violence against Asian-Americans.
Fifty and Forward: A Celebration of NPR
A 50th anniversary NPR special, “Fifty and Forward: A Celebration of NPR,” hosted by Audie Cornish.
Megan Rohrer elected as 1st openly transgender bishop in U.S. Lutheran church
Megan Rohrer, a pastor in San Francisco, will serve as bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Sierra Pacific synod, which includes congregations across Northern California and Nevada.
Gypsy moth control efforts set to resume in Minnesota
Efforts to slow the spread of invasive, tree-damaging gypsy moths in Minnesota will soon resume for the season in 13 targeted areas in the eastern part of the state.
House GOP leader says he backs ousting Cheney from No. 3 job
Top House Republican Kevin McCarthy on Sunday publicly endorsed Rep. Elise Stefanik for the post of No. 3 leader, cementing party support of the Donald Trump loyalist over Rep. Liz Cheney, an outspoken critic of the former president.