Minnesota Now

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 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 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 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 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.