MPRdotOrg
MPR News Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner retires after 40-year career
- Title
- MPR News Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner retires after 40-year career
- Runtime
- 5:28
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- After 20 years at MPR News and 40 years in the weather broadcasting industry, MPR News Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner is hanging up his umbrella — at least metaphorically.
Paul began his career at Chicago's weather command in 1986, then moved back home to the Twin Cities to join WCCO-TV in 1988. There he reported on some of the state's biggest weather events, like the Halloween Blizzard of 1991.
Some years later in 2007, Paul came to MPR News to build the station's weather team. There, he launched series listeners still love and rely on today, like Climate Cast, the Updraft blog and daily weather chats on All Things Considered.
The MPR News team will miss Paul greatly and wishes him nothing but the best on this new chapter. In his words: "May your days be sunny with just a few storms to keep things interesting.”
For a full look back on Paul's career, head to: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/04/29/mpr-news-meteorologist-paul-h...
- Title
- Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz gives farewell State of the State adress
- Runtime
- 1:16
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- In his last State of the State address, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz retraced his time at Minnesota’s helm for “pivotal moments in our state’s history." Walz proudly touted initiatives that will outlast him but didn’t gloss over the difficulties that also shaped the state and will endure when he leaves office.
“It has been a complicated seven years to say the least,” Walz said in his speech Tuesday night to a joint session of the Legislature. It was part reflective and part call to action for lawmakers as the session heads toward a required finish a few weeks from now.
Read more at the link in our bio.
Story by Peter Cox and Dana Ferguson
Video edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Watch: Gov. Tim Walz delivers final State of the State address
- Runtime
- 1:07:40
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- DFL Gov. Tim Walz will deliver his eighth and final State of the State address Tuesday night at 7 p.m., as he closes out a political tenure that’s seen him notch victories but also confronted him with a series of challenges.
He’ll walk up the center aisle in the Minnesota House and stand before lawmakers who through years have at turns advanced his ideas and given him political pushback. According to excerpts released by the governor’s office, Walz plans to highlight Minnesota’s response to the federal immigration agent surge and promote a social media tax that he says would guard against some disruptions from artificial intelligence.
“I still have eight months left in this job, and I intend to use every hour of every day to make as much progress as I can,” he plans to say.
But it’s clear that legislators and Walz are both looking ahead to what’s next.
Join MPR News for live coverage of the address starting at 7 p.m. w...
- Title
- ‘Rebel Loon’ is still thriving at Minnesota tattoo shops
- Runtime
- 1:27
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Back in January, Bernardo Anderson of Moorhead shared a design inspired by the “Rebel Alliance” logo in the Star Wars “Andor” series. After seeing a wide-ranging group of Minnesotans come together for their community, it only seemed right to adapt the symbol to feature the state bird as a new logo of resistance.
Originally, he wanted to be anonymous, but quickly people connected him to the design he made publicly available that inspired hope across the state and farther.
Jordanne Le Fae is one of hundreds of artists who have gotten some version of the design. For months, her shop Weird Ink had at least one “Rebel Loon” done every day, with weekends sometimes having half a dozen tattoos booked.
They have designed anything from the original design replicated from the “Rebel Alliance” Star Wars logo, to a knitted-pattern loon, watercolored, Pokémon-themed and pride versions.
“I wanted a symbol for uniting people and no...
- Title
- Feds, state execute search warrants at Twin Cities daycares and autism centers
- Runtime
- 1:22
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- The Department of Homeland Security announced today that it executed search warrants in the Twin Cities. In a statement posted to social media on April 28, DHS said the criminal investigation is related to “the rampant fraud of U.S. taxpayers dollars.”
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz — who is set to give his final State of the State address Tuesday night — issued a statement saying that “if you commit fraud in Minnesota you’re going to get caught — and that’s exactly what we saw today.”
The city of Minneapolis issued a statement saying it was not involved in the operation and as of Tuesday morning, Minneapolis police hadn't been asked to assist in the execution of the warrants.
Tuesday’s law enforcement activity took place less than four months after the White House escalated what it called Operation Metro Surge, sending thousands of federal agents into the Twin Cities in January to conduct immigration enforcement.
Story b...
- Title
- Why so many people are dying in Minnesota group homes
- Runtime
- 9:41
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Minnesota regulators have investigated the deaths of at least 50 group home residents in recent years. In 19 cases, they determined the facility or its employees neglected the deceased resident. But the largely taxpayer-funded businesses often face only minor penalties. State law caps the fines for maltreatment at $5,000.
When Ryan Riggs died at Fortunate Homes in Brooklyn Center in September 2025, the initial fine was even smaller. It was just $1,000, even though his body went undiscovered for 29 hours — in the group home’s back yard.
