Shows

From the archives: Diana Abu-Jaber on 'Birds of Paradise'
This Friday on Big Books and Bold Ideas, author Diana Abu-Jaber returns to talk about her latest novel, “Fencing with the King,” which was just released in paperback. To get you in the mood, enjoy one of host Kerri Miller’s last conversations with Abu-Jaber — this one from 2011, about her book, "Birds of Paradise."
Black pregnant people are twice as likely to die in childbirth. How doctors are making pregnancy safer
There was a 40 percent increase in maternal deaths between 2020 and 2021. That rate was more than twice as high for Black pregnant people, whose maternal mortality rate was 70 deaths for every 100,000 live births.
Rebroadcast: Tutoring boosts students after the pandemic 'teaching loss'
The loss of classroom instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic fell hardest on low-income families and students of color. In this rebroadcast, MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how intensive tutoring could help Minnesota students catch up, build confidence and close the pandemic gap.
25 years after tornadoes tumbled southern Minnesota, residents still carry the lessons learned
It’s been 25 years since a tornado outbreak devastated several southern Minnesota communities, killing two people, and destroying hundreds of homes and businesses. The lessons and stories the destruction left behind still have an impact on those who witnessed the storms and rebuilt their lives afterward. 
Lazzaro trial update: Fourth day of sex trafficking case
Testimony resumed Monday morning in the sex trafficking trial of Tony Lazzaro, a former political operative and top donor to the Minnesota Republican Party. Lazzaro is charged with sex trafficking five minors, girls who were 15 and 16 years old. MPR News reporter Matt Sepic has been following the case and he joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer.
'Forever chemicals' pose serious health risks. Here's what Minnesota can do to address them
Lawmakers and activists gathered Monday morning in support of tougher restrictions on a suite of chemicals known as PFAS, or forever chemicals. This comes days after state agencies asked lawmakers for more than $45 million dollars for cleanup and management of PFAS.