Health

Health
Minnesota's new health system merger law: Key questions, answered
A new Minnesota law banning anti-competitive health care mergers could affect several proposed deals involving state health systems. The law’s author, DFL Rep. Robert Bierman, spoke to MPR News Thursday about the future of health care in Minnesota.
Future of Us: Deprived of social connections during the pandemic, teens learned to prioritize their mental health
What does a pandemic and a racial reckoning mean for the generation that came of age during it? Licensed therapist and author Shani Tran says that, while it has taken a toll on Gen Z’s mental health, it’s also equipped them with the emotional tools they’ll need to thrive.
St. Luke’s plan to merge with Aspirus Health is the latest for Minnesota health care 
Duluth-based St. Luke’s plans to merge with Aspirus Health, a nonprofit health system that operates in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The new system will contain 19 hospitals, 130 outpatient locations and nearly 14,000 staff.
Future of Us: Forced to downsize their funerals, Hmong families returned to their roots
COVID-19 hit Hmong Minnesotans especially hard. Of COVID-related deaths among Asian Minnesotans in 2020, nearly half were Hmong. The loss came in the midst of pandemic restrictions that forced many families to downsize their normally large and lavish funerals. As they did so, Hmong healer Xifu Yaj Ceeb Vaj says some found an opportunity to reground themselves in their culture's spiritual traditions.
Coping with a future of smoky skies and poor air quality
Minnesota has experienced its worst air quality on record this year. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what creates polluted air, why we may see more with climate change and how to cope with it.
8 mistakes to avoid if you're going out in the heat
You can still enjoy the outdoors this summer despite the scorching weather, if you're smart about it. Here's what to watch out for and how to stay safe.