Read our full coverage here: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/04/27/minnesota-group-home-industry-50-deaths-but-few-consequences
Reporting by Ellie Roth, Jennifer Lu and Christopher Peak, with help from Kate Martin
Video by Carly Danek
Audio mastering by Maurizio D’Errico
---
0:00 Introduction
0:16 Ryan Riggs
1:17 Fortunate Homes and Ryan's death
3:57 Fines and payme...
- Title
- Will Michele Tafoya's public profile transfer to politics?
- Runtime
- 36:39
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- There’s an open seat in the U.S. Senate, and Republicans are trying to do something they haven’t since 2006: Win a statewide election.
Both parties are working to figure out their nominees for November.
Veteran sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya is taking the political plunge, and if she succeeds she might be one of the more recognizable U.S. senators.
Can Tafoya overcome what’s shaping up as a tough environment for Republicans? If she does, what would Tafoya do in Washington?
MPR politics editor Brian Bakst speaks with Tafoya about what led her to run and what it will take to win in November.
Then, the view from some political strategists on how they see the legislative session wrapping up and the fall campaign shaping up.
This show was produced by Matt Alvarez. Our technical team for today’s show: Tessa Bloch, Maurizio D’Errico and Erik Stromstad. Matt Mikus handled video production.
- Title
- Crickets are the future of protein at U of M’s Great Minnsect Show
- Runtime
- 2:01
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- The Great Minnsect Show on April 18 drew thousands of people to free educational activities, including an insect petting zoo, maggot racing and watercolor painting with maggots, but the star of the show this year is cricket foods.
Sujaya Rao, a professor emeritus in the entomology department at the U of M, helped start the event in 2019 to showcase the wonders of bugs.
Rao and her colleagues made brownies and other treats from crickets. She said insects offer high protein content without the environmental impact of cattle farming,
The idea of insects as a food source has gained traction in the U.S. since the United Nations released a report in 2013 promoting human consumption of insects to combat food insecurity, according to Rao. With nine billion people projected on Earth by 2050, she said people will need to look for alternatives to animal-based products.
Story by Feven Gerezgiher
Video by Tony Xiao
- Title
- The legal battles between Trump and Minnesota
- Runtime
- 22:10
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Minnesota is suing — and has been sued — a lot.
There are cases over health care funding, immigration, clean energy policy, election laws, tariffs, diversity policies and much more.
Playing point for much of it: Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. He’s teamed up with Democratic attorneys general in other states for some of the litigation and has gone solo in other cases.
Closer to home, he’s in negotiations with the Legislature over ways to beef up fraud investigations and prosecutions.
MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst speaks with Keith Ellison.
- Title
- The 2026 season will look dramatically different for the Minnesota Lynx
- Runtime
- 3:00
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- It's safe to say the WNBA — and the Lynx — will look different this season. An unprecedented number of veterans across the WNBA joined the free agency pool. And this coincides with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement that was reached earlier this year that raises a player’s year-one maximum to $1.4 million dollars – this is up from $250K.
What that means for the Minnesota Lynx is that so far they have lost seven players to the the expansion draft and free agency period, including one half of the StudBudz duo (we'll miss you Natisha Hiedeman). Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams are returning starters, all with salaries of over $1 million dollars this season.
During the draft on April 13, the Lynx picked Oliva Miles of Texas Christian University for the 2nd overall draft pick and Lani White from the University of Utah for the 45th pick.
The Lynx are filling out, but the dynamics of teams across the league could look dr...
- Title
- Nothing compares 2 Prince: A look at his life and legacy 10 years after his death
- Runtime
- 18:46
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- It’s been 10 years since Minnesota icon Prince’s death.
On April 21, 2016, as the world processed the news, fans assembled outside Paisley Park and First Avenue. The downtown Minneapolis nightclub later became the scene of an all-night dance party to honor the artist. On the radio, MPR News and the Current collected Prince stories from fans and former collaborators. And the music station launched an all-day, chronological marathon of his music.
Music journalist Andrea Swensson, formerly of The Current, covered Prince extensively. Her relationship with Prince shifted the trajectory of her own career. Ten years after his death, Swensson is determined to carry on the icon’s profound legacy.
Story by Nina Moini, Aleesa Kuznetsov and Alanna Elder
Video edited by Tony Xiao
- Title
- Celebrating 30 years of ‘Fargo’ at the Fargo Theatre in Fargo
- Runtime
- 2:01
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Coen brothers’ classic film “Fargo,” the Fargo Theatre in Fargo held a special screening with actor Peter Stormare on April 14.
Stormare played one of the film’s villains. He’s creepily quiet, including the iconic scene where he loads a human foot into a wood chipper as Marge Gunderson, a pregnant cop, arrives to arrest him.
When “Fargo” premiered, many people in Minnesota and North Dakota objected to the characters’ exaggerated regional accents and their frequent exclamation, “Oh geez,” “You betcha” and “Oh ya.”
