TODAY June 24, 2020! The Current is hosting another round of Sounds Like Home. It’s an afternoon 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 TheCurrent’s YouTube channel or Facebook page! Find the full line up and the links you need online now.
NPR’s Fresh Air host Terry Gross interviewed epidemiologist Michael Osterholm about his latest research and insights on the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization said Friday the COVID-19 pandemic is “accelerating” and is in a “new and dangerous phase.” Osterholm discussed the possibilities of a second wave, and elaborated on the risks of reopening. He says everyone around the world is “confused about what to do, and when to do it.” He said “pandemic fatigue” is setting in, and we need to figure out how to live with this virus for quite a long time.
Talk of changing the Minneapolis Police Department is everywhere in the wake of George Floyd's killing. But real change may depend on confronting a powerful union that has resisted similar attempts for years. - 'Bob Kroll has got to go' Calls grow for Minneapolis police union leader's resignation - Minneapolis police union head signals Fight for fired officers’ jobs
Politicians argue. Those opposed to mask mandates protest. But meanwhile, growing evidence shows that mask wearing is a critical tool in curbing the spread of the coronavirus. - As economy continues to reopen Duluth moves to 'normalize' masks - For protection, care, community Why these Duluthians wear masks
Police are often called on to respond to mental health emergencies. That could change, though, as cities across the country — including Minneapolis — consider defunding the police. What would an alternative model look like? - Panel Mental health, crisis training needed to curb fatal police shootings - More than just detox Hennepin Co. has a new alternative to jail or ER for mental health crises - From 2018 St. Paul police expands new mental health unit - In Rochester As mental health calls rise, cops try a social worker in the squad
The total number of completed COVID-19 tests in Minnesota surpassed 500,000 over the weekend as the virus’ toll continued. - Minnesota is loosening its COVID-19 restrictions Here's what you need to know
If you happened to drive past a Nebraska farm in the late 1970s or early 80s, you might have seen a couple guys driving tractors while seeming to conduct an orchestra. For Father’s Day, Ward Jacobson shares a heart-warming story about the music-related joys he shared with his father.
Sure, dad jokes make you cringe and roll your eyes but that's the beauty of the dad joke — they're so bad that sometimes (hey, we said sometimes) they're actually amazing. Last year, in honor of Father's Day, MPR News rounded up some of the raddest dads around town to tell us their cheesiest dad jokes. - The Atlantic: The dad-joke doctrine - More: Fatherly advice and bad dad jokes - NPR: DAAAAAAAD! On Father's Day, an homage to the terrible jokes they tell
On The Current’s Morning Show this week, host Jill Riley had a conversation with Michele Norris, a columnist for the Washington Post, founding director of the Race Card Project, author of The Grace of Silence, and former host of All Things Considered. They discussed Norris’s experience growing up in Minneapolis, the significance of Juneteenth, and whether or not the ongoing fight for racial equity has finally reached a turning point.
The annual celebration of Juneteenth is taking on new meaning this year in Minnesota and across the country as people are energized to fight for racial justice in the wake of George Floyd’s killing. And while the pandemic has curtailed larger celebrations, smaller outdoor events are planned throughout the weekend. - MPR News with Angela Davis The meaning of Juneteenth and how we should commemorate it - Nationally Calls to make Juneteenth a federal holiday gain momentum - Juneteenth A day of joy and pain — and now national action - Target, U.S. Bank, Best Buy Minnesota companies make Juneteenth a company holiday