What we’re reading: Protests in Minnesota after officer-involved shooting, new COVID-19 treatments

By Sterling Silliman

Published Apr 12, 2021

Damik Wright, brother of Daunte Wright, who the family said was shot and killed earlier Sunday by police, holds Daunte’s son Daunte Jr., over his head to look at police officers assembling with riot gear at 63rd Avenue North and Lee Avenue North, Sunday, April 11, 2021, in Brooklyn Center, Minn. (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP)

Police officer-involved shooting sparks unrest in Minnesota

After an officer fatally shot a man 10 miles away from where George Floyd was pinned down last May, a riot erupted around Minneapolis, according to Fox News.

Officers had stopped an individual and attempted to arrest him after determining that he had an outstanding warrant. The driver then reentered the vehicle and drove away, which is when an officer fired at the vehicle, striking the driver.

On Sunday, demonstrators confronted officers in riot gear at the Brooklyn Center police headquarters. The demonstrators were then tear-gassed and officers used flash bangs and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.

The Minnesota National Guard was deployed to help settle the violent demonstrations.

Mayor Mike Elliott addressed the community in a statement and expressed that he is in support of “peaceful gatherings” for Daunte Wright.

Regeneron claims new cocktail can help prevent COVID-19 infection

Regeneration Pharmaceuticals announced that its Phase 3 trial of an antibody cocktail offered strong protection against COVID-19 for people living with someone that has been infected with the coronavirus, according to USA Today.

The treatment is said to lessen the likelihood of infection.

According to data, the treatment “can complement widespread vaccination strategies,” said Myron Cohen, M.D., who leads the monoclonal antibody efforts.

Regeneron’s cocktail was given to former President Donald Trump when he contracted the virus last fall.

Microsoft to buy speech tech company Nuance for nearly $20 billion

Microsoft is buying speech recognition company Nuance in an all-cash transaction valued at $19.7 billion as they attempt to accelerate their growth, according to CBS News.

By buying Nuance, Microsoft expands in health care. Some products that fall under Nuance are Dragon Ambient eXperience, Dragon Medical One and PowerScribe One for radiology reporting.

“AI is technology’s most important priority, and health care is its most urgent application,” said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.