Now, 30 years later, the region has embraced the film. The Fargo Theatre has a wooden statue of Marge Gunderson, complete with a plaque that reads “Wood Chip Marge.” And tourists can check out the famous wood chipper featured at the end of the film. The Fargo-Moorhead visitors center has both the original and a replica, which tourists take advantage of for photo ops....
- Title
- What you need to know about the plan to mine near the Boundary Waters
- Runtime
- 2:48
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- On April 16 the U.S. Senate voted to overturn a 20-year ban on mining on about 350 square miles of federal land near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, paving the way for Twin Metals to renew efforts to open an underground copper mine near Ely, on the doorstep of the wilderness area.
The vote is a major victory for Twin Metals, a subsidiary of the giant Chilean mining company Antofagasta, which has been working for more than a decade to open a mine along the shore of Birch Lake, about seven miles east of Ely, just south of the wilderness area.
The measure passed 50-49, mostly along party lines. All Democrats opposed it, including Minnesota U.S. Sens. Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar. Smith spoke for hours against the proposal late Wednesday night and again Thursday morning, urging her Republican colleagues to oppose the resolution.
The resolution to reverse the mining ban relied on a law called the Congressional Review Act, a tool that Congress can use t...
- Title
- “Nobody knows about” the world’s largest fishing decoy show
- Runtime
- 2:12
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Every April, a niche but dedicated community of decoy fish carvers meets in Perham’s community center. There, they sell their work, collect other people’s carvings, and compete against one another in judged contests. This “functional art" began as a Native American survival strategy before becoming the art form it is today.
Known as “The Gathering,” the event draws carvers from all over the Midwest and collectors from all across the country to Perham, where they get together to sell, swap and show off their handcrafted decoys.
This year, carvers entered in 43 different classes of competition to exhibit their wooden decoys, earning bragging rights and a small chunk of change if they win.
Story and video by Noah Bloch
Edited by Tony Xiao
- Title
- Watch: U.S. Senate to vote on mining ban near Boundary Waters
- Runtime
- 1:29:50
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- The U.S. Senate is scheduled to take up a resolution that would reverse a 20-year mining ban on land just south of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The vote follows several hours of debate on the resolution that extended until nearly midnight Wednesday. U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., spoke for well over two hours against the proposal.
The resolution is championed by U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, R-Minn. who represents the northeastern part of the state. If it’s passed by the Senate, it would undo a 20-year mining moratorium on about 350 square miles of the Superior National Forest, on land just south of the wilderness area, but within its watershed.
If the Senate approves the resolution, any potential mining in the area would still be many years away. Projects first need to go through several years of environmental review. They also need to win permits from both state and federal agencies.
Video source: U.S. Senate
...
- Title
- Olivia Miles' first press conference since being drafted by the Lynx
- Runtime
- 1:04
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- In her first press conference with the Minnesota Lynx on April 15, Olivia Miles said she knows she will walk into a team with a legacy both on and off the court. The second overall WNBA draft pick revealed areas of her skill set that she’d like to grow and improve with the team, her goals for leadership and learning and her excitement to be joining a culture of players who inspire change.
Read more in the link in our bio
Story by Anika Besst
Video captured by Anika Besst and edited by Anne Guttridge
Thumbnail photo by Pamela Smith | AP
- Title
- Minnesota farmers feels the strain as Iran war continues
- Runtime
- 2:18
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- The Strait of Hormuz, a vital trade passageway, has been effectively closed to most barge traffic since the start of the Iran war. As a result, global supplies of fertilizer and fuel are getting held up, causing prices to balloon. While many Minnesota farmers have already ordered their fuel and fertilizer ahead of planting season, not everyone has.
Megan Horsager, a third-generation farmer in Montevideo, Minn., is worried about the price of fuel, as she said diesel for her farm might run out halfway through the summer. And while she has adequate supplies of fertilizer, she said some of her neighboring farmers didn’t lock in fertilizer at a lower price and so could get stuck paying more.
Horsager moved back to her family farm after realizing the corporate lifestyle isn’t for her. She is hoping to continue her grandfather’s farming legacy and make the farm financially viable for her children, but it has been difficult.
“We just take each yea...
- Title
- Tornado touches down near Amboy, Minn.
- Runtime
- 0:21
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- MPR News photojournalist Ben Hovland captured video of a tornado touching ground near the southern Minnesota town of Amboy on April 13 around 6:30 p.m.
Severe storms are predicted in southern and western Minnesota Monday afternoon and evening. Heavy winds and tornadoes are possible, with potential tennis ball-sized hail.
MPR News’ meteorologists are tracking the system to bring you the latest forecast. Visit mprnews.org/weather for updates.
Video captured by Ben Hovland and edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- New documentary on bias in medicine
- Runtime
- 10:05
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- “The Chaplain & the Doctor” is the latest documentary by Dr. Jessica Zitter, a California-based physician and filmmaker. She said this film came about after her hospital’s chaplain confronted Zitter about her biases as a doctor.
