The Outsiders:

Is "Minnesota Nice" to Newcomers? By Laura Yuen, Minnesota Public Radio News Minnesotans take pride in their friendliness. But many transplants, from South America to South Dakota, describe an insular culture that can keep newcomers at a comfortable distance. As the state becomes more diverse, will Minnesota turn inward or welcome its newest residents?

Credits Reporter: Laura Yuen

Radio editor: Laura McCallum

Online editors: Melanie Sommer, David Cazares

Public Insight reporter: Molly Bloom

Photographers: Jeffrey Thompson, Jennifer Simonson, Alex Kolyer



Minnesota Idea Open

MPR News reported this series as part of Minnesota Idea Open, a venture of the Minnesota Community Foundation. MPR is a partner for the MN Idea Open Challenge III: Working Together Across Cultures and Faiths. This Challenge asks Minnesotans for their ideas to build bonds and work together across culture and faith in their communities. Ideas can be submitted through March 23, and three winners will receive $15,000 each to make their idea a reality. For more information visit: www.mnideaopen.org/challenge3.