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Minnesota Now

Minnesota Public Radio

Live, down to earth, unscripted interviews that aim to connect, inform and entertain. Real people share real stories with MPR News host Nina Moini. It’s journalism that doesn’t take itself too seriously and puts people first.

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  • 289 episodes
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  • English

Episodes 289

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  • November 5 · 6 min

    Thank You, Stranger: A bad day that became one to remember

    Minnesota Now’s series called “Thank You, Stranger” explores the small acts of kindness that make a big impact. Kyrra Rankine’s morning started off like any other — then she found out her car had been towed. It was a classic bad day, the kind that any of us could have. But the kindness she encountered in the aftermath only comes along once in a while. Minnesota Now producer Aleesa Kuznetsov spoke with Rankine about the help she received in this installment of “Thank You, Stranger.” If you have a story to share about a stranger who made your life a little brighter, we want to hear it. Contact us at minnesotanow@mpr.org.

  • November 5 · 59 min

    Minnesota Now: Nov. 5, 2026

    A southern Minnesota congressional race is too close to call. Democrat Jake Johnson has around 300 votes more than Republican incumbent Brad Finstad. That likely means it’s headed for a recount. We talked to the Secretary of State about how the recount process works. With a new ICE detention facility opening in Minnesota soon, lawyers and immigrant advocates are gathering to discuss detention and deportation. From the Covid-19 pandemic to George Floyd to political and mass shootings, and Operation Metro Surge — Minnesota has been through a lot. We learned about a new report on collective trauma in the state. Plus, how the annual “Girlhood Summit” is helping youth gain new skills and find community. The Minnesota Music Minute was Maurice Ravel’s “A Barque Upon the Ocean” performed by the Minnesota Orchestra.

  • November 5 · 9 min

    'Girlhood Summit' creates space for youth to build community and skills

    On Saturday, some 200 middle and high school-aged girls and gender-expansive youth from across Minnesota will come together for the third annual “Girlhood Summit.” It’s a day-long event organized by the Ann Bancroft Foundation. And young people will get the chance to learn about everything from personal finance to managing stress and bringing their ideas to life. We heard more about the summit from Ethelind Kaba, executive director of the Ann Bancroft Foundation, and Madeline Lemmer, who has been involved with the summit since the first year and is this year’s volunteer coordinator.

  • November 5 · 10 min

    Report calls for more funding, support to address 'collective trauma' across the state

    Minnesotans know that the state has been through a lot over the past six years. The COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, fraud scandals, the Annunciation Catholic School shooting, the killings of Melissa and Mark Hortman and Operation Metro Surge. It’s kept the state under a microscope — and affected each of us in very different ways. A new report from the mental health advocacy group NAMI Minnesota looks at what happens when traumatic events affect not just individuals, but entire communities, and when those experiences start to pile up. Marcus Schmit, executive director of NAMI Minnesota, joined Minnesota Now to talk more about their latest report.

  • November 5 · 8 min

    Lawyers, advocates working with Minnesotans detained during the surge convene at fall forum

    The most recent data from the Deportation Data Project shows more than 2,300 non-citizens who were arrested in Minnesota during the federal immigration enforcement operation this winter were deported or left the country. Immigration lawyers and advocates are still working with people who have been deported or are in ICE custody — navigating the complex legal system that comes with it. That’s the focus of a University of Minnesota Law school forum taking place Friday. Sarah Brenes, executive director of the Binger Center for New Americans at the U of M, spoke with MPR News host Nina Moini about the event.

  • November 5 · 11 min

    Secretary of State lays out recount process as several midterm races end in razor-thin margins

    The race for the 1st Congressional District in southern Minnesota is likely headed for a recount. Unofficial vote totals show Democrat Jake Johnson with a 323 vote lead over Republican incumbent Brad Finstad. But the 1st District is not the only race that’s likely going to a recount. There are three other races for the state Legislature that are within a margin of less than a tenth of a percent, including one in Moorhead split by just four votes. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, who was reelected on Tuesday, joined Minnesota Now to explain the recount process.

  • November 4 · 4 min

    Data center backlash ousts incumbents in some Minnesota towns

    Large-scale data centers were a hot-button political issue across the country in Tuesday’s election. They played a major role in high profile races in Texas, Ohio and elsewhere. They were also a factor in some local elections across Minnesota where data center proposals have been controversial. MPR News reporter Dan Kraker joined Minnesota Now from Duluth to explain.

  • November 4 · 59 min

    Minnesota Now: Nov. 4, 2026

    Minnesotans delivered big wins to the Democrats in the midterms. DFL House leader Zack Stephenson shared what he'll push for with full control of the Legislature. And MPR News reporter Dana Ferguson gave the latest on the close races that could be headed for a recount. Two political strategists analyzed Democratic wins around the country, as the party prepares to take control of Congress, and considered how Minnesota fits in. With data centers looming large in local politics, we learned how the issue swayed voters in Minnesota. Plus, we learned what the election results mean for schools. We talked about Peggy Flanagan's history-making win with a longtime Anishinaabe leader she’s described as a mentor. And we met a suburban mayor-elect who has also made history.

  • November 4 · 5 min

    Chonburi Lee elected first Hmong Mayor of Maplewood

    The Twin Cities northeast suburbs of Maplewood elected a new mayor last night in a historic first for the city. Chonburi Lee received 58 percent of the vote, unseating incumbent Mayor Marylee Abrams and making him Maplewood's first Hmong mayor. Lee is currently a member of the city council, where he's served since 2023. He joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about his win and his plans for office.

  • November 4 · 9 min

    'We have a voice:' Anishinaabe leader celebrates Peggy Flanagan's historic election to Senate

    Candidates across the U.S. made history Tuesday by becoming firsts. Senator-elect Peggy Flanagan is among them. A citizen of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, Flanagan will go to Congress next year as the first Native woman elected to the U.S. Senate. Melanie Benjamin served about two decades as Chief Executive of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe before completing her final term in 2024. She now consults with tribal leaders around the U.S. as Vice President of Governmental Affairs with the firm Bluestone Strategy. Benjamin joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about Flanagan’s journey to the Senate and the significance of her win.

  • November 4 · 11 min

    Minnesota DFL House leader says affordability will be top priority as party takes control

    Minnesota was part of the national blue wave, with Democrats maintaining their lock on statewide offices and likely expanding their control of the state legislature. Democrats are set to control the Governor's office, the House and Senate, with Amy Klobuchar at the helm. She will be the first female governor in Minnesota history. Klobuchar promised to be a transformative governor in her victory speech and signaled she would break from her party at times, noting DFL members may not like all her decisions. MPR News politics reporter Dana Ferguson joined Minnesota Now to talk about what the election will mean for Minnesotans. Then, MPR News host Nina Moini talked with DFL House leader Zach Stephenson to learn more about how Democrats plan to use their control of the state capitol. He represents the northwestern Twin Cities suburbs of Anoka and Coon Rapids. MPR News reached out to Republican Senate minority leader Mark Johnson and did not receive a response to comment.

  • November 3 · 54 min

    Minnesota Now: Nov. 3, 2026

    Tuesday is Election Day, and while Minnesota has seen record early voting turnout, many voters will cast their ballots Tuesday. The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. We'll visit two polling places in Minnesota, with help from reporters who've been talking to voters outside. All 201 seats in the state capital are up for election. We'll hear how that could influence what happens during the legislative session in January, plus we'll hear about how public schools show up on the ballot. Groups that trained people to observe federal agents this winter have pivoted to what they call “democracy protection.” We’ll talk to one of their leaders. Minnesota is just one part of a larger midterm puzzle. A political scientist will share about the national political landscape. Our Minnesota Music Minute was “I Choose Me” by Mayyadda, and our Song of the Day was “Your Love is King” by Sade.

  • November 3 · 8 min

    Voters energized and heading to the polls in Minneapolis and Moorhead

    Election Day is Minnesota voters’ final chance to cast ballots in the midterms. More than 900,000 Minnesotans voted early by mail or in person, and many others are voting Tuesday. MPR News reporters Cari Spencer and Harshawn Ratanpal were outside polling stations Tuesday morning, at times in the rain, to hear from Election Day voters. They talked to MPR News host Nina Moini about what they saw and heard in Minneapolis and Moorhead.

  • November 3 · 10 min

    Following Election Day results? Here's what a Minnesota political scientist says to watch for

    On Election Day, all 435 seats in the U.S. House are up for grabs, along with 35 Senate seats and dozens of governor's races. Republicans are trying to hold on to their majorities in Congress, while Democrats are hoping to take control of at least one chamber and put a check on President Donald Trump. University of Minnesota political scientist Larry Jacobs joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about the biggest races, what we're seeing from voters and what the day’s results could mean for the country.

  • November 3 · 11 min

    'Democracy Protectors' gather across Minnesota to provide voter support for midterms

    On the corner of East Lake Street and 27th Avenue South in Minneapolis, democracy protection volunteers have gathered every day for a week before Election Day to provide the public support and information around voting. They’re volunteering for the Immigrant Defense Network. The Lake Street location is one of 19 sites that volunteers gather at across the state – from the Twin Cities metro to Mankato and St. Cloud. The effort grew out the Immigrant Defense Network's effort to train constitutional observers. Rico Durán is the Organizing Director of COPAL, which started the Immigrant Defense Network. He joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about his work leading up to Election Day.

  • November 2 · 55 min

    Minnesota Now: Nov. 2, 2026

    Nearly 900,000 Minnesotans have already cast their ballot, breaking the state record for a midterm election. Plus, we'll have more with an expert on why some people are turning to AI chatbots to help them research candidates and issues. Leaders of some mosques around the state say they're upping security measures as political rhetoric targeting Somali Minnesotans has ramped up in the lead up to the midterms. And if you're at the polls Tuesday, you may see people volunteering as "poll chaplains". Plus, the spooky season isn't over just yet. We'll talk to someone who's been looking into the paranormal history of Minnesota. And we’ll catch up on the Vikings and the Gophers after their losses over the weekend. Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Ditch the Chemicals” by Asuka Kakitani and Mark Urness and our Song of the Day was “Leaves” by the Mahon Brothers.

  • November 2 · 8 min

    Vikings undefeated streak comes to an end, Gophers have hard-fought loss to Indiana

    Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray says the team won't be haunted by Sunday’s loss in Detroit, which ended their undefeated record this season. The Lions won 19-15. “The confidence in the group is not going to waver,” said Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Gophers had heartbreaking loss in Indiana. Minnesota kicker Luke Drzewiecki hit a 60-yard field goal with 19 seconds left in regulation to give the Gophers a 16–13 lead. But Indiana answered with their own 60-yard field goal as time expired to force overtime. Indiana took home the win, 23-16. Joining Minnesota Now with the latest on local sports headlines are Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson. Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation. Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. We attempt to make transcripts for Minnesota Now available the next business day after a broadcast. When ready they will appear here.

  • November 2 · 8 min

    For one paranormal researcher, Minnesota's spooky and strange can be found year-round

    Halloween may be over but our next guest says there's always something spooky and mysterious lurking around the corner. Chad Lewis has spent decades researching the weird and unusual across Minnesota. He does public presentations on Minnesota's lesser known paranormal history. Lewis joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about his favorite haunts.

Showing 21–40 of 289 episodes