Homepage

Schools ready to address pandemic-driven mental health needs

August 12, 2020

A sign reads "Mental Health" on a wooden shelf with books.

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

The South is Rap's Past, Present and Future

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

A person casts their vote in a booth.

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

A card that says "VOTE!" in a blue booth.

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

The Bemidji city council hosted a listening session on police oversight

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

A pile of trash on a campsite of Voyageurs National Park

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

Sounds Like Home III tile

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

COVID-19: Coverage of the pandemic from MPR News

August 9, 2020

A person wearing a face shield, mask and gown holds a swab.

The latest news, resources, guides and tips to help you stay up to date on the coronavirus pandemic and how to navigate what Gov. Tim Walz called “our new normal.” Stay up-to-date Get our a.m. newsletter | Subscribe to our daily podcast Guides and tips Mask order FAQ | Stay-safe order FAQ | Submit your questions | Tips for parents | Mental health resources | Share your experience

Many Minnesota teachers wary of returning to the classroom

August 8, 2020

A woman sits at a table with books.

As more school districts in Minnesota decide how to go back to school this fall, many teachers feel uneasy about returning to the classroom in the middle of a pandemic. - Poll 2 in 3 teachers want to start the year online - What you need to know Minnesota’s rules for going back to school - COVID-19 in Minnesota School guidance shifts with case counts