Minnesota Now with Nina Moini

Minnesota Now with Nina Moini 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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December 1, 2021 11:55 AM

Deer are catching the COVID-19 virus. What does that mean for humans?

Earlier this month, researchers announced that a stunning number of deer in Iowa had been found to be infected with the coronavirus. Jeff Bender, a veterinarian and public health expert, told host Cathy Wurzer more about the findings and what they mean for humans and the COVID-19 pandemic.

by Cathy Wurzer and Alex Cheng

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December 1, 2021 11:53 AM

A tough case for the MN Supreme Court: Voting rights for those on probation, supervised release

More than 50,000 Minnesotans — many of them Black, Indigenous and people of color — are kept from voting while on probation or supervised release after incarceration. The Minnesota Supreme Court is hearing a case about their voting rights; MPR’s Brian Bakst brought host Cathy Wurzer the story.

by Cathy Wurzer

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December 1, 2021 11:49 AM

How to deal with the uncertainty surrounding the omicron variant

The discovery of the new omicron variant was first reported to the WHO last week, so researchers haven’t learned much about it yet — but, understandably, some people are worried. Science journalist Maggie Koerth joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk about how we can approach the uncertainty surrounding omicron as individuals and as a society.

by Cathy Wurzer and Alex Cheng

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November 30, 2021 1:20 PM

Song of the Day: 'Reven' by Beret Finken

A Southern Minnesota-based composer, musician and vocalist with Nordic sensibilities is highlighted in Tuesday’s Song of the Day.

by Cathy Wurzer and Kelly Gordon

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November 30, 2021 12:33 PM

As many businesses cut hours, why is this North Shore eatery open in winter for the first time?

As businesses around the country struggle to attract and keep employees, one popular restaurant on the North Shore is changing its business model to keep its staff satisfied and working. Barb LaVigne, co-owner of the Angry Trout Cafe in Grand Marais, told host Cathy Wurzer why.

by Cathy Wurzer and Kelly Gordon

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November 30, 2021 12:18 PM

As the Potter trial begins, how to process our reactions to disturbing subject matter

The trial of former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter, who fatally shot Daunte Wright in April, has begun. Susan Beaulieu, an expert in mind-body healing, joined host Cathy Wurzer to share tips on how to stay in touch with our responses to disturbing subject matter.

by Cathy Wurzer and Lindsay Guentzel

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November 30, 2021 12:03 PM

Infrastructure czar talks funding for MN as Biden visits Rosemount

President Joe Biden is in Minnesota today to promote his $1 trillion infrastructure law. Mitch Landrieu, who Biden tapped to oversee implementation of the law, told host Cathy Wurzer about the investments Minnesota can expect, and MPR News reporter Brian Bakst stopped by with political analysis of the infrastructure package and Biden’s visit.

by Cathy Wurzer and Melissa Townsend

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November 29, 2021 1:20 PM

Song of the Day: 'That's Rough' by Doug Boodle

A Winona musician is highlighted as Monday’s Song of the Day.

by Cathy Wurzer and Kelly Gordon

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November 29, 2021 12:50 PM

Answering today's problems with yesterday's fairy tales

Jack Zipes thinks that answers to the major cultural and political quandaries of today can be found in the fairy tales of the past. Host Cathy Wurzer spoke with the celebrated University of Minnesota professor and “cultural excavator” about the history of fairy tales and his new press, Little Mole and Honey Bear.

by Cathy Wurzer and Kelly Gordon