February 16, 2019 - MPR News Presents a discussion between MPR political reporter Briana Bierschbach and Minnesota's new governor, Tim Walz, at the University of Minnesota Humphrey School. The two talk about the major issues facing the state. Topics include pipeline debate, taxes, environment, transportation, education, voting rights, and state budget.
February 19, 2019 - MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports on Governor Tim Walz releasing a two-year budget plan that provides a big funding boost for schools, raises the gas tax, restores the health care provider tax, and allows a buy-in option for MinnesotaCare. In announcing his first budget recommendations, the DFL governor says his priorities of education, health care and community prosperity reflect the promises he made as a candidate.
February 25, 2019 - MPR’s Marianne Combs reports on gusting winds and drifting snow that trapped hundreds in areas of Minnesota. Combs interviews some of those that were trapped and officials who rescued them.
February 26, 2019 - MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports on DFL Governor Tim Walz’s release of a $1.3 billion package of public construction projects that he says makes crucial investments across the state. The largest parts of the borrowing plan are for transportation and higher education, but Walz put a special emphasis on spending he wants for affordable housing.
March 5, 2019 - MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports that DFL Governor Tim Walz signed his first two bills, and he suggested the bipartisan agreements could be a model for the rest of the session. Despite frequent calls for “early wins,” lawmakers took two months to put legislation on the new governor’s desk. Neither Walz nor top legislative leaders were sounding disappointed.
March 6, 2019 - On this episode of Appetites, MPR’s Tom Crann talks with chef Yia Vang about Hmong food and his latest project in a residency at Sociable Cider Werks in northeast Minneapolis. Historically, Hmong people as an indigenous group moved around Southeast Asia to find quality farmlands. Vang says that aspect of the culture and history of the Hmong people is why the food can't be tied to a specific product, technique or style.
March 8, 2019 - MPR’s Dan Kraker visits an area about a quarter-mile offshore from Duluth's Leif Erikson Park, where a hearty band of volunteers have carved a skating rink unlike any other on the frozen surface of Lake Superior. It is an increasing rarity, as warmer winters over the past few decades have resulted in substantially less ice cover.
March 27, 2019 - Springtime in Duluth isn't signaled by birds or butterflies or flowers. Duluthians know it's spring when the Coast Guard icebreakers arrive, announcing the start of another Great Lakes shipping season. MPR’s Dan Kraker takes a ride on the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Alder as it breaks ice and creates navigation lanes for the opening of the maritime shipping season.
April 3, 2019 - MPR’s Marianne Combs presents a profile of Josie Johnson, renowned local civil rights activist. Feature includes interview with Johnson about her life and book, and comments from Vernon Jordan and Walter Mondale, amongst others. Johnson’s memoir is titled "Hope in the Struggle."
April 4, 2019 - MPR News Presents Governor Tim Walz's first 'State of the State' address. MPR political editor Mike Mulcahy hosts the broadcast and MPR political reporters Brian Bakst and Tim Pugmire interview key lawmakers after the address. Walz highlighted education, transportation, and healthcare.