Stories from June 28, 2021

Protecting the immuno-compromised against COVID-19 could be key to ending the pandemic
Vaccines may not be as effective for those who are immuno-compromised. Protecting them needs to be made a top priority, says researchers — to keep them safe and to slow the emergence of variants.
Minnesota can expect one more day of scattered showers and storms before a significant shift in our weather pattern turns the state much drier again.
Many at Capitol still unhappy as compromises on police changes pave the way to a budget deal. Votes tomorrow will be crucial. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison sees a cycle of inaction on police reform
The Minnesota attorney general who prosecuted Derek Chauvin wants Congress to act on police reform. He wants to see a national registry of "bad cops" and limitations on qualified immunity.
Democrats say they’ll keep pushing for police changes
Some Democrats at the Minnesota State Capitol were harshly critical of a public safety budget bill for not including more police accountability measures — but stopped short of saying they would vote against the bill.
Biden working to get infrastructure package back on track
President Joe Biden is hoping to get the bipartisan infrastructure deal on track by highlighting its expected economic benefits, stressing its $973 billion would include the largest investment in transportation in nearly a century and millions of jobs would be created.
'Cardboard Kingdom' is about so much more than just cardboard
Chad Sell's new “Cardboard Kingdom” book is, at least on the cover, about kids who make beasts and monsters out of cardboard — but really, it's about little kids who aren't quite ready to be big.
Women’s hockey league in private ownership after 2 sales
The National Women’s Hockey League's Buffalo Beauts and Minnesota Whitecaps were purchased by an ownership group headed by two of the league’s board of governors.
UN rights chief: Reparations needed for people facing racism
The U.N. human rights chief is urging countries worldwide to do more to help end discrimination, violence and systemic racism against people of African descent and “make amends” to them — including through reparations.
Radio Camp 2021: Youth staying resilient and fighting for change in trying times
From teen activists to sports players and the youngest member ever elected to St. Paul’s City Council, 16 students from diverse background showcase stories of youth empowering each other and making changes in their lives and communities — through inspiring, sound-rich radio storytelling.
COVID cases are down but so are vaccinations, leading to fears of another surge
Vaccination rates are at a near standstill. Meanwhile, the most contagious variant of the COVID-19 virus yet is spreading quickly in the United States. Is another surge inevitable?
What's a true summer 'beach read'?
Summer officially started last week, so Kerri Miller is asking:  What’s a true “beach read”?
Have you toyed with ditching your job over the past year? Used the upheaval of the pandemic to make needed changes in your life and career? If so, you’re not alone.
The same weather pattern bringing record heat to the Pacific Northwest is also responsible for Minnesota’s recent wetter weather. However, as that pattern shifts, Minnesota goes back to hot and dry weather.
Much like the weekend, Monday brings another day of unsettled weather to Minnesota, with scattered showers and storms.
The deal includes changes to the way no-knock warrants and civil asset forfeiture are used, among other measures. It comes as part of the state’s new public safety budget. This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, June 28, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.
A new era dawns in college sports, as the NCAA scrambles to keep up
Laws take effect this week in seven states that allow college athletes to be compensated for their name, image and likeness. It opens the door for collegians to make money off endorsement deals.
Effort to restore felon voting rights continues in courts after legislative move falters
A lawsuit appealed to the state Supreme Court argues that people convicted of felonies should be able to vote after serving their jail or prison sentence. It’s an issue that Minnesota lawmakers are not taking up for now, but civil liberties activists are trying to keep alive.
Ray Suarez on the future of religion in America
Award-winning journalist Ray Suarez speaks in St. Paul about the future of religion in America.
Biles, Lee lock up spots on U.S. Olympic gymnastics team
Simone Biles locked up her spot in Tokyo by easily winning the U.S. Olympic Trials on Sunday night. St. Paul's Sunisa Lee earned the other automatic bid while posting the top scores on beam and uneven bars. Isanti’s Grace McCallum also made the team.
Photos: Hundreds gather for Taking Back Pride march in Minneapolis
Chanting, singing and dancing on their way to Loring Park, hundreds of people repeated calls for no police officers at Pride festivals, justice for those killed by police, protection for Black trans people and community control over police.