MPR News with Angela Davis

In 1979, President Jimmy Carter officially recognized June as Black Music Month to honor the influence of Black musicians and artists in shaping American music.  It's a reminder that Black music has been at the heart of almost every sound we know and love, including jazz, blues, rock, R&B, gospel, hip hop and even country. And in Minnesota, we've felt the impact — from the legacy of Prince to the Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Gary Hines, the founder of Sounds of Blackness, about the history and influence of Black artists across all musical genres. Guests: Gary Hines is the founder, music director and producer of Sounds of Blackness, a Grammy Award-winning vocal and instrumental group from Minnesota that blends gospel, R&B, soul and jazz music.   Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.   Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.  

Most Americans are eating and drinking far more sugar than is good for us. It's easy to do. Sugar is added to everything from breakfast cereals and flavored coffee creamers to salad dressings and pasta sauces. And all of that sugar can add up. Americans consume an average of 17 teaspoons of sugar a day with some estimates as high as 34 teaspoons a day. That's about three times the daily limit recommended by the American Heart Association.U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently said, “Sugar is poison,” and recommends that Americans consume “zero” added sugar. So how much is too much? MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a doctor and a dietitian about what sugar does to our bodies and ways to cut back to improve our health.  Guests: Dr. Allison Estrada is an endocrinologist at Hennepin HealthCare.    Alex Larson is a registered dietitian nutritionist based near Duluth.  Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.   Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.     

After the U.S. attacked three Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend, Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Tehran and Iran fired missiles at the largest American military installation in the Middle East. And according to President Donald Trump, Israel and Iran have agreed to a cease-fire.MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about the latest developments in the conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States.Guests:Shaherzad Ahmadi is an associate professor of history at the University of St. Thomas. Her research has focused on the history of the Iran-Iraq War that began in 1980. She is also the author of “Bordering on War.” Eric Schwartz is a professor and chair of the global policy area and former dean of the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. He is a former president of Refugees International and served as assistant secretary of state under President Barack Obama.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation. 

President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown has sparked recent protests across the country.MPR News host Angela Davis will talk with two immigration attorneys about how Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials are trying to fulfill President Trump's pledge of mass deportations.Guests:Alexis Dutt is a senior attorney at Karam Law, a Twin Cities law firm that focuses on immigration law.Hanne Sandison is the director of immigration legal services for Advocates for Human Rights, a nonprofit based in Minneapolis dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights. Chris Farrell is a senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace. Resources shared during the conversation:U.S. Citizen and Immigration ServicesSelf-help materials: LawHelpMN.orgFind a free or low-cost lawyer: ImmigrationLawHelp.org The Advocates for Human Rights: Get Help or Become a Client

Juneteenth has long been celebrated in Black communities to remember June 19, 1865, the day that enslaved African Americans in Texas learned they were free. After becoming a federal holiday in 2021, broader community celebrations began in cities around the country, including the Minnesota Orchestra's annual Juneteenth concert tonight at Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis. MPR News host Angela Davis talked with the guest conductor of the Juneteenth concert and one of its organizers about the contributions of Black American composers and how classical music is being shaped by Black American music traditions, including gospel, jazz and the blues. Tickets to the 7 p.m. concert were still available as of Thursday morning. The concert will also stream live on YourClassical MPR with host Melissa Ousley. Guests:   Jonathan Taylor Rush returns to guest conduct this year's Juneteenth concert with the Minnesota Orchestra after conducting the concert in 2024. Now based in North Carolina, Taylor Rush was associate conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra from 2020 to 2023 and is in demand as a guest conductor around the world.  Grant Meachum is director of the Minnesota Orchestra's Live at Orchestra Hall season, which includes the Juneteenth concert and more than twenty other special programs every year featuring film presentations, holiday celebrations and collaborations with popular artists. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.  

The last few days have been heavy in Minnesota. Many people are experiencing a collective sense of grief in the wake of the targeted fatal shootings of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband. MPR News host Kelly Gordon talks with her guests about the shared sadness, anger and anxiety — and how people can heal, together.Guests: Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman is the senior rabbi at Temple Israel in Minneapolis.  Fiyyaz Karim is co-director of graduate studies and a senior lecturer who teaches addiction counseling and integrated behavioral health at the University of Minnesota. 

