Minnesota Today

Masks are coming back in Minneapolis and St. Paul, as omicron surges, although Walz says there’s little use in a statewide mandate. Also, we’re heading back into the deep freeze. This is an evening update from MPR news, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Leading the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic since the beginning has been state Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm. Minnesota Now host Cathy Wurzer checked in with the commissioner on the state of the pandemic as we enter 2022.

Theme music by Gary Meister.

On Tuesday the state announced it will open three new testing sites, operated by the National Guard. Two of them will be in Anoka and Cottage Grove to meet demand in the Twin Cities. The third site will be in North Branch. This is an MPR News morning update for Wednesday, January 5, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Minnesota reports big jump in COVID, leaving little doubt that Omicron has arrived. The state responds with more testing and a plea for vaccinations, social distancing and masks. Also, another winter blast is on the way. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

Over the holidays, thousands of flights were canceled or delayed at airports across the U.S. due to staffing shortages, as COVID-19 infections race through flight crews. Host Cathy Wurzer took a closer look at the state of the travel industry with Kyle Potter, executive editor of Thrifty Traveler.

Theme music by Gary Meister.

As cases have ramped up in Minnesota and across the country, and omicron seems to be spreading much faster than previous variants, it has put a strain on the state's testing sites. This is an MPR News morning update for Tuesday, January 4, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Testing is getting crushed as data shows signs of omnicron surge in Minnesota. Also, Minneapolis says COVID may close some school buildings in the state’s third largest district, and police arrest a suspect in Friday’s Mall of America shooting. This is an evening update from MPR News, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the Pfizer booster for children ages 12 and up. Minnesota Now host Cathy Wurzer got more insight into the decision from Dr. Madeleine Gagnon, vice chief of staff at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare.

Wurzer also spoke with Gov. Tim Walz after he and his family recovered from COVID-19.

Theme music by Gary Meister.

As students return to classrooms on Monday, school leaders around the state are readying themselves for what may be a spike in virus spread. This is an MPR News morning update for Monday, January 3, 2022. Hosted by Cathy Wurzer.

Our theme music is by Gary Meister.

Jurors in the Kimberly Potter case reportedly handled her weapons during their deliberations and found the Taser and pistol easy to tell apart. Also, police looking for a suspect in a shocking robbery found him already in jail for a carjacking. This is an evening update from MPR news, hosted by Tim Nelson. Music by Gary Meister.