The July jobs report presented a positive outlook on the economy.  However, you could look at continued inflation and raised interest rates as signs of the exact economic opposite.  Paige Batcha, Executive Search Expert for Versique, tries to make sense of the conflicting trends.

Versique executive search expert Paige Batcha discusses whether the economy is in a good place with both soaring inflation and job placement numbers.

Groves Learning Organization president Bryan Fleming describes how his company is helping school-aged students effected by the COVID pandemic, in the classroom and beyond.

It's well known that Congress has become very hyper-parisan.  While both sides of the political isle have a part in making this a reality, author Ira Shapiro trained his focus on one distinct person for his new book.  He joins the program to talk about the effort, "Betrayal: How Mitch McConnell and the Senate Republicans Abandoned America."

Jearlyn discusses the rare occurrence of the U.S. Senate passing a bill on a Sunday.  Is this a sign of more legislation to come?

Speaking of the Senate, Ira Shapiro focuses on a key member of that government body in his new book.  He joins the program to talk about it.

During this edition of the "Mom & Michael Hour", Jearlyn and Michael dig into the latest virus to effect the nation.  Are either of them getting a monkeypox vaccine?  Plus, what are the impacts of food allergies and intolerances?

On this editions of Center Stage, Jearlyn talks to the following guests:

• Star Tribune lead theatre critic Rohan Preston
• Minnesota Fringe Festival executive director Dawn Bentley
• Bluegrass musician/singer Becky Schlegel
• Sounds of Blackness music leader & director Gary Hines

WCCO Radio host Sheletta Brundidge has branched out beyond the radio station over the last couple of years.  In this "So What Do You Do?", we learn more about why she made her podcast company, Sheletta Makes Me Laugh, and what she hopes this blossoming business will provide.

The St. Paul Regional Water Services are continuing their efforts to replace all of the old pipes (containing lead) from the city's system.  General Manager Patrick Shea joins the program to provide a status update.

Patrick Shea, General Manager of St. Paul Water Regional Services, gives us an update on the department's plan to replace all of the old, lead-containing water pipes across the city.

WCCO Radio host Sheletta Brundidge goes deeper into her burgeoning podcast business, Sheletta Makes Me Laugh.

How is this recent round of inflation effecting local food pantries?  Choice Bank is trying to provide another outlet for the community through their People First pantries.  Twin Cities branch president Travis Barkve tells us about this initiative and when the higher prices are doing to the resources they hope to provide.