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In Focus: Racism in Housing Access

November 16, 2020

Inadequate access to housing is a growing problem in Minnesota, especially during a pandemic and economic downturn. And it’s clear this crisis is hitting some communities harder than others: Black and Indigenous adults are overrepresented in the state’s unsheltered population. How does racism affect a person’s ability to find a house or apartment and keep it? What are Twin Cities organizations doing to address these persistent racial disparities in homelessness and help more people access housing? MPR is partnering with Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis on this virtual event to bring awareness, dialogue and potential solutions to the problem of racism in housing access.  Join us Wednesday, November 18th at noon. Register for this free online event at mprevents.org.   Wednesday November 18 12 noon CT Online

Latest on COVID-19 in MN: More than 16,000 new cases over the weekend

November 16, 2020

Minnesota reported more than 16,000 new COVID-19 cases over the weekend — the two largest daily increases on record — as rolling seven-day averages for hospital admissions and deaths in the state remained at all-time highs. - Update Comparing COVID-19 in Minnesota and its neighbors in Upper Midwest

COVID-19 crashes Minnesota wedding plans

November 15, 2020

As COVID-19 cases in Minnesota have climbed, Gov. Tim Walz has put into place new restrictions on large gatherings, including weddings. For Minnesotans who’ve been planning weddings, or who work in the industry, it’s one more change in an already tumultuous year. - MPR News with Angela Davis In 2020, wedding vendors say 'I do' to uncertainty - ‘Love in the time of COVID-19’ Couple celebrates with drive-by wedding reception

State regulators approve Line 3 permits; move pipeline closer to construction

November 15, 2020

An Enbridge spokesperson said only that the company would begin construction once it has all approvals in hand, but a union official whose members plan to work on the project said they expect construction to begin in the next month. - August Four things to know about another Line 3 appeal - Oil and water The debate over the Line 3 replacement pipeline - Understand what's at stake Rivers of Oil, an MPR News podcast

Overwhelmed by cases, health departments struggle to trace virus' spread

November 13, 2020

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, testing and tracing have been two key parts of the state's strategy for slowing the spread of the virus. Now, more people are getting tested than ever before. But as COVID-19 cases surge, the contact tracing side of that equation is getting overwhelmed. - ‘Just assume someone has COVID’ Itasca Co. suspends contact tracing as infections surge - What is contact tracing? And how does it work with COVID-19? - Contact tracers key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 Meet one of them

ChangeMakers: Sean Sherman, teaching Indigenous food traditions as cultural preservation

November 13, 2020

Sean Sherman, 46, founder of the Sioux Chef and Indigenous Food Lab is working to teach Indigenous people about ancestral food traditions. Sherman’s approach to education incorporates foraging, ancestral recipes and business training, in hopes that someday soon, there will be more people creating Native cuisine in Minnesota. - Vanessa GoodThunder Revitalizing the Dakota language - David Glass Challenging appropriation of Native imagery, culture in sports - ChangeMakers Indigenous Minnesotans making history

More Minnesota schools halt in-person classes as COVID-19 cases rise

November 12, 2020

Schools across the state are beginning to suspend in-person learning as COVID-19 case rates rise. Duluth, Bloomington and Hopkins public schools have announced plans to transition their students to distance learning.  - During COVID-19 Student enrollment is declining in Twin Cities public school districts - High school sports What one school board’s decision to 'let them play' means for Minnesota - Teachers, parents, districts at odds Over learning scenarios

The Current: A message about Rock the Garden 2021

November 12, 2020

This year has created so much uncertainty in the music industry locally and nationally. These uncertainties continue to hit close to home. The Current and The Walker announced on Wednesday there will not be a Rock the Garden in 2021.

Portraits of Valor: Honoring World War II veterans

November 11, 2020

Last year, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimated there were 7,347 WWII veterans living in Minnesota, many of whom are approaching 100 years old. MPR News photographer Evan Frost sat down with some of those veterans to document their memories and their hopes for America. These are their stories. - Veterans Day in 2020 Quiet parades, somber virtual events - New memorial recognizes Generations of military service by Native American veterans