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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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?
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.
