MPR news and documentary programming highlighting medical and political commentary on the changing landscape of American health care. Minnesota is not only home to Mayo Clinic, UCare, and Hazelden, it has been at the forefront of the health discussion, from the state’s historic tobacco settlement case to the idea of prepaid health plans (later known as HMOs).
Please note: Most content related to this topic that is contemporary or created after 2005 can be found on our main content pages of MPR News, YourClassical MPR, The Current, APM Reports, and Marketplace.
January 17, 2017 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews DFL U.S. Representative Tim Walz about President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, David Shulkin. Shulkin currently serves in the VA Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health. He was appointed to that position by President Barack Obama in 2015.
August 17, 2018 - MPR’s John Enger reports on Republican gubernatorial nominee Jeff Johnson and his DFL opponent Tim Walz as they faced each other on debate stage in Nisswa for their first meeting. While views on topics like mining and pipeline were similar, healthcare and taxes became key debates between the two candidates.
August 31, 2018 - At MPR Day at the Minnesota State Fair, MPR’s Mike Mulcahy hosts a gubernatorial debate at Dan Patch Park between U.S. Representative Tim Walz, the DFL candidate; and Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson, the GOP candidate. The two spar over Trump, schools, gun control measures, and how to slow the rising cost of health care. The stakes are high for both parties. Republicans have complete control of the Legislature and could control all of state government if they win the governor's office this fall, but they haven't managed to win a statewide race in more than a decade.
October 10, 2018 - MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports that the two major-party candidates for governor tangled in Willmar over who would best address the needs of rural Minnesota. Republican Jeff Johnson and Democrat Tim Walz spent 90 minutes debating transportation, health care, immigration, and other issues.
April 5, 2019 - On this episode of MPR News with Angela Davis, MPR’s Mike Mulcahy talks with DFL Governor Tim Walz about his term so far and how he'll seek agreement with lawmakers on the state's next two-year budget. Walz also answers listener questions.
May 29, 2019 - MPR’s Brian Bierschbach interviews Governor Tim Walz as he prepares to sign an education bill that tops 20 billion dollars, with more budget bill signatures coming. Walz says he believes the state budget moves Minnesota forward even though he had to leave some priorities behind.
September 30, 2019 - MPR’s Catharine Richert reports on unlicensed midwifery in Minnesota. Segment includes history behind the legality in state, as well as perspectives from a patient, midwife, politician, lawyer, and medical professional.
October 1, 2019 - MPR’s Catharine Richert profiles Rebekah Knapp, a midwife in western Minnesota. Knapp describes aspects of her profession, including her spiritual viewpoint and working with Amish cultures.
December 28, 2020 - MPR’s Catharine Richert profiles Jeanette Rupert, a South Minneapolis nurse who spends her days between ICU and neighborhood health effort as pandemic ravages communities of color.
May 3, 2022 - On this segment of North Star Journey, MPR’s Peter Cox looks at how a growing class of young Hmong doctors, nurses, and public health leaders recognized COVID’s threat and worked to guide people toward science-based answers.