Minnesota Now

MPR News producer and working comedian Aron Woldeslassie feels for those of you scrambling to prepare for the holiday.

One more day until Thanksgiving! If you need a break from all the prep, check out our bird-themed Song of the Day.

Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson bring host Cathy Wurzer a heaping helping of Minnesota sports fit for Thanksgiving. This week: the storied history of the Gophers-Badgers football rivalry, the Timberwolves's struggle for .500, the Wild's hot start to the season and a preview of the high school Prep Bowl this weekend.

Esperanza and Stephanie Lopez worked for years to open Spurs Bar & Grill in Willmar — and then they took a huge hit from the COVID-19 pandemic. Chris Farrell, who spoke to the mother-daughter team for the podcast "Small Change," told host Cathy Wurzer about their story.

16 Native American organizations in Minnesota are raising funds together to replace buildings they say are outdated and dilapidated. Joe Hobot, president and CEO of American Indian Opportunities Industrialization Center, spoke with host Cathy Wurzer about the importance of a thriving nonprofit sector to the Native American community.

As school staff and families weather yet another wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota, some districts, including Rochester Public Schools, are adding extra days off in an effort to combat stress. Kent Pekel, Rochester's interim school superintendent, told host Cathy Wurzer how his district is working to overcome the challenges of the pandemic.

Tuesday’s Song of the Day previews the arrival of real winter, among other things.

Oles Against Inequality, a group of student-athlete activists at St. Olaf College in Northfield, has organized a pop-up barbershop on campus to better serve their school's diverse communities. Aidan Lloyd, the founder of OAI, told host Cathy Wurzer why he thinks it's important for athletes to speak up and take action.

Minnesota legislative leaders have been going around and around on whether there will be a special session this year to address hero pay for frontline workers, drought relief and nursing home stability measures.

As COVID-19 case numbers surge in Minnesota, you might be wondering how to stay safe at Thanksgiving gatherings this week. Dr. Jay-Sheree Allen joined host Cathy Wurzer to answer common questions and offer her advice.