Minnesota music legend Peter Ostroushko dies at 67
February 25, 2021
Celebrated fiddler, mandolinist and Minnesota music legend Peter Ostroushko has died. He was 67.
His family told MPR News he had been admitted to intensive care over the weekend and died of heart and breathing issues on Wednesday.
He is survived by his wife, Marge, and his daughter, Anna.
- In 2013 Musical idol visits fiddler on his 100th
- NewsCut Peter Ostroushko sings 'You Are My Sunshine'
- From 2006 'Postcards' from Peter Ostroushko
Minnesota Supreme Court hands victory to PolyMet copper mine
February 24, 2021
The Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday reversed an appeals court's rejection of a critical air emissions permit for the planned PolyMet copper-nickel mine and sent the case back for further proceedings.
- From Sept. 2020 Judge largely backs state regulators’ handling of PolyMet permit
- State regulators’ handling of a PolyMet permit under scrutiny Here’s why it matters
Wellness Wednesday: Get started with winter running
February 24, 2021
You've seen people running around outside during these cold temperatures. And you might be asking yourself, how do they do that?
Music you should know: 50 songs to discover
February 23, 2021
During our February member drive, The Current is introducing you to 50 new songs by emerging and established artists. Each day during the week of February 22, they’ll roll out 10 new tracks for you to check out, adding up to 50 songs by week's end.
Start now at thecurrent.org
COVID drives home schooling surge; public school enrollment drops
February 22, 2021
The COVID-19 crisis is driving dramatic changes in Minnesota public school enrollments, including a drop of some 17,000 students in the past year, with families delaying kindergarten and choosing options outside the public system, the state Education Department says.
- Fall 2021 Minnesota schools plan to continue virtual learning options
- Walz says Students can return to middle, high school buildings Monday
- Last fall During COVID-19, student enrollment is declining in Twin Cities public school districts
#AskMPRNews: Covering the killing of George Floyd
February 21, 2021
What questions do you have about covering the killing of George Floyd and trial of Derek Chauvin?
Angela Davis will host a conversation with MPR News deputy managing editor Nancy Lebens. Nancy will tell us about the MPR News coverage plans for the upcoming trial of Derek Chauvin. We will learn how her team have approached coverage of the George Floyd case and talk about some of the news and language decisions the team has made over the months since his killing.
Tuesday, Feb. 23
12 noon CT
Free online event
Reserve your spot
The Current's Rock and Roll Book Club: 'Black Diamond Queens: African American Women and Rock and Roll'
February 20, 2021
Maureen Mahon's essential new book chronicles decades of Black women making key contributions to a genre that's systematically erased their presence.
MPR Archive: Lou Bellamy
February 19, 2021
In celebration of Black History Month, each week the MPR Archive portal is highlighting a prominent Black Minnesotan.
This week’s collection presents the words and art of Lou Bellamy, founder of famed local arts institution The Penumbra Theatre.
More from the MPR Archive: Black Life in Minnesota
Send The Current your ideas for artists to feature during Women's History Month
February 15, 2021
This March, celebrate Women's History Month with The Current. Share which artists you'd like to honor during Women's History Month
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Walz OKs more guests at weddings, private gatherings as COVID ebbs
February 14, 2021
People planning wedding receptions and other group celebrations got some good news Friday when Gov. Tim Walz raised his limit on the number of people who can attend private indoor gatherings from 10 to 50.
- Tumultuous year COVID-19 crashes Minnesota wedding plans
- COVID-19 regulations in MN What you need to know