Podcasts about minnesotans

00:00:00 – Midnight Mike becomes real-life action hero pulling teenagers from flipped truck 00:04:55 – Jan 6 pipe bomber finally "caught" and everyone smells patented FBI garbage 00:18:53 – Trump might have accidentally pardoned the pipe bomber, media pretends this is the real story 00:37:01 – Netflix buys Warner Bros back catalog, leaves CNN behind like the ugly stepsister 00:46:48 – Psychology Today explains cryptid believers are just sad people looking for safe-space monsters 01:05:58 – Joe Rogan says Jesus could return as AI and the internet collectively loses its mind 01:24:27 – New Zealand man swallows $19k Fabergé egg pendant, spends six days in poop jail 01:34:24 – Trump calls Tim Walz "retarded," Minnesotans now drive by Walz house screaming it 01:39:02 – Minnesota Somali welfare fraud might be the biggest terrorist funding pipeline in America 01:43:50 – Irish legend wins Microsoft Excel World Championship in Las Vegas like it's the Super Bowl 01:48:13 – Detroit finally erects giant bronze Robocop statue because the city needs a win   Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research ▀▄▀▄▀ CONTACT LINKS ▀▄▀▄▀ ► Website: http://obdmpod.com ► Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/obdmpod ► Full Videos at Odysee: https://odysee.com/@obdm:0 ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/obdmpod ► Instagram: obdmpod ► Email: ourbigdumbmouth at gmail ► RSS: http://ourbigdumbmouth.libsyn.com/rss ► iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/our-big-dumb-mouth/id261189509?mt=2  

Weather data suggests Minnesota has warmed more than three degrees in the past 150 years, and the state's winters have warmed more than five degrees since 1970.So how are Minnesotans seeing and feeling these climate changes? “Here in Minnesota, we are experiencing climate change predominantly in the winter,” said Kristoffer Tigue, a reporter for the Minnesota Star Tribune.“We base a lot of our culture around our winters, and so to have our winters being the season that's changing the most, I think it tells a narrative of the direction we're going as a state.”Tigue explained that the state is experiencing warmer winters, an increase in precipitation and melting. Tigue wrote about the many ways Minnesotans are seeing climate change — from warmer falls, to a lack of foliage color and wildfire smoke. Click play on the audio player above to listen to this episode or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.

Katelyn Vue from the Aahan Journal joins Jordana.

Episode 4971: Jack Smith Spied On Republicans; Somalians Take Food Stamps From Minnesotans

The inflated media controversy surrounding Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s decision to strike a drug-smuggling boat new Venezuela in September. Reporter Olivia Nuzzi’s new memoir American Canto tells a story of an extramarital affair with Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy, amongst many other political figures. The U.S. Treasury is investigating allegations that Minnesotans’ tax dollars may have been diverted to the terrorist group Al-Shabaab under the watch of Democratic Governor Tim Walz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this series of interviews with Republican gubernatorial candidates in MInnesota, we introduce you to Philip Parrish. Parrish says, "I am running as a Republican but reject the divisive tactics of partisan elites. My focus is on practical solutions and common ground to serve all Minnesotans, particularly the hardworking poor, with integrity and respect." Michele Tafoya is a four-time Emmy award-winning sportscaster turned political and cultural commentator. Record-setting, four-time Sports Emmy Award winner Michele Tafoya worked her final NBC Sunday Night Football game at Super Bowl LVI on February 13, 2022, her fifth Super Bowl. She retired from sportscasting the following day. In total, she covered 327 games — the most national primetime TV games (regular + postseason) for an NFL sideline reporter. Learn More about “The Michele Tafoya Podcast” here: https://linktr.ee/micheletafoya Subscribe to “The Michele Tafoya Podcast” here: https://apple.co/3nPW221 Follow Michele on twitter: https://twitter.com/Michele_Tafoya Follow Michele on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmicheletafoya/ Learn more about the Salem Podcast network: https://salempodcastnetwork.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this series of interviews with Republican gubernatorial candidates in MInnesota, we introduce you to Philip Parrish. Parrish says, "I am running as a Republican but reject the divisive tactics of partisan elites. My focus is on practical solutions and common ground to serve all Minnesotans, particularly the hardworking poor, with integrity and respect." Michele Tafoya is a four-time Emmy award-winning sportscaster turned political and cultural commentator. Record-setting, four-time Sports Emmy Award winner Michele Tafoya worked her final NBC Sunday Night Football game at Super Bowl LVI on February 13, 2022, her fifth Super Bowl. She retired from sportscasting the following day. In total, she covered 327 games — the most national primetime TV games (regular + postseason) for an NFL sideline reporter. Learn More about “The Michele Tafoya Podcast” here: https://linktr.ee/micheletafoya Subscribe to “The Michele Tafoya Podcast” here: https://apple.co/3nPW221 Follow Michele on twitter: https://twitter.com/Michele_Tafoya Follow Michele on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmicheletafoya/ Learn more about the Salem Podcast network: https://salempodcastnetwork.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Twin Cities U.S. Navy recruiters share real stories from submarines and carriers — plus how Minnesotans can join today. Then, hear how the Minnesota National Guard teams up with the Vikings, Twins, Wild, Wolves, and local communities to honor service members. Guests include: Lt. John Gillotte – United States Navy Counselor 1st Class […] The post Sailors in the Heartland and Minnesota National Guard Community Relations appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

