MPR News PM Update
 
Good morning,
More rain is on the way. You'll likely be waking up to wet grass as a storm moved across the state Thursday night. Additional waves of rain and thunder are likely Friday afternoon and again Saturday afternoon and evening. The latest on the Updraft.
Results from Minnesota state test scores reveal the scale of COVID-19's impact to student learning. Photo by Evan Frost | MPR News 2020
It might come as no surprise that test scores fell following a year of change and interruption at schools during the pandemic last year.

The number of Minnesota students meeting grade level standards in math, science and reading is down significantly compared to the last time students took tests in 2019.

And while all students felt the effects, not all groups were impacted equally. As has long been the case in Minnesota schools, students of color, English language learners and students from lower socioeconomic households were hit hardest.

But these tests are designed to be an accountability tool for schools, not students.

Read more about the scores, and how education leaders plan to improve in Elizabeth Shockman's full report.

ChoriPops by The Herbivorous Butcher. Courtesy of Minnesota State Fair
Looking for something more outside the fair food box? Three food writers gave their top food and drink picks during the first day of the Minnesota State Fair.

They focused on unique flavors and ingredients. They also shared their thoughts on staying safe while chowing down at the fair.

Find more on their suggestions in the full feature by Tim Nelson.

Dr. Zeke McKinney has been fighting COVID-19 vaccine misinformation in the community by talking to people face-to-face.

When it comes to vaccine hesitancy, “Everyone’s concerns … are completely unique,” McKinney said. “You have to hear what people’s concerns are and then try to address those one by one with facts.”

He shared some of his specific strategies:

If someone worries that the vaccines are too new? Tell them that governments and corporations have poured a great deal of funding into research and development.

If someone doesn't trust the government? Let them know vaccines weren’t made by the government and that they’re some of the most deeply studied vaccines in history.

Learn more in the full interview with Dr. McKinney.
Here's what else we're watching
What we know about ISIS-K: A regional Islamic State affiliate has operated since 2015 and is a major rival to the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Electric cars are revving up in Minnesota: 
What do Minnesotans need to know about electric cars as federal and state policies expand the number of models available in coming years. 

China's Microsoft hack:China broke into tens of thousands of email accounts in January. Now officials fear the breach wasn't just about spying. It was to build the next generation of artificial intelligence.
– Sara Porter, MPR News
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