The COVID-19 pandemic has brought drastic changes to the lives of everyone around the world, including those of us that call the Northland home. As kids spend their days at home and families spend more time together, Duluth's PBS affiliate has started offering a block of "At Home Learning" programming as well as local informational programming related to the coronavirus.

WDSE•WRPT's "At Home Learning" aims to fill the void in available educational programming and resources for older students. The programming block, which airs weekdays from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm, offers educational shows geared toward youth in grades six through twelve. Accompanying the programming are additional learning resources like worksheets and guides, which are freely available at PBSLearningMedia.org. A schedule of At Home Learning programs is listed on WDSE's website.

The station is also offering a number of resources for students younger than sixth grade. PBS Kids programming will air on PBS North (8.1) weekdays from 7 am until 10:30 am, resuming at 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm. All-day PBS Kids programming is also available on their recently launched PBS Kids Channel (8.5), and additional free resources available at www.pbs.org/parents.

WDSE•WRPT General Manager Patty Mester commented on the programming via a press release, saying “During this extraordinary and complex time, WDSE•WRPT is responding to the needs of children and adults alike. We are committed to be an educational partner for teachers and caregivers by assisting them in their shift to learning at home. We are pleased to offer our At Home Learning programs to support their efforts.” WDSE joins a number of other PBS stations around the country in offering similar "At Home Learning" program offerings during the COVID-19 outbreak.

For the adults, WDSE is also offering a series of locally-oriented programs exploring various aspects of COVID-19 and the impacts across the region.

Among the programming additions for WDSE is a special run of their weekly medical program called "Doctors on Call". The show, which airs Thursdays at 7:00 pm on PBS North (8.1), features a panel of local medical professionals and experts fielding questions from viewers. While the show's regular season ended a few weeks ago, new live episodes continue to air every Thursday evening focused on the subject of COVID-19. WDSE staff say viewers are encouraged to call in during the show or email questions anytime to ask@wdse.org.

Additionally, viewers can also find locally-focused, in-depth interviews with local leaders and decision makers around how COVID-19 is impacting our community, along with information about other local initiatives, on Almanac North (Fridays at 5:30 pm on WDSE Explore 8.2/8:00 pm on PBS North 8.1) and Minnesota Legislative Report (Sundays at 5:00 pm on PBS North 8.1).

All of these local shows can also be streamed through the free PBS Video App or on pbs.org, usually within one business day of their original broadcast. Viewers can also view show clips on WDSE•WRPT’s Facebook page.

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