The first snow storm of the season swept through the state Tuesday into Wednesday. That means new Minnesotans have now been properly baptized. Duluth picked up the most snow with 10.3 inches and the Twin Cities received 3.1 inches. In Rochester, which got 1-2 inches of snow, the public works department and other organizations have been helping prepare new Minnesotans for winter. Earlier this fall, they put on the second annual Rochester Snow Summit, a winter-preparedness event organized by the city. Jake Busho is the public works street maintenance supervisor and one of the organizers of the Rochester Snow Summit. He talked with MPR News host Chris Farrell along with Jessica Thornton. She is aging services program manager at Family Service Rochester, an organization that participated in the summit.

On November 17, 2025, the Economic Club of Minnesota hosted a captivating fireside chat between Ecolab CEO Christophe Beck and Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari, drawing a packed house of business leaders, policymakers, and curious Minnesotans eager for a pulse on the state's—and the nation's—economic trajectory. As head of Ecolab, a St. Paul-based global giant in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions, Beck brought a practitioner's lens to the discussion, sharing how the company is viewing and engaging with AI to improve Ecolab's performance. Christophe also discussed the deep commitment Ecolab has in the state and in the local economy and well-being of Ecolab's neighbors. Just that morning, at a separate event, Christophe and the Ecolab Foundation announced a collaborative investment to increase safe, stable, and affordable housing.  Christophe Beck believes in "growing the pie"  rather than taking the existing pie and trying to share more. Beck is an inspirational and energetic force.

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is delivering messages of appreciation from students, families, and community members to teachers, school leaders, and school support staff members. In the face of uncertainty, Minnesota educators work every day to create supportive, and welcoming school environments where students feel safe, engaged, and ready to learn. In recognition of that dedication, MDE invited Minnesota State Fairgoers to write a thank you card to a teacher or school staff member who made a difference in their life. Minnesotans came out in droves, handwriting nearly 3,600 messages of gratitude for their amazing work serving students – representing roughly one thank you card for every 20 educators in our state. Now, MDE is delivering those cards to more than 1,200 schools in every corner of Minnesota in time for Thanksgiving this week. The thank you cards were written by current and former students, colleagues, friends and family members who wanted to express their appreciation for the teachers and educators in their lives. Anyone who wasn't able to stop by the MDE booth this summer to fill out a card can submit one digitally until Dec. 2, and MDE will deliver them by email. Go to.... https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=RrAU68QkGUWPJricIVmCjLKyDDK5xaxBmLQXpIK_WlBUQTc1MUFQTExZSThNMU9YTURGNEZaMlY5Vy4u