Zitter said it made her realize the importance of working with hospital chaplains to help patients heal.
The film is making its Midwestern debut at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival. It will premiere at the Main Cinema in Minneapolis at 4 p.m. on April 10 and again at the Edina Mann at 4:30 p.m. on April 11.
Story by Cathy Wurzer
Video edited by Tony Xiao
- Title
- Mall of America kicks off Earth Month with annual ladybug release
- Runtime
- 2:36
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- The Mall of America celebrates Earth Month each year by releasing thousands of ladybugs throughout Nickelodeon Universe.
The red-and black insects are a natural alternative to pesticides for the mall’s 30,000 plants, which are real and thrive in tropical environments.
On April 7, more than 200 people arrived at 6 a.m. to help sprinkle the ladybugs in plant beds throughout the mall’s amusement park.
Interviews by Feven Gerezgiher
Video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Minneapolis releases video that undermines ICE claims about non-fatal shooting
- Runtime
- 2:31
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- On Jan. 14, the city-owned camera at the intersection of North Lyndale Avenue and North 24th Avenue in Minneapolis recorded a car driven by a man fleeing ICE agents collide with a snowbank. The man, identified in court documents as Alfredo Aljorna, ran towards his home on the block, where his friend, Julio Sosa-Celis, was standing outside with a snow shovel.
Although the video is dark, it shows Sosa-Celis drop the shovel as Aljorna approached. When Aljorna slipped, an ICE agent jumped on him. Sosa-Celis is briefly visible trying to wrestle Aljorna out of the agent’s grasp, before both men turn and try to run inside. That’s when the video appears to show the ICE agent fire in their direction. Sosa-Celis received a minor gunshot wound on his thigh, according to court documents.
The non-fatal shooting came just a week after ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Renee Good in south Minneapolis. Soon after news of the shooting spread, protesters and angry res...
- Title
- ‘Performative Mayor Contest’ in Minneapolis criticizes Frey vetoes while fundraising for rent relief
- Runtime
- 2:00
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Hundreds gathered in south Minneapolis on Saturday, April 4 for a comedic event intended to support mutual aid efforts and criticize Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
Organizers held the “Performative Mayor Contest” to fundraise for rent relief in Minneapolis following federal immigration enforcement in the city. They also wanted to raise awareness around what they feel is Frey’s poor leadership. Organizers said the event raised over $5,000.
Minneapolis comedian Comrade Tripp said he’s frustrated with Frey’s veto use: Frey has vetoed 22 actions in his last eight years of office, far more than the previous two mayors.
Smitten Kitten organized the event. Anne Lehman, a sex educator and social media manager at the adult store said they took inspiration from drag shows and “performative male” contests trending on social media – where men carry items like tote bags and feminist books to virtue signal to women. Lehman found the contest a cre...
- Title
- Politics Friday: 3 congressional candidates vying for their party's endorsement
- Runtime
- 59:40
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Minnesota’s eight U.S. House seats don’t change hands all that often, but after November’s midterm election one seat certainly will.
The state’s 2nd Congressional District will have a new representative come January 2027. Democratic incumbent, Rep. Angie Craig, is running for the open U.S. Senate and will leave the House after four terms.
MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst speaks with candidates about why they’re the best Democrat to serve the district that runs from the suburbs down into southern Minnesota farm towns.
Our guests:
Matt Klein is a DFL state senator of Mendota Heights, a physician and a candidate for 2nd Congressional District.
Kaela Berg is a DFL state representative of Burnsville, a flight attendant and a candidate for 2nd Congressional District.
Matt Little is a former DFL state senator, a past mayor of Lakeville and a candidate for 2nd Congressional District.
Read the ...
- Title
- Forty-four years after sailing the Atlantic, Moorhead Viking ship replica is here to stay
- Runtime
- 2:55
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Robert Asp was a Moorhead high school guidance counselor in the 1970s when he began building the Hjemkomst, which translates to “homecoming” in Norwegian.
The child of Norwegian immigrants, Asp dreamed of not only constructing the ship, but sailing it to Norway, but he died of leukemia before he could make the journey.
His family and friends carried on his dream.
In 1982, the 78-foot replica ship made its 2-month-long journey from Lake Superior, across the Atlantic Ocean, to Oslo and was greeted by the King of Norway. It will be the voyage’s 45th anniversary this May.
The ship now resides inside the Hjemkomst Center. Nearly half a century later, crew members who sailed the ship pointed out the ropes holding up the sails might collapse.
Only a few people are suitable to repair the ropes on the ship, and one of them is Courtney J. Andersen, a former Minnesotan who has worked on fictional ships like the Black Pearl in ...
- Title
- 'The Blanket Lady' was already a Minnesota baskteball icon before viral moment
- Runtime
- 2:49
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- At Minnesota Gophers games, Elvera “Peps” Newman can be spotted just off the court hyping up fans with a maroon and gold blanket in hand. It has an old Goldy Gopher design, something you can’t buy in stores anymore.
