Best Minnesota Public Radio Podcasts (2024)

51
Minneapolis honors officer fatally shot Thursday 5:44

4h ago5:44

5:44

City leaders and community members gathered at the Minneapolis Police Department's Fifth Precinct today to honor Officer Jamal Mitchell, who was fatally shot while on duty yesterday. And Minnesota Democrats are gathering in Duluth for their state convention, which started today and runs through Sunday. Those stories and more in today’s evening upda…

1
Cube Critics talk about ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ and ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ 4:08

5h ago4:08

4:08

Cube Critics talk about “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” and “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.”By Minnesota Public Radio

1
Alua Arthur says facing death is the key to living well 55:07

2h ago55:07

55:07

What do you imagine your death will look like? It’s not a morbid or depressing question to Alua Arthur. She’s a death doula, and she firmly believes that giving thought to that question is the key to living a meaningful life. Arthur herself thinks about dying a lot. As she tells Kerri Miller on this week’s Big Books and Bold Ideas, she has detailed…

1
Fallen officer remembered after Minneapolis shooting. Minnesota GOP delegation says they’ll keep supporting Trump 4:16

2h ago4:16

4:16

At least three people, including a police officer, are dead after a shooting in Minneapolis’ Whittier neighborhood Thursday afternoon. Several others are injured. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey remembered the fallen officer, Jamal Mitchell, in an evening news conference. The suspected shooter and a civilian also died, another man is gravely injured, …

1
Minneapolis government transparency; Calls for Sen. Mitchell to resign 5:36

4h ago5:36

5:36

Advocates for government transparency say the city of Minneapolis is illegally restricting public access to information about police officer misconduct. And DFL Senator Nicole Mitchell is resisting calls from the top of her party to resign amid a burglary charge. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese.…

1
Minnesota wins the Walter Cup in inaugural PWHL championship 4:37

4h ago4:37

4:37

Minnesota has won the first ever Walter Cup championship Wednesday night in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. Minnesota was dominant in all phases of the game, beating Boston 3-0 in the fifth and deciding game of the championship series. The Timberwolves, again, must win to keep their season alive tonight. The Wolves host the Dallas Mavericks…

1
Mankato Hanging Rope repatriation; Minnesota launches Office of American Indian Health 5:27

5h ago5:27

5:27

The Minnesota Historical Society announced it will repatriate a rope to the Prairie Island Indian Community that was used in the largest single-day mass execution in U.S. history. The item is known as “the Mankato Hanging Rope” and was used in the hanging of one of the 38 Dakota men executed following the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. And new statewide …

1
Minnesota plays for PWHL Walter Cup. Timberwolves force Game 5 5:02

2h ago5:02

5:02

The Timberwolves forced Game 5 of the NBA’s Western Conference playoff series after they beat the Dallas Mavericks Tuesday night 105-100. Game 5 of the best-of-seven series is Thursday night in Minneapolis. And Minnesota plays Boston Wednesday night for the championship of the Professional Women’s Hockey League. Boston won Game 4 to force a fifth a…

1
Minneapolis reaches agreement with city's police union 5:32

3d ago5:32

5:32

Minneapolis has reached a tentative agreement with the city's police union. And Minnesota leaders say a team of emergency responders has been dispatched to Iowa to assist with storm assessment efforts there. Those stories and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.…

1
Timberwolves face all-or-nothing Game 4. Trial moves to defense arguments in Feeding Our Future case 5:17

4h ago5:17

5:17

The Minnesota Timberwolves have one last chance Tuesday night to stay in the Western Conference Finals. Defense attorneys in the Feeding Our Future trial are expected to start presenting their case this week. And Minnesota Democrats will gather later this week in Duluth for their state convention. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Emily…

1
If our bodies are 98 degrees, why does it feel so hot outside? 24:46

21m ago24:46

24:46

98.6 degrees is hot. If it were that hot outside, you’d be sweaty and want to go jump in a nice cold pool. But the insides of our bodies are that hot all the time! And that’s because there’s a lot going on in there that creates heat. In this episode, Molly and co-host Saathvik find out how our bodies keep our insides at a nice steady temperature (a…

1
Prayers begin a weekend of George Floyd remembrances 5:28

1h ago5:28

5:28

Community leaders started a weekend of memorials to the man whose death at the hands of Minneapolis police sparked worldwide reaction and reckoning. George Floyd was murdered four years ago Saturday. Also, the Minnesota Department of Health says there were three confirmed cases of measles among siblings discovered this week. This is the afternoon M…

1
Lea Carpenter explores what happens when the business of spying gets personal 51:30

8h ago51:30

51:30

Who knew boring could be an asset? In Lea Carpenter’s new spy novel, “Ilium,” we meet our young and restless unnamed narrator on a day when she’s urging herself to be less mundane, to take more risks. She has no idea that the spies she’ll soon be working for want her precisely because she’s inexperienced, untested and ordinary. She quickly gets pul…

1
Final witness in Feeding Our Future trial. Timberwolves look to bounce back in Game 2 5:20

7h ago5:20

5:20

Prosecutors in the Feeding Our Future trial are expected to call their final witness on Friday. Seven people with ties to a storefront restaurant in Shakopee are accused of defrauding taxpayer-funded meal programs by falsely claiming to have served 18 million meals to children during the pandemic. And the Timberwolves are looking to bounce back fro…

1
Cube Critics discuss ‘Smiling Friends’ and ‘Bridgerton Season 3’ 3:32

7h ago3:32

3:32

Cube Critics Jacob Aloi and Kyra Miles discuss an absurdist cartoon comedy for adults and a Regency simp pretending to be a player.By Minnesota Public Radio

1
MPD investigates hit and run as a possible bias crime; deputy not charged in death of Willmar man 4:58

4h ago4:58

4:58

Minneapolis police say they've made an arrest in a hit and run incident, which they're investigating as a potential bias crime. And a Kandiyohi County deputy will not be charged in the death of a Willmar man who died during an attempted eviction. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jacob Aloi. Music by Gary Mei…

1
Timberwolves drop Game 1 to Mavericks. Minneapolis will rescind rideshare ordinance 4:55

10h ago4:55

4:55

The Minnesota Timberwolves dropped the first game of the NBA's Western Conference finals against the Dallas Mavericks Wednesday night, losing 108-105. And the Minneapolis City Council will officially rescind its rideshare ordinance Thursday after it was preempted by a new statewide law. Find more Minnesota news at MPRnews.org. Doncic leads strong c…

1
Art Hounds: Bach on the road, BALLS Cabaret and ‘When Doves Choir’ 4:09

3h ago4:09

4:09

On Art Hounds this week: 1) BALLS Cabaret is back every Sunday at 2 at Strike Theater! 2) the Minnesota Bach’s Society’s Mini Mobile Concerts in St Cloud and 3) Choir! Choir! Choir! teaches the audience to sing Prince, in harmony, at First Ave on June 1.By Minnesota Public Radio

1
Confirmed tornado touched down in Minnesota; Target sees revenue decline 5:00

12h ago5:00

5:00

The National Weather Service has confirmed an EF 1 tornado touched down Tuesday evening in Winona County. And Target says its revenue fell in the first quarter of the year amid inflation and decreased customer spending. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Jeff Jones. Music by Gary Meister.…

1
Lawsuit filed against Chauvin for excessive force incident just months before George Floyd’s murder 5:02

10h ago5:02

5:02

A lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court claims that in 2020, then-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin and a partner used excessive force which included Chauvin allegedly placing his knee on a woman's back during an arrest. And protesters seeking to have the state of Minnesota end investments in Israeli companies and weapons manufacturers had …

1
Severe weather update; Amtrak's Borealis route from Twin Cities to Chicago starts 5:29

5h ago5:29

5:29

It's shaping up to be a potentially dangerous evening of severe weather for south-central and southeast Minnesota. A tornado watch is in effect until 9 p.m. And a new Amtrak passenger rail service connecting the Twin Cities and Chicago started operations today. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. M…

1
Bonding bill left behind after legislative session ends. Junk fee bill signed into law 4:58

1d ago4:58

4:58

The legislative session ended with a flurry of activity late Sunday night — but one thing that did not pass was a bonding bill. That means infrastructure projects across Minnesota will not get money from the state. And Gov. Tim Walz yesterday signed a junk fee bill into law. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary …

1
It’s a mystery sound extravaganza! 29:36

22m ago29:36

29:36

Looking for some sneaky sound puzzles to solve? Tune in to our all-new mystery sound extravaganza! Join co-host Maggie as she listens to recordings of sounds from Brains On listeners – and tries to figure out what they are. You’ll hear Maggie and her brother Sam go head-to-head in a sibling mystery sound battle and listen to podcast producers Nicho…

1
Rideshare bill agreement; Search for missing BWCA canoeists 4:53

4h ago4:53

4:53

The Minnesota House and Senate passed a bill last night that includes a statewide pay standard for rideshare drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft. And a search continues today for two canoeists who went missing over the weekend after their canoes went over a waterfall in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Those stories and more in today…

1
Timberwolves beat Nuggets 98-90. State Legislature ends session with shouting 4:59

12d ago4:59

4:59

The legislative session is over, but the Timberwolves' season is not. The Minnesota Legislature hit its midnight deadline Sunday with little fanfare but lots of shouting. One of the biggest DFL priorities fell short at the finish; a proposed constitutional amendment that would add equal rights language and abortion protections to Minnesota's Consti…

1
Cube Critics talk about ‘The Fall Guy’ and ‘Abigail’ 3:59

4h ago3:59

3:59

Cube Critics watch a movie that is a love letter to stunt performers and a film about a kidnapping where — oops, the kidnapped child is a vampire.By Minnesota Public Radio

1
Legislative deadline; Increase in licenses after 'Driver's License for All' law 6:00

1h ago6:00

6:00

Minnesota lawmakers are butting up against the deadline to adjourn the 2024 legislative session. And data suggest many Minnesotans have taken advantage of a law allowing them to apply for a driver's license regardless of immigration status. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.…

1
Lydia Millet writes a devotion to the species disappearing from our planet 48:43

14d ago48:43

48:43

Birds, bats, freshwater mussels and a small catfish. They all slipped away in 2023, among the 21 species declared extinct by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Grief is a rational response. So are the questions novelist and conservationist Lydia Millet articulates in her new book, “We Loved It All.” A blend of memoir and ecological truth-telling, …

1
Trump visits St. Paul Friday. House DFLers push to advance ERA bill 4:57

6h ago4:57

4:57

Delegates to the 2024 Republican state convention gather in St. Paul on Friday. Democrats at the State Capitol say they will move to advance a bill Friday that would put an equal rights amendment before voters in 2026. And the Minnesota Timberwolves are headed to a 7th and deciding game in the Western Conference semifinal playoff series.…

1
Rideshare app Wridz launches; Legislative update 5:00

6h ago5:00

5:00

A Texas-based rideshare app has officially launched in Minneapolis. Wridz, pronounced “rides,” already operates in nine other states. It is now in the process of onboarding drivers in Minneapolis. And Republicans in the Minnesota House say they could block key legislation after the DFL House Speaker cut off debate on a bill last night. Those storie…

1
State trooper Londregan pleads not guilty. Lawmakers pass education policy bill 5:23

4h ago5:23

5:23

A Minnesota state trooper charged with fatally shooting a motorist last summer has pleaded not guilty to murder, manslaughter and assault charges in Hennepin County District Court. Plus, Minnesota lawmakers have approved a new bill focused on education policy. It passed the House 68-59 and now heads to Gov. Tim Walz’s desk. Find more Minnesota news…

1
Art Hounds: Basketball onstage, Mama Hellcats and burlesque in Rochester 4:15

14d ago4:15

4:15

From MPR News, Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what’s exciting in local art. Their recommendations are lightly edited from the audio heard in the player above. Want to be an Art Hound? Submit here. A play about a team Denise Tennan of St. Louis Park is a musician, writer, visual art…

1
CPS bill advances; housing policy bill stalls 5:03

2d ago5:03

5:03

The Minnesota House voted unanimously to advance a bill today that would set up extra systems to keep Black kids with their families in the child protection system. And DFL lawmakers are at odds over a housing policy bill and whether a voucher provision will make it through this year. Those stories and more in today’s evening update. Hosted by Emil…

1
Walz proclaims Peace Officer Memorial Day. Sports betting bill up for debate in House 5:13

2d ago5:13

5:13

Flags are at half-staff today as people across the state honor law enforcement officers who have fallen or been injured in the line of duty. Gov. Tim Walz has declared it Peace Officers Memorial Day in Minnesota. A Monticello man has been charged in connection with a shootout that left an off-duty Twin Cities firefighter dead earlier this month, a …

1
UnitedHealthcare settlement; Minnesota man pleads guilty in January 6 case 5:55

11h ago5:55

5:55

Minnesota's Department of Commerce announced a settlement with UnitedHealthcare today over the company's alleged violation of mental health parity laws. And a Blue Earth man pleaded guilty today to participating in the January 6th assault on the U.S. Capitol. Those stories and more in today’s evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Mus…

1
Equal rights amendment vote delayed. Jewish Minnesotans protest Sec. of State Simon 5:08

6d ago5:08

5:08

Plans by the Minnesota House to vote on a proposed equal rights amendment were sidetracked last night. And more than 40 Jewish Minnesotans waited in Secretary of State Steve Simon's office lobby Monday, hoping the State Board of Investment member would join talks about divesting $157 million of stocks, bonds and investments tied to Israel. Find mor…

1
How do vacuums work? 29:29

15d ago29:29

29:29

Vacuums are full of surprises! Did you know that they blow air out to suck things up? Or that old-fashioned vacuums were so huge, they had to be hauled from house to house by horses?! Join Molly and co-host Baker as they learn all about these awesome appliances. They’ll dig into vacuum history, shrink to the size of air molecules and explore the in…

1
Air quality alert across Minnesota. Just 1 week left for Legislature 4:55

3h ago4:55

4:55

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for all of Minnesota through the early part of Monday. Fine particle levels are expected to reach the red air quality index category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone. And it's the final stretch for state lawmakers and the 2024 legislative session. One week remains. Thi…

1
Cube Critics discuss ‘Manhunt’ and ‘Monkey Man’ 3:45

6h ago3:45

3:45

Cube Critics Regina Medina and Max Sparber discuss a miniseries about the killing of Lincoln and a psychedelic action film set in India. The following are capsule reviews edited from the audio heard using the player above. ‘Manhunt’ “Manhunt,” streaming on Apple TV+, is an engaging historical drama series that captures the intense pursuit of John W…

1
St. Paul police video shows how woman was shot and killed 5:29

6h ago5:29

5:29

The St. Paul police department released body cam videos from the officers who killed a woman earlier this week. The officers were responding to a call that a woman was attempting suicide. The video shows a woman grabbing a gun from under a bed and pointing it toward officers before she is shot. This is the evening update from MPR News hosted by Emi…

1
Minnesota’s best writers on Big Books and Bold Ideas 52:08

15d ago52:08

52:08

Big Book and Bold Ideas talks with authors from around the globe. But our favorite moments come when host Kerri Miller sits down with Minnesota writers to talk about story, craft and how calling this state home influences both. This week, we took a look back at some conversations with notable Minnesota authors, including Shannon Gibney, who just wo…

1
U of M students meet with Board of Regents, stiffer penalties for 'straw purchasers' 4:50

20h ago4:50

4:50

University of Minnesota students share their concerns Friday with the U’s Board of Regents. Pro-Palestinian protesters are calling for the U to cut financial ties with companies linked to the Israeli military. The chance to address regents was part of the agreement to end an encampment on the Twin Cities campus. The Minnesota Senate has advanced a …

1
Minnesota's severe drought is gone; new protections for minors in social media posts to Gov. Walz 5:16

23d ago5:16

5:16

Thursday’s drought monitor update classifies less than 40 percent of Minnesota as abnormally dry or in drought, the lowest percentage all year. And the Minnesota Legislature has approved a measure to enhance social media protections for children. It would bar kids under 14 from creating paid social media content. This is the afternoon update from M…

1
Witness testifies in Feeding Our Future trial. GOP senator to undergo training after ethics complaint 5:11

23d ago5:11

5:11

A witness in the Feeding Our Future trial says he conspired with the defendants to steal government money meant for meal sites during the pandemic. And a state senator will undergo training on appropriate email communications after facing an ethics complaint. The four members of a Senate ethics subcommittee voted to pass a resolution that would dro…

1
Arts recommendations: Dance theater, Rasputin and an arts extravaganza 4:02

2h ago4:02

4:02

From MPR News, Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what’s exciting in local art. Their recommendations are lightly edited from the audio heard in the player above. Want to be an Art Hound? Submit here. Alanna Morris is a professional dancer-choreographer in St. Paul. She saw Minnesota D…

1
Minneapolis Civil Rights Department director appointment; Feeding Our Future trial update 5:29

21d ago5:29

5:29

The Minneapolis City Council is expected to begin its consideration of the appointment of a new Civil Rights Department director when it meets tomorrow. And a former Feeding Our Future employee told a jury today about how he conspired with others at the Twin Cities nonprofit to steal money from government child nutrition programs. Those stories and…

1
Sen. Mitchell's ethics hearing on hold. Rideshare ordinance talks on course 4:51

24d ago4:51

4:51

An ethics complaint against Minnesota Sen. Nicole Mitchell will be on hold until next month — unless additional information comes out sooner related to her burglary arrest. And Gov. Tim Walz says negotiations will move ahead on rideshare driver protections that can also satisfy Uber and Lyft, the dominant players in the industry. This is an MPR New…

1
Effort to censure Rep. Ilhan Omar; rideshare bill update 4:45

25d ago4:45

4:45

A Republican representative from Nebraska wants the U.S. House to censure Minnesota 5th District DFL Rep. Ilhan Omar for comments she made related to college student protests against Israel's actions in Gaza. And the proposed framework between DFL lawmakers at the Capitol and the Minneapolis City Council over wages for rideshare drivers moved ahead…

1
Woman shot, killed by St. Paul police. Charges dropped for U of M campus protesters 5:11

25d ago5:11

5:11

A woman died in after being shot by police Monday night in St. Paul. Authorities say it happened on the 1100 block of Rose Avenue East after the woman allegedly pointed a gun at officers. And criminal charges have been dropped for protestors who were arrested after refusing to leave the pro-Palestinian solidarity encampment at the University of Min…

1
How do stringed instruments make sounds? 27:04

22d ago27:04

27:04

Have you ever wondered why a guitar sounds different from a violin? Or why a banjo is twangy and a cello is mellow? Then this episode is for you! Join Molly and co-host Ellie as they explore the ear-tickling world of string sounds! Together, they’ll learn about sound waves, and visit the Brains On instrument petting zoo, where they'll learn about a…

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