Shows

Rapid omicron spread closes Minn. schools on short notice
The swift onslaught of omicron cases is sending teachers and students home in Minnesota. The exponential rise in absences has forced many districts to pause in-person classes and implement a variety of distance-learning plans for much of the rest of January. 
The benefits of having and being a mentor
During the isolation of the pandemic, mentors provide an important connection for children and young people. MPR News guest host Chris Farrell talks about how caring adults can help young people navigate life and get through college. 
MN sports roundup: Who will be the next general manager, head coach of the Vikings?
This week, the sports duo of Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson take on the hottest question in Minnesota sports: Who will the Vikings pick to fill vacancies at general manager and head coach after firing Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer?
What's it like to be in high school during the omicron surge?
As COVID-19 sweeps through schools and some return to distance learning, we heard first-hand accounts of what life is like in school during the pandemic from high schoolers around the Twin Cities.
Remembering environmentalist Sigurd Olson, 40 years after his passing
Forty years ago, on Jan. 13, 1982, environmentalist icon Sigurd Olson passed away in Ely, Minn. To remember Olson, host Cathy Wurzer was joined by biographer David Backes, who recalled how Olson changed his life.
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.
Public fiercely divided on proposed mining ban near BWCA
The federal government held the first of three public meetings Wednesday to get feedback on a proposed copper-nickel mining ban near the Boundary Waters.
Twin Cities tightening COVID bar, restaurant rules as cases climb
With the virus spreading rapidly, Minneapolis and St. Paul will soon require proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test to enter places serving food and drink. Some worry the plan will spark new confrontations with patrons.
In an emotional memoir, a sports writer reflects on the loss of his son
Ivan Maisel lost his 21-year-old son to suicide in 2015. It was a shattering moment. But Maisel and his wife had no choice but to go on living without Max. In “I Keep Trying to Catch Your Eye,” Maisel chronicles his journey through grief.
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.