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High school students participate in walkout

Becker teachers union sues district over policy it calls a 'gag order'

The union representing teachers in Becker, Minn., has filed a lawsuit against the Becker school district over a policy it says violates free speech rights. Teachers and union officials have labeled the policy a “gag order.”
  • EarlierBecker schools table policy that would exclude 'inherently divisive' content
A vial of the monkeypox vaccine sits

What to know about the monkeypox outbreak in Minnesota

Monkeypox is affecting more Minnesotans. Here’s what you need to know about symptoms and how people seem to be getting infected.
  • Have questions?We'll try to track down the answer
A man assembles an antique musical instrument

In Winnebago, volunteers keep history alive 

Every Tuesday, a team of volunteers meets at the Winnebago Area Museum to catalog artifacts, do some genealogy, and drink coffee. For this committed group, it's a labor of love —and a way to keep Winnebago's history alive.
A man watches another man sign a piece of paper

Fond du Lac Band celebrates return of sacred sites

The city of Superior, Wis. returned two small parcels of land Thursday to the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, including a burial ground where nearly 200 people were dug up just over a century ago.
People line up at the gate of the Minnesota State Fair.

CDC notches up Twin Cities’ COVID risk rating heading into ‘the Great Minnesota Get-Together’

This week the CDC has colored the state’s biggest population center yellow, signaling “medium” risk. Hopefully the risk won’t go up further as we look ahead to the opening of the State Fair next week. Here’s what you need to know about the latest data.
Two person hugs each other

Olympic champion Suni Lee surprises students at St. Paul elementary school

Olympic gold medalist and international celebrity, gymnast Sunisa Lee paid a special visit Thursday to St. Paul’s Battle Creek Elementary, where she was once a student. She also remembered how teachers and coaches challenged her as she sought Olympic greatness from an early age.
  • TimelineOlympian Sunisa Lee's path from St. Paul to stardom
  • 'A historic moment for our community'Hmong Minnesotans revel in Sunisa Lee's Olympic journey
A person painting a mural

Muralist's latest work honors people of Latin American, Caribbean nations

Cadex Herrera’s mural will be unveiled in September during Fiesta Latina, an annual celebration hosted by CLUES, a social service agency that has served the state’s Latino communities for 40 years.
Ann Arbor Decriminalized Magic Mushrooms

Could psychedelics be the future of mental health?

A resurgence in clinical trials and a new Netflix series are stoking interest in using psychedelics to treat mental health disorders. All Things Considered host Tom Crann talked to a researcher at the U of M about her work.
Virus Outbreak New Variant

Despite what it seems, the COVID pandemic isn't over yet

The COVID-19 pandemic is still here. Mayo Clinic's Greg Poland talked with Cathy Wurzer about the different subvariants, masking and how to best avoid COVID. Check out our website for the latest COVID coverage in the state.
  • COVID-19Coverage of the pandemic from MPR News
Two Hmong men sit at a table

Family shocked by alleged murder-suicide of couple with young children

The family of five young children whose parents died in an apparent murder-suicide this week in St. Paul is asking for help from the community.
49ers Vikings Football

Vikings bring hometown crowd to see 49ers QB Trey Lance

San Francisco quarterback Trey Lance was the featured attraction in Minnesota during joint practices between the 49ers and the Vikings.
A vial of the monkeypox vaccine sits

Health officials: 87 monkeypox cases so far in Minnesota

Minnesota health officials on Thursday reported 87 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the state, as they offered an update on a viral infection that has aroused concern around the globe.
A tired man sits at a desk in a modern office.

What is 'quiet quitting,' and how it may be a misnomer for setting boundaries at work

Quiet quitting is taking over TikTok as a new workplace trend popular with Gen Z. However, it may be a misnomer for setting healthy boundaries in the workplace.
A growing number of universities are making tuition free for Native students.

Colleges are making tuition free for Native students. Will more students graduate?

The University of California system is the latest to announce free tuition for native students — but many say colleges shouldn't stop there.
Two person dance together

Black pride festival organizer created annual event to help others find a place to belong

Organizers of ‘Black Magic Weekend’ say the festival, which started Thursday, is a safe space where Black LGBTQ+ people can express pride in their culture and identity. 
Jill Mallen gets her groceries at a food pantry because of soaring inflation. She says she's a "confused" voter - a registered Democrat who feels Republicans did a better job of managing the economy.

How inflation is influencing politics in a bellwether Florida county

Voters in a key swing county in Florida are grappling with some of the highest inflation rates in the country. But it's not necessarily the deciding factor for some voters.
In many places, there's still a major shortage of monkeypox vaccines. A plan to stretch the U.S. supply could help get shots into arms more quickly, but it's also untested and introduces new challenges.

The new U.S. monkeypox vaccine strategy offers more doses — and uncertainty

Missteps and delays have hampered the U.S. effort to vaccinate people against monkeypox. Now state health officials and community members are trying to adapt to a controversial "dose sparing" plan.
Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation is one of more than 40 books being challenged in the Keller Independent School District.

The Bible is among dozens of books banned in this Texas school district

The books under review were previously challenged and placed back on shelves, but now the Keller Independent School District wants them to undergo another review with new criteria.
The 1-million-square-foot expansion at Digi-Key is underway.

Digi-Key unveils big expansion in a small town

Electronic parts supplier Digi-Key is opening a $400 million dollar warehouse expansion in northwest Minnesota to meet global demand for the products it sells.
A person looks on

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter proposes 15% property tax levy increase in next year's budget

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter is proposing a 15 percent hike in the city's property tax levy in his 2023 budget. Part of that increase is from ending fees for street maintenance and street lights — and shifting those costs to the city’s general fund.
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