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is delivering messages of appreciation from students, families, and community members to teachers, school leaders, and school support staff members. In the face of uncertainty, Minnesota educators work every day to create supportive, and welcoming school environments where students feel safe, engaged, and ready to learn. In recognition of that dedication, MDE invited Minnesota State Fairgoers to write a thank you card to a teacher or school staff member who made a difference in their life. Minnesotans came out in droves, handwriting nearly 3,600 messages of gratitude for their amazing work serving students – representing roughly one thank you card for every 20 educators in our state. Now, MDE is delivering those cards to more than 1,200 schools in every corner of Minnesota in time for Thanksgiving this week. The thank you cards were written by current and former students, colleagues, friends and family members who wanted to express their appreciation for the teachers and educators in their lives. Anyone who wasn't able to stop by the MDE booth this summer to fill out a card can submit one digitally until Dec. 2, and MDE will deliver them by email. Go to.... https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=RrAU68QkGUWPJricIVmCjLKyDDK5xaxBmLQXpIK_WlBUQTc1MUFQTExZSThNMU9YTURGNEZaMlY5Vy4u

Belém, Brazil hosted this year's United Nations climate conference, which wrapped up last weekend.More than 50,000 people attended COP30. Even though representatives of the United States government were absent, a few Minnesotans were there, including students from a class at the College of St. Benedict and Saint John's University. St. Ben's juniors Ella Chiroux and Abby Robinson joined MPR News host Chris Farrell to share about their experience.

This is a panel discussion. It includes the following guests:Egberto Willies is a political activist, author, political blogger, radio show host, business owner, software developer, web designer, and mechanical engineer in Kingwood, TX. Egberto is Host/Producer of Politics Done Right aired on Pacifica Network's KPFT 90.1 FM and other networks. Read his articles at his "Egberto Off The Record" Substack newsletter atpoliticsdoneright.com/newsletter.Stephen Pimpare is Professor of Public Policy and Director of the Master in Public Policy program at Vermont Law and Graduate School. He is the author of four books, numerous articles, and the Host of the New Books Network's public policy channel.Lincoln Mitchell teaches political science and public policy at Columbia University. He is the author of nine books and his writings have appeared at CNN, Reuters, the New York Times, NBC, the San Francisco Examiner and numerous other media platforms. For more of Lincolns work you can subscribe to his Substack Kibitzing with Lincoln at /lincolnmitchell.substack.com/.Aaron Rosenthal is the Research Director with North Star Policy Action, a think tank dedicated to improving the lives of working Minnesotans. Prior to North Star, Aaron worked as the Senior Research Specialist with the Council on Criminal Justice and was an assistant professor at Simmons College in Boston.Part 1:Topics:-The health care crisis in the US.-The reaction of Trump to the lawmakers' reminding armed services personnel of their duty respecting unlawful orders.-Anti-abortion laws that are causing women to die for lack of medical care-The Trump crime familyPart2:-Trump's 'health care plan'The need for a US "new New Deal"- The need for more MTG-like defectorsWNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: David Rovics

A Minneapolis business consultant has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for a a $3.5 million scheme to defraud government pandemic aid programs. A St. Paul man is charged with vehicular homicide and fleeing the scene after allegedly killing a woman who was out walking her dogs last week. Minnesota hasn't elected a third-party governor since 1998, but Mike Newcome hopes that will change in 2026. Newcome has launched a campaign as an Independence party candidate. Newcome says he's a fiscal conservative and a social liberal. He says he'd like to break up the partisan divide in St. Paul.Nonprofit housing providers are warning 3,600 Minnesotans who have overcome homelessness could be at risk of losing their homes. That's because of new rules from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, that cut funding for permanent housing by nearly 70 percent. Eighty years after his death, federal investigators have identified the remains of a Minnesota man killed during World War II.

