Katye Barton, age 47, describes herself as a high-functioning autistic adult with mild cerebral palsy. Katye is focused on improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, with a special emphasis on advocating for better mental health and obesity services. Jessica Wick joined our conversation. She has been Katye’s supporter for about a decade, helping her navigate different situations when needed—like with our interview. We covered a wide range of topics with Katye, from how she learned to manage her money to the critical role the Special Olympics played in her life. Katye is persistent in her efforts to create a more inclusive environment for people dealing with intellectual disabilities. “We’re not scary,” says Katye. “If you see somebody in the community who was different, looks different, who acts different, go up and say hi.”
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It’s the first time that lakes outside of the Twin Cities metro area have been labeled as impaired because of the human-made chemicals known as PFAS.
- EPA's plan to regulate 'forever chemicals' What it means for Minnesota
- From March ‘Forever chemicals’ found in groundwater at dozens of Minn. landfills
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is installing 12 signs to mark the boundaries of a treaty signed in 1854 by three tribal nations and the U.S. government. (376 kB)
At one clinic in the gymnasium of Brooklyn Center Elementary, Gov. Tim Walz said there were more than 11,000 sites in the state where children ages 5 to 11 would be able to get the Pfizer vaccine, recently given emergency approval for use in the age group.
- Tears, joy First young kids receive COVID-19 doses at MOA
- Looking for a COVID shot for your kid? Where to find appointments in Minnesota
- Some parents want to wait to vaccinate their kids Here's why doctors say do it now
Did you know that you can listen to all of YourClassical's music streams on your mobile device? Here's how to download and use the recently released YourClassical app.
Being able to talk about race is an important life skill for all parents, but especially for parents raising multiracial families. When a family adopts a child of a different race, questions about race and racism cannot be avoided. On this episode of Early Risers, host Dianne Haulcy speaks with transracial adoption expert Beth Hall, co-author of “Inside Transracial Adoption” and executive director of Pact, An Adoption Alliance in Oakland, California. Hall also has personal experience with transracial adoption, as the white adoptive parent of two adult children both born in the United States—a son who is African American and a daughter with roots in Guatemala. Through her personal and professional experiences, Hall has gathered valuable insights and advice for anyone who wants to talk about race with young children.
Listen: A Conversation about Transracial Adoption and Multiracial Families episode page
Download: Episode discussion guide
Learn more: Little Moments Count
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The rollout comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 to 11 years old. The decision comes at a critical time when many new cases of the virus are cropping up among school-age children.
- Looking for a COVID shot for your kid? Where to find appointments in Minnesota
Minneapolis voters on Tuesday gave the City Council the OK to put rent controls in place. St. Paul voters took it further, backing a ballot measure that will place a 3 percent cap annually on most rent increases.
MPR News has everything you need to know about the local and state elections in 2021.
Have questions? #AskMPRNews. Share your stories and insights, too. #TellMPRNews what you’re thinking about on social media or by emailing tell@mpr.org.
- View full results From the Secretary of State's website
- Find full election 2021 coverage From MPR News
There are more than 50 elections and dozens of special elections taking place across Minnesota Tuesday. Many of these local races are challenging to find information on. Here’s a round-up of coverage from around the state.
- Voter guides and resources Local elections