Federal authorities posted murder and stalking charges against Vance Boelter Monday, saying he went to the homes of two other state lawmakers early Saturday morning between shooting state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, and killing DFL House leader Melissa Hortman and her husband. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said more than 45 Minnesota state and federal officials were on Boelter's target list — all of them Democrats. The shootings are part of a string of high-profile political violence across the country in recent years.MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about the rise in sharp polarization in the U.S. and the threat of political violence. Guests:  Lilliana Mason is a professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University. She is the author of “Uncivil Agreement: How Politics Became Our Identity.” And she is the co-author of “Radical American Partisanship: Mapping Violent Hostility, Its Causes, and the Consequences for Democracy.” Kathryn Pearson is a professor of political science at the University of Minnesota. She is also the associate dean of undergraduate education and the director of the University Honors Program.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.     

Minnesota House Democratic Leader Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were fatally shot at their home in Brooklyn Park early Saturday. A second Democratic lawmaker, state Sen. John Hoffman, and his wife Yvette, were also shot and wounded at their home in Champlin. Gov. Tim Walz said the shooting “appears to be a politically motivated assassination.” On Sunday, he pleaded for civility in American life. “This cannot be the norm,” he said. “It cannot be the way we deal with our political differences.”Angela Davis and her guests talk about how Minnesotans are processing the news, the history of political violence in the United States and how it's changing. Guests: Yohuru Williams is a distinguished university chair, professor of history and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas. Larry Jacobs is a political scientist and founder and director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota. He is also the author of “Democracy Under Fire: Donald Trump and the Breaking of American History.”  Ryan Sabas, Mayor of Champlin, Minn.Steve Simon, Minnesota's Secretary of State.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.     

The Trump administration's immigration crackdown is extending to people who want to study at colleges and universities in the U.S.MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about how halting interviews for new student visa applications and banning travel from some countries could affect higher education in Minnesota. Guests:Shahzad Ahmad is associate vice president for global and multicultural engagement at St. Cloud State University. Scott Olson is the chancellor of Minnesota State — the fourth largest system of state colleges and universities in the U.S. and the largest in Minnesota. He was president of Winona State University from 2012–2023. Before that, he was provost and vice president for academic and student affairs at Minnesota State University Mankato. 

When people think about lifting weights, they often picture building a lot of muscle or see it as a way to “bulk up.” But weight training can be a powerful tool for long-term health — helping strengthen your bones and improve your balance and mental well-being.  MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about how weight training can boost your health — physically and mentally — at any age. Guests: Angela Nguyen is a certified mobility, strength and nutrition coach for American Strength Training Center in Maplewood, Minn. She is also a three-time bodybuilding “posing and presentation” winner.  Hegel Brandes is the manager of outpatient occupational therapy and physical therapy rehabilitation services for Hennepin Healthcare. He oversees physical therapists who create exercise treatment plans to help people recover from injuries.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.     

Donald Trump's presidency has been a busy time for Democratic attorneys general across the country.  President Trump started his term with a flurry of executive orders. In response, many state attorneys general, often working together, filed their own barrage of federal lawsuits to put the brakes on what the president is trying to do.  In January, 22 states and the District of Columbia challenged an executive order to freeze federal funding. In February, attorneys general from three states, including Minnesota, sued to stop a presidential order that would have restricted health care for transgender youth. In April, a dozen states sued to halt many of the tariffs that President Trump imposed without approval from Congress.  And on Tuesday, California state officials continued to push back on President Trump's decision to deploy Marines and state National Guard troops to immigration protests in Los Angeles. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison about why he thinks President Trump is stepping over the legal limits of the constitution. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin joins them later in the hour. Guests: Keith Ellison has served as Minnesota's attorney general since January 2019. Before that, he spent 12 years representing Minnesota's 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Matthew Platkin was appointed as New Jersey's attorney general in 2022. He has also worked in private practice and served as chief counsel to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.     

