Laura Oakes | Audacy

A Closer Look with Laura Oakes: The state of Minnesota's rural hospitals Facing federal cuts to Medicaid and a shortage of physicians, rural medical leaders remain optimistic

August 14, 2025
"A Closer Look" with Laura Oakes: Farmers on the fringes It's not always overalls, tractors, hard sweaty work, cows, pigs and corn that's knee high by the 4th of July

July 17, 2025
"A Closer Look" with Laura Oakes: Some call it junk, some call it treasures, but no matter the name it's a lot of "stuff" Why the overconsumption? What's the environmental impact? How are businesses making money?

May 20, 2025
A Closer Look with Laura Oakes: Our Digital Dependence - Is connection to our phone a delight or disservice? From school, to cars, to possibly wrecking your sleep - that connection can be a blessing and a curse

March 11, 2025
A Closer Look with Laura Oakes: Small town magic It's a growing trend as the Twin Cities' "exurbs" continue to expand and people search for that small town lifestyle

February 4, 2025
A Closer Look with Laura Oakes: How Minnesota shaped the 'freewheelin' Bob Dylan Born in Duluth, raised in Hibbing, and honing his sound in Minneapolis, Bob Dylan's Minnesota roots run deep

December 19, 2024
"A Closer Look" with Laura Oakes: Stuck in a starter home Laura dives into the market forces at play and the twists and turns of the home-buying journey

November 11, 2024
"A Closer Look" with Laura Oakes: Why everyone is shifting to thrifting The trend has become a whole movement with some staggering statistics

September 30, 2024
A Closer Look with Laura Oakes: Making a firefighter It's definitely not for everyone. In fact, some might say it's a calling for a very brave few, and even fewer women.

September 5, 2024
"A Closer Look" with Laura Oakes: What does the future of downtown St. Paul look like? Downtowns across America are being forced to change and that includes Minnesota's capitol city

July 31, 2024