Neuman is no stranger to fame. Long before the blanket, the WNBA or college basketball, Neuman was instrumental in establishing the foundation of girls and women's basketball by the way she fought to be out there herself.
While she was in high school during the late ‘50s and early ’60s, over a decade before Title IX legislation, she lobbied for her school to get a varsity girls' basketball team. She was successful, and while still a student, she created one of the first leagues of surrounding girls basketball high school teams that competed against each other. She then went on to play pro and created her own pro team named the Arkansas Gems.
Neuman grew the sport and now takes joy from watching high school, college and profes...
- Title
- How do Iranians feel about U.S. and Israeli military action in the region?
- Runtime
- 1:41
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- One month into the war with Iran, Shaherzad Ahmadi, an associate professor of history at the University of St. Thomas and an Iranian American, says friends and family in the region have complicated feelings about the U.S. and Israel's military action.
Just after President Donald Trump's press conference Wednesday night, she joined host Catharine Richert to share what she's heard.
Show produced by Aron Woldeslassie
Video edited by Payton Whaley
- Title
- 1 month into the Iran war, President Trump addresses the nation
- Runtime
- 29:51
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The U.S. is one month into the war with Iran. On Wednesday night, President Donald Trump will address the nation. Coming up at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, MPR News will carry coverage of the president’s speech with analysis from NPR. Then, join host Catharine Richert and her guest for a live discussion on what we’ve learned about the war and what could come next.
What are you trying to understand about where the war with Iran stands right now — and where it might be headed?
Give us a call after the president’s speech at 651-227-6000 or 800 242-2828. Or leave a comment on YouTube live feeds and our guests will respond on air.
Our guest: Shaherzad Ahmadi is an associate professor of history at the University of St. Thomas. Her research has focused on the history of the Iran-Iraq War that began in 1980. She is also the author of “Bordering on War.”
Find the latest episode here:
https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2026/...
- Title
- Would Mike Lindell continue his campaign for governor without a Trump endorsement?
- Runtime
- 1:14
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- MyPillow founder and Republican candidate for Minnesota governor Mike Lindell has often placed himself in the vicinity of President Donald Trump.
But with a crowded field of contenders like Lisa Demuth and Kendall Qualls, what happens in the case of Trump endorsing someone else?
Find the full interview with Politics Friday host Brian Bakst on YouTube or in the Politics Friday podcast feed.
Story by Brian Bakst and Matthew Alvarez
Video edited by Payton Whaley
- Title
- What the Epstein case tells us about wealth and power in America
- Runtime
- 54:28
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The Jeffrey Epstein case has become a symbol of elite impunity — that the rules don't apply to the wealthy and connected. Coming up at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, MPR News host Catharine Richert talks with author and contributing writer at The New York Times Molly Jong-Fast about justice for Epstein’s victims and what the investigation into the convicted sex offender reveals about power in America.
Give us a call during the 8 p.m. hour at 651-227-6000 or 800 242-2828. Or leave a comment on YouTube live feeds and our guests will respond on air.
Our guest: Molly Jong-Fast is an author, a contributing writer at The New York Times, a political analyst at MSNBC News, and host of the podcast “Fast Politics with Molly Jong-Fast.” Her New York Times bestselling memoir is titled “How to Lose Your Mother.” She joins us from New York City.
Find the latest episode here:
https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2026/03/31/what-the-epstein-case-tell...
- Title
- 'For such a time as this': Faith leaders reflect on the federal immigration surge
- Runtime
- 1:07:24
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- When ICE surged into Minnesota in January, communities didn’t just face a legal issue. They faced a moral one. As part of our North Star Journey Live series, faith leaders who were on the front lines reflect on what their communities experienced and discuss the importance of faith in the resistance.
- Title
- WNBA and players reach landmark labor deal
- Runtime
- 59:56
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Last week, the WNBA and its players reached a landmark labor deal. Coming up at 8 p.m. on Monday, MPR News host Catharine Richert and her guests talk about what it means for the athletes, the game and the future of the league. Tune in online or on the radio.
And we want to hear from you, too.
What do you think about the new WNBA labor deal? What questions do you have about whether or not the players are getting a fair share of the league's growth?
Call us during the show at 651-227-6000 or 800-242-2828. Or leave a comment on YouTube live feeds and our guests will respond on air.
Our guests: Sloane Martin is a play-by-play broadcaster for women’s basketball coverage on the Big Ten Network and the radio play-by-play broadcaster for the Minnesota Lynx. She is a former contributor to the Athletic.
Find the latest episode here:
https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2026/03/30/wnba-and-players-reach-landmark-labor-de...
