MPR News with Angela Davis

MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with two political strategists about what Tuesday's primary election results reveal about the future of Minnesota's political parties, the influence of President Donald Trump and the November midterm elections.

For nearly 150 years, Pillsbury United Communities has worked across Minneapolis to provide everything from youth programs and employment services to food assistance and a world class theater. Its work is rooted in a simple idea: The people who live in the neighborhood are the ones who know how to make their lives there better. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the new president and CEO of Pillsbury United Communities about taking the helm at a time when local communities are facing so many challenges, and how the arts and connection can help people heal. Guests: Signe Harriday is the new president and CEO of Pillsbury United Communities, one of the Twin Cities' oldest and largest nonprofits. The organization runs several community centers in Minneapolis and programs aimed at uplifting communities. She previously acted, directed and taught with Pillsbury House + Theatre before becoming the organization's artistic producing director in 2021. Antonio Cardona is director of advancement at Pillsbury United Communities. He was previously the vice president of career readiness at Project for Pride in Living. Before that, he worked at Pillsbury for 15 years, primarily overseeing workforce development and charter schools.

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are coming home to Minnesota for a special concert at the Minnesota State Fair. The Minnesota music legends are the award-winning songwriting and production duo behind dozens of hits for some of the biggest names in music and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the longtime friends and creative partners about their Minnesota roots, the story behind their successful careers and the friendship that has kept them working together for more than 50 years. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Guests: Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are a Grammy Award-winning songwriting and production duo from Minnesota who have created hits for artists including Janet Jackson, Prince, Mariah Carey and Usher. They have been friends and creative partners for more than 50 years.Do you know a Power Pair?“Power Pairs” is a series featuring prominent Minnesotans in a close relationship. You may know of them separately but they reveal a new side of themselves when they sit down together. Listen to past interviews here and submit your idea for a future Power Pair here.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.  

State and federal authorities continue to investigate a recent coordinated cyberattack on Minnesota municipal water systