Minnesota Now

22h ago

Federal prosecutors announced new fraud charges Thursday related to state programs. MPR News reporter Matt Sepic broke down what prosecutors have alleged so far in other fraud cases ahead of the announcement. Minnesota's construction industry has continued to fare better than the overall economy. But a new survey shows the outlook within the industry is less optimistic than previous years. MPR News reporter Melissa Olson dove into another study showing the economic value of tribal gaming for the state of Minnesota. Plus, a holiday edition of professional help explored how to give money to causes you care about instead of spending it this season.

22h ago

A choral music nonprofit focused on reflecting the racial and cultural diversity of the the Twin Cities is holding its annual holiday concert this weekend. The show will focus on music from Latin America in a performance called “ Navidad Nuestra. ” Border CrosSing artistic director Ahmed Anzaldúa, executive director Matthew Valverde joined YourClassical host Tom Crann in studio for a conversation and preview of the program.

1d ago

A new study from the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association looks at the impact of tribal gaming for the first time in seven years. According to the study, in 2023 tribal casinos employed more than 10,000 people statewide, about 70 percent of whom worked full time jobs. The report also found tribal casinos in Minnesota purchased more than $600 million in goods and services for ongoing operations, and more than half of that amount was purchased from Minnesota vendors. In total, tribal casinos generate $1.7 billion in economic activity for the state. MPR News Native News reporter Melissa Olson broke down the details of the report with Minnesota Now host Nina Moini.

1d ago

Some 140,000 Minnesotans work in construction. And job growth in the construction industry has continued to outpace the overall economy in recent years, according to the state Department of Employment and Economic Development. A survey of more than 170 construction businesses shows a slightly less optimistic outlook from within the industry for 2026 than previous years. The survey was carried out by the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota, a trade group for contractors across the state. Tim Worke heads the organization and joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk more about the results.

1d ago

Chances are, you’re getting a lot of ads right now inviting you to celebrate the holidays by spending money. The U.S. economy is lopsided toward this time of year. Retailers rely on holiday shopping. And nonprofits, too, depend on end-of-year donations. For the latest in our series Professional Help we asked an expert how to prioritize giving back during the holidays. Our ask: Help me give back during the holidays Our professional: Nathan Dungan, president and CEO of Share Save Spend HandsOn Twin Cities has this guide for volunteering during the holidays.

1d ago

Increased Immigrations and Customs Enforcement actions in Minnesota this month have drawn, likely, thousands of community protesters and observers. And confrontations between ICE agents and community members have been chaotic. Today, six Minnesota residents along with the ACLU of Minnesota filed a lawsuit against ICE, alleging that agents have interfered with their rights to free speech and peaceful assembly and have subjected them to harassment, intimidation and unlawful detentions. For more information on the legal case, MPR News host Nina Moini talked with Alicia Granse, an ACLU of Minnesota staff attorney who is leading the lawsuit.

2d ago

Six Minnesota residents and the ACLU of Minnesota are suing Immigration and Customs Enforcement alleging agents violated rights to free speech and peaceful assembly. The lawsuit comes after recent immigration enforcement actions resulted in chaotic confrontations between community members and federal agents. Minnesota's restaurant industry is on edge as ICE continues to detain and arrest scores of people in the Twin Cities. A prominent chef and restaurant owner shared how he is dealing with the situation. And lawyers for a couple charged with driving off with a Homeland Security agent in their vehicle are disputing prosecutors' version of events. Plus, we met a local musician creating original Hanukkah music.

2d ago

Prints from a Minnesota studio are among those on display as a part of novel exhibit at the Print Center New York. The project, called “ Data Consciousness: Reframing Blackness in Contemporary Print ,” is inspired by the ground-breaking data visualization work of W.E.B. Du Bois presented at the 1900 Paris Exposition, which sought to present various aspects of Black life after Reconstruction. This contemporary exhibit draws on updated data from official records, archives and oral testimonies to provide a contemporary look into the same themes explored by Du Bois. MPR News host Nina Moini talked with one of the artists behind the show, William Villalongo, along with Alex Blaisdell, gallery director at Highpoint Center for Printmaking in Minneapolis.