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about how smoke from Canadian wildfires could continue to affect our air quality this summer and what we can do to stay healthy when skies are smoky. Guests:Jessie Carr is the supervisor of environmental epidemiology in the environmental health division of the Minnesota Department of Health. Matt Taraldsen is a meteorologist and supervisor of the team that issues air quality conditions, alerts and forecasts at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.   Dr. Dylan Wyatt is an emergency medicine physician with Aspirus St. Luke's health care system in Duluth.AirNow.gov allows you to check current air quality conditions. You can also download the AirNow mobile app and sign up to receive air quality alerts and forecasts via email.MPCA current air quality conditions: Current air quality conditions | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (state.mn.us)MDH air quality and health website: Air Quality, Climate and HealthMDH Wildfire Smoke web page: Wildfire Smoke - MN Dept. of Health (state.mn.us)Minnesota Outdoor Air Quality Guidance for Schools and Child CareDIY Air Cleaner to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Indoors

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a brother and sister who are both award-winning storytellers. They talk about their work and how they support each other as part of our MPR News Power Pairs series.Guests: Daniel Bergin is a filmmaker, executive producer and director of history at Twin Cities PBS, where he was hired more than 30 years ago as a production assistant. He has won more than 20 regional Emmy Awards for his films covering diverse topics rooted in Minnesota history, including “Jim Crow of the North,” “North Star: Minnesota's Black Pioneers,” and “Out North: MNLGBTQ History.” Lea B. Olsen is a veteran TV analyst covering her 15th season with the Minnesota Lynx and is a sideline reporter for the Minnesota Timberwolves. She also covers both the boys' and girls' state high school basketball tournaments. Beyond the court, Lea is a professional speaker and the founder of Rethink the Win — a platform that challenges athletes, coaches and parents to see sports as a powerful tool for growth, connection and lifelong impact.Check out Angela's previous Power Pair conversations.  Do you know a Power Pair?We'd love to hear your ideas for Power Pairs to interview. Send us your suggestions.

More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Researchers continue to search for ways to prevent and treat it. And last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a blood test to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about the latest research and how to support people who live with dementia and their caregivers. Guests:Dr. Dongming Cai is a professor of neurology and director of the Center for Memory Research and Care at the University of Minnesota. Jenna Fink is the associate director for community services at the Minnesota — North Dakota Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. The Alzheimer's Association's 24/7 Helpline is 800-272-3900.   The association's Minnesota-North Dakota chapter also provides local, no-cost education classes and support groups for people with dementia and their caregivers.Dementia Friends Minnesota offers sessions to help people understand dementia and find out how to make communities dementia friendly.

Summer is starting, the days are getting warmer and if you've got a garden, it's calling for your attention. Maybe you're growing tomatoes on the back deck or trying to fill your yard with vibrant flowers. Or maybe you're just trying to stay one step ahead of those pesky weeds. Whatever your gardening goals, summer is the season when gardens can really shine — or struggle. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what grows well in our region, how to time plantings, how to fix common garden problems and how to keep your soil — and your plants — in good shape all summer long.  Guests: Catherine Grant is a horticulturalist who manages the greenhouses, medicinal garden and pollinator habitat for the Department of Biology at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.   Laura Irish-Hanson is a horticulture educator with the University of Minnesota Extension. She works primarily out of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska.  Here's a list of resources that were discussed on the show:University of Minnesota Soil Testing laboratoryUniversity of Minnesota Extension“Hort Shorts” created by UMN Extension https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nY7GaPXLa0w&list=PLyMOSdo2sM9tCmiTBa19yapMRxPL-04Eb&index=4Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.   Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.     

