Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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Every week, MPR News senior producer Stephanie Curtis gathers things to read, watch, listen to or experience. This week, she's got suggestions on a new podcast on love, a true crime story from Cottage Grove, and a documentary about civics, community and the Satanic Temple.

1) From the true crime podcast makers, a true love podcast

If you've been swept up in the true crime trend of podcasts, then you know the show Criminal, which brings a new story of the nefarious, unsettling and illegal in every episode. That makes them the perfect team to take on the topic of love, right? Their sister show, 

, is all about love stories — in every form they can take. And they leave the dark stuff to Criminal: These are stories that will make your heart swell. Their new season is set in Italy and it debuted May 1. Get to it! (Tracy Mumford)

2) Dark Web, Bitcoin and murder in Minnesota

Want to read an incredible tale that involves infidelity, bitcoin, hired murderers, the Blue Door Pub, and the Cottage Grove police? Read Mara Hvistendahl's true crime saga from 

. Take time to linger on the photos taken by Alec Soth, especially the portraits of Cottage Grove's finest. (H/T to Will Lager.)   

3) 'Hail Satan?' New documentary explores Satanic Temple

The new documentary "Hail Satan?" serves as a lesson in civics, media manipulation, and the joys that can be found in a community. Until recently, satanism conjured memories of the late Anton LeVay trolling 70s talk show audiences and draping nude ladies in snakes. The Satanic Temple profiled in this film is an entirely different movement incorporating activism, satire, and a patriotic spirit. 

 that revolves around a pub quiz team. I do not recommend it. It's a trifle that I only watch while on my exercise bike. But, it 

 me on the exercise bike every day. I would never waste a moment on this Kiwi show otherwise. But at 6:00 a.m. it is just the thing. If you are having problems fitting exercise in, find your own guilty pleasure to get you moving. Read 

Listen to El Daynasour by Islam Chipsy. I dare you to sit still. 

Arts and Culture

The Five

Stephanie Curtis

Author

Every week, MPR News senior producer Stephanie Curtis gathers things to read, watch, listen to or experience. This week, she's got suggestions on a new podcast on love, a true crime story from Cottage Grove, and a documentary about civics, community and the Satanic Temple.


The Five: True love, true crime, and Satanism

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