George Floyd Case: Jury Selection Begins In Derek Chauvin's Trial 

The brutal death of George Floyd brought uproar to the nation in May of last year. George Floyd, killed at 46 due to former police officer Derek Chauvin pressing his knee on Floyd's neck for almost 10 minutes. Throughout those 9 minutes, Floyd was handcuffed and forced on the pavement on a street in South Minneapolis. We once again condemn the actions of the police officers involved in the death of George Floyd. Our hearts go out to the family of Floyd and all those affected by his death.

In recent turn of events, the trial of Chauvin has begun. Yesterday jurors were sent home due to an appeal regarding a possible reinstatement of a third-degree murder charge. Though this issue has not been fixed, jury selection restarted today, March 9th, 2021. Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd last year. Now, the next three weeks will be used to choose the jury. Regarding such a polarizing issue, finding an impartial jury will be extremely difficult, but prosecutors are trying to seat as many Black jurors as possible to ensure diversity. 

Many Minneapolis residents have since then protested throughout the streets of Minnesota. Protests have recently restarted in the wake of the beginning of Chauvin's trial. We support civilians right to peacefully protest and express their voice. Our collective aim is to demand justice, stop police brutality toward Black people, and to create a safe community. We hope to see public safety prioritized in a way that best serves and protects community members. We urge everyone to be vigilant of their surroundings and those around them in order to keep safety priority.

COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility is Now Expanding

Nearly 70% of Minnesotans above the age of 65 have been vaccinated, pointing to Minnesota being ahead of the goals set in the beginning of vaccine distribution. For the past few months the primary groups that were eligible to receive the vaccine were adults above age of 65, prekindergarten through high school educators, and child care workers. Now, 1.8 million MInnesotans are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in new eligibility expansion starting as soon as this week. 

Phase 1b Tier 2 populations, including:

• Minnesotans with specific underlying health conditions: Sickle cell disease, Down syndrome, those in cancer treatment or immunocompromised from organ transplant, oxygen-dependent chronic lung and heart conditions (COPD & CHF).
• Targeted essential workers: Food processing plant workers.
• Minnesotans with rare conditions or disabilities that put them at higher risk of severe illness.

Phase 1b Tier 3 populations, including:

• Minnesotans 45 and older with one or more underlying medical conditions identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  Minnesotans 16 and older with two or more underlying medical conditions identified by the CDC.
• Minnesotans age 50 years and older in multi-generational housing.
  Essential frontline workers: Agricultural, airport staff, additional child care workers not previously eligible, correctional settings, first responders, food production, food retail, food service, judicial system workers, manufacturing, public health workers, public transit, and U.S. Postal Service workers.

Minnesotans are highly encouraged to use state’s Vaccine Connector: https://vaccineconnector.mn.gov/, which will alert users when they are eligible and where to get a shot.