Minnesota has the highest rate of people working remotely in the Midwest, according to the Minneapolis Federal Reserve. More than a third of workers in the state worked at home at least part time in 2023. But now, five years after the pandemic, the great experiment of remote work is shaking out. More employers are calling workers back to the office. On Monday, tens of thousands of state employees who had been working remotely are required to return to work in person at least 50 percent of the time, complying with a return-to-office order from Gov. Tim Walz. Some private companies, such as 3M and Medtronic, also are dialing back their work-from-home policies and President Donald Trump has sought to end remote work for federal workers.MPR News host Angela Davis discusses what we've learned about remote work — when it works and when it doesn't — and what its future might be. Guests: Chris Farrell is a senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace.  Colleen Flaherty Manchester is a professor and faculty director of the Center for Human Resources and Labor Studies in the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. She studies flexible work and other benefits and programs offered by employers. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.   Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.     

Like most school districts in Minnesota, St. Paul Public Schools is facing a complicated set of challenges. Enrollment is up a bit this year, but the small increase follows years of decline. The district faces a budget shortfall, has already made deep cuts and plans to ask voters this fall to approve a tax increase to support schools.  At the same time, student performance is stuck where it was before the pandemic and proposals from President Donald Trump and from Republicans in Congress would reduce support for public education.   MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the challenges facing public education with St. Paul's new superintendent, Stacie Stanley.  Guest:Stacie Stanley is the superintendent of St. Paul Public Schools, the second largest school district in Minnesota. Prior to joining the district in May, she served three years as the superintendent of Edina Public Schools, as associate superintendent in Eden Prairie Schools and on the leadership team in the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District. She's been a classroom teacher, curriculum math specialist and a principal. She graduated from St. Paul's Central High School.

Last week, Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a multitrillion dollar bill that advances President Donald Trump's agenda for his second term.One issue that will be debated as it moves to the Senate is the bill's significant changes to Medicaid.  Medicaid is the public insurance program that covers most health care and long-term care for 83 million low-income and disabled people in the U.S. In Minnesota, about a quarter of the population is on the state's Medicaid program, which is known as Medical Assistance. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a physician and a health policy researcher about what the proposed changes to Medicaid could mean for Minnesotans.   Guests: Lynn Blewett is a professor of health policy in the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota. She is also the director of the State Health Access Data Assistance Center, a health policy research center with a focus on state policy. Dr. Tyler Winkelman is a primary care physician and researcher who directs the division of general internal medicine at Hennepin Healthcare. He is also the co-director of the Health, Homelessness, and Criminal Justice Lab. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation. 

This month we've seen many special events marking five years since the murder of George Floyd.  He died on Memorial Day after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for more than 9 minutes during an arrest.  What followed was chaos and many uncomfortable conversations about race. In 2021, MPR launched a podcast called Early Risers to help parents talk to kids about race. It was created in partnership with Little Moments Count, which is a collaborative of organizations working to improve interactions between parents and their children. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the original host of the Early Risers podcast, Dianne Haulcy, and the current host, Andre Dukes.  She asked them how it's going, and if we have made progress in engaging children in conversations about race. Guests: Dianne Haulcy hosted Early Risers until 2024. She is now the assistant commissioner of early childhood at the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Andre Dukes is the current host of Early Risers. He has spent the last decade of his career focused on child development and academic success in north Minneapolis. He is also the vice president of Family and Community Impact at Northside Achievement Zone, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS. Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.      

It was Memorial Day weekend, five years ago, when George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Bystanders recorded the nine-plus minutes that Chauvin calmly kneeled on Floyd's neck, as the Black man pleaded for help and air. That video rocketed from phone to phone, from media to media and sparked worldwide protests against police brutality.But for the Black community in Minneapolis, Floyd's murder was just a chapter in a much longer story.Long before 2020, people had been organizing, creating and demanding change. Certainly, in the immediate aftermath of Floyd's death and Chauvin's 2021 conviction, progress was made. Businesses and institutions promised to invest in racial equity, to develop new community practices, to reckon with systems of harm.But in the neighborhood where Floyd lived and died, has that change taken root? That was the question at the center of a North Star Journey Live event hosted by MPR News host Angela Davis earlier this month. On May 6, a cross section of Black community leaders came together at Pillsbury House Theatre to talk about real change, deep healing and defiant hope. The conversation was candid, often surprising and ultimately inspiring. North Star Journey Live: Five Years After George Floyd Panelists: Angela Harrelson, George Floyd's aunt and registered nurseAnthony Taylor, community development lead for the Cultural Wellness Center and outdoor educator-activistJeanelle Austin, founder of the Racial Agency Initiative and a board member for the George Floyd Global MemorialJerome Richardson, cofounder of the youth-led Minnesota Teen ActivistsSigne Harriday, artistic producing director at Pillsbury House + Theatre and lead local organizer for the Million Artist MovementTabitha Montgomery, executive director of the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood AssociationSpecial guests: Junauda Petrus, creative activist and current poet laureate for MinneapolisElder Atum Azzahir, founder and executive director of the Cultural Wellness CenterSubscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS. 

