Out to Lunch

On Minnesota Now, we get to hear from so many different people in Minnesota over the phone and in the studio. But we don’t often meet them in the community, where news — and life — happens.

In a new series we are calling Out to Lunch, Nina Moini sits down for a meal with people from Minnesota news and culture to get to know them better.


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Out to Lunch: MPR News host Tom Crann has guided Minnesotans through two decades of headlines
From the 35W bridge collapse to election night, All Things Considered host Tom Crann has been a steady voice on the airwaves for 20 years. He sat down for lunch with Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to reflect on his departure from MPR News and his return to his classical music roots.
Out to Lunch: Anton Treuer has found healing in learning to love all parts of his identity
Anton Treuer is a professor of Ojibwe language, history and culture at Bemidji State University. His most recent book, “Where Wolves Don't Die,” won the 2025 Minnesota Book Award for young adult literature.
Out to Lunch: Lindsay Whalen is ready to have joy back in basketball
Lindsay Whalen was off the court for 18 months after her departure as head coach of the Gopher's Women's basketball team. When she went out to lunch with MPR News host Nina Moini, Whalen said it was a much-needed break, but that she's excited to be part of a team again.
Out to Lunch: Bishop Richard Howell leads north Minneapolis with forgiveness and love
Bishop Richard Howell has been a pastor at Shiloh Temple International Ministries in north Minneapolis for more than 40 years. He spends nearly all of his time listening to and helping community members in the area. And he’s led the ministry through a difficult five years since the COVID-19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd.
Out to Lunch: Speaker Demuth doesn’t want to be defined by one part of her identity
Earlier this month, Republican Rep. Lisa Demuth became the first Black person and female Republican to hold the role in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Minnesota Now sat down with her in a new series called, “Out to Lunch.”
Out to Lunch: Minneapolis musician Laamar doesn’t want to be pigeonholed
Geoffrey Lamar Wilson’s project Laamar quickly rose to fame in the Twin Cities music scene after writing songs about racial and social justice. His first full-length album, coming out in 2025, will be an expansion in both content and music.
Out to Lunch: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan sees reflection, even on the hard moments, as a gift
In a new series, Minnesota Now is sitting down for a meal with people from news and culture to get to know them better. First, we go to Owamni with DFL Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.