Minnesota Now with Cathy Wurzer

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Minnesota Now
MPR News

Minnesota Now with Cathy Wurzer is journalism that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s reporting that puts people first with live, down-to-earth, unscripted interviews that aim to inform and entertain. Tune in to Minnesota Now weekdays at noon on the radio or the live audio stream at mprnews.org.

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The Minnesota Humanities Center “We Are Water Minnesota” traveling exhibit will show up cities like St. Paul, Winona, Fergus Falls and Lake City in 2022 as an interactive display that gives folks the chance to explore what water means in Minnesota — and how we can all do a better job protecting it.
Fiona McCrae of Graywolf Press looks back on 27 years of a job well done
After 27 years at the helm of the influential Graywolf Press, Fiona McCrae recently announced her retirement. She spoke to host Cathy Wurzer about how she grew the small, independent Twin Cities literary press and what she's looking forward to doing next.
Why is drawing with chalk on the sidewalk now illegal in Anoka?
In Anoka, drawing with chalk on the sidewalk is now against the law, thanks to a sweeping ordinance passed by the Anoka City Council. As councilmember Erik Skogquist explained to host Cathy Wurzer, the policy isn't aimed at kids in the street — it's actually part of a debate about private opinions being expressed on public property.
How a COP26 delegate faces her ecological anxiety
Many Minnesotans feel anxiety and grief about the ravages of climate change. Dr. Laalitha Surapaneni, who just returned to Minnesota from the United Nations COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, told host Cathy Wurzer about the reasons she sees for concern — and hope.
College-educated moms slow to return to workforce
According to new research by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, college-educated moms whose jobs were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic have been slow to return to work and — in some cases — are dropping out of the workforce altogether. Misty Heggeness, a co-author of the report, joined host Cathy Wurzer to talk about why.
Over a thousand Minnesota officers to start wearing body cameras in 2022
Body cameras are a hot-button police reform issue, but many Minnesota state law enforcement officers have not been mandated to wear them — until now. As MPR News reporter Brian Bakst told host Cathy Wurzer, starting in a few weeks, more than a thousand state law enforcement officers will begin suiting up with body cameras.
A legendary Twin Cities bike cartographer is hanging up his helmet
After 50 years of mapping the maze of bike routes throughout the Twin Cities, Doug Shidell is retiring. Host Cathy Wurzer asked him about his career, process and plans for the future — and she even managed to convince him to share his hidden bike trail gems.
What's trending with MPR's Nancy Yang: Thanksgiving travel, muppet diversity, Adele
MPR News digital editor Nancy Yang got host Cathy Wurzer up to speed on the top trending stories this week on MPR News and beyond, including Thanksgiving travel predictions, the first Asian American muppet on "Sesame Street" and a surprise proposal at an Adele concert.