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by 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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- 3 days ago6 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.
- 3 days ago59 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.
- 3 days ago9 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.
- 3 days ago10 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.
- 3 days ago8 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.
- 3 days ago11 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.
- 4 days ago4 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.
- 4 days ago59 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.
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