Minnesota Now

The Mississippi River has been called a River of Song. Songwriters have been influenced by its history, culture and natural majesty — including Robert Robinson and Brother Timothy Frantzich. MPR News Host Tim Nelson talks with them about their new album, Mississippi River Songs.

Most new year’s resolutions fail, but the journey is in trying something new. Host Cathy Wurzer talks with two writers, and dads, who did exactly that: they set out to become professional wrestlers in just five weeks.

Activists and community members voiced outrage at a rally outside Brooklyn Center City Hall last night to denounce what they call a hyper-militarized video produced for the police department as a recruiting tool. Host Cathy Wurzer talks with Michelle Gross of Communities United Against Police Brutality and new Brooklyn Center Mayor April Graves about the video, which has since been taken down.

The World Health Organization calls the new Omicron subvariant the "most transmissible yet." Host Cathy Wurzer talks with Dr. Michael Osterholm about its impact in the state.

Minnesota’s top federal official Andy Luger is trying to crack down on guns and crime. Reporter Matt Sepic shares what he learned from talking with the U.S. Attorney.

Sven Sundgaard explains why most of the state is under an air quality alert.

Suburban Brooklyn Center’s police department posted a video to recruit new officers. But some community members say it was too militaristic. We’ll talk about the controversy.

Finally, many of us are trying to become new people in the new year. We’ll hear from two local dads who tried to become pro wrestlers.

Most of the state is under an air quality alert, which means people with lung disease, asthma, heart disease, and children and older adults may experience side effects. Host Cathy Wurzer talked with meteorologist Sven Sundgaard about what’s causing these conditions.

Violent crime dropped measurably in Minneapolis in 2022. Host Cathy Wurzer talks with Matt Sepic about his conversation with Minnesota’s top federal prosecutor Andy Luger.

The World Health Organization calls the new XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant the "most transmissible yet." Host Cathy Wurzer speaks with University of Minnesota Epidemiologist Michael Osterholm about it’s impact.

A Minnesota House committee will hear a bill on Tuesday that would allow undocumented Minnesotans to get a driver's license.

Under the so-called "Driver's License for All" bill, the state's nearly 81,000 undocumented immigrants would be able to take a knowledge and driving test, and obtain a state-issued ID.

Veena Iyer is the Executive Director of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, one of the groups that has been pushing for this bill.

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. 

In August 2022, Air Force Major Katie Lunning was in Kabul, Afghanistan as part of the largest evacuation airlift in U.S. military history.

On January 7, the nurse originally from Hastings, Minnesota was awarded the highest medal awarded for aerial achievement.  She is the first Air Guard Flight Nurse ever to receive the honor. Major Lunning joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about her achievement.

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. 

State lawmakers are hearing arguments for and against legalizing driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants. We'll find out what's at stake.

We'll hear about the bills getting attention at the legislature this week—including a tax bill that's moving fast.

A nurse from Hastings, Minnesota was awarded the one of the most prestigious medals in the U.S. military. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with her about what she did to earn the honor.

15,000 children in Minnesota have a parent or close family member who is incarcerated. Cathy spoke with one mom about how she helps her children cope while their dad is behind bars.

Finally, a new pop-up noodle shop in the Twin Cities gives BIPOC chefs a place to show their stuff.

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.