Shows

Planting 'climate-smart' trees from the south to save forests up north
Climate change is putting stress on the traditional spruce and pines in Minnesota’s northern forests — and there’s real concern about their future. So, researchers are planting trees from the southern parts of our state in hopes of saving our northern forests.
As states crack down on gender-affirming care, transgender youth and families consider Minnesota
MPR political reporter Dana Ferguson talked with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer about her reporting along with KUER reporter Saige Miller, who joined us from Salt Lake City.
What's the deal with Ozempic and Wegovy? 2 Minnesota doctors explain
Some patients say these drugs have vastly improved their lives. There are also critics who worry they are being too widely used for cosmetic weight loss and feeding into an obsession with thinness.
Local brass band transforms George Floyd Square with music
In the wake of the police murder of George Floyd in May 2020, Butchy Austin was looking for a way to grieve and connect to his south Minneapolis community. He dusted off his trumpet and walked from his home to the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, where Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer. And he played.
With federal threat looming, Minnesota proposes new plan for special education teachers
Under a new federal corrective-action plan, Minnesota will take steps to limit how long special education teachers can work without formal training. The move should help the state preserve $219 million in federal funds. But critics say it still leaves teachers ill prepared to serve some of the state’s highest-needs students.
Mankato-born singer Mary Jane Alm celebrates a storied musical career
Mary Jane Alm dipped a toe in the music business 50 years ago and since then has swept up numerous Minnesota Music Awards, including Artist of the Year, and inductions into the Mid-America and Minnesota Music Halls of Fame.
 Inside the Supreme Court’s web designer ruling
The Supreme Court ruled in support of a wedding web designer who denied business to same-sex couples. MPR News host Angela Davis talks why this decision is significant and what companies gain or lose by marketing to LGBTQ+ people.