- Title
- More than 100,000 descended on St. Paul for ‘No Kings’ flagship rally
- Runtime
- 2:19
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Around 100,000 attended the St. Paul flagship “No Kings” rally, according to numbers reported by the Minnesota State Patrol. Organizers of the event said they think the number of attendees is closer to 200,000.
MPR News captured a view of the event from Cedar Street in downtown St. Paul, showing the crowd gathering from mid-morning through 3 p.m.
Over 3,200 events were scheduled in every U.S. state — and most continents — to demonstrate against the Trump administration. About 100 events were planned in Minnesota alone.
Video by Matt Mikus
Music by Kevin MacLeod | Incompetech.com
Read more here:
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/03/28/no-kings-rally-in-minnesota-on-saturday-flagship-event-in-st-paul-others-in-minneapolis
- Title
- Demonstrators attend flagship 'No Kings' rally in St. Paul, condemn ICE surge
- Runtime
- 1:03
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Three separate marches began around noon in St. Paul and then came together at the Capitol for a program of speeches, chants, poetry and music. Guests included politicians like Gov. Tim Walz, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders; activists Nekima Levy Armstrong and Natalie Ehret; and artist Bruce Springsteen, performing “Streets of Minneapolis.”
Toward the end of the program, actor and activist Jane Fonda read a statement by the widow of Renee Macklin Good, who was killed by a federal agent in January.
Singer-songwriters Joan Baez and Maggie Rogers then took the stage for a duet of “The Times They Are A-Changin’.”
About 100 other “No Kings” events were planned around the state. The Minnesota State Patrol estimated there were about 100,000 attendees present, but organizers of the event said they think the number of attendees is closer to 200,000.
Story by Feven Gerezgiher and Dana Ferguson
Video capture...
- Title
- Mike Lindell 'all-in' for Minnesota's governor race | Politics Friday
- Runtime
- 19:23
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The Minnesota GOP has a very competitive race for the governor spot on the ballot. House Speaker Lisa Demuth and businessman Kendall Qualls are part of a top tier of hopefuls.
But MyPillow founder Mike Lindell contends he is too.
Lindell joined Politics Friday host Brian Bakst to talk about his campaign, what he might do without President Donald Trump's backing and the cloud of controversy hanging over his candidacy.
Catch more of Politics Friday here: https://www.mprnews.org/politics/mn-politics/election-politics-friday
Story by Brian Bakst and Matt Alvarez
Video captured by Erik Stromstad
Video edited by Payton Whaley
Thumbnail photo by Jack Dempsey | AP
- Title
- ‘We’re just fed up’: Minnesotans prepare for the Twin Cities No Kings rally
- Runtime
- 2:02
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- About 50 people gathered at Wandering Leaf Brewing Company in St. Paul to make signs for the No Kings rally that’s coming up this weekend. Many of the attendees told MPR News they are new to protesting. They came for various reasons, from upholding the constitution to supporting women’s rights and immigrants who have been targeted by ICE.
The No Kings protests began last June as a series of demonstrations across the country opposing actions by the Trump administration that critics of the president see as authoritarian.
The St. Paul rally has been designated as the flagship No Kings rally for the nation. Organizers expect tens of thousands of people to flood the Capitol grounds. Actress Jane Fonda, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and musician Maggie Rogers are due in town. So is Bruce Springsteen to perform his song "Streets of Minneapolis.”
Story by Nicole Ki
Video by Tony Xiao
- Title
- Aviation security amid federal funding standoff
- Runtime
- 58:03
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Transportation Security Administration officers are working without pay and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are stepping in at airports around the country.
What does it all mean for airport safety and travelers? Wednesday at 8 p.m., join MPR News host Catharine Richert when she talks with a guest who has worked in aviation security for 30 years.
And we want to hear from you, too.
Have you recently flown and noticed any changes at TSA checkpoints? What’s your reaction to ICE agents helping at airport security?
Give us a call during the 8 p.m. hour at 651-227-6000 or 800 242-2828. Or leave a comment on YouTube live feeds and our guests will respond on air.
Our guest: Sheldon H. Jacobson is a professor of Computer Science at the University of Illinois. He is a data scientist who has worked on aviation security for 30 years.
Find the latest episode here:
https://www.mprnews.org...
- Title
- Judge orders removal of Liam Conejo Ramos’ family
- Runtime
- 2:48
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The Conejo family was following the legal immigration process when 5-year-old Liam and his father were detained by ICE in Columbia Heights and sent to a detention center in Texas in January.
On Feb. 19, U.S. Immigration Judge John Burns ended the family’s asylum claims. Burns has denied 96 percent of 1,128 asylum claims between fiscal year 2020 and the first 11 months of 2025, according to a Syracuse University analysis.
They are appealing the decision, but according to their lawyer, the Board of Immigration Appeals affirms previous judges’ orders about 90 percent of the time.
