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In Minnesota, many Black women entrepreneurs missed out on PPP dollars

August 14, 2020

COVID-19 is hitting Black female entrepreneurs in Minnesota just like everyone else, but many missed on the federal lifeline for small businesses because their operations and business relationships don’t sync with traditional banking. - In April Minnesota women applying for unemployment at higher rates than men - NPR Not-so-small businesses continue to benefit from PPP loans

COVID-19 and college: Professors say they worry about students and their families

August 14, 2020

Universities and colleges have different plans for returning to teaching this fall, and there are specific needs for many classroom settings. As faculty and instructors prepare to teach, they worry about their students and their families. - An uncertain fall Once college-bound students are weighing their options - Higher ed How the coronavirus has upended college admissions

Interest in homeschooling has 'exploded' amid pandemic

August 13, 2020

Some are worried their districts are unable to offer a strong virtual learning program. For others who may have been considering homeschooling, concerns for their family's health amid the coronavirus and the on-again, off-again planning for in-person instruction are leading them to part ways with school systems. - MPR News with Angela Davis Why parents are considering 'learning pods' for the fall semester - Exempt from COVID-19 guidance Some Minnesota private schools see a surge in applicants

Sounds Like Home III on The Current Thursday, Aug. 13

August 13, 2020

Today, August 13, 2020, The Current is hosting round three of Sounds Like Home. It’s an evening of virtual performances celebrating Minnesota musicians. Join an incredible lineup of local musicians and Andrea Swensson from The Current as we meet up on the internet for a virtual festival. 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

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