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Cash bonuses and free lunches: No end in sight to labor shortage

September 30, 2021

Businesses continue to struggle to fill open positions, and many have had to scale back because they can't find enough workers. Despite hiring bonuses and the end of enhanced unemployment benefits, the labor shortage that preceded the pandemic is not letting up. - As the pandemic recedes Millions of workers are saying 'I quit' - Restaurants are dangling vacation and matching 401(k) But many workers aren't biting - 🎧 Listen Why it's so hard to find workers now

MPR News In Focus: Learning in the Time of Covid

September 27, 2021

As many students and educators return to the physical classroom for the first time since the pandemic began, how can we work together to prevent Minnesota’s disparities in educational outcomes from worsening? What challenges do students, parents and educators face after a prolonged period of distance learning, and how do we address them in a way that works toward equity and inclusion?  MPR News host Angela Davis moderates our latest In Focus event, a conversation with parents, teachers and advocates about navigating the transition back to in-person learning. Register now Sep 29, 2021 12:00 noon CT

‘It's hard to show up’: New wave of COVID-19 cases frustrates, angers health workers

September 26, 2021

As hospitals hit capacity with COVID-19 patients for the second time in the pandemic, health care practitioners are once again facing exhaustion and heartbreak. But this wave has also brought frustration and anger for front-line workers as many of the people they’re treating have refused vaccination. - COVID in Minnesota Death toll passes 8K as pandemic grinds into fall - 'We are in a crisis' Fargo hospital slammed with COVID cases - In central Minnesota Latest COVID surge strains hospitals

Art Hounds 'hunt' for artists in Rochester

September 24, 2021

Artists open gallery spaces for the public to explore in Rochester’s Hiding Artists Tour. This week’s Art Hounds also recommend exhibits by Barbara McIlrath and Stuart Loughridge at the Groveland Gallery in Minneapolis, and by Kelly Schamberger at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery in Grand Marais.

Pfizer COVID-19 boosters: What you need to know

September 23, 2021

In coming days, people 65 and older and those with underlying health conditions will be able to get an extra shot of the Pfizer vaccine. The booster rollout comes as the highly contagious delta variant spreads across the United States. - More booster news 2nd dose of J&J COVID shot prompts strong response - FDA panel Only high-risk Americans and those 65+ should get COVID boosters

Survey: Minnesotans of color less likely to believe schools offer equal opportunities

September 21, 2021

A new survey finds 15 percent of respondents who are Black say Minnesota K-12 schools offer their students the same education as white children. But 48 percent of white respondents said the opportunities are the same regardless of race or ethnicity. - During pandemic Students of color disproportionately choosing distance learning - An In Focus conversation on Equity in Education - As schools promise racial equity The path forward is often met with resistance