Minnesota Now

On Wednesday evening, there will be a public meeting in Monticello on whether to extend the license of the nuclear plant in that city. On March 16, state officials said 400,000 gallons of radioactive water had leaked from a nuclear power plant in the city of Monticello back in November 2022. Officials said there is no danger to the public from the leak. But some are asking why it took so long for state officials and Xcel Energy, which owns the plant, to tell the public about the spill.

The Star Tribune is reporting it's the 6th highest tritium leaks among U.S. plants. MPR News central Minnesota reporter, Kirsti Marohn, has been following this issue. She joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about it.

A Minnesota nuclear plant leaked radioactive water last fall. We now know it’s among the biggest leaks among the nation’s nuclear plants. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer got the rundown from MPR News reporter Kirsti Marohn.

It's the first official week of spring. But the weather has a mind of its own. Paul Huttner gave us the latest forecast.

Ramadan begins Wednesday for Muslims around the world. The Minnesota based creator of the Digital Sisterhood podcast about the messages she's hoping to send out into the world this month.

James Beard nominated chef Karyn Tomlinson told us what's for lunch.

Have you heard of the guitar banjo? A legendary Minneapolis musician has a new album showcasing the instrument.

Four chefs and one pastry chef from the Twin Cities have been nominated by the prestigious James Beard “Best Chef Midwest”. Finalists will be announced on March 29th. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Karyn Tomlinson, the chef and owner of the St. Paul restaurant, Myriel.

While it is officially spring, we are seeing the same kind of wet and cold weather patterns as the past few months. Snow and rain are moving across the state. MPR Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer with weather updates including what’s in store for the weekend, a drought and snowfall measure, and more.

An Alexandria woman has turned her passion for inclusion into a huge social media presence – half a million followers on TikTok – and a new children’s book.

Beth Leipholtz spoke with host Cathy Wurzer about the collaboration that made the book come together, and Coop’s growing following on TikTok.

We're seeing the effects of climate change on our world: Mindboggling amounts of rain and snow and the damage that can cause, scorching heatwaves that wither crops and spark devastating wildfires.

Heat waves, droughts, floods, wildfires and hurricanes are killing and displacing people worldwide and scientists say it'll get worse, unless something is done — fast.

To make sense of the latest United Nations climate report, and its impact on Minnesota, Host Cathy Wurzer talked to Roopali Phadki, a professor of environmental studies at Macalester College.

The latest UN report on climate change says we need to act now to avoid the most disastrous effects of global warming. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with a professor about what this means for Minnesota and what steps are needed.

Minnesota Now continued the ‘What’s for Lunch?’ series. MPR News host heard from James Beard nominee Yia Vang.

A mother and author shared the inspiration behind her new children's book, "The ABCs of Inclusion."

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

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Four chefs and one pastry chef from the Twin Cities have been nominated by the prestigious James Beard foundation for “Best Chef Midwest.” Finalists will be announced on March 29. host Cathy Wurzer spoke with chef Yia Vang, the founder and owner of Union Hmong Kitchen as well as the pop up Hmong noodle spot, Slurp. He also hosts the show Relish on Twin Cities Public Television and the podcast Hmong-lish.

A long time lover of birds, Laura Erickson, has a new book out on how to feed them without putting out bird feeders. Her podcast “For the Birds” has been running since 1986 and now she has a new book on the shelves, “100 Plants to Feed the Birds.” Host Cathy Wurzer talks with her about her love of birds and her new book.

Two top leaders at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs are out. Their firings came weeks after allegations that a toxic workplace culture at the Hastings state veterans home decimated staffing levels and made the facility unsafe. Cathy Wurzer talks with Pioneer Press reporter Christopher Magan about the story.