Mental illness is the leading cause of hospitalization for America's military service members.  Anxiety conditions and post-traumatic stress disorders lead the list of diagnoses. This special explores the mental health needs of veterans and people serving in the militaryWe hear about how combat and non-combat military duty can impact mental health. And we explore the unique resources and support available to service members and veterans.   Join Call to Mind host Kimberly Adams for “Silent Battles: Mental Health and Military Service,” a one-hour broadcast special.

The phrase “if only” is often used concerning a person's mental health. If only we'd known they were hurting. If only they'd been diagnosed sooner. Roughly one in seven children between the ages of 3 to 17 has a diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition. This special looks at how critical early intervention can be in caring for children's mental health and how they are treated. We'll hear from experts about the safety of medicating kids and new advances in therapy. We also explore how school often plays an enormous role in a child's development and safety. Join Call to Mind host Kimberly Adams for “Treating the Young Mind,” a one-hour broadcast special. 

Technology is ever-present in modern life, from remote work to communities on social media, from dating apps to telemedicine. We live with an ever-expanding array of online options and an ever-growing list of new questions about how healthy it is to spend so much time online with our devices. This broadcast special explores the influence of technology on our mental health.  We'll hear from experts about how online communities, AI, influencers, and social media compromise one's mental health. We also meet people whose wellbeing has been improved by new technologies.  Join Call to Mind host Kimberly Adams for “Promise and Peril: Technology and mental health,” a one-hour broadcast special. 

Studies show that one in four older adults live with a mental illness, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. But many older people don't get the help they need. And America's aging population is expected to double by 2050. This program explores the unique mental health challenges of older adults, and the models in place to care for them. We'll hear from mental health providers, direct care workers, and older Americans living with mental health issues. The program explores therapeutic solutions and improved treatment systems to help older adults and their wellbeing. Join Call to Mind host Kimberly Adams for “The Aging Mind,” a one-hour broadcast special.

An estimated 29 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime. These mental illnesses can be profoundly disruptive to a person's life and psychological wellbeing. And eating disorders can be deadly. Anorexia nervosa has one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric condition. Eating disorders strike a wide range of people, but deep-rooted assumptions about who suffers from these diseases often complicate the road to recovery.  This special looks at eating disorders and the challenges of treatment. We'll hear firsthand from people who have experienced these illnesses and experts who treat them.  Join Call to Mind host Kimberly Adams for “Beyond the Mirror: The Challenge of Eating Disorders,” a one-hour broadcast special. 

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her producers about what happens behind the scenes of her 9 a.m. show.They'll tell you all about how they pitch, research and select topics and guests and screen phone calls. Guests: Maja Beckstrom is a producer for MPR News with Angela Davis. She was a reporter at the St. Paul Pioneer Press for over 20 years before joining the 9 a.m. team almost five years ago. She was also a reporter for a newspaper in Southern California and for MPR stations in Rochester and Collegeville. Cari Dwyer is the senior producer for MPR News with Angela Davis. Before joining the 9 a.m. team, she helped create exhibits for the Science Museum of Minnesota and was a producer and newscaster at Wisconsin Public Radio.Nikhil Kumaran is the associate producer for MPR News with Angela Davis. He has also worked for The Current and was the music director at Radio K, the award-winning student-run radio station of the University of Minnesota. He is also a concert photographer and music videographer.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.    Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.    