A once rarely-used process by the federal government has now been used to detain more than 200 immigrants at Fort Snelling Immigration Court in Minnesota. That's according to an immigrant advocacy group tracking the cases. We'll learn about the change. We'll learn more about eligibility changes to SNAP that took place in the background of the government shutdown and how those changes could impact Minnesotans going into the holiday season. Plus, Target is asking their employees to smile more at customers. But will this help the struggling retailer? We'll hear from a consumer behavior and psychology expert. And the Vikings, Gophers and Wolves all lost! We'll relive a forgettable Minnesota sports weekend with Wally and Eric.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “September Rain” by Jaki Blue and our Song of the Day was “Hillside Sunset” by Funk N Spuds. Use the audio player above to listen to the full show.Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

The federal government shutdown caused weeks of turmoil for recipients of the food assistance benefits known as SNAP. In the background, major changes to the program took effect under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” Congress passed this summer. About 9,000 immigrants in Minnesota are no longer eligible for SNAP, according to the state. And administrators are in the process of implementing work requirements that are expected to impact 29,000 others. Sophia Lenarz-Coy, executive director of The Food Group, joined MPR News host Nina Moini to explain what's changed in Minnesota.

John is disappointed in his fellow Minnesotans who pretended the Northern Lights looked anything like the pictures on their phones. He also got some yard work done and attended a Gala. He's fancy like that. 

For many Minnesotans, fall means it's time to get the comforting warm flavors of nutmeg, apple, cardamom and maple to fill the air in the kitchen.Minnesota-based chef and cookbook author Amy Thielen joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share what recipes she's thinking about this fall season.

Minnesota is abuzz with chatter about the northern lights display Tuesday night. Wednesday could bring another round! MPR chief meteorologist Paul Huttner joins Minnesota Now with details on the aurora and a warmer-than-usual weather forecast.

Minnesotans love talking about Minnesota and don't miss a chance to put the state and the Midwest as a region on a pedestal. But if you ask people outside the Midwest, they may not even be able to point to Minnesota on a map. A new conference is dedicated to making sure the Midwest is not forgotten. The goal of the “Lost Region Recovery Project Conference” is to grow the study of the Midwest. The conference will take place Saturday in Sioux Falls, S.D. MPR News host Nina Moini talked with its organizer, Jon Lauck.

In a storm that blew hurricane force winds on Nov. 10, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald — a massive ore carrier longer than two football fields — disappeared into the dark, frigid waters of Lake Superior. All 29 crew members were lost. Fifty years later, the sinking of the Fitzgerald remains one of the most haunting and mysterious maritime disasters in American history. MPR News guest host Dan Kraker talks with a Great Lakes historian about the ship's final, fateful voyage and why the tragedy holds meaning for many Minnesotans.Guest:Frederick Stonehouse is a Great Lakes historian, lecturer and the author of more than 30 books on maritime history, including “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.”

One issue that sticks out from the historic halt of the federal government has been the wobbling of the food assistance money meant for 440,000 Minnesotans. Over the weekend, there was a back-and-forth in the courts over SNAP. In that time, Minnesota leaders said they fully restored SNAP benefits. But now it's unclear whether that money is available from the federal government. Minnesota and its SNAP administrators across the counties are navigating these conflicting developments. Barb Dahl is the Scott County Human Services director and joined Minnesota Now to share the latest she's seeing in SNAP benefits.

The federal government shutdown is the longest in U.S. history. As lawmakers work to reach a deal, SNAP benefits for hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans hang in the balance. We'll hear how SNAP administrators in Minnesota are navigating a series of conflicting developments. Just a few years ago, graduating college with a computer science degree pretty much guaranteed new grads a job. But how is the rise of artificial intelligence changing that? Plus, Monday marks the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. But exactly how it sank remains a mystery. We'll hear some of the theories. And the Loons are advancing to the Western Conference semifinals! We'll break down this weekend's sports news with contributors Wally and Eric.Our Minnesota Music Minute was a cover of “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by jeremy messersmith and our Song of the Day was “Storm” by Bella Casper.

Two UMN political experts unpack the partisan battle, public frustration and what's at stake for Minnesotans during this government shutdown. 