Conejo Arias said violent crime in his home country is why they left the country and applied for asylum in the United States. The family’s lawyer said the level of harm suffered by the Conejo family in Ecuador “would meet the definition of persecution.” She said they were persecuted for being Indigenous.
The U.S. State Department recommends caution whe...
- Title
- Unpacking the Trump administration’s growing tensions with Cuba
- Runtime
- 51:17
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The Trump administration is increasing pressure on Cuba, cutting off vital oil supplies and straining its economy, while rolling blackouts leave millions of people without power. Tuesday at 8 p.m., MPR News host Catharine Richert talks with foreign policy analyst Peter Kornbluh about the latest developments and what they mean for the future of U.S.-Cuba relations.
And we want to hear from you, too.
What questions do you have about U.S.-Cuba relations? What do you think the U.S. goal should be when it comes to Cuba right now?
Give us a call during the 8 p.m. hour at 651-227-6000 or 800 242-2828. Or leave a comment on YouTube live feeds and our guests will respond on air.
Our guest: Peter Kornbluh is the director of the Cuba Documentation Project at the National Security Archive in Washington, D.C. He was co-director of the Iran-Contra documentation project and director of the Archive's project on U.S. policy toward Nicaragu...
- Title
- These ‘magic balls’ can help clean energy transition in Minnesota
- Runtime
- 1:46
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Utilities are rapidly building clean energy projects to meet soaring electricity demand. The power lines operate far below their maximum capacity to prevent heat damage, slowing the flow of electricity.
A Norwegian company’s technology could change that.
These “magic balls” by Heimdall Power collects real-time data such as air temperature, wind speed and voltage to calculate precisely how much power can be safely transported over the line.
The technology is widely used in Europe, but it’s been slow to take hold in the U.S. Experts say that's partly because regulated utilities earn a guaranteed profit by building large, expensive infrastructure projects such as power plants and transmission lines. There’s often little incentive to invest in low-cost solutions.
Minnesota lawmakers recently took a step to fix that. Two years ago they passed a bill requiring large utilities to evaluate grid enhancing technologies.
S...
- Title
- The gamble with sports betting and prediction markets
- Runtime
- 59:30
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- From online sports betting to so-called prediction markets, it’s never been easier to gamble. What was once a thrill one could find in casinos is now available on their phones. But with more entry points to gambling, are we seeing more protections for gamblers?
Coming up at 8 p.m. on Monday, MPR News host Catharine Richert and her guests talk about the problems with this new age of gambling and who it’s impacting the most.
And we want to hear from you, too.
What questions or concerns do you have about online sports betting? Have you ever tried using a prediction market?
Give us a call during the 8 p.m. hour at 651-227-6000 or 800 242-2828. Or leave a comment on YouTube live feeds and our guests will respond on air.
Our guests: Serena King is a psychology professor at Hamline University who has studied youth gambling and problem gambling for 20 years. Susan Sheridan Tucker is the executive director of the M...
- Title
- Conny’s Creamy Cone celebrates 30 years of soft serve ice cream in St. Paul
- Runtime
- 1:28
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Conny’s Creamy Cone is a St. Paul institution. The Como Park ice cream shop is known for soft serve, offering teens their first jobs and its involvement in the community.
Its spring opening on March 21 marked 30 years in business. But even if the temperature hadn’t climbed to a record high just a week after a blizzard, customers like Benita and Michael Warns would have still been there. For about 15 years, the Warns have been the first ones in line as Conny’s Creamy Cone opens.
The Warns declined to share what time they arrived to preserve their secrets. They can’t abide by someone else scooping their first-in-line spot for the opener. The next person in line arrived about 40 minutes before the 11 a.m. open.
Story by Feven Gerezgiher
Video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Minnesota-themed ‘Hot Dash’ race reaches the finish line
- Runtime
- 2:01
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- This Saturday, local runners ran their last Minnesota-themed Hot Dash in Minneapolis. The race started in 2015 with a name playing on a stereotypical Minnesota classic: the hot dish.
Ed Whetham, race director for the Hot Dash, said it was simply time for something new. A race will still take place next March, though with a different theme and possibly a new location, according to Whetham. He thinks it will still lean into what’s great about Minnesota.
Story by Lisa Ryan and Feven Gerezgiher
Video by Tony Xiao
- Title
- MAHA and the Trump administration’s deregulatory agenda
- Runtime
- 52:08
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- The Make America Healthy Again movement has sounded the alarm on environmental toxins, but the Trump administration has pushed to roll back regulations. Join MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon at 8 p.m. on Monday for a conversation about the mismatch with nutritionist, Marion Nestle.
What questions do you have about the safety of our food system?
Our guest for tonight: Marion Nestle is professor emerita of Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health at New York University. She is the author of many books including the recently reissued “What To Eat Now,” a no-nonsense guide to the most important food questions on our plate today.
