Minnesota Now

A woman in front of a microphone — MPR News host Cathy Wurzer
MPR

Live, down to earth, unscripted interviews that aim to connect, inform and entertain. Real people share real stories with Cathy Wurzer. It’s journalism that doesn’t take itself too seriously and puts people first. Tune in weekdays at noon.

Minnesota music: One of the pillars of Minnesota Now is featuring great Minnesota-based music. Each month, we put together a playlist of the songs heard on our show so you can enjoy them, too. Here’s this month’s playlist.

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A bison cow with her calf.

Bison herd reestablished by Red Lake Nation has grown to 31

August 16, 2022 1:05 PM

By Cathy Wurzer and Melissa Townsend

Only a couple hundred years ago, 20 to 30 million Bison lived in vast herds across North America.

A large tan building with steps leading up

Post-Roe, more restrictions on abortion are on the way in Iowa

August 16, 2022 12:46 PM

By Cathy Wurzer and Gretchen Brown

Since the Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade decision that federally protected the right to have an abortion, decision makers at the state level are busy clarifying abortion access within their boundaries.

A person holds up a rock and talks to a line of people

There's a new way to learn about Minnesota's geological history

August 16, 2022 12:22 PM

By Cathy Wurzer and Britt Aamodt

Where can you find some of the oldest rocks on earth? Right here in Minnesota.

A person talks during a press conference

Thousands of Minnesota nurses vote to strike

August 16, 2022 12:12 PM

By Cathy Wurzer and Gretchen Brown

Thousands of Minnesota nurses have voted in favor of a strike at seven different health systems in the Twin Cities and Duluth.

Minnesota's first ever international chess festival comes to Bloomington

August 16, 2022 12:01 PM

By Cathy Wurzer and Britt Aamodt

The festival kicks off on Friday, Aug. 19.

A woman in front of a microphone

Minnesota Now August 15, 2022

August 15, 2022 2:07 PM

By Cathy Wurzer, Melissa Townsend, Gretchen Brown, and Ellen Finn

Listen to the full show here.

Salsa del Soul on their music, playing in the Twin Cities and music that inspires them

August 15, 2022 1:25 PM

By Cathy Wurzer

Ready to listen to some salsa?

A photo of a yellow crime scene tape with police cars in the background.

What factors contributed to skyrocketing violent crime rates throughout Minnesota?

August 15, 2022 12:17 PM

By Cathy Wurzer and Melissa Townsend

A look at cyclical violence and how political hopefuls this fall may address it.

Interstate 35 in downtown Duluth

Pop-up market for BIPOC entrepreneurs reimagines empty Duluth storefronts

August 15, 2022 11:56 AM

By Cathy Wurzer and Gretchen Brown

Every town and city has a downtown that needs some love. Duluth is looking to its entrepreneurs for ideas.

Sun Country Airlines new look.

Following a turbulent history, Minnesota's Sun Country Airlines is flying smoothly

August 15, 2022 10:45 AM

By Cathy Wurzer and Gretchen Brown

After a Ponzi scheme and bankruptcy, the budget airline is stabilizing and growing.