11-6 Adam and Jordana 9a hour

Health insurance is about to get more expensive for a lot of people — in Minnesota and across the country. Many older Minnesotans are scrambling to find new insurance plans after some insurers stopped offering or scaled back Medicare Advantage plans. People who buy their own insurance will see premiums jump next year as much as 26 percent on the individual market. Workers who get insurance through their employers are also looking at higher premiums. And the federal tax and spending bill signed by President Donald Trump this summer is expected to push as many as 140,000 low-income Minnesotans off Medicaid.  MPR News guest host Catharine Richert looks at how the rising costs of medical care along with changes in state and federal policies are reshaping health care in Minnesota. If you're looking for more information, here are some resources that were mentioned during the showContact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICAREMinnesota Aging Pathways (formerly known as the Senior LinkAge line) at 800-333-2433Guests:Sayeh Nikpay is a health economist and an associate professor in the Division of Health Policy and Management at the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health. Kelli Jo Greiner is a health care policy analyst for the Minnesota Board on Aging and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.   Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.     

It's Election Day across the state. Voters are selecting school board members, county commissioners and deciding other local races. In St. Paul, there's a mayoral election. Minneapolis voters also selecting a mayor today — and all 13 members of the City Council. Six candidates are facing off today over three seats on the Anoka-Hennepin school board, which oversees the state's largest school district. Two slates of candidates — one conservative and one progressive — are vying to claim those seats. Groups have poured nearly half a million dollars into the races, far outpacing normal spending for a down-ballot election. Dozens of Minnesota school districts are asking taxpayers to OK operating levies.Former Minneapolis police officer Tou Thao is returning to Minnesota. Thao was released Monday from a federal prison in Kentucky after serving time for his role in the murder of George Floyd.Despite last week's deal with China, U.S. soybean farmers are still having to turn to domestic processing plants — including a handful in Minnesota — to offload their harvests.

On Friday, the state of Minnesota ended its housing stabilization services program, which was intended to help people with disabilities find and maintain housing using federal Medicaid dollars.  In August, the Minnesota Department of Human Services announced the state would be ending the housing stabilization program after finding credible allegations of fraud.  Then in September, the Department of Justice charged eight people for their roles in what prosecutors describe as a “massive fraud scheme” tied to the program.  Now the program is entirely shut down. In Sherburne County, in central Minnesota, that means nearly 200 residents who were receiving services through the housing stabilization services program no longer have access to those resources. What happens to those residents now? Tony Masters, Sherburne County's Adult and Disability Services manager, joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share how residents have been impacted by the end of the program.

Dick Cheney, Powerful Vice President and Washington Insider, Dies at 84; Minnesotans fan out for local elections; Ohio redistricting map draws bipartisan support but deep concern; Report: Kentucky caregivers increasingly face financial hardship.

Dick Cheney, Powerful Vice President and Washington Insider, Dies at 84; Minnesotans fan out for local elections; Ohio redistricting map draws bipartisan support but deep concern; Report: Kentucky caregivers increasingly face financial hardship.    

House Speaker Lisa Demuth is running for governor. In an interview with MPR News ahead of the announcement, the Cold Spring Republican described herself as being best positioned among a crowded Republican field to take on DFL Gov. Tim Walz, who is seeking a third term.Demuth climbed to the role of speaker earlier this year under a power-sharing deal in the tied House. Six other Republicans are in the governor's race so far. Demuth's entrance into the race is drawing sharp reaction in both political parties.Tuesday is Election Day, but voter turnout is expected to be low. For presidential elections, Minnesota typically ranks as No. 1 in voter turnout. But for local elections — even with this year's high-profile mayoral races in Minneapolis and St. Paul — fewer people will cast ballots. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says it's important to vote in local elections because they tend to have a more-direct impact on people's lives.As the federal shutdown continues to jeopardize food assistance programs, local nonprofits are stepping in to help low-income Minnesotans. The Greater Twin Cities United Way has launched an emergency food relief campaign. And it is asking Minnesotans to donate or volunteer.The number of grey wolves around Voyageurs National Park has dropped significantly over the past two years, according to a new report by researchers with the Voyageurs Wolf Project.

Tomorrow is Election Day for many communities across Minnesota. Most polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Minnesota offers same-day registration, as long as you have proof of residence. Open enrollment for state health care plans started Saturday, and many Minnesotans are seeing steeper prices for coverage next year.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

3pm Hour: Jason talks to the MN House Speaker Lisa Demuth who's announced she's running for Governor - what's her pitch to Minnesotans? Then he plays a clip from the President's "60 Minutes" interview - do you think we should go further with immigration raids?

Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth has entered the Minnesota governor's race to take on DFL Governor Tim Walz, who is seeking a third-term. We'll hear how her entry changes the race with our politics correspondent Dana Ferguson. Counties and tribes have mobile crisis response teams, but how many Minnesotans know they exist? We'll learn more about these teams with the new executive director of the mental health organization NAMI Minnesota.Plus, the number of guns brought onto school grounds has skyrocketed since the pandemic. We'll break that down with two Minnesota Star Tribune reporters who uncovered this data.Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy returns! We'll learn what's next for the Vikings with sports contributors Wally and Eric.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Ocean Swallows Me Whole” by Lutalo and our Song of the Day was “Lakehouse” by Keep for Cheap.

Ryan Allen, Associate Dean for Research Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, joins Adam and Jordana to talk about rising home prices in Minnesota.

The federal government shutdown could mean more than 440,000 Minnesotans will lose their SNAP food assistance benefits in a matter of days. That loss also will hurt the more than 3,600 retailers across the state that accept SNAP, including grocery stores, convenience marts and farmers markets. Officials say every dollar in SNAP benefits generates up to $1.50 in local economic activity.Minnesota is preparing to lay off around 100 state health workers amid the government shutdown. The Minnesota Association of Professional employees union says notices are going out Thursday at the health department with layoffs of workers in the Women, Infants and Children nutrition program.Eleven people were arrested in a sit-in at Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's office on Tuesday. They stayed in the building several hours after closing and were arrested around midnight for trespassing. Protesters are asking Frey to enact several policies strengthening the city's separation ordinance which bars local police from collaborating with federal immigration enforcement. They want a citywide ban on law enforcement officers wearing face coverings and arrests of federal officers who break that rule.

Fourteen Medicaid programs that provide support for Minnesotans with disabilities are being audited for fraud. We talk to a care provider about the impact this may have on people who rely on these services. Election day is coming up. We hear from the mayoral candidates in Minneapolis and St. Paul who took the debate stage at MPR News. We peak inside the notebook of MPR's Rochester reporter to see how she told the story of people bridging political divides.And we get an update from a northeast Minneapolis co-op that was upturned by vandalism.Plus, are you ready for Halloween? A local podcast is looking into Minnesota's most haunted places.The Minnesota Music Minute was “Try to Sleep” by Low. The Song of the Day was “I Put a Spell on You” by Annie Lennox.

Every Wednesday, Jake & Ben compete in Two 5-selection drafts - One sports-related & one not sports-related. This week on What You Got Wednesday: Biggest Sports Trailblazers & Best Minnesotans. Vote for your winner @JakeAndBenKSL on X. 

At its peak, an estimated 35,000 rotting Minnesotans participated in the annual Zombie Pub Crawl, founded 20 years ago. The event grew large enough to set a world record for the largest amount of people dressed as zombies. Then the festival seemed to have its own apocalypse. Our guest is columnist Laura Yuen. Still curious? Read more at the Minnesota Star Tribune. To support Curious Minnesota and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram.

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.

White Cane Day 2025 at the Minnesota State Capitol was a celebration of pride, freedom, and possibility. Leaders, students, families, and blind, low vision, and deafblind Minnesotans gathered to affirm a simple truth: the white cane is not just a mobility tool — it is dignity, safety, and independence. Speakers honored the history of White Cane Safety Day, first recognized nationally in 1964, and reminded Minnesota that accessibility is a responsibility we all share. Youth and adults stood side by side to read the Governor's proclamation declaring October 15, 2025 White Cane Safety Awareness Day in Minnesota, lifting up the right of every person to travel, work, learn, and live fully. Again and again the message was clear: this community is strong, joyful, and on the move. The white cane is confidence. It is opportunity. It is the key to adventure, employment, and everyday life — and it belongs in every space Minnesotans belong.   To find out more about the services provided at State Services for the Blind, and what they can do for you, contact Shane DeSantis at shane.desantis@state.mn.us or call Shane at 651-385-5205.   Full Transcript   thanks for Listening!  

Jason kicks off the show by asking if you want ICE in Minneapolis, have you had an "Airport Divorce", he says stealing a crimestoppers award is next level disgusting embezzlement, he talks with VEAP President and CEO Kari Thompson about Minnesotans potentially losing benefits and more.

Rochester is changing in many ways. City blocks are filled with construction work zones. Streets are littered with detours. Cranes tower over the skyline as a massive makeover plays out.Much of it is tied to a major medical expansion associated with the largest employer around — Mayo Clinic.  There have also been political shifts. Rochester is one of the shrinking number of places outside of the Twin Cities-area where Democrats seem to have an upper hand. It wasn't always that way.On this special broadcast of Politics Friday, MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst heads to Rochester, where he and his guests talk about what's behind the spruce-up and where the city's politics fit in the southeastern part of the state. Politics Friday in Rochester, Minn. Plus, we'll meet a candidate hoping to make his way to Congress from southern Minnesota. He's an underdog out of the gate. Then, we'll get to know more about Molly Castle Work, the newest MPR News reporter based in Rochester, and a special field production. Later, a politics panel with Dana Ferguson and Catharine Richert. Politics Friday: Voices from Rochester, Minnesota Matt Alvarez, Molly Castle Work, Lukas Levin, and Paton Whaley. On Fridays, MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst discusses Minnesota politics. The show often features a number of voices in a weekly audio postcard.In this special feature, MPR News reporter Molly Castle Work and producer Matt Alvarez ventured out to gauge the economic temperature from Minnesotans in the southeastern part of the state. Guests: Kim Norton is the Mayor of Rochester. She became the first woman to be elected Mayor of Rochester in 2018 after a prior stint in the Legislature. Patrick Seeb is the Destination Medical Center (DMC) Economic Development Agency Executive Director. Sen. Carla Nelson is a Republican representing the southeastern area of the state, now in her fifth term.  Jake Johnson is a Democrat running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives for Minnesota's 1st Congressional District. Molly Castle Work is an MPR News reporter based in Rochester. She covers health care in southeast Minnesota. Dana Ferguson is a political correspondent for MPR News. She has covered Minnesota politics and state government for Forum News Service. Catharine Richert is a correspondent based in Rochester, where she covers southeast Minnesota for MPR News. She also leads Talking Sense, a reporting project helping Minnesotans have hard conversations about politics, better.  This discussion was recorded at 125 LIVE in Rochester, Minn. on Oct. 21. Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation or subscribe to the Politics Friday podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS. 

Drew, Sydney, and Peter break down the latest news in the junior hockey landscape with the Minnesotan flavor. State of Hockey natives Brent Solomon and Cooper Simpson are atop the USHL scoring leaderboard, more than 30 Minnesotans are listed on NHL Central Scouting's Preliminary Watchlist, and a small handful of Minnesotans make their verbal commitments. PLUS the USHL video of the week, unhinged Facebook comment of the week, and more.

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.

How should Minnesota approach climate change action in the years to come?Minnesotans can have a voice in that process by commenting on the state's latest proposed Climate Action Framework, a comprehensive plan laying out steps Minnesota should take to address climate change and reach a carbon-free future. The last framework was released in 2022 and established a statewide target to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. That framework was adopted into state law in 2023. Kate Knuth, climate director for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, shared more about the framework and how people can get involved on this week's Climate Cast.Click play on the audio player above to listen to this episode or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.

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.

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.

Jim Rubin owner of Mint Properties who was featured in the documentary A Precarious State joins Reuvers in studio.When the Truth Is Hidden, Communities SufferA Precarious State reveals what many residents already sense: that without clear, honest information, communities are left in the dark about the systems shaping their lives. Through powerful interviews and investigative storytelling, the film brings transparency to issues like public safety, education, and business. In a time of confusion and noise, it offers clarity—giving Minnesotans the context they need to better understand the world around them. It's not about sides—it's about truth.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.