Minnesota Now with Cathy Wurzer

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MPR News

Minnesota Now with Cathy Wurzer is journalism that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s reporting that puts people first with live, down-to-earth, unscripted interviews that aim to inform and entertain. Tune in to Minnesota Now weekdays at noon on the radio or the live audio stream at mprnews.org.

Listen: Missed the show? Want to hear a specific conversation? Check out past episodes and segments on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Minnesota music: One of the pillars of Minnesota Now is featuring great Minnesota-based music. Here’s this year’s playlist of songs heard on the show.

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January 13, 2022 9:55 AM

Your COVID and omicron surge questions, answered by a doctor

Amid a record-breaking surge of COVID-19 infections, Dr. Susan Kline of the University of Minnesota Medical School took audience questions about the pandemic.

by Cathy Wurzer and Kelly Gordon

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January 12, 2022 1:16 PM

As omicron surges, Osseo superintendent faces school staff absences of up to 25 percent

Freezing temperatures, staff shortages and skyrocketing COVID-19 case numbers have pushed school leaders to move to distance learning in a number of Minnesota districts, including Osseo Area Schools. Superintendent Cory McIntyre says sending students home isn’t ideal, but that it wasn’t sustainable to continue in person.

by Cathy Wurzer and Melissa Townsend

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January 12, 2022 12:51 PM

A fundraiser for mental health justice featuring top Twin Cities chefs

An upcoming series of events called Graze 4 Good aims to raise money for mental health justice — by bringing attendees food from top Twin Cities chefs. An organizer and a chef told host Cathy Wurzer more about the project.

by Cathy Wurzer and Lindsay Guentzel

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January 12, 2022 12:29 PM

Reporter roundtable: The latest from Austin, Cloquet, Roseau

We're calling reporters from newspapers outside the Twin Cities metro area to hear what's happening in their neck of the woods. Wednesday, host Cathy Wurzer was joined by journalists from the Roseau Times-Region, Pine Knot News and the Austin Daily Herald.

by Cathy Wurzer and Kelly Gordon

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January 12, 2022 12:06 PM

People are quitting their jobs in record numbers. What's driving the Great Resignation?

A record 4.5 million Americans quit their jobs in November 2021, part of what some are calling the Great Resignation. Host Cathy Wurzer asked Phyllis Moen why people are leaving their jobs — and what that means for the employment landscape.

by Cathy Wurzer and Alex Cheng

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January 11, 2022 5:36 PM

A conversation with Hamse Warfa, soon Biden's highest-ranking Somali appointee

Hamse Warfa is leaving Minnesota to serve in the Biden administration in Washington, D.C., where he will be the highest-ranking Somali appointee. He joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk about his story and the importance of strengthening democracy around the world.

by Cathy Wurzer and Alex Cheng

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January 11, 2022 12:50 PM

A band of Hot Freaks has a hit song on TikTok — years after breaking up

Thanks to TikTok, a Minnesota band that broke up seven years ago now has a smash hit single. Sarah Darnall and Cody Brown of Hot Freaks sat down with host Cathy Wurzer to tell their unlikely story.

by Cathy Wurzer and Kelly Gordon

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January 11, 2022 12:32 PM

Reporter Kirsti Marohn on whistleblower case against MN pollution agency

A former employee at the state agency that monitors pollution has filed a whistleblower lawsuit, saying officials have not done enough to clean up contamination and protect drinking water. With more on that story, MPR News reporter Kirsti Marohn joined host Cathy Wurzer.

by Cathy Wurzer and Melissa Townsend

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January 11, 2022 12:28 PM

'Kids need a lot of support': A Minneapolis student's view on school life, COVID

Tenth grader Lucy Heagle attends Roosevelt High School in south Minneapolis. She spoke with MPR’s Morning Edition about what school has been like lately in era of COVID-driven uncertainty.

by Cathy Wurzer and Kyle Shiely

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January 11, 2022 12:16 PM

Suburban mayors on Hennepin County Attorney's approach to crime wave

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman is rebooting a 1990s-era initiative in response to a spike in violent crime in the Twin Cities. Plymouth mayor Jeff Wosje, one of several suburban mayors who has been in conversation with Freeman, joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk about concerns he’s seen in his community.

by Cathy Wurzer and Alex Cheng

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