Latest on COVID-19 in MN from MPR News: 12 more deaths; total cases top 62K
August 12, 2020
Wednesday’s count of new COVID-19 cases showed another day of moderate increases, but testing remained low making it hard to judge if the latest reports are evidence of a meaningful shift or a statistical blip.
- Comparing COVID-19 In Minnesota and its neighbors in Upper Midwest
Primary results: Omar defeats challenger Melton-Meaux in 5th District
August 12, 2020
Rep. Ilhan Omar beat back a primary challenger from 5th District DFL rival Antone Melton-Meaux in Tuesday’s election. Republican Michelle Fischbach won the GOP nomination in the 7th District, while the U.S. Senate race will see DFL Sen. Tina Smith against Republican ex-Rep. Jason Lewis.
- Results 2020 primary
- Did you cast your primary ballot? Share your voting experience with MPR News
In historic pick, Joe Biden taps Kamala Harris to be his running mate
August 12, 2020
Former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, has picked California Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate.
The selection will make Harris just the third woman — and first African American — to be nominated for vice president by a major political party.
- Biden's running mate Leading in pandemic becomes part of audition
- Withdrawing from VP consideration Klobuchar says Biden should pick a woman of color
Schools ready to address pandemic-driven mental health needs
August 12, 2020
Even before COVID-19, about 15 percent of school-age kids were thought to have a mental health or behavioral disorder, and schools were having a hard time providing enough mental health support. The pandemic has only added stress to the system.
- With school buildings closed Children's mental health is suffering
- Overwhelmed, stressed, scared School nurses brace for the fall semester
The Message on The Current: The South is rap's past, present and future
August 12, 2020
Music critic Briana Younger writes about how Southern rappers' contributions to the genre have long been underestimated in favor of the coasts -- but the region has long steered the sound of hip-hop and deserves its story told in full. Younger joins Sean McPherson and Sanni Brown on The Message, Wednesday at 10 p.m. CDT.
Listen to The Current at 10 p.m. CT
Read The South is rap’s past, present and future
Primary Election Coverage on MPR News
August 11, 2020
Tune in or stream the MPR News election night special Tuesday starting at 9 p.m. CT
Tom Crann and Mike Mulcahy will be live on the air with the very latest -- including an interview with Minnesota’s top election official, Secretary of State Steve Simon.
Full Coverage: MPR News 2020 Elections
Results: Live primary results after polls close at 8 p.m. Full results not expected until Thursday due to the high number of absentee ballots.
Minnesota's primary: How to vote safely in person
August 11, 2020
Will voting booths be sanitized? Is it safe to use the pen at the booth? For Minnesota voters concerned about going to the polls amid the pandemic, MPR News has answers to some key questions on how to vote safely in person this election year.
- 2020 primary Absentee and early voting surges in Minnesota
- Races to watch Voters get their chance to weigh in
- #AskMPRNews What questions do you have leading up to the 2020 election?
Bemidji residents answer chief's question of police oversight with a 'yes'
August 11, 2020
In the months since George Floyd’s death, communities across the state have been grappling with the question of police reform — whether and how and to what degree. Bemidji, in northern Minnesota, began its own conversation at a special City Council listening session Monday night — prompted by a request from the city’s police chief.
Voyageurs National Park asks visitors to pack out their trash
August 10, 2020
Park officials posted a series of photos on their Facebook page this week showing bags full of garbage that staff have hauled away from campsites.
- Boundary Waters COVID-19 brings surge of visitors And some messes
- Another COVID-19 ripple effect Crowded lakes
Watch Sounds Like Home III on Thursday, Aug. 13
August 10, 2020
Plan ahead! You can watch virtual performances by six local artists — Turn Turn Turn , Margret, Longshot, Annie Humphrey, Gaelynn Lea and Maria Isa — in another virtual festival from The Current, supported by Dual Citizen Brewing Company.
Great music lives here, and you can still enjoy it live on The Current’s YouTube channel or Facebook page!
Schedule:
7 p.m. Turn Turn Turn
7:30 p.m. Annie Humphrey
8 p.m. Margret
8:30 p.m. Gaelynn Lea
9 p.m. Longshot
9:30 p.m. Maria Isa