MPR News host Angela Davis revisits expert advice from recent Wellness Wednesday shows. High blood pressure is one of the most common health risks in the U.S. and it is becoming more common among young people. It affects about fourteen percent of children and teens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Angela talks with two cardiologists about the dangers of untreated high blood pressure and the medications and lifestyle changes that can protect your heart. Plus, a sleep researcher talks about the link between poor sleep and dementia, and two runners share tips on starting a running habit. Guests: Dr. Jamie Lohr is a pediatric cardiologist for M Health Fairview and an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Minnesota Medical School.Dr. Bhavadharini Ramu is an advanced heart failure cardiologist with M Health Fairview and an associate professor in the Cardiovascular Division at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Dr. Michael Howell is a professor of neurology and a sleep researcher at the University of Minnesota.  For more information about volunteering for one of Dr. Howell's research studies, go to the Pre-screening Survey or call 763-913-8367.  Dr.  Kenneth Poole is an internal medicine physician and founder and captain of the Twin Cities chapter of Black Men Run.Andrea Haus is the community and marketing manager at Mill City Running, a Twin Cities running shop that hosts running events throughout the Twin Cities. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.    Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.     

You've probably heard his voice guide you through some of Minnesota's biggest news stories — steady, thoughtful and unmistakable.  For 20 years, Tom Crann has been a trusted presence on MPR News, hosting All Things Considered on weekday afternoons and connecting with listeners across the state.  Now he's starting a new chapter, one filled with sonatas, symphonies and a different kind of storytelling. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Tom Crann about the highlights of his career in journalism and why he's returning to his classical music roots as a host for YourClassical MPR. Guest:Tom Crann is the former host of All Things Considered for MPR News. For nearly 20 years, he has covered Minnesota and national news. He is also known for his weekly “Appetites” segments about Minnesota's vibrant culinary scene.  

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's board of directors to cease federal funding for NPR and PBS.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about how defunding NPR and PBS could affect public radio and TV stations around the country. Guests:Maribel Pérez Wadsworth is the president and CEO of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation based in Miami, Florida. She is the first woman and the seventh president to lead the Knight foundation, which supports informed and engaged communities through investments in journalism, the arts and research in media and democracy. She is also the former president of Gannett Media and is a former publisher of USA Today. Katherine Maher is the president and CEO of National Public Radio. Prior to joining NPR, she was the CEO of Web Summit, an international technology conference. Before that, she was CEO of the Wikimedia Foundation, where she was responsible for the free online encyclopedia Wikipedia.  

For more than 30 years, AmeriCorps has been a powerful driver of national public service.  The federally funded program was launched in 1993 under President Bill Clinton with a simple but powerful idea that people of all ages and backgrounds could serve their communities. Since then, hundreds of thousands of people have joined AmeriCorps to tutor students, support seniors, clean up parks and rivers, assist during disasters and strengthen communities across the country, including here in Minnesota.  That work is now at risk. Because of deep federal budget cuts by the Trump administration, 85 percent of AmeriCorps staff members are currently on administrative leave. Many have been told their jobs will come to an end this June.  For the communities that rely on them — especially rural areas, low-income neighborhoods and schools already stretched thin—the loss could be staggering. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the work AmeriCorps does in Minnesota and why it matters. Guest:Brooke Rivers is a former AmeriCorps member and executive director of Reading Partners Minnesota, a nonprofit organization that recruits and trains people to teach reading to students in under-resourced schools.  Jesse Chang is a former AmeriCorps member and national service program director with Literacy Minnesota. He used to oversee the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits AmeriCorps VISTA program.   Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.     Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.     

In a little over three months, federal Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made sweeping changes to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its priorities.The federal health department oversees agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health.MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how these changes are affecting public health across the country and in Minnesota.Guest:Michael Osterholm is the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. He is an epidemiologist who studies infectious diseases. He is also the author of the New York Times best-seller, “Deadliest Enemy: Our War Against Killer Germs”, and '“Living Terrors: What America Needs to Know to Survive the Coming Bioterrorist Catastrophe.” He has a new book coming out this summer, “The Big One: How We Must Prepare for Future Deadly Pandemics.” 

