Shows

Lake Superior: Honoring and protecting Minnesota’s natural wonder
Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. MPR News guest host Dan Kraker talks with a scientist, two artists and people who dip into its icy waters about the special relationships Minnesotans have with this natural wonder and how the lake is threatened by climate change.
Rep. Dean Phillips: Sen. Feinstein 'clearly losing mental acuity,' should resign
When Sen. Feinstein returned to the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing room earlier this month, the 89-year-old got a standing ovation. But Rep. Dean Phillips shared concerns about the Democrat’s physical and mental fitness.
State lawmakers fast-track passenger rail between Duluth and the Twin Cities
State lawmakers have approved $195 million in funding for the Northern Lights passenger rail line connecting the Twin Ports and Twin Cities. Rail advocates have fought for it for decades, despite concerns about cost and ridership.
New fund protects farmers when grain buyers fail
A new Minnesota law will help protect farmers when they sell grain to a business that fails. The law creates a dedicated fund to reimburse farmers when a grain elevator goes bust and they don't get paid.
Minneapolis nonprofit seeks host homes for transgender youth traveling to Minnesota
As other states pass bans on gender-affirming care, a Minneapolis nonprofit says it's fielding more calls from transgender youth who are coming to Minnesota for care and need a place to stay. It’s asking Minnesotans to help by hosting them.
Legislature plans restrictions on electronic pull-tabs
A finish-line addition to this year's tax bill will clamp down on electronic pull-tabs, which have become a cash cow in Minnesota since they were legalized to pay for the Vikings stadium in 2012.
Minnesota Legislature passes $72 billion budget; ends session
Minnesota lawmakers ended their 2023 session before their midnight deadline Monday, after passing a big health and human services budget bill and a capital works construction package. DFLers said they had achieved all their goals for the session. 
Minnesota Legislature enters final day after taxing weekend
Minnesota lawmakers have one more day to finish their work on a $72 billion two-year budget after passing a transportation bill and a tax bill over the weekend without a single Republican vote.
Feeling burned out? Here’s how a Minnesota doctor sang about it
What do you do when work starts to feel like a grind? One Twin Cities doctor wrote a musical about it. MPR News guest host Chris Farrell talks about finding meaning at work and ways to handle burnout. 
Experts say Read Act is a major investment in literacy education
The education spending bill Minnesota lawmakers passed this week includes $70 million on a policy provision meant to change the way educators teach reading in schools throughout the state.