Minnesota Now

Thursday afternoon, the Minnesota House is expected to debate a wide-ranging tax package. The bill contains rebates, additional exemptions for Social Security income, expanded child tax credits, and aid to local and tribal governments. It also would raise some taxes on top earners and corporations. MPR Political reporter Brian Bakst broke it all down with MPR News Host Emily Bright.

It’s a waterlogged spring after a snowy winter, but the growing season is almost upon us. This is a busy time of year for farmers like David Wise, who is juggling quite a few projects, including reintroducing bison and Ojibwe horses to his farm in Northern Minnesota.

He is a descendant of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the founder of Native Wise farm, which produces wild rice, maple syrup, CBD, and vegetables. David Wise joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about all things his Minnesota farm.

He said it has always been a dream of his to bring the bison back because his great-grandfather was Chief Buffalo. When Wise was finally able to bring them back, he said it was like welcoming a relative home again.

Before they arrived, Wise did some research that found his fields had not had animals on them for many years and the soil health was not strong. With the new residents, he hopes that more native plants pop up and soil health improves.

Besides bison, Wise is also raising Ojibwe horses, which are expected to arrive on the farm next month. He is working with colleagues to bring back a breeding program as they are close to extinction.

“We’re really just trying to help bring them back. It’s an honor to have them here on the farm again,” he said.

Wise said it is important to him that they keep the land healthy and productive into the future. He considers himself a steward of the land, a value that was passed down to him from Ojibwe culture.

“We look at the Earth as our mother,” he said.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation. 

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

The Minnesota House is expected to debate a bill that would make some changes to health care. Listen for what’s in the latest version.

75 years ago, Minnesota's first commercial TV station aired its very first broadcast.

Weather has been a bumpy ride lately. Paul Huttner will give us the highs and lows we can expect.

A farmer who is bringing bison back to family land in Northern Minnesota talks about the animals' relationship to soil health.

"The Dig" is a novel set in a fictional town in Minnesota. We'll hear from the author about why she combines Greek tragedy with immigration stories of today.

The Minnesota House is set to vote April 26 on a sweeping health bill. It’s the chamber’s big health care budget bill and among many of the provisions in it, one includes a public option for MinnesotaCare. Right now, people who make less than about $27,000 per year are eligible for that public insurance option. But this bill would let anyone opt in to get coverage, as long as they pay premiums. Representative Tina Liebling is the DFL chair of the Minnesota Health Finance and Policy committee and she joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about it.

It's almost May, but this week has not seen mild weather. Instead, it's been chilly. MPR Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about the worst of the flooding over the week, upcoming rain and warmer weather, and how far ice out is progressing on Minnesota lakes.

When television was a brand new technology, it’s hard to explain the level of curiosity, skepticism and excitement over the hazy black and white images on what was a very small screen. Television is simply part of the fabric of our lives today, but back in the 1940s, television was considered a novelty for most Americans.

75 years ago on April 27, 1948, Twin Cities residents watched the first day of programming on KSTP-TV. It was Minnesota’s first commercial television station. There was a lot of build-up to that inaugural broadcast and because it was such a pivotal chapter in Minnesota broadcast history, we wanted to talk more about it with Glenn Griffin, the archivist for Hubbard Broadcasting in the Twin Cities. The Hubbard family owns KSTP TV and other broadcast outlets.

MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke to Griffin about the history of the station.

Land use, including agriculture and forestry, has become Minnesota’s number two source of carbon emissions, after transportation. And one group you may not think of has some decision-making power to help reduce that pollution: non-farming landowners. Meg Nielsen joined MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer to talk about her efforts to store carbon and reduce emissions on her family farmland.

The Minnesota House is expected to vote on the cannabis bill today. We hear what the bill may look like at the municipal level if it becomes law. When it comes to climate change and reducing emissions, farmland owners have a lot of influence. A north side nonprofit in Minneapolis is gaining traction for its alternatives to demolishing old buildings. Plus, a southern Minnesota graveyard has a surprising link to Shakespeare and The Current's Diane Miller has the local music you need to know.

Whatever sound you are into, there is a Minnesota musician for you. Diane Miller is our guide through the variety of music that is popping across the state. She hosts The Local Show on MPR News’ sister station, The Current. Miller joined MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer to highlight five artists with new songs or upcoming shows.

In honor of the 459th anniversary of the birth of William Shakespeare, we have a little history nugget for you. There are surprising historical connections to be gleaned from small-town graveyards. MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer talked with Faribault County Historical Society Executive Director Randy Anderson about the link between one of the great Shakespearean actresses of the London stage in the early 1800s and the town of Blue Earth in southern Minnesota.