About 4,500 people are released from Minnesota prisons each year. Many of them have spent years, if not decades, behind bars, separated from friends, family and community.What happens when they finally return? How do they rebuild their lives during this complex and often precarious transition?That was the topic at a collaborative Sahan Community Live and North Star Journey Live event recorded on April 24 at the St. Paul Neighborhood Network. Co-hosted by MPR News senior editor Brandt Williams and Sahan Journal digital producer Alberto Villafan, formerly incarcerated Minnesotans shared first-hand stories of what makes reentry such a difficult process. Community leaders and reentry advocates also shared what helps and what holds back people as they exit incarceration and reintegrate into their community.Guests: Antonio Williams is the founder and executive director of T.O.N.E. U.P., a grassroots organization dedicated to empowering formerly incarcerated individuals.Rea Smith is the Women's Services Project Coordinator of the Behavioral Health Division at the Minnesota Department of Human Services.Erick Washington is the co-founder of the Kingsmen Project.James Becker is the assistant federal defender and federal defender representative in the District of Minnesota Reentry Court program.David Riley is an addictions counselor at RS Eden, a Minneapolis-based organization that offers treatment for drug addictions, housing assistance and reentry support.

Credit card debt has been rising at one of the fastest rates in history. The amount Americans owed on credit cards hit an record high of over $1.2 trillion at the end of 2024. And people are not only spending more on plastic, they're also paying down less, carrying high balances and shelling out more in interest and also late fees. A third of Americans now have more credit card debt than emergency savings, according to an annual survey from Bankrate. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about why credit card debt is growing and strategies for tackling it. Guests: Chris Farrell is a senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace. His new 12-part series for Marketplace, “Buy Now, Pay Later,” focuses on the worrisome trend of older Americans carrying debt into retirement. Joanne Lundberg is the financial counseling supervisor at LSS Financial Counseling, a service of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. She is based in Duluth. Resources mentioned during the show: The National Foundation for Credit Counseling provides advice on how to avoid and handle credit card debt and manage your credit score. It also provides referrals to nonprofit organizations that can work with people individually on reducing credit card debt. The nonprofit organization LSS Financial Counseling runs a debt management program.

George Floyd's murder in 2020 led to calls to end police violence and racism. Five years later, advocates say not enough has changed. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Medaria Arradondo, the retired Minneapolis police chief, about his book, “Chief Rondo: Securing Justice for the Murder of George Floyd.”Guest: Medaria Arradondo is the former police chief for the city of Minneapolis. He is president and CEO of Optimus Sui Consulting and he serves on the Board of Commissioners for the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority. He is also a member of the executive board of the Fentanyl Free Communities Foundation. And he is co-author of the new book, “Chief Rondo: Securing Justice for the Murder of George Floyd.”

If you're someone with seasonal allergies, you know that spring can be a mixed bag. Along with the warm temperatures, sunshine and fresh air comes the sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion and fatigue. And if your allergies seem worse than ever this year, you're not imagining things. Experts say allergy season is starting earlier, hitting harder and lasting longer — largely due to climate change. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two allergists about how our bodies are reacting to the spring allergy season and what you can do to manage your symptoms.  Whether you've struggled with allergies and asthma for years or you're just starting to notice them, they'll cover what you need to know. Guests:Dr. Sergio Chiarella is an allergist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Dr. Alice Knoedler is an allergist at Midwest Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists, a group of clinicians based in and around the Twin Cities.  

Are you about to graduate from college and wondering what to prioritize when searching for work? Or are you in the middle of your career looking for a change or unsure what's next after a layoff? MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a philosopher and a psychologist about the purpose of work and its value in our lives.Angela's guests say people feel unrealistic pressure to love their work. Instead, they suggest trying to find work that seems worthy of your time and effort.

