Minnesota Now

This year, June 19 — or Juneteenth — is a Minnesota state holiday for the first time. But lots of people don’t understand why we celebrate it.

Rose McGee is sharing that story across the state through her new play, “Kumbayah: The Juneteenth Story.” The free show runs in Mankato, Rochester, St. Cloud and the Twin Cities.

McGee is also the president and founder of Sweet Potato Comfort Pie, a catalyst for caring and building community. The third annual sweet potato pie showcase will be held at the Mill City Farmer’s Market in Minneapolis on Saturday, June 10.

The event is not a competition but an occasion to share the stories behind homemade sweet potato pies.

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A new report released today shows that a large swath of Minnesota -- about 72 percent of the state—is abnormally dry; about 12 percent of the state is in a moderate drought. Those figures have increased since just last week. MPR News meteorologist reports that all models forecast BELOW normal precipitation into early July.

Minnesota roller coaster weather patterns of late have had major effects on farmers. Late, heavy snowfall and flooded fields delayed planting in parts of the state. And now that plants are in the ground, it's dry. With the outlook threatening a third year of drought, farms of all sizes could soon be under stress. We spoke with John Beaton, grows vegetables and flowers at Fairhaven Farms near Duluth, in an area seeing moderate drought conditions.

Despite spring flooding, we are inching back into another summer drought. MPR meteorologist Sven Sundgaard talks about the dry conditions with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer. Plus, Wurzer spoke with a Duluth-area farmer about how he’s adapting.

Juneteenth is a state holiday this year, but what's the meaning behind the day? A playwright and local changemaker shared with Wurzer how she's spreading the story.

Old age comes for everyone, but trans elders face unique challenges. We heard from the folks behind a study casting a light on those issues.

And sports guys Wally and Eric gave us the lowdown on the Twins, Lynx and that big PGA tour news.

Prince Rogers Nelson would have been 65 years old today. Instead, we’re left remembering the Minneapolis-born musician’s legacy. He died in 2016 at age 57. 

This weekend, an annual birthday celebration is back at Paisley Park marking seven years since we lost him.  

And most notably, the event will feature more previously unreleased music from Paisley Park’s collection, the so-called “Prince Vault.” 

For more, Andrea Swensson is with me. She is a music journalist and host of the Official Prince Podcast.

Four years ago, 33-year-old Heather Mayar’s death was ruled a suicide. It was a story Heather's mother never believed, and she felt police weren’t doing enough to track down other explanations.

Police reopened Heather's case after her mother pored over records, text messages, and social media posts. She also took the story to Star Tribune crime and policing reporter Andy Mannix, whose story about Heather’s death and investigation was published recently.

MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Mannix about his investigation into this case. Please note, this next story involves sexual violence and may be sensitive for some listeners.

For gardeners, early June is a time of watering plants and watching them start to shoot out of the ground. MPR host Cathy Wurzer talks with gardening expert Meg Cowden about gardening tips, what’s in season, and what she’s planting, growing and cooking right now.

Cowden is the author of the book “Plant Grow Harvest Repeat" and founder of the website "Seed to Fork" and the advice group "Modern Garden Guild."

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.   

We attempt to make transcripts for Minnesota Now available the next business day after a broadcast. When ready they will appear here.

MPR News Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner gives an extended forecast.

There is still smoke in the sky, but air quality improves today for much of Minnesota. Mostly moderate conditions are in the forecast for Wednesday and Thursday.

The list of Republicans running for president is growing by the day. And North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum just threw his name in the hat. A Fargo, N.D. reporter tells MPR News host Cathy Wurzer more.

Wurzer also talks to a leader with a local foundation that is paying $50 million to descendants of slaves.

We hear from a barber and other small businesses on their recovery from the pandemic.

Parents across the state have lots of thoughts about their kids getting out of school for the summer. A bunch of them share their ups and downs.

And the Current's Diane Miller brings us five new local songs to brighten your day.

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Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

We love listening to new music on Minnesota Now — and who better to talk about it than Diane Miller, host of The Local Show on The Current?

Miller joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to share what she’s been listening to lately.

The school year is ending this week—for some districts, it has already—and there are a lot of kids celebrating the start of three months of summer vacation.

That change of schedule can mean a chance to sleep in, do outside activities and summer programs, spend time with family, maybe travel. For working parents, the work-life juggle takes a major shift in the summer.

Producer Emily Bright spoke to a couple of parents from around the state to see what summer looks like for their families.