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Film documents efforts to protect people hardest hit by COVID

August 8, 2021

An aptly timed documentary film called “Trusted Messenger” highlights efforts to build confidence among Black, Latino and Indigenous communities about vaccines. - Black Nurses Rock Black nurse volunteers give shots to Minnesota's most vulnerable - In Focus Disparities and distrust in BIPOC health care

Here's where masks and vaccines are required in Minnesota

August 7, 2021

The highly contagious delta variant is spreading fast across the country, leading to a flurry of reinstated mask rules and mandatory vaccination announcements. Here’s where you’ll need to mask up in Minnesota, and which colleges and employers are requiring vaccines. - Without emergency powers Local leaders respond to COVID - CDC Recommending indoor masking for many MN counties

Minnesota's Gable Steveson wins wrestling gold

August 6, 2021

The Gophers wrestling standout from Apple Valley defeated Georgia’s Geno Petriashvili 10-8 to claim wrestling gold in the men’s freestyle 125-kilogram class. Steveson, as is customary after his biggest wins, celebrated with a backflip. - Previously Steveson chases gold, pro wrestling dreams - Minnesota Olympians Meet the athletes competing in Tokyo

Delta is surging. Here's what you need to know to stay safe

August 6, 2021

The highly contagious delta variant is spreading fast and causing a surge in new cases. Here's what you need to know about how to keep yourself and your family safe. - MPR News with Kerri Miller The latest on COVID-19 and the delta variant - Concerned about children and COVID variants? Your questions, answered

Extreme drought expanding rapidly in Minnesota, but some relief may be near

August 6, 2021

There are a few rain chances in the forecast through early next week that will help slow the worsening drought and may even bring some spots slight improvements in the dry conditions. - Video Drought means low flow to iconic North Shore waterfalls, trouble for fish - 'You pray for rain' Low rivers stressing irrigators, recreationists — and potentially, critters - Underground water Drought threatens to empty wells in parts of Minnesota

Opinion: Suni Lee's win shines a bright light on the Hmong legacy

August 4, 2021

The Hmong community in Minnesota needed Lee’s gold medal win to inspire us and the larger community needed Lee’s Olympic victory to see Asian Americans as Americans, writes MPR executive Ka Vang. - 'A historic moment for our community' Hmong Minnesotans cheer Lee's Olympic journey - Lee's journey From Olympic goals to Olympic gold - Learn more 10 things about Hmong culture you probably didn't know

COVID-19 in MN: Caseloads accelerating among Black Minnesotans

August 4, 2021

As Minnesota continues to see COVID-19 cases edging higher, new data shows that new cases are growing far faster for African Americans than for other communities of color or whites. It’s happening as the vaccination rate has slowed. - Monday Active cases rising but no big surge seen - CDC Recommends indoor masking for many MN counties - COVID-19 in MN Unvaccinated 'extremely vulnerable' to delta strain

Talking Volumes Tickets

August 3, 2021

Join host Kerri Miller as she welcomes an amazing lineup of writers to the stage. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 3 at noon, and you can save when you buy the full season. Get your tickets at mprevents.org and find more information about the authors and the books they’ll be discussing with Kerri.  

YourClassical MPR: Hear the horns of River City Rhythm drum and bugle corps

August 3, 2021

Drum and bugle corps are back this summer for the first time in more than two years because of the pandemic. Anoka-based River City Rhythm’s field show is making its only Minnesota appearance on Thursday in Rochester, along with several other corps. Until then, enjoy these performances from when the corps’ horns visited Minnesota Public Radio in 2019 for a special recording session.

Schools struggle to meet demand for summer programs

August 2, 2021

After more than a year of pandemic learning, Minnesota schools are using summer sessions to give students the chance to do the sort of in-person learning some have missed since March 2020. But even with expanded offerings, many summer sessions haven't been able to meet a rise in demand from students and families.  - Sparked by pandemic fallout Homeschooling surges across U.S. - Kindergarten enrollment fell last year Now schools wonder how many kids are coming