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The Current's 17th Anniversary Parties

October 6, 2021

Celebrate The Current's 17th anniversary! We missed you last year, but the music returns with two nights in the First Avenue Mainroom in 2022. Tickets on sale to MPR members now!

Terence Blanchard tells ‘our story’ at the Metropolitan Opera

October 2, 2021

Terence Blanchard has received a lot of buzz recently, and for good reason. His Fire Shut Up in My Bones, which opened the Metropolitan Opera’s season, will be the first opera written by a Black American composer to be staged by that esteemed New York organization. Furthermore, the cast, librettist and author of the book from which the story came are all Black. While the history of Black composers being denied the privilege of having their works showcased at the Met is another topic to consider, there is a more important event here, Blanchard says, the telling of “our” story. 

The Minnesota fall bucket list

October 1, 2021

Fall has arrived, bringing with it mild temps, colorful foliage and plenty of fun. Using your suggestions, MPR News is creating a list of all the events and activities folks should do to enjoy Minnesota's fall to the fullest—before it's over.

Cash bonuses and free lunches: No end in sight to labor shortage

September 30, 2021

Businesses continue to struggle to fill open positions, and many have had to scale back because they can't find enough workers. Despite hiring bonuses and the end of enhanced unemployment benefits, the labor shortage that preceded the pandemic is not letting up. - As the pandemic recedes Millions of workers are saying 'I quit' - Restaurants are dangling vacation and matching 401(k) But many workers aren't biting - 🎧 Listen Why it's so hard to find workers now

MPR News In Focus: Learning in the Time of Covid

September 27, 2021

As many students and educators return to the physical classroom for the first time since the pandemic began, how can we work together to prevent Minnesota’s disparities in educational outcomes from worsening? What challenges do students, parents and educators face after a prolonged period of distance learning, and how do we address them in a way that works toward equity and inclusion?  MPR News host Angela Davis moderates our latest In Focus event, a conversation with parents, teachers and advocates about navigating the transition back to in-person learning. Register now Sep 29, 2021 12:00 noon CT

‘It's hard to show up’: New wave of COVID-19 cases frustrates, angers health workers

September 26, 2021

As hospitals hit capacity with COVID-19 patients for the second time in the pandemic, health care practitioners are once again facing exhaustion and heartbreak. But this wave has also brought frustration and anger for front-line workers as many of the people they’re treating have refused vaccination. - COVID in Minnesota Death toll passes 8K as pandemic grinds into fall - 'We are in a crisis' Fargo hospital slammed with COVID cases - In central Minnesota Latest COVID surge strains hospitals