Minnesota Now

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.

On Halloween, it is said the veil between the spirit world and the living world is at its thinnest. And spirits come alive. In Minnesota, there are plenty of haunts where ghosts are said to be lurking. A local podcast is dedicated to exploring Minnesota’s haunts and horrors year-round. Its hosts, Madeline Ramirez and Dan Laschansky, joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share more about “The Grim Cities” podcast.

Minnesota Now’s series called “Thank You, Stranger” explores the small acts of kindness that make a big impact.A Minnesota food co-op was turned upside down this month by a theft that broke the store’s refrigeration system.In this week’s episode of Thank You, Stranger, Minnesota Now producer Ellen Finn spoke to Anne Gazzola, the manager of Eastside Food Co-Op in northeast Minneapolis, about how the community helped the store recover after they were forced to throw out dumpsters-full of food. In our series Thank You, Stranger, we hear the stories of how strangers can make our lives a little brighter or lift us up in a difficult moment. 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 or ‪(612) 361-1252‬.

A first-in-the-nation program is pairing Democratic and Republican state lawmakers together to visit each other’s districts. Sponsored by the Citizens League, the program pairs lawmakers who seemingly have nothing in common in order to promote civility in politics. Rochester bureau reporter Catharine Richert attended one of these swaps for MPR News Talking Sense project, a series which helps people have hard conversations better, by telling stories of people who are bridging divides. She shared more about the story as part of a weekly regional check in with MPR News reporters covering Greater Minnesota.

The state of Minnesota is hiring a third-party auditor to look for fraud in 14 Medicaid programs. These programs are intended to provide housing and care for people with disabilities and severe mental illnesses. Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday the state will temporarily stop paying providers of these services while the auditor, Optum, analyzes billing. A statement from the governor’s office said this pause will last 90 days, but’s not clear when it will begin. Josh Berg is director of Minnesota services and strategic growth for nonprofit Accessible Space, Inc. He’s also on the board of directors of Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota, which lobbies on behalf of disability service providers. He spoke to MPR News host Nina Moini about how this pause could impact how providers can care for people with disabilities and severe mental health illnesses.

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.

Minnesota is taking part in a large project with Midcontinent Independent System Operator to update the region's power grid, which helps move along the state’s plan to reduce its carbon footprint. North Dakota filed a federal complaint about the project, 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 talk about Minnesota’s connection to its regional energy grid.A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the subject of the federal complaint. It has been updated.

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.