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Stories from August 17, 2021

Minneapolis police cut back on pretextual traffic stops in effort to reduce racial profiling

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has announced police will scale back traffic stops for minor infractions. Host Tom Crann asked a policing reform expert if the measure will reduce racial profiling and what drivers should know going forward.
by Tom Crann, Ariana Rosas, Megan Burks and Alex Cheng

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Delta causes 4th COVID-19 spike in Minnesota

Health officials say Minnesota is experiencing its fourth COVID-19 spike. The state reported more than 3,000 new cases on Tuesday, a figure not seen since last spring. This is an MPR News evening update for August 17, 2021. Hosted by Matt Sepic. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

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Brett Favre says kids shouldn't play tackle football until they're 14

Brett Favre says kids shouldn't play tackle football until they're 14

In a new public service campaign released Tuesday, the former NFL quarterback lays out the reasons why: It'll reduce the risk of being diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE.
by Saeed Ahmed

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COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are on the way. What does that mean for you?

COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are on the way. What does that mean for you?

President Joe Biden’s administration is set to recommend COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for most Americans. Dr. Jon Hallberg joined host Tom Crann to answer common questions about the booster shots.
by Tom Crann, Megan Burks and Alex Cheng

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The simple steps you can take right now to help Afghan refugees

The simple steps you can take right now to help Afghan refugees

The Pentagon has set a goal of evacuating 9,000 people a day from the country. Those coming to the U.S. need assistance, as do those remaining in Afghanistan.
by Deepa Shivaram

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Is it OK to lie for a booster? Here's what some of you had to say

Is it OK to lie for a booster? Here's what some of you had to say

In a previous "Coronavirus FAQ," we looked at the medical, practical — and ethical — implications of lying to get a booster or a shot for a kid under 12. And we asked you to share your views.
by Suzette Lohmeyer

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'Against White Feminism' is an urgent call to action for solidarity and justice

'Against White Feminism' is an urgent call to action for solidarity and justice

Although personal anecdotes are included throughout, Rafia Zakaria's aim is not to explore her own pain but to retrace the history of how white feminism has caused unending trauma through centuries.
by Jenny Bhatt

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COVID-19 in MN: Officials say state is in its fourth wave

COVID-19 in MN: Officials say state is in its fourth wave

Minnesota saw a large increase in COVID-19 cases from the weekend, pushing the average positivity rate back over 5 percent for the first time since late April. Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says the state is in its fourth COVID-19 spike.
by MPR News Staff

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The #FreeBritney effect: Conservatorships under scrutiny

The #FreeBritney effect: Conservatorships under scrutiny

The #FreeBritney movement has highlighted the immense power that court-ordered guardians wield over their wards and raised alarms about the potential for abuse. Guest host Chris Farrell examined guardianships and conservatorships and explored steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of exploitation. 
by Chris Farrell, Ariana Rosas and Alex Cheng

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The #FreeBritney effect: Conservatorships under scrutiny

The #FreeBritney effect: Conservatorships under scrutiny

The #FreeBritney movement has highlighted the immense power that court-ordered guardians wield over their wards and raised alarms about the potential for abuse. Guest host Chris Farrell examined guardianships and conservatorships and explored steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of exploitation. 
by Chris Farrell and Ariana Rosas

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Heat and humidity return through Thursday

Hot and humid weather grips Minnesota once again, until a late-week storm both lowers temperatures and brings needed rain back into the state.
by Nicole Mitchell

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Taliban vow to honor women's rights but within Islamic law

Taliban vow to honor women's rights but within Islamic law

The Taliban vowed Tuesday to respect women's rights, forgive those who resisted them and ensure a secure Afghanistan as part of a publicity blitz aimed at convincing world powers and a fearful population that they have changed.
by The Associated Press

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Most of Minnesota is back in the 90s Tuesday

Heat spreads across Minnesota Tuesday and humidity levels continues to rise. The fire risk remains a concern, and portions of the state are dealing with smoke and haze.
by Nicole Mitchell

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State GOP chair urges vote on her leadership

Minnesota Republican Party Chair Jennifer Carnahan said she welcomes a vote of confidence or no confidence, amid fallout over a sex trafficking case involving a top GOP donor and ally. This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, August 17, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

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Even moderate COVID restrictions can slow the spread of the virus — if they're timely

Even moderate COVID restrictions can slow the spread of the virus — if they're timely

Mask mandates and other interventions can help stop a surge, even where vaccination rates are low, say scientists who combed through states' data. When they start and how long they last matters.
by Selena Simmons-Duffin

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To mandate or not? Employers get urgent about vaccinations

To mandate or not? Employers get urgent about vaccinations

With the delta variant spreading, more companies are mandating that employees be vaccinated against the coronavirus, but some are still hoping bonuses will do the trick.
by Andrea Hsu

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‘Micro-farmers’ face drought without safety net

‘Micro-farmers’ face drought without safety net

Some farmers who work just a few acres of land without crop insurance or other programs designed to help much larger operations are facing the dual challenges of adverse weather and the ongoing pandemic.
by Mark Zdechlik

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Sources: U.S. to recommend COVID vaccine boosters at 8 months

Sources: U.S. to recommend COVID vaccine boosters at 8 months

U.S. health experts are expected to recommend COVID-19 vaccine boosters for all Americans, regardless of age, eight months after they received their second dose of the shot, to ensure lasting protection against the coronavirus as the delta variant spreads across the country.
by The Associated Press

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Lawsuit alleges sexual abuse by Bob Dylan

Lawsuit alleges sexual abuse by Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan is accused of drugging and sexually abusing a minor in 1965, according to a complaint filed in Manhattan Supreme Court on Friday. A Dylan spokesperson denies the claims.
by Elizabeth Blair

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Prosecutors oppose releasing Chauvin juror names

Prosecutors oppose releasing Chauvin juror names

Prosecutors have asked a judge to reject a request by media outlets to unseal the names of the jurors who convicted ex-Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin of murder in the death of George Floyd.
by The Associated Press

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