Find the latest episode here:
https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2026/03/18/maha-and-the-trump-administrations-deregulatory-agenda
- Title
- What AI means for the future of work (feat. Meghan McCarty Carino and Ravi Bapna)
- Runtime
- 59:41
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Ask about AI at any office, and you'll get a range of reactions: Optimism, skepticism, complacency, outrage. But how will it actually affect how we work?
Coming up at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, join MPR News host Catharine Richert and her guests for a discussion about artificial intelligence and jobs — separating the very real potential for disruption in the workplace from industry's ability to keep up, and what it all means for the future of work.
And we want to hear from you, too.
Have questions about how AI is going to change the way we work and the jobs of the future? Drop them in the chat.
Guests:
- Ravi Bapna is a professor in Business Analytics and Information Systems at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management where he runs the school’s Analytics Lab and serves as the academic director of the Analytics for Good Institute.
- Meghan McCarty Carino is a senior reporter at Marketplace, American Publi...
- Title
- Rochester Caledonian Pipe Band celebrates St. Patrick’s Day
- Runtime
- 0:39
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are happening all over the globe Tuesday. In southeastern Minnesota, one tradition stands out.
Every year on St. Patrick's Day, the Rochester Caledonian Pipe Band makes the rounds from bar to bar around the Rochester area, playing their pipes.
Today they they're stopping at 11 bars and restaurants, before ending at Whistle Binkies South at 8:15 p.m. tonight.
The band currently has about 15 pipers and six drummers, and they put on a wide range of music. Mike Watson, the Pipe Major, says that on St. Patrick's Day, the rules about what’s Irish and what’s not get a little flexible.
Story and video by Catharine Richert
Edited by Tony Xiao
- Title
- Minnesota high school students have been competing in this culinary competition for 20 years
- Runtime
- 2:31
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- On March 12, high school students from 18 schools across Minnesota competed at the 20th Minnesota ProStart Invitational. The invitational is made up of one culinary competition and one restaurant management competition.
Winners of each competition will head to Baltimore next month to compete in the national competition.
Video by Anne Guttridge and Tony Xiao
Edited by Tony Xiao
- Title
- What's next for psychedelic medicine? Inside the research and the laws
- Runtime
- 52:10
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Coming up at 8 p.m. on Monday, MPR News host Catharine Richert and her guests talk about the science of psychedelic medicine and the policy debate over whether it should become legal therapy.
What questions do you have about about psychedelic medicine or psychedelic therapy? What experience do you have with psychedelics?
Drop your questions and comments in the chat.
Guests:
- Ismail Lauredo Ali is the co-executive director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. He is an attorney who has been involved in the drug policy reform movement for over a decade.
- Jessica Nielson is the chairperson of the Psychedelic Medicine Task Force for the state of Minnesota. She has a doctorate in anatomy and neurobiology and researches psychedelic neuroscience and drug policy reform. She is also the founder and president of the Psychedelic Society of Minnesota, a community organization that promotes education, harm reductio...
- Title
- ‘Third winter’ has arrived in Minnesota
- Runtime
- 0:27
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- According to Mark (the cat), the forecast is that it’s already snowing and that he would like to go back inside.
A powerful late-season snowstorm in Minnesota has brought more than a foot of snow to some parts of the state. Snow totals in some parts of southern Minnesota reached 17 inches and winds are up to 50-60 mph, creating near-zero visibility in some places.
Parking restrictions for Minneapolis and St. Paul go into effect beginning 9 p.m. Sunday. Parking rules can be found on the Minneapolis and St. Paul city websites.
To stay up to date with the weather, safety precautions, school closings and more go to mprnews.org/weather-live.
Video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Thanks to this Minnesotan, we now have National Loon Day
- Runtime
- 1:40
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Jewelry designer Larissa Loden and her team were planning upcoming marketing when they realized there was no national loon day — so Loden made a proposal, submitted it to the National Day Archives and made the holiday happen.
The inaugural National Loon Day celebration was held at Loden’s store in St. Paul on March 13. Festivities included a ribbon cutting with Minnesota United FC mascot PK, a costume contest, a loon call contest, flash tattoos, a DJ, a dirty soda bar, cross and chain stitching and of course, plenty of loon items for purchase.
Loden hopes to have many national loon days in the future with different posters every year and an event that grows. This year’s poster design is by local artist Little Dipper who Loden found through her “ICE Out” designs.
Video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Significant winter storm expected in Minnesota
- Runtime
- 1:10
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Minnesota could be in for a large March snow storm this weekend. A strong system is heading toward the region for March 14 and 15 and there’s increasing potential for some pretty heavy snowfall. Much of southern and eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin could see 12 to 18 inches of snow, with possible isolated totals of over 20 inches.
MPR News’ meteorologists are tracking the system to bring you the latest forecast.
Story by Mandy Thalhuber
Video captured by Tony Xiao and edited by Anne Guttridge
Thumbnail photo by Erica Dischino for MPR News