President Donald Trump's administration said it will soon resume collections on defaulted student loans for the first time in five years. The office of Federal Student Aid may start taking funds out of borrowers' tax refunds, Social Security benefits and — eventually — paychecks.The Department of Education says borrowers in default should start making monthly payments or enroll in an income-driven repayment plan.MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about how the change could affect millions of borrowers.Guests: Chris Farrell is a senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace. Brittany Tweed is the director of financial aid for Metro State University. Resources shared during the show:Student Loan Advocate at the Minnesota Department of CommerceFederal Student Aid

When the norms and expectations of the workplace aren't working for you, what do you do?  If you're Alex West Steinman, you create your own workplace.  In 2017, West Steinman left a career in advertising and communications and joined three colleagues to found The Coven. Eight years later, The Coven has two coworking sites in the Twin Cities and another five franchise locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Along with desk space and professional development, the coworking network provides an inclusive community that lifts up its members. MPR News host Angela Davis talks to Alex West Steinman about her entrepreneurial journey and how to create workplaces that are welcoming.    This conversation was made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control released new data that shows a continued increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism.One in every 31 children in the U.S. has an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. That's up from one in 44 just a few years ago, and it's a huge increase from the one in every 150 children who received the diagnosis twenty years ago.  Autism has gotten more national attention in recent months after U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. resurfaced debunked claims linking autism to childhood vaccines. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with experts and advocates about the prevalence numbers, what autism is, what it isn't and why the conversation matters.Guests:Zephyr James is the director of marketing and communications at the Autism Society of Minnesota, also known as AuSM.Dr. Jennifer Hall-Lande is a psychologist and one of the principal investigators of the Minnesota division of the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network.  For autism information and resources, contact the Autism Society of Minnesota.Call: 651.647.1083Email: info@ausm.orgText: 651.321.2909 Additional conversations on living with autism MPR News with Angela Davis Living with autism as an adult MPR News with Angela Davis Living with autism as an adult, part 2 Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS. Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.     

For decades, Minnesotans and Canadians have been friends and trading partners. But President Donald Trump's tariff policies have raised questions about the future of the relationship between Minnesotans and our neighbors to the north.MPR News host Angela Davis and Chris Farrell, senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace, drove up the North Shore and across the border to talk with Canadians living in Thunder Bay, Ontario. On the way, they talked with Minnesotans who live and work near the border, too.Check out their special, “Our Canada Connections” to hear how Canadians are talking about Americans and what they are doing differently. You'll also hear what some Minnesota business owners are noticing about the Canadian visitors they rely on for nearly a third of their business.

The Trump administration has proposed new executive orders and policies that are changing the lives of millions of immigrants. Dozens of international students have had their visas cancelled, birthright citizenship is being challenged and non-citizens — including those with authorization to work in the U.S. — have been removed quickly from the country without a court hearing. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Gloria Contreras Edin, an immigration attorney who has been has been following changes in immigration policy for years. They will talk about Gloria's journey, what inspired her to pursue law and what she's seeing on the ground as policies change.   Guests: Gloria Contreras Edin is an immigration attorney in St. Paul who has represented clients from more than 25 countries. She is also an adjunct professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law.  Here is a list of resources that were mentioned during the show:The Immigrant Law Center of MinnesotaThe Advocates for Human RightsThe International Institute of Minnesota

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.  Previously known as manic depression, people with bipolar disorder experience intense mood swings that go far beyond the typical highs and lows of life.  During a mania episode, people feel intense energy. Their thoughts race and they have trouble sleeping. Some people feel like they have superpowers and can do almost anything.  Then they crash into a deep depression.  MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a psychiatrist who treats people with bipolar disorder and also people living with the mental health challenge who have learned to manage their symptoms. They'll talk about the role of medications, sleep, monitoring their emotions and finding support and purpose in community. Guests: Dr. Matej Bajzer is a psychiatrist and assistant professor with the University of Minnesota Medical School who treats adults with bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. Danny Evans was diagnosed with bipolar disorder more than a decade ago at age 26. He shares his recovery story to help others heal in his work as a peer support specialist, most recently with Ramsey County. And he is a presenter in the “In Our Own Voice” program with the Minnesota chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.   Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.