Minnesota Now

Layoffs at Target and other large corporations are leaving thousands looking for new jobs in an uncertain job market. We talk to an employment counselor about the hiring landscape and the next steps people can take after being laid off. Federal workers in Minnesota are facing uncertainty, too. They have received their first paycheck with no pay. We hear from workers about how they're doing. Several candidates on ballots next week are members of the Democratic Socialists of America. But what does that mean? An expert breaks it down. Plus, we hear from a Minnesotan in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa tore through the country. And chief meteorologist Paul Huttner has the latest on the storm's path as well as the forecast at home.

A new picture book by a trio of well-known Twin Cities creatives tells the story of an American couple whose social justice writing and activism had wide-ranging influence. They were James Boggs, who was a Black union organizer in Detroit, and Grace Lee Boggs, a Chinese-American philosopher. When they got married in 1954, their interracial relationship was illegal in parts of the country.The new book about their lives is called "Revolutions Are Made of Love." It was written by Sun Yung Shin and Mélina Mangal and illustrated by Leslie Barlow. They spoke with MPR News' Emily Bright. The Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis will host a book launch Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ahead of the book's release on Tuesday.

The government shutdown has lasted nearly a month now and there's no indication that Congress is any closer to resolving the budget conflicts before funding ends for several key programs on Nov. 1. Minnesota is home to 18,000 federal workers, many of whom have been told to stay home and not work, or work without pay. This week was the first where many didn't receive a paycheck. Abby, a federal worker in Minnesota, felt the impact Monday when she went to the pharmacy to pick up prescriptions. “I double checked my bank account to make sure I had enough to cover it. It was tough, and I knew I had to buy a bunch of other things as well,” she said. MPR News is not sharing Abby's last name, or the agency she works for, because she fears workplace retaliation. To understand the conversations federal workers are having around the dinner table as uncertainty grows, MPR News host Nina Moini spoke with with Ruark Hotopp. He is the national vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees District 8, a union that represents federal workers in Minnesota and other Midwest states.

Wednesday is day one of recovery in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa reached its shores with destructive winds and flooding rain Tuesday afternoon. MPR chief meteorologist Paul Huttner joined Minnesota Now with latest on Hurricane Melissa and an outlook on the weather closer to home.

Minneapolis voters next week will see multiple candidates on their ballots who are endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, or DSA. The political group's profile has climbed over the last ten years nationally and in parts of Minnesota. While the DSA is not a political party, it has members on the city councils of Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth and representing those cities at the state capitol. State Senator Omar Fateh is one of the most notable members in Minnesota. He is challenging Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey in a race that includes 15 total candidates.University of Minnesota Associate Professor of Political Science Dan Myers joined MPR News host Nina Moini to explain more about the DSA and its role in this political moment.

Eight hundred Target employees who worked at the company's headquarters in Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park are in search of new jobs after the Twin Cities-based retailer announced layoffs Tuesday. On Wednesday, Cargill announced it is laying off 80 employees from its headquarters in Wayzata. The company cut 5 percent of its global workforce at the end of last year.Laid-off workers will now enter a job market that's frozen, and employers are hiring more cautiously amidst nationwide economic uncertainty.To learn more about the state of the job market in Minnesota and what it means for newly unemployed workers, MPR News host Nina Moini talked with Beth Glassman. Glassman is a senior employment counselor with Hired, a nonprofit that provides workforce development and employment services in the Twin Cities.

A teacher's strike is on the table in Minneapolis, after union members voted to authorize one. But that doesn't necessarily mean a strike will happen. We'll find out what teachers are asking for - and what comes next in their negotiations with the district. Voters may be feeling some déjà vu this November and next November when they look at their ballots. We'll talk to a political scientist about why so many elected officials are seeking third terms.Utilities in Minnesota say they need upgraded power lines to meet the state's clean energy goals. We'll find out why other states are fighting those plans.Minnesota United won Game 1 of the Major League Soccer playoffs. We'll talk about it with a superfan.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Monster Man” by The Suburbs and our Song of the Day was “Heart to Hands” by Als Fona.

The Loons caught a win against the Seattle Sounders in Game 1 of the playoffs at Allianz Field Monday night. The game was tied at zero goals, or nil-nil, when the clock ran out, so the game came down to penalty kicks. Minnesota United scored 3 and Seattle scored 2 – thanks partly to a save by Loons goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.In an interview after the game, he had some love for the Wonderwall – that's a standing-room only section of the stadium full of devoted fans. St. Clair said they got loud when Seattle was shooting penalty kicks.“You feel that pressure building as those guys have to run up or walk up from the halfway line. You're walking straight into the Wonderwall. I almost feel like there's a wall behind me and the wall on the line that means no ball's going to go in,” St. Clair said.The team is headed to a second game of the playoffs Nov. 3.Meagan Weber is president of the Dark Clouds, an organized group of nearly 1,000 fans. She joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about how the team made it to the playoffs.

Earlier this month, utility companies Great River Energy and Minnesota Power broke ground in Becker, Minn. on new powerlines. It's part of a large project to update the region's power grid, which helps move along the state's plan to reduce its carbon footprint. But North Dakota filed a federal complaint to stop it, saying that their residents should not have to pay higher rates to subsidize Minnesota's energy goals. James Coleman is a professor focused on energy law at the University of Minnesota Law School. He joined Minnesota Now to explain the conflict.

With a week to go before Minnesota's municipal elections, some voters are going to see some familiar faces on their ballots. Minneapolis and St. Paul mayors Jacob Frey and Melvin Carter are both vying for a third term. In 2026, Gov.Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison are hoping to be elected to their positions for a third time, too. Why are we seeing so many Minnesota politicians running for third terms in office? The director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota, Larry Jacobs, joined Minnesota Now to explain.

Minneapolis teachers have voted to authorize a strike. It is the third time in as many contract negotiation cycles the union has made moves to authorize a strike. MPR News education reporter Elizabeth Shockman joined Minnesota Now to explain more.

Monday marks two months since the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis. Despite Gov. Tim Walz's initial push to address gun violence, he still hasn't called a special session. We'll learn how Democratic leaders are trying to keep up the pressure. We're going to hear from a parent whose child survived the Annunciation shooting and how his family has been adapting and pushing for change.Plus, high school seniors across Minnesota are learning what colleges and universities they've been admitted into, before they even apply. We'll learn more about the state's Direct Admission's program.And, a check-in on the start of the Timberwolves season with sports guys Wally and Eric.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “As Beautiful As It Hurts” by Cloud Cult and our Song of the Day was “Any Colour You Like” by Sugar Lads.

The World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays is tied 1-1 in a best-of-seven series. The Dodgers would be the first team to win consecutive championships since the New York Yankees won three from 1998-2000.There are several Minnesotans and former Minnesota Twins players to watch for, including two players who were let go as part of the teams fire sale in July. MPR News sports contributors Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini with who to watch. Louis VarlandLouis Varland is the relief pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays. He went to North St. Paul High School and Concordia University in St. Paul. He played for the Minnesota Twins for three-and-a-half seasons before the Twins made their roster shake up earlier this year. Ty FranceTy France is a first baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays. He played for the Minnesota Twins for half of the 2025 season before the big trade as well. France had been injured since Sept. 23, but was activated for the World Series roster last week. Alex CallAlex Call is an outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Call was born in Burnsville and went to River Falls High School in Wisconsin. He was traded to the Dodgers from the Washington Nationals at the trade deadline in 2025. David PopkinsDavid Popkins is the Blue Jay's hitting coach. He was in the same role for the Minnesota Twins for three season, but the team did not bring him back in 2025. It's unclear why they parted ways. The Blue Jays are one of the top offensive teams in the league. Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation along with more sports headlines.

Throughout October, graduating high school seniors are learning which secondary schools and universities they are automatically admitted into, before they even apply. It's part of the state's Direct Admissions program, now in its fourth year. Joining Minnesota Now to share more about how Direct Admissions simplifies the college admissions process is program coordinator Aaron Salasek.

It's a club no parent wants to be a part of: parents of a school shooting survivor. Hundreds of parents at Annunciation Catholic Church and School are grappling with that reality. Monday marks two months since a gunman opened fire, killing two children and injuring 28 others. And in that time, parents have been gathering together to grieve, heal and “move their feet.”Ivan Ayala has three kids who attend Annunciation. His pre-kindergartener and kindergartener were not in the church at the time of the shooting. But Ayala's 7-year-old son was. He was injured by debris. Ayala sat down for a conversation with Minnesota Now host Nina Moini about how his family has been healing and how he and other parents are mobilizing to call for change.

From food shelves to energy assistance, we explore how different social services around the state are affected as the federal government shutdown drags on and becomes the second longest in history.A Minnesotan made a documentary about Palestinian and Israeli peacemakers who are working together. We talk to her about navigating those conversations.We check in on rural healthcare out of Rochester with MPR News reporter Molly Castle Work.And do Minnesota's upcoming municipal elections have you overwhelmed or confused? We hear from the creator of the MPR News voter guide for some clarity.And we explore bronze Cambodian sculptures in a new exhibition at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The Minnesota Music Minute was “Tjärnblom" by Nicollett Island Waltz. The Song of the Day was "817 Oakland Ave" by Charlie Parr.

A new exhibition of Cambodian bronze sculptures from the Khmer Empire and other significant pieces opens at the Minneapolis Institute of Art on Saturday. It's the first time some of these pieces have been on display in the U.S. and Mia is the only U.S. museum that will host this exhibition. The exhibition is part of a collaboration between Mia, the National Museum of Cambodia and the Guimet, the National Museum of Asian Arts, in France. Virajita Singh, Mia's chief diversity officer, and Chhay Visoth, the director of the National Museum of Cambodia, joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share more about the exhibition's significance. Royal Bronzes: Cambodian Art of the Divine is at Mia from Oct. 25 to Jan. 18, 2026.

This week, MPR News reported Mayo Clinic Health Systems is ending labor and delivery services in Owatonna. But a few rural hospitals are bucking the trend of closing in maternity wards and have birthing centers that are thriving. Rochester reporter Molly Castle Work joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share more about this trend as part of a check in with regional reporters in Greater Minnesota.

When hearing stories about the war in Gaza, it's often filled with conflict. But in a documentary by Minnesota native Joy Sela, she's telling the stories of Israelis and Palestinians who are working together towards peace. "The Other" follows peace activists, who despite personal loss, have chosen connection with the other side. The film is showing this Sunday as part of the Twin Cities Jewish Film Festival. Director Joy Sela joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share more about the film.

Several government assistance programs are under threat due to the federal government shutdown. WIC, a nutrition program for mothers and young children, is funded in Minnesota through mid-November. But SNAP, a wider food benefit program, won't have funds starting Nov. 1. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps Minnesotans heat their homes, is also delayed. All together, these programs help hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans. Tammy Alto, Director of the Energy Assistance Program for Hennepin County, joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share how that energy program has been impacted by the shutdown.

Election Day is less than two weeks away. So the clock is ticking for voters to make decisions on local seats and ballot measures. MPR News producer Ellen Finn explored how you can make an informed choice using the MPR News Voter Guide.Our ask: Help me be an informed voterOur professional: Anika Besst, MPR News Digital Producer

St. Paul city leaders are expected to introduce an ordinance in a city council meeting Wednesday that would ban assault weapons in the city.It's also an ordinance that — even if passed — would not go into effect unless the state repeals a law that prevents local governments from regulating firearms.St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter sat down with Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about the reason city leaders are looking into a local ordinance.

The Minnesota Supreme Court handed down its ruling in the case of a transgender weightlifter who sued USA Powerlifting for not allowing her to compete in the women's division. Reporter Matt Sepic breaks down the case. The city of St. Paul will introduce an ordinance Wednesday to ban assault weapons. But it can only move forward with action at the state level. Mayor Melvin Carter shares why the city is making the move. Plus, a new series from MinnPost looks at how the state is revamping the nursing home industry. We get an update on chilly fall weather from meteorologist Paul Huttner and a report from New York City about Ojibwe artist George Morrison's solo exhibition at The Met. The Minnesota Music Minute is “Here We Go Crazy” by Bob Mould and “Elvis Presley's Autograph by Joe Tougas & Associates is the Song of the Day.

Minnesota is working to stabilize its nursing home workforce, which has long struggled with high turnover, especially in rural communities. MinnPost state government reporter Matthew Blake published a series looking into the state's plan to revitalize the nursing home industry. His reporting looks at the retainment of employees, the complicated financial situations of nursing homes and labor standards. Blake joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share what he learned.

The weather has begun to feel like late fall in Minnesota. Maybe you finally took your heavier coat out of the closet or started wearing gloves to walk the dog. MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner joins Minnesota Now with details on frosty temperatures ahead and an early Halloween forecast.

In an opinion released Wednesday morning, the Minnesota Supreme Court largely sided with a transgender weightlifter who sued USA Powerlifting after the organization banned her from competing in its women's division.The decision comes after a lengthy legal battle that began in 2021. Athlete JayCee Cooper alleged in her lawsuit that USA Powerlifting, a national organizer of weight lifting competitions, violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act.MPR News reporter Matt Sepic joined Minnesota Now to explain the ruling.

New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art has its first solo exhibition of work by Ojibwe artist George Morrison. On Tuesday, friends and family of Morrison gathered to honor the influential Minnesota painter. MPR News reporter Melissa Olson was there. She joined Minnesota Now to share what she learned from those who knew Morrison and how his Minnesota roots continue to inspire artists today.

A data center in Hermantown is closer to becoming a reality. The city approved a zoning change in a meeting Monday evening that lasted until nearly midnight after residents voiced opposition. MPR News Duluth reporter Dan Kraker was there and shared with MPR News host Nina Moini what happened.An investigation by Eagan police found an alleged "pattern of predatory grooming" by a local high school teacher. We learned more about what grooming is - and whether new health education standards will help keep kids safe. We learned about a new film from Twin Cities PBS that looks at 150 years of police reform efforts in Minneapolis. We got the latest about Prairie Island Indian Community's new cannabis agreement with the state. MPR News host Nina Moini talked to Native artist Dyani White Hawk about her new exhibit at the Walker Art Center.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Sitting on the East Side” by Stone Arch Rivals and our Song of the Day was "Maze" by TABAH.

An MPR News story published this week looks at what Eagan police described as an alleged “pattern of predatory grooming” by former high school music teacher Brett Benson. That conclusion came out of a police detective's report following a nearly two-year investigation. Its allegations include that Benson paid special attention to some girls in his class, flirted with them, found reasons to spend time alone with them and exchanged private text messages with them. When some students turned 18, the text messages became sexual, according to the detective's report. The report said one student alleged that Benson made sexual contact with her on the last day of her senior year.Police referred the case to the Dakota County Attorney's Office for possible charges. No charges were ever filed, and Benson denied doing anything inappropriate. One of the students who talked with Eagan police and MPR News has also met with officials like state representative Liz Reyer about strengthening protections for students. Reyer told MPR News sex education has a role to play. The state of Minnesota is finalizing new health standards to implement next year. One advocate who has been pushing for those standards to include more comprehensive sex education is Meg Bartlett-Chase. She is founder and executive director of the organization Honest Sex Ed Minnesota. She joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share more about what inappropriate behavior like grooming looks like and whether the new standards could help students recognize it.

The Walker Art Center's new exhibit, “Dyani White Hawk: Love Language,” is now open and runs through Feb. 15. The show is White Hawk's largest to date, a milestone in an already distinguished career that includes MacArthur “Genius” and Guggenheim fellowships, and acquisitions by the Whitney Museum of Contemporary Art in New York and the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C.White Hawk reflected on her exhibit's opening weekend in Minneapolis with MPR News host Nina Moini.

The phrase “Minneapolis police reform” may bring to mind the events of 2020. The murder of George Floyd that year made the city the center of worldwide calls to change policing. It led the city to enter a process of court-ordered reforms that are still taking shape. A new documentary looks back much further. In “Paradox: Echoes of Reform & the Minneapolis Police,” historian Yohuru Williams traces local politics, community activism and police union organizing over 150 years of Minneapolis policing history. The film by Twin Cities PBS premieres Tuesday night. Yohuru Williams, along with the film's executive producer Daniel Bergin, joined MPR News host Nina Moini to discuss the documentary.

After an hourslong meeting, the Hermantown City Council approved a needed zoning change to advance the proposed data center that's being developed by an unnamed Fortune 50 company. MPR News host Nina Moini spoke with MPR News correspondent Dan Kraker about the meeting that lasted late into the night.

An Eagan Police detective concluded a local high school teacher engaged in an alleged pattern of predatory grooming with female students. But no charges were ever filed. MPR News reporter Elizabeth Shockman shares what she learned from the public police report.Minneapolis-based health insurance company UCare has dropped their Medicare Advantage Plan. Thousands are now scrambling to find new coverage. We'll learn how that's impacting Minnesotans.Plus, LGBTQ+ conversion therapy is banned in the state. But what happens to that ban if the U.S. Supreme Court decides it's unconstitutional? We'll break it down.And the Vikings are now three and three this season. We'll hear what's next for the team with sports contributors Wally and Eric.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Manoominike Giizis” by MPR News Native News editor Leah Lemm and our Song of the Day was “October Passed Me By” by girl in red.

One Philadelphia sports team after another bested Minnesota teams this past weekend. The trend started Friday with the Wolves' final preseason game, which they lost to the 76ers. Then, in hockey, the Flyers beat the Wild Saturday. And Sunday, the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles defeated the Vikings at home. Joining Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to recap these games and look ahead to what's next are our sports contributors, Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson.

The U.S. Supreme Court is weighing whether banning LGBTQ+ conversion therapy for minors is unconstitutional. Twenty-four states, including Minnesota, have banned the practice. Oral arguments were held earlier this month on a case originating from Colorado, and if the justices decide the ban is unconstitutional, it could be repealed in Minnesota. Joining Minnesota Now to give a little context on this issue in Minnesota is Jess Braverman. They are the legal director at Gender Justice in St. Paul, a nonprofit that seeks to advance gender equity through law.

About 158,000 Minnesotans are looking for new options for Medicare now that the local company UCare is dropping their Medicare Advantage plan. The insurance company isn't the only one to no longer offer Medicare Advantage— it's not as financially beneficial as it once was. Enrollment opened last week, and this shift is causing people to scramble for new affordable options for medical insurance. Kelli Jo Greiner is a health care policy analyst for the Minnesota Board on Aging and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. She joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to explain coverage options.

Minnesota has layers of laws and procedures designed to prevent inappropriate relationships between teachers and students. The case of a former high school teacher raises questions about how well that system works. Education reporter Elizabeth Shockman joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini in studio to share more. A warning, this story might be difficult for some listeners — especially if you have kids nearby.Read the full story at the MPR News website: Teacher showed ‘predatory grooming behaviors' with Eagan High girls, police detective concluded

Thousands of Minnesotans are shopping for MNSure health insurance plans as the marketplace opened up this week, but some are bracing for higher premiums. We explore how rates have changed and whether a compromise in Congress would provide relief. It's been one month since Minnesota's first state-licensed recreational cannabis business opened in Duluth. We learn about the triumphs and hiccups so far. And we stay in Duluth to hear from our reporter Dan Kraker about sustainability in cemeteries.Plus, our show Minnesota Now turns 4 this week! We talk to the composers behind the program's theme music.For Prince fans, we get the glimpse of the new Prince musical debuting in Minneapolis.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Purple In The Sky”, by Nur-D. Our Song of the Day was “Particle Physics” by Motion City Soundtrack, featuring Patrick Stump.

It's been one month since Minnesota's first state-licensed microbusiness dispensary opened in Duluth. Legacy Cannabis began selling flower and other products on Sept. 16, more than two years after recreational cannabis was legalized in Minnesota.Legacy Cannabis Duluth lead consultant Josh Wilken-Simon joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share how business has been going.

The MNsure health insurance marketplace opened Wednesday for Minnesotans to shop for 2026 plans, but the costs they'll see may be discouraging. Premiums on the individual marketplace are 22 percent higher on average compared with 2025. That increase does not account for the expiring federal tax credits that are at the center of the federal government shutdown. If the credits do expire, premiums will be even higher.About 190,000 Minnesotans get their health insurance through the marketplace. They can't sign up for a plan until open enrollment begins on November 1st. In the meantime, navigators like Jonathan Marchand are beginning to walk people through the options. Marchand is the Community Services Manager for United Community Action Partnership in Willmar. He joined MPR News host Nina Moini on Minnesota Now.

This Saturday marks four years since MPR News kicked off the noontime news program, Minnesota Now. The show was started to give our audience longer conversations with newsmakers, experts, and our neighbors around the state to help us understand our world better. The show is full of different guests and music every single day, except for one key element that stays the same — the theme music. To celebrate Minnesota Now's fourth birthday, MPR News host Nina Moini spoke to local musicians Aby Wolf and Joe Horton, who composed the show's theme music.

There's a growing interest in green burials, where people are buried without toxic embalming chemicals, expensive caskets and burial vaults. But there aren't many places in Minnesota to do this. MPR News correspondent Dan Kraker recently published a story about a proposed green cemetery near Duluth and some of the pushback the proposal has received from local residents. He joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share more, as part of a weekly check-in with MPR News reporters in Greater Minnesota.