All Things Considered

Tom Crann
Tom Crann
Evan Frost | MPR News

All Things Considered, with Tom Crann in St. Paul and NPR hosts in Washington, is your comprehensive source for afternoon news and information. Listen from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. every weekday.

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Art Hounds: Holiday recommendations
It’s a holiday line-up this week for Art Hounds. La Grande Bande presents a French Baroque Christmas in St. Peter and St. Paul this weekend, St. Croix Valley Chamber Chorale performs its Christmas concert this weekend in Stillwater, and Trekkies unite for the play “It’s an Honorable Life,” a Klingon take of the George Bailey classic, at Mounds Theatre in St. Paul. 
A world away from conflict, Israel-Hamas war proves divisive for Minnesota Jews
The Oct. 7 Hamas attack and Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza strip has surfaced a wide spectrum of emotions for Jews. Some know where they stand, others are changing their perspectives, and some are unsure where to even begin. But people are guarded. Amid the tension, Jews are seeking opportunities to come together and they’re looking for guidance.
Minnesota schools will soon require ethnic studies. Here’s what that might look like
State leaders say it’s crucial students understand the political and social struggles of people of color, new immigrants and Indigenous communities. A look inside one St. Paul classroom shows how that might work.
Minnesota budget projected surplus at $2.4 billion, but warning lights blinking
State finance officials released a broad report detailing Minnesota’s economy, spending and a potential budget surplus that sets the tone for the 2024 legislative session. The state’s budget commissioner, though, offered a cautionary view on the long-term forecast.
AP reporter who investigates federal prisons discusses Chauvin stabbing
Nearly one year before former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was stabbed 22 times by a fellow inmate at a federal prison in Arizona, the Associated Press published its latest update in its years-long investigation into the Federal Bureau of Prisons. AP reporter Michael Sisak, one of the journalists who conducted the investigation, spoke to All Things Considered host Tom Crann on Monday.
Want to qualify for free college? Start with FAFSA, which comes out in December
Minnesotans looking to pursue higher education in 2024 are facing big changes with the rollout of a new FAFSA, expanded access to financial aid, and new, statewide free-tuition programs for some Native Americans and lower-income students. 
Suburban special election offers a testing ground for 2024 campaign themes
Voters in Eagan, Mendota and Mendota Heights are set to elect a new representative Tuesday in a special election. The race has generated interest and input from both major parties.
Minnesota novelist Brian Duren's new 'Gravity'
Twin Cities writer Brian Duren published two novels in the past six months, his latest, “Gravity of Love.” It’s been kind of a wild ride for Duren, who said he’s learned a lot of unexpected things about the books trade.
State’s first Latina police chief is looking for ways to connect and serve
This week, the small town of Le Sueur, between Mankato and the Twin Cities made history when it swore in Pilar Stier as its police chief. Stier is believed to be the state’s first Latina police chief. She spoke to All Things Considered host Tom Crann on her first day on the job about her new role.