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The Current: Valerie June Microshow at the Hook & Ladder

May 19, 2022

Valerie June performed music from across her catalog, including a few tracks from her 2021 record, The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers, in a MicroShow performance recorded live at the Hook & Ladder Theater in Minneapolis on March 22, 2022. The audience consisted of lucky winners who had entered for a chance to attend this intimate performance. - Follow The Current on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook for future Microshow opportunities - Visit thecurrent.org/events to find upcoming gigs and shows

George Floyd killing: Ex-cop pleads guilty to aiding, abetting manslaughter

May 18, 2022

As part of his plea deal, Thomas Lane will have a count of aiding and abetting second-degree unintentional murder dismissed. Lane and ex-Minneapolis cops J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao were previously convicted on federal counts of violating Floyd's rights. - Full coverage The murder of George Floyd

Minnesota's high winds this spring spark a jump in green energy production

May 18, 2022

With a windier spring than usual, utility companies say wind turbines contributed more renewable energy. - Energy Coal capital Becker could be home to state’s largest solar project - SW Minn. wind-solar hybrid project Brings renewable hope, cultural concerns - Report Solar could power 40% of U.S. electricity by 2035

LineCheck: How to get a grant

May 17, 2022

Recording music and buying equipment is expensive; Gigs and merch sales hardly allow working musicians to stay afloat. Fortunately, there are organizations that offer monetary grants to outstanding artists. Minnesota Music Coalition executive director Joanna Schnedler, Springboard for The Arts artist resource director Andy Sturdevant and musician PaviElle tell us how in The Current’s LineCheck. Wednesday, May 18 12 noon CT Online | Free | Register Now

Hmong snack connects present with the past

May 15, 2022

Chef Yia Vang’s mom Pang teaches us how to make her family’s favorite dish, Fawm Kauv, steamed rice rolls. - Love in a cornhusk Tamales ritual makes family out of friends  - What should MPR News cover next? Pass the Mic

Lake Superior smelting tradition continues, despite new pollution concerns

May 13, 2022

Part fishing, part carnival, the annual spring smelt run always brings hordes of anglers to the shore of Lake Superior, hoping to fill buckets and coolers full of the small, silvery fish. But state officials recommend eating only one meal of smelt a month because of concerns over PFOS pollution. 

MPR Membership Frequently Asked Questions

May 13, 2022

Member support from listeners and readers like you provides the financial resources needed to broadcast and stream the programs you enjoy listening to most from MPR News, YourClassical MPR and The Current. And your gift makes a big difference! Do you have questions about your MPR gift or sustaining membership? Explore answers to frequently asked questions, or find out how to contact us for assistance.

The Current: 893 Essential Albums

May 12, 2022

The Current’s 893 Essential Albums of all time countdown ends today! Listen starting at 8 a.m. CT to hear this fresh take on the 893 Essential Albums of all time, as voted by you.

Support Minnesota Public Radio Today!

May 12, 2022

Listener support brings MPR news and music to our entire state. When you donate, select the Minnesota State Parks year-round vehicle permit as our thanks to you. Explore Minnesota while supporting MPR. Donate now!

Remembering George Floyd: How to talk to young children about racialized trauma and healing

May 9, 2022

As we approach the second anniversary of George Floyd’s tragic murder and the global racial reckoning it sparked, it’s a timely moment to reflect on how these events have impacted our young children, including their mental health and wellbeing. How can parents and caregivers talk to young children about historical and ongoing racism while also fostering their resilience and helping them to heal? In this panel discussion hosted by Early Risers podcast host Dianne Haulcy, early childhood educators, parents and mental health practitioners share insights on helping young children to understand and heal from racialized trauma past and present. Tuesday May 17 12 noon CT Free | Online | Register Now