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Minneapolis-based author Kelly Barnhill is now releasing not one but TWO new books - one for young adults and another for adults called “When Women were Dragons.” Barnhill sat down with MPR editor Euan Kerr to talk about her new work.

The COVID-19 pandemic put a serious strain on healthcare systems across Minnesota. From hospitals to ambulances - staff, resources and care were stretched so thin. Kelly Asche is a research associate with the Center for Rural Policy and Development. He joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk more about the impact.

Dr. Jay-Sheree Allen is a physician at Mayo Clinic and host of the podcast Millennial Health. She joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk about some tools people can use to navigate a changing world during the pandemic.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts confirmed that a draft memo has leaked indicating that the court intends to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. Dr. Jill Hasday joined host Cathy Wurzer to explain what this potential ruling could mean for Minnesota.

Documentary filmmaker Melody Gilbert’s mom, Judy, passed away after a short battle with aggressive cancer in her 40s.  During that time, Judy used a tape recorder to document her thoughts and feelings. Melody has held on to that tape for 39 years but she couldn’t bear to listen to it. Until now.

Her new short documentary called “Judy’s Thoughts,” is all about her finally pushing play. Melody Gilbert joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk about the filmmaking process.

Americans have a love affair with lawns— A lush, weed-free lawn has taken center stage in American landscaping. Dandelions and an overgrown lawn are a seen as a sign of neglect, incompetence, and laziness—or so our culture would have you believe. There is a growing movement to combat that stereotype, and for an environmental cause. No Mow May is a conservation initiative to allow grass to grow unmown for the month of May, creating habitat and forage for early season pollinators. Appleton, WI became the first city in the US to suspend their weed ordinance last year. Now, the City of West St. Paul, Rochester, and Edina are the first cities in Minnesota to announcement participation in No-Mow May. Lawrence University biology professor and pollinator enthusiast Israel Del Toro joined Cathy to explain the movement.

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May 1 marked the first day of a new rent stabilization ordinance in St. Paul. The ordinance bans landlords from raising rent above 3% in a years’ time in order to prevent rising rental costs. The ordinance comes on the heels of a new study out in April from Zillow that reported that BIPOC renters have higher hurdles to rent an apartment than white renters.

Genevieve Roudané from St. Paul’s West Side Community Organization joined Cathy Wurzer to discuss how St. Paul’s new rental policy may address this inequity.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation. Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

The number of new Covid cases and hospitalizations are increasing dramatically in Minneapolis. The state department of health is now strongly recommending people wear masks in indoor public settings and businesses - regardless of vaccination status. And parents may hear some news in June about new Covid vaccines for children under the age of 5. Dr. Michael Osterholm is a professor and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. He joined host Cathy Wurzer to sift through the latest news.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation. Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Laws about voting have always been the subject of debate, but in recent years voting--and election integrity---has become a controversial political issue.

Politics Friday with Mike Mulcahy talks with Secretary of State Steve Simon about this year’s election, the election system and what if any changes the Legislature might make to elections and voting.  

Plus, MPR politics reporter Tim Pugmire and Dana Ferguson, capitol correspondent from the Forum News Service for an end-of-week politics round up.

Guests: