");vwo_$('head').append(_vwo_sel);return vwo_$('head')[0] && vwo_$('head')[0].lastChild;})("HEAD")}}, R_940895_48_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var ctx=vwo_$(x),el; /*vwo_debug log("Revert","content",""); vwo_debug*/; el=vwo_$('[vwo-element-id="1742919897117"]'); el.revertContentOp().remove();})("HEAD")}}, C_940895_48_1_2_1:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement",".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > h2:nth-of-type(1) > span:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > h2:nth-of-type(1) > span:nth-of-type(1)")).html("Hello! David Brancaccio here. Do you want instant access to the free online course - “Economics 101” - to understand basic economic concepts?");})(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > h2:nth-of-type(1) > span:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_48_1_2_1:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement",".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > h2:nth-of-type(1) > span:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > h2:nth-of-type(1) > span:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > h2:nth-of-type(1) > span:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_48_1_2_2:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("content","[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']")).replaceWith2("You'll gain real-world insights into how economics impacts your daily life with this easy-to-follow online course. This crash course is based on the acclaimed textbook Economy, Society, and Public Policy by CORE Econ, tailored to help you grasp key concepts without feeling overwhelmed.

Whether you're new to economics or just want to deepen your understanding, this course covers the basics and connects them to today’s pressing issues—from inequality to public policy decisions.

Each week, you'll receive a reading guide that distills core principles, offers actionable takeaways, and explains how they affect the current world. While the full ebook enriches the experience, the guides alone provide a comprehensive understanding of fundamental economic ideas.

You’ll find this course especially useful and unique because…
"),el=vwo_$("[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']");})("[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']")}}, R_940895_48_1_2_2:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","content","[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']")).revertContentOp(),el=vwo_$("[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']");})("[vwo-element-id='1742482566780']")}}, C_940895_48_1_2_3:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("content",".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)")).replaceWith2("
You'll gain real-world insights into how economics impacts your daily life with this easy-to-follow online course. This crash course is based on the acclaimed textbook Economy, Society, and Public Policy by CORE Econ, tailored to help you grasp key concepts without feeling overwhelmed.

Whether you're new to economics or just want to deepen your understanding, this course covers the basics and connects them to today’s pressing issues—from inequality to public policy decisions.

Each week, you'll receive a reading guide that distills core principles, offers actionable takeaways, and explains how they affect the current world. While the full ebook enriches the experience, the guides alone provide a comprehensive understanding of fundamental economic ideas.

You’ll find this course especially useful and unique because…
Are you ready to build a foundation in economics that empowers you to think critically about the world around you?

Get instant access today and keep an eye on your inbox for a confirmation email and your first lesson.
 
"),el=vwo_$(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)");})(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_48_1_2_3:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","content",".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)")).revertContentOp(),el=vwo_$(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)");})(".stylingblock-content-margin-cell > table:nth-of-type(1) > tbody:nth-of-type(1) > tr:nth-of-type(1) > td:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1) > div:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_62_1_3_3:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("remove","STRONG:tm('Before you go, would you consider something?')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Before you go, would you consider something?')")).vwoCss({display:"none !important"});})("STRONG:tm('Before you go, would you consider something?')")}}, R_940895_62_1_3_3:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","remove","STRONG:tm('Before you go, would you consider something?')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Before you go, would you consider something?')")).vwoRevertCss();})("STRONG:tm('Before you go, would you consider something?')")}}, GL_940895_16_pre:{ fn:function(VWO_CURRENT_CAMPAIGN, VWO_CURRENT_VARIATION,nonce = ""){try{!function(){try{var e=function(e){return Object.keys(e).find((function(e){return e.startsWith("__reactInternalInstance$")||e.startsWith("__reactFiber$")}))},n=function(e,n){if(e&&n)return e[n]},t=function(e,n,t){var i=(i=e.nodeName)&&i.toLowerCase();n.stateNode=e,n.child=null,n.tag=e.nodeType===Node.ELEMENT_NODE?5:6,n.type&&(n.type=n.elementType="vwo-"+i),n.alternate&&(n.alternate.stateNode=e),e[t]=n},i=function(e,n){var t=Date.now();!function i(){var l=Object.keys(n).find((function(e){return e.startsWith("__reactProps$")}))||"",r=Date.now();if(l&&n[l])switch(e.name){case"href":n[l].href=e.value;break;case"onClick":n[l].onClick&&delete n[l].onClick;break;case"onChange":n[l].onChange&&n[l].onChange({target:n})}l||3e3 b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_87-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})("#tfa_87-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_62_1_3_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","remove","H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")).vwoRevertCss(),(el=vwo_$("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")).vwoRevertCss();})("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")}}, C_940895_62_1_3_1:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoCss({"font-size":"22px !important"}),(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoCss({"font-size":"24px !important"}),(el=vwo_$(".vwo_tm_1742501918554 STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).html("You are now subscribed to the Weeknight Kitchen newsletter! Before you go, would you consider something?"),el.addClass("vwo_tm_1742501918554");})(".vwo_tm_1742501918554 STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")}}, R_940895_63_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","remove","#tfa_31-HTML > p:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_31-HTML > p:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertCss(),(el=vwo_$('[vwo-element-id="1742589780114"]')).remove();})(".hintsBelow")}}, R_940895_62_1_3_2:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","remove",".field-item > p:nth-of-type(2)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".field-item > p:nth-of-type(2)")).vwoRevertCss();})(".field-item > p:nth-of-type(2)")}}, C_940895_62_1_3_2:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("remove",".field-item > p:nth-of-type(2)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".field-item > p:nth-of-type(2)")).vwoCss({display:"none !important"});})(".field-item > p:nth-of-type(2)")}}, R_940895_62_1_3_1:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$(".vwo_tm_1742501918554 STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoRevertHtml(),(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoRevertCss(),(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoRevertCss();})(".vwo_tm_1742501918554 STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")}}, C_940895_61_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","#tfa_75-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_75-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).html("1. How frequently do you listen to Minnesota Public Radio?");})("#tfa_75-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_61_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","#tfa_75-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_75-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})("#tfa_75-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_61_1_2_1:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","#tfa_87-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_87-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).html("2. Which MPR programs or segments do you listen to most often?");})("#tfa_87-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_62_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("visibility","H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")).vwoCss({visibility:"hidden !important"}),(el=vwo_$("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")).vwoCss({display:"none !important"});})("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")}}, C_940895_61_1_2_2:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","#tfa_81-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_81-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).html("3. How Satisfied are you with the programs and offerings provided by MPR?");})("#tfa_81-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_62_1_2_1:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoCss({"font-size":"22px !important"}),(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoCss({"font-size":"24px !important"});})("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")}}, R_940895_62_1_2_1:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoRevertCss(),(el=vwo_$("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")).vwoRevertCss();})("STRONG:tm('Success! You’re subscribed!')")}}, C_940895_62_1_3_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("visibility","H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")).vwoCss({visibility:"hidden !important"}),(el=vwo_$("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")).vwoCss({display:"none !important"});})("H1:tm('Support The Splendid Table Today')")}}, C_940895_61_1_2_4:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","#tfa_102-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_102-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).html("5. Which topics or issues are you most interested in hearing about on MPR?");})("#tfa_102-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_61_1_2_4:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","#tfa_102-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_102-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})("#tfa_102-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_61_1_2_5:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","#tfa_112-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_112-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).html("6. How likely are you to recommend MPR to a friend or family member?");})("#tfa_112-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_61_1_2_5:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","#tfa_112-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_112-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})("#tfa_112-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_61_1_2_6:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","#tfa_118-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_118-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).html("7. What is your overall impression of the quality of MPR's programs and offering?");})("#tfa_118-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_61_1_2_6:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","#tfa_118-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_118-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})("#tfa_118-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_61_1_2_7:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","#tfa_124-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_124-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).html("8. How important is MPR to your ability to stay informed?");})("#tfa_124-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_61_1_2_7:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","#tfa_124-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_124-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})("#tfa_124-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_61_1_2_8:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","#tfa_130-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_130-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).html("9. Do you believe that MPR is an important community resource?");})("#tfa_130-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_61_1_2_8:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","#tfa_130-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_130-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})("#tfa_130-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_61_1_2_9:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","#tfa_134-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_134-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).html("10. In your own words, why would an MPR listener choose to become a donor?");})("#tfa_134-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_61_1_2_9:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","#tfa_134-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_134-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})("#tfa_134-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_16_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { try{ var _vwo_sel = vwo_$("`); !vwo_$("head").find('#1738257835657').length && vwo_$('head').append(_vwo_sel);}catch(e) {console.error(e)} try{}catch(e) {console.error(e)} try{const DEAR_READER_HEADING_HTML="

Dear reader,

",DEAR_READER_BODY_HTML="\n

Political debates with family or friends can get heated. But what if there was a way to handle them better?

\n

You can learn how to have civil political conversations with our new e-book!

\n

Download our free e-book, Talking Sense: Have Hard Political Conversations, Better, and learn how to talk without the tension.

\n",DEAR_READER_CTA_TEXT="Get your free ebook »",DEAR_READER_CTA_LINK="https://cloud.connect.mpr.org/mprnews-cfw03-01-talking-sense?utm_campaign=cfw_talkingsense&utm_term=dearreader_co";!function(){const e=async function(r,t=100,n=1e4){t=Number.isInteger(t)&&t>0&&t<=100?t:parseInt(t);let a="Array";if("NaN"==t)return console.error("Invalid refresh interval:",t);Array.isArray(r)||"string"!=typeof r||(a="string",r=[r]);let o=e=>document.querySelector(e),i=e=>e.every(e=>!!o(e));return new Promise((l,s)=>{let c=(e,r=null)=>(r&&clearInterval(r),l("Array"==a||e.length>1?e.map(e=>o(e)):o(e[0]))),d=a=>{console.error(`${a.name}: ${a.message}`);return s(a,()=>e(r,t=100,n=1e4))};try{if(i(r))return c(r);let e=setInterval(()=>{if(i(r))return c(r,e)},1e3/t);setTimeout(()=>{try{if(!i(r)){clearInterval(e);let r=Error(`Failed to find matching elements within ${n}ms`);throw r.name="Timed Out",r}}catch(e){return d(e)}},n)}catch(e){return d(e)}})};e("article").then(e=>{e.insertAdjacentHTML("beforeend",`
\n
\n

Dear reader,

\n ${DEAR_READER_BODY_HTML}\n \n \n \n
\n
`)})}();}catch(e) {console.error(e)} return vwo_$('head')[0] && vwo_$('head')[0].lastChild;})("head")}}, R_940895_16_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { try{ var ctx=vwo_$(x),el; /*vwo_debug log("Revert","content",""); vwo_debug*/; el=vwo_$('[vwo-element-id="1738257835657"]'); el.revertContentOp().remove(); } catch(e) {console.error(e)} try{ var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","addElement","body"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$('[vwo-element-id="1738257835659"]')).remove(); } catch(e) {console.error(e)} return vwo_$('head')[0] && vwo_$('head')[0].lastChild;})("head")}}, C_940895_16_1_3_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { try{ var _vwo_sel = vwo_$("`); !vwo_$("head").find('#1738257835661').length && vwo_$('head').append(_vwo_sel);}catch(e) {console.error(e)} try{}catch(e) {console.error(e)} try{const DEAR_READER_HEADING_HTML="

Dear reader,

",DEAR_READER_BODY_HTML="\n

The trustworthy and factual news you find here at MPR News relies on the generosity of readers like you.\n

\n

Your donation ensures that our journalism remains available to all, connecting communities and facilitating better conversations for everyone.\n

\n

Will you make a gift today to help keep this trusted new source accessible to all?\n

\n",DEAR_READER_CTA_TEXT="Donate now »",DEAR_READER_CTA_LINK="https://support.mpr.org/secure/news-dear-reader?utm_term=dearreader_da";!function(){const e=async function(r,t=100,n=1e4){t=Number.isInteger(t)&&t>0&&t<=100?t:parseInt(t);let a="Array";if("NaN"==t)return console.error("Invalid refresh interval:",t);Array.isArray(r)||"string"!=typeof r||(a="string",r=[r]);let o=e=>document.querySelector(e),s=e=>e.every(e=>!!o(e));return new Promise((i,l)=>{let c=(e,r=null)=>(r&&clearInterval(r),i("Array"==a||e.length>1?e.map(e=>o(e)):o(e[0]))),u=a=>{console.error(`${a.name}: ${a.message}`);return l(a,()=>e(r,t=100,n=1e4))};try{if(s(r))return c(r);let e=setInterval(()=>{if(s(r))return c(r,e)},1e3/t);setTimeout(()=>{try{if(!s(r)){clearInterval(e);let r=Error(`Failed to find matching elements within ${n}ms`);throw r.name="Timed Out",r}}catch(e){return u(e)}},n)}catch(e){return u(e)}})};e("article").then(e=>{e.insertAdjacentHTML("beforeend",`
\n
\n

Dear reader,

\n ${DEAR_READER_BODY_HTML}\n \n \n \n
\n
`)})}();}catch(e) {console.error(e)} return vwo_$('head')[0] && vwo_$('head')[0].lastChild;})("head")}}, R_940895_16_1_3_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { try{ var ctx=vwo_$(x),el; /*vwo_debug log("Revert","content",""); vwo_debug*/; el=vwo_$('[vwo-element-id="1738257835661"]'); el.revertContentOp().remove(); } catch(e) {console.error(e)} try{ var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","addElement","body"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$('[vwo-element-id="1738257835662"]')).remove(); } catch(e) {console.error(e)} return vwo_$('head')[0] && vwo_$('head')[0].lastChild;})("head")}}, C_940895_55_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("remove","H1:tm('Support MPR News Today!')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("H1:tm('Support MPR News Today!')")).vwoCss({display:"none !important"});})("H1:tm('Support MPR News Today!')")}}, R_940895_55_1_2_0:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","remove","H1:tm('Support MPR News Today!')"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("H1:tm('Support MPR News Today!')")).vwoRevertCss();})("H1:tm('Support MPR News Today!')")}}, R_940895_61_1_2_3:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","#tfa_93-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_93-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})("#tfa_93-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, C_940895_61_1_2_3:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) {var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("editElement","#tfa_93-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_93-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).html("4. How do you primarily access MPR?");})("#tfa_93-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}, R_940895_61_1_2_2:{ fn:function(log,nonce=''){return (function(x) { if(!vwo_$.fn.vwoRevertHtml){ return; }; var el,ctx=vwo_$(x); /*vwo_debug log("Revert","editElement","#tfa_81-L > b:nth-of-type(1)"); vwo_debug*/(el=vwo_$("#tfa_81-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")).vwoRevertHtml();})("#tfa_81-L > b:nth-of-type(1)")}}},rules:[{"tags":[{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":4,"c":39}],"type":"m"},"metricId":951905},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":1,"c":54}],"type":"m"},"metricId":951905},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":1,"c":55}],"type":"m"},"metricId":951905},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":5,"c":61}],"type":"m"},"metricId":951905},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":5,"c":62}],"type":"m"},"metricId":951905},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":5,"c":63}],"type":"m"},"metricId":951905},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":2,"c":16}],"type":"m"},"metricId":951905},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":5,"c":64}],"type":"m"},"metricId":951905},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":2,"c":48}],"type":"m"},"metricId":951905}],"triggers":["8459768"]},{"tags":[{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":5,"c":16}],"type":"g"},"metricId":0}],"triggers":["12639747"]},{"tags":[{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":5,"c":39}],"type":"g"},"metricId":0}],"triggers":["12454056"]},{"tags":[{"id":"runCampaign","priority":4,"data":"campaigns.39"}],"triggers":["12454053"]},{"tags":[{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":2,"c":39}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959033},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":3,"c":54}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959033},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":2,"c":55}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959033},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":2,"c":61}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959033},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":1,"c":62}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959033},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":2,"c":63}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959033},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":3,"c":16}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959033},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":2,"c":64}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959033},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":3,"c":48}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959033}],"triggers":["8536415"]},{"tags":[{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":5,"c":54}],"type":"m"},"metricId":951908},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":5,"c":55}],"type":"m"},"metricId":951908},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":1,"c":61}],"type":"m"},"metricId":951908},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":4,"c":62}],"type":"m"},"metricId":951908},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":1,"c":63}],"type":"m"},"metricId":951908},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":6,"c":16}],"type":"m"},"metricId":951908},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":1,"c":64}],"type":"m"},"metricId":951908},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":1,"c":48}],"type":"m"},"metricId":951908}],"triggers":["8639604"]},{"tags":[{"id":"runCampaign","priority":4,"data":"campaigns.54"},{"id":"runCampaign","priority":4,"data":"campaigns.55"},{"id":"runCampaign","priority":4,"data":"campaigns.61"},{"id":"runCampaign","priority":4,"data":"campaigns.62"},{"id":"runCampaign","priority":4,"data":"campaigns.63"},{"id":"runCampaign","priority":4,"data":"campaigns.16"},{"id":"runCampaign","priority":4,"data":"campaigns.64"},{"id":"runCampaign","priority":4,"data":"campaigns.48"}],"triggers":["10589191"]},{"tags":[{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":7,"c":39}],"type":"g"},"metricId":0}],"triggers":["12454062"]},{"tags":[{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":3,"c":39}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959027},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":4,"c":54}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959027},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":4,"c":55}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959027},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":4,"c":61}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959027},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":3,"c":62}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959027},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":4,"c":63}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959027},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":1,"c":16}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959027},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":4,"c":64}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959027},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":5,"c":48}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959027}],"triggers":["8536409"]},{"tags":[{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":1,"c":39}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959030},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":2,"c":54}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959030},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":3,"c":55}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959030},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":3,"c":61}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959030},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":2,"c":62}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959030},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":3,"c":63}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959030},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":4,"c":16}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959030},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":3,"c":64}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959030},{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":4,"c":48}],"type":"m"},"metricId":959030}],"triggers":["8536412"]},{"tags":[{"id":"metric","data":{"campaigns":[{"g":6,"c":39}],"type":"g"},"metricId":0}],"triggers":["12454059"]},{"tags":[{"id":"checkEnvironment"}],"triggers":["5"]},{"tags":[{"id":"prePostMutation","priority":3},{"id":"groupCampaigns","priority":2}],"triggers":["8"]},{"tags":[{"id":"visibilityService","priority":2}],"triggers":["9"]},{"tags":[{"id":"runTestCampaign"}],"triggers":["2"]},{"tags":[{"id":"urlChange"}],"triggers":["75"]}],pages:{"pc":[{"141375":{"inc":["o",["url","urlReg","(?i)^https?\\:\\\/\\\/(w{3}\\.)?mprnews\\.org\\\/story.*"],["url","urlReg","(?i)^https?\\:\\\/\\\/(w{3}\\.)?mprnews\\.org\\\/episode.*"]]}}],"ec":[{"1625289":{"inc":["o",["url","urlReg","(?i).*"]]}},{"2121531":{"inc":["o",["pg","eq","141375"]]}}]},pagesEval:{"pc":[141375],"ec":[1625289,2121531]},stags:{}}})(); ;;var commonWrapper=function(argument){if(!argument){argument={valuesGetter:function(){return{}},valuesSetter:function(){},verifyData:function(){return{}}}}const getVisitorUuid=function(){if(window._vwo_acc_id>=1037725){return window.VWO&&window.VWO.get("visitor.id")}else{return window.VWO._&&window.VWO._.cookies&&window.VWO._.cookies.get("_vwo_uuid")}};var pollInterval=100;var timeout=6e4;return function(){var accountIntegrationSettings={};var _interval=null;function waitForAnalyticsVariables(){try{accountIntegrationSettings=argument.valuesGetter();accountIntegrationSettings.visitorUuid=getVisitorUuid()}catch(error){accountIntegrationSettings=undefined}if(accountIntegrationSettings&&argument.verifyData(accountIntegrationSettings)){argument.valuesSetter(accountIntegrationSettings);return 1}return 0}var currentTime=0;_interval=setInterval((function(){currentTime=currentTime||performance.now();var result=waitForAnalyticsVariables();if(result||performance.now()-currentTime>=timeout){clearInterval(_interval)}}),pollInterval)}}; var pushBasedCommonWrapper=function(argument){var firedCamp={};if(!argument){argument={integrationName:"",getExperimentList:function(){},accountSettings:function(){},pushData:function(){}}}return function(){window.VWO=window.VWO||[];const getVisitorUuid=function(){if(window._vwo_acc_id>=1037725){return window.VWO&&window.VWO.get("visitor.id")}else{return window.VWO._&&window.VWO._.cookies&&window.VWO._.cookies.get("_vwo_uuid")}};var sendDebugLogsOld=function(expId,variationId,errorType,user_type,data){try{var errorPayload={f:argument["integrationName"]||"",a:window._vwo_acc_id,url:window.location.href,exp:expId,v:variationId,vwo_uuid:getVisitorUuid(),user_type:user_type};if(errorType=="initIntegrationCallback"){errorPayload["log_type"]="initIntegrationCallback";errorPayload["data"]=JSON.stringify(data||"")}else if(errorType=="timeout"){errorPayload["timeout"]=true}if(window.VWO._.customError){window.VWO._.customError({msg:"integration debug",url:window.location.href,lineno:"",colno:"",source:JSON.stringify(errorPayload)})}}catch(e){window.VWO._.customError&&window.VWO._.customError({msg:"integration debug failed",url:"",lineno:"",colno:"",source:""})}};var sendDebugLogs=function(expId,variationId,errorType,user_type){var eventName="vwo_debugLogs";var eventPayload={};try{eventPayload={intName:argument["integrationName"]||"",varId:variationId,expId:expId,type:errorType,vwo_uuid:getVisitorUuid(),user_type:user_type};if(window.VWO._.event){window.VWO._.event(eventName,eventPayload,{enableLogs:1})}}catch(e){eventPayload={msg:"integration event log failed",url:window.location.href};window.VWO._.event&&window.VWO._.event(eventName,eventPayload)}};const callbackFn=function(data){if(!data)return;var expId=data[1],variationId=data[2],repeated=data[0],singleCall=0,debug=0;var experimentList=argument.getExperimentList();var integrationName=argument["integrationName"]||"vwo";if(typeof argument.accountSettings==="function"){var accountSettings=argument.accountSettings();if(accountSettings){singleCall=accountSettings["singleCall"];debug=accountSettings["debug"]}}if(debug){sendDebugLogs(expId,variationId,"intCallTriggered",repeated)}if(singleCall&&(repeated==="vS"||repeated==="vSS")||firedCamp[expId]){return}window.expList=window.expList||{};var expList=window.expList[integrationName]=window.expList[integrationName]||[];if(expId&&variationId&&["VISUAL_AB","VISUAL","SPLIT_URL"].indexOf(_vwo_exp[expId].type)>-1){if(experimentList.indexOf(+expId)!==-1){firedCamp[expId]=variationId;var visitorUuid=getVisitorUuid();var pollInterval=100;var currentTime=0;var timeout=6e4;var user_type=_vwo_exp[expId].exec?"vwo-retry":"vwo-new";var interval=setInterval((function(){if(expList.indexOf(expId)!==-1){clearInterval(interval);return}currentTime=currentTime||performance.now();var toClearInterval=argument.pushData(expId,variationId,visitorUuid);if(debug&&toClearInterval){sendDebugLogsOld(expId,variationId,"",user_type);sendDebugLogs(expId,variationId,"intDataPushed",user_type)}var isTimeout=performance.now()-currentTime>=timeout;if(isTimeout&&debug){sendDebugLogsOld(expId,variationId,"timeout",user_type);sendDebugLogs(expId,variationId,"intTimeout",user_type)}if(toClearInterval||isTimeout){clearInterval(interval)}if(toClearInterval){window.expList[integrationName].push(expId)}}),pollInterval||100)}}};window.VWO.push(["onVariationApplied",callbackFn]);window.VWO.push(["onVariationShownSent",callbackFn])}}; var surveyDataCommonWrapper=function(argument){if(!argument){argument={getCampaignList:function(){return[]},surveyStatusChange:function(){},answerSubmitted:function(){}}}return function(){window.VWO=window.VWO||[];function getValuesFromAnswers(answers){var values=[];for(var i=0;i=timeout;if(toClearInterval||isTimeout){clearInterval(interval)}}),pollInterval)}}window.VWO.push(["onSurveyShown",function(data){commonSurveyCallback(data,argument.surveyStatusChange,"surveyShown")}]);window.VWO.push(["onSurveyCompleted",function(data){commonSurveyCallback(data,argument.surveyStatusChange,"surveyCompleted")}]);window.VWO.push(["onSurveyAnswerSubmitted",function(data){commonSurveyCallback(data,argument.answerSubmitted,"surveySubmitted")}])}}; (function(){var VWOOmniTemp={};window.VWOOmni=window.VWOOmni||{};for(var key in VWOOmniTemp)Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty.call(VWOOmniTemp,key)&&(window.VWOOmni[key]=VWOOmniTemp[key]);;})();(function(){window.VWO=window.VWO||[];var pollInterval=100;var _vis_data={};var intervalObj={};var analyticsTimerObj={};var experimentListObj={};window.VWO.push(["onVariationApplied",function(data){if(!data){return}var expId=data[1],variationId=data[2];if(expId&&variationId&&["VISUAL_AB","VISUAL","SPLIT_URL"].indexOf(window._vwo_exp[expId].type)>-1){}}])})();; ;var vD=VWO.data||{};VWO.data={content:{"fns":{"list":{"vn":1,"args":{"1":{}}}}},as:"r4.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com",dacdnUrl:"https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com",accountJSInfo:{"noSS":false,"pc":{"a":0,"t":0},"rp":30,"ts":1743747819}};for(var k in vD){VWO.data[k]=vD[k]};;var gcpfb=function(a,loadFunc,status,err,success){function vwoErr() {_vwo_err({message:"Google_Cdn failing for " + a + ". Trying Fallback..",code:"cloudcdnerr",status:status});} if(a.indexOf("/cdn/")!==-1){loadFunc(a.replace("cdn/",""),err,success); vwoErr(); return true;} else if(a.indexOf("/dcdn/")!==-1&&a.indexOf("evad.js") !== -1){loadFunc(a.replace("dcdn/",""),err,success); vwoErr(); return true;}};window.VWO=window.VWO || [];window.VWO._= window.VWO._ || {};window.VWO._.gcpfb=gcpfb;;var d={cookie:document.cookie,URL:document.URL,referrer:document.referrer};var w={VWO:{_:{}},location:{href:window.location.href,search:window.location.search},_vwoCc:window._vwoCc};;window._vwo_cdn="https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/cdn/";window._vwo_apm_debug_cdn="https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/cdn/";window.VWO._.useCdn=true;window.vwo_eT="br";window._VWO=window._VWO||{};window._VWO.fSeg={};window._VWO.dcdnUrl="/dcdn/settings.js";window.VWO.sTs=1743694774;window._VWO._vis_nc_lib=window._vwo_cdn+"edrv/nc-e76f33e8accfa6859749db0f9a4d4230br.js";var loadWorker=function(url){_vwo_code.load(url, { dSC: true, onloadCb: function(xhr,a){window._vwo_wt_l=true;if(xhr.status===200 ||xhr.status===304){var code="var window="+JSON.stringify(w)+",document="+JSON.stringify(d)+";window.document=document;"+xhr.responseText;var blob=new Blob([code||"throw new Error('code not found!');"],{type:"application/javascript"}),url=URL.createObjectURL(blob);window.mainThread={webWorker:new Worker(url)};window.vwoChannelFW=new MessageChannel();window.vwoChannelToW=new MessageChannel();window.mainThread.webWorker.postMessage({vwoChannelToW:vwoChannelToW.port1,vwoChannelFW:vwoChannelFW.port2},[vwoChannelToW.port1, vwoChannelFW.port2]);if(!window._vwo_mt_f)return window._vwo_wt_f=true;_vwo_code.addScript({text:window._vwo_mt_f});delete window._vwo_mt_f}else{if(gcpfb(a,loadWorker,xhr.status)){return;}_vwo_code.finish("&e=loading_failure:"+a)}}, onerrorCb: function(a){if(gcpfb(a,loadWorker)){return;}window._vwo_wt_l=true;_vwo_code.finish("&e=loading_failure:"+a);}})};loadWorker("https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/cdn/edrv/worker-1135852b6bc11a94eb64017a8d120ad8br.js");;var _vis_opt_file;var _vis_opt_lib;if(window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.previewExtraSettings!=undefined&&window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.previewExtraSettings.isSurveyPreviewMode){var surveyHash=window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.plugins.LIBINFO.SURVEY_DEBUG_EVENTS.HASH;var param1="evad.js?va=";var param2="&d=debugger_new";var param3="&sp=1&a=940895&sh="+surveyHash;_vis_opt_file=vwoCode.use_existing_jquery&&typeof vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()!=="undefined"?vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()?param1+"vanj"+param2:param1+"va_gq"+param2:param1+"edrv/va_gq-a062e7c4223b2b89f5cddb5055816677br.js"+param2;_vis_opt_file=_vis_opt_file+param3;_vis_opt_lib="https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/dcdn/"+_vis_opt_file}else if(window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.mode!=undefined&&window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.mode=="PREVIEW"){ var path1 = 'edrv/pd_'; var path2 = window.VWO._.allSettings.dataStore.plugins.LIBINFO.EVAD.HASH + ".js"; ;_vis_opt_file=vwoCode.use_existing_jquery&&typeof vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()!=="undefined"?vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()?path1+"vanj"+path2:path1+"va_gq"+path2:path1+"edrv/va_gq-a062e7c4223b2b89f5cddb5055816677br.js"+path2;_vis_opt_lib="https://dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/cdn/"+_vis_opt_file}else{_vis_opt_file=vwoCode.use_existing_jquery&&typeof vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()!=="undefined"?vwoCode.use_existing_jquery()?"edrv/vanj-55389bda300ad24b514d62f335aa126abr.js":"edrv/va_gq-a062e7c4223b2b89f5cddb5055816677br.js":"edrv/va_gq-a062e7c4223b2b89f5cddb5055816677br.js"}window._vwo_library_timer=setTimeout((function(){vwoCode.removeLoaderAndOverlay&&vwoCode.removeLoaderAndOverlay();vwoCode.finish()}),vwoCode.library_tolerance&&typeof vwoCode.library_tolerance()!=="undefined"?vwoCode.library_tolerance():2500),_vis_opt_lib=typeof _vis_opt_lib=="undefined"?window._vwo_cdn+_vis_opt_file:_vis_opt_lib;var loadLib=function(url){_vwo_code.load(url, { dSC: true, onloadCb:function(xhr,a){window._vwo_mt_l=true;if(xhr.status===200 || xhr.status===304){if(!window._vwo_wt_f)return window._vwo_mt_f=xhr.responseText;_vwo_code.addScript({text:xhr.responseText});delete window._vwo_wt_f;}else{if(gcpfb(a,loadLib,xhr.status)){return;}_vwo_code.finish("&e=loading_failure:"+a);}}, onerrorCb: function(a){if(gcpfb(a,loadLib)){return;}window._vwo_mt_l=true;_vwo_code.finish("&e=loading_failure:"+a);}})};loadLib(_vis_opt_lib);VWO.load_co=function(u,opts){return window._vwo_code.load(u,opts);};;;}}catch(e){_vwo_code.finish();_vwo_code.removeLoaderAndOverlay&&_vwo_code.removeLoaderAndOverlay();_vwo_err(e);window.VWO.caE=1}})();
Politics and Government News

Legislation for the ‘Eras’ — New Taylor Swift ticketing bill could help fans in Minnesota

Four women hold out arms, showing bracelets.
From left, Meghan Kerr, Brigit Greiner, Ta'mia Hedlin and Andrea Hughes show the bracelets they traded before the second night of Taylor Swift's Eras tour in Minneapolis.
Nicole Neri for MPR News | 2023

There’s “Bad Blood” between fans and ticket sellers. A bill dubbed the “Taylor Swift bill” could help.

The bill would require ticket sellers to list the full price, including fees, up-front on their website. It would also ban speculative ticketing, where tickets are sold before they are actually available. And it would prevent ticket companies and resellers from using deceptive practices.

The House Commerce and Finance Committee voted to refer the bill to the General Register Monday, where the Minnesota House of Representatives will be able to take it up for a vote.

Rep. Kelly Moller, DFL-Shoreview, authored the bill after her experience trying to get tickets to Taylor Swift’s Era Tour in Minneapolis last summer. The bill was introduced last session, and Moller and Senate sponsor Matt Klein, DFL-Mendota Heights, spent the interim between sessions talking to stakeholders who would be affected by the bill.

A woman gives a speech after winning an award
Taylor Swift accepts the Best Pop Vocal Album award for "Midnights" onstage during the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on Los Angeles.
Kevin Winter | Getty Images

“The number of hours that I’ve spent talking to stakeholders probably, remarkably, exceeds the number of minutes I’ve spent listening to All Too Well, the 10 Minute Version, Taylor’s Version, From the Vault,” Moller said.

When thousands of fans couldn’t get tickets for Swift’s tour, some paid upwards of 70 times face value to secure tickets. It prompted lawmakers across the country to introduce bills similar to Moller’s, which is fittingly identified as HF1989, a number many fans know as both the year Swift was born and the name of her fifth studio album.

Moller said she talked to many Minnesotans who experienced similar situations. Some were duped into buying tickets that didn’t exist from misleading websites.

But it’s not just Taylor Swift fans affected by deceptive online ticketing practices. During a committee hearing Monday, Mike Dean, Executive Director of Northstar Prosperity, shared a similar experience he had trying to purchase tickets to the Big 10 Basketball Tournament for his 12-year-old daughter.

“My daughter’s unwavering love for women’s basketball began just at the age of four… since then she has been captivated both as a spectator and a player,” said Dean, who wanted to take his daughter to see basketball phenomenon Caitlin Clark. “When she expressed a desire to attend the Big 10 tournament, I just couldn’t refuse.”

A kids holds a sign
Carson Delmonico, 9, holds a sign and cheers next to Audrey Delmonico, 12, and Jada VanEngen, 12, during the game between the Minnesota Gophers and the Iowa Hawkeyes at Williams Arena on February 28, 2024, in Minneapolis
Kerem Yücel | MPR News

Dean had assumed he would be paying $75 for a ticket. By the time he went to check out, his total had risen to over $500, which included a facility fee, handling fee and service fee.

“Ticket event vendors like Ticketmaster are permitted to levy these junk fees that don’t correspond to a service or product,” he said. “As consumers we have no choice but to pay up.”

Despite what seems like a straightforward consumer rights issue, sharp disagreements among venues and ticket sellers, as well as lobbying campaigns by industry and consumer groups, have made bills in other states unsuccessful.

California’s ticketing proposals failed to move ahead after lobbyists campaigned against the bill and legislation in Colorado was vetoed by the Democratic governor at the urging of some consumer groups. A proposal introduced by U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar has so far failed to advance in the U.S. Senate.

Two people show off decorated jackets.
Brittney Riehle, right, and her mother Ruth Ann show the jackets they diamond-painted by hand before the second night of Taylor Swift's Eras tour.
Nicole Neri for MPR News | 2023

Robert Singleton, the director of policy and public affairs for the Chamber of Progress, urged the committee on Monday to vote against HF1989. Singleton argued that the bill would hurt consumers by restricting the role of ticket resellers and speculative ticketing.

“Limiting access to these secondary markets could stifle innovation in a ticketing marketplace that creates better options for consumers,” Singleton said.

StubHub and Vivid Seats, two of the largest ticket reselling companies, are members of the Chamber of Progress.

Despite unsuccessful attempts in other states, it’s not beyond anyone’s “Wildest Dreams” that this bill could have a shot in Minnesota.

Volume Button
Volume
Now Listening To Livestream
MPR News logo
On Air
BBC World Service