Minnesota Today®

Minneapolis city officials on Monday canceled plans to hire so-called "social media influencers" to disseminate official information during the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin. Under the scuttled plan, six “community members who are considered trusted messengers and have large social media presence” were to be paid $2,000 each to share "city generated and approved messages." This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, Mar. 2, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

The first George Floyd trial faces its first major court test, just days before it is poised to start, as the state’s Court of Appeals weighs the charges against a former police officer. This is an evening news update from Minnesota Public Radio, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Whether the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin starts next week as scheduled hinges on whatever decision emerges from a state Court of Appeals hearing Monday afternoon. Prosecutors want the appeals court to reinstate a third-degree murder charge against Chauvin, who is already facing second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter charges in the killing of George Floyd. This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, Mar. 1, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

The state budget picture has improved dramatically, according to the latest economic forecast from the Minnesota Management and Budget office.  The state is projected to have a positive balance of $1.6 billion over the next two years, due to higher revenue and lower spending. This is the MPR News update for Feb. 26, 2021. Hosted by Nina Moini. Theme music by Gary Meister.

The former Minneapolis police officer imprisoned for killing Justine Ruszczyk in 2017 is appealing his third-degree murder conviction to the Minnesota Supreme Court. The case could have implications for the upcoming trial of Derek Chauvin, one of the four former Minneapolis police officers charged in the May 25 killing of George Floyd. This is an MPR News morning update for Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Walz lays out the state's long-term vaccination plan, with a goal of wrapping up this summer, with guidance about when to expect yours. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Minnesota public health officials are asking families to get tested for the coronavirus every two weeks from now until the end of the school year, in an effort to limit the impact of the disease. The state Department of Health campaign announced Wednesday it is reaching out to families, health professionals, schools and youth organizations to help encourage regular COVID-19 testing. This is an MPR News morning update for Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Razor wire and chain link are going up ahead of the Derek Chauvin trial, as preparations move into high gear in Minneapolis. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

A state appeals court says it will fast-track a request from the Minnesota Attorney General's office to consider reinstating a third-degree murder charge against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The court has scheduled a virtual hearing for oral arguments on the matter at 1 p.m. Monday. This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer. Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Federal officials have reportedly rebooted their legal work on the death of George Floyd. The New York Times says evidence in the case is going back before a grand jury as his state trial approaches. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.