Minnesota Now

In Minnesota Now’s latest “Share the Mic,” Lewis interviewed Rose McGee about grief, healing and — what else — sweet potato pie. This is an extended version of their conversation.

Host Cathy Wurzer checks in with a Minnesota school district after the horrifying school shooting in Texas. We remember George Floyd's life on the second anniversary of his death. And we hear from Minnesotans across the state working on racial justice and equity.

A new show happening next weekend blends figure skating with modern dance, social justice and traditional African American dance. It’s called Tracing Sacred Steps and it comes from local nonprofit Brownbody.

Host Cathy Wurzer speaks with Deneane Richburg, Brownbody’s artistic director.

The intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis is the place where George Floyd died. It has become known as George Floyd Square. Two years after his death, it is still a gathering place and memorial.

Host Cathy Wurzer talks with Marcia Howard, who lives just blocks away, ahead of a vigil to remember Floyd and the uprising that followed.

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.

Two years ago, Minnesota Public Radio reporters highlighted activists around Minnesota who were moved to make a difference in their communities following the murder of George Floyd.

Today, on the anniversary of his death, we wanted to check in with some of those folks to hear their reflections on anti-racism work over the past two years.

Gloomy weather seems appropriate for a sad, dark day like this one. MPR’s Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner joins Cathy Wurzer to talk about what's happening and what to expect.

We’re still reeling from news yesterday of another horrific mass shooting, this latest one at an elementary school in Texas.

In this moment’s grief and early processing, we wonder how Minnesota schools are helping students cope and preventing future violence on campus.

Days after Michael Brown was killed in Ferguson, Rose McGee sat in her Golden Valley home, watching the news, wondering what she could do to help.

Something told her to make some pies and bring them there. She went to her kitchen and got to work.

Those pies turned into Sweet Potato Comfort Pie: A Catalyst for Caring and Building Community.

And they’re more than pies. They’re a way to bring people together, to make positive change where they are.

“Ms. Rose McGee is a movement,” says Dr. Joi Lewis, a visionary community speaker and healer and founder of the Healing Justice foundation.

In Minnesota Now’s latest “Share the Mic,” Lewis interviewed McGee about grief, healing and — what else — sweet potato pie.

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.

The University of Minnesota Board of Regents will soon vote on a proposal to increase tuition at all the state campuses. That’s just one of several budget changes set out by University President Joan Gabel. Gabel joined Cathy to explain her proposed 2023 budget plan.

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.

The University of Minnesota’s president, Joan Gabel, announced a budget proposal that includes a tuition hike across the state.

Phenologist John Latimer explains the new blooms across the state.

A youth garden reaches out for help after storm damage.

Artist Jovan C. Speller talks about her exhibit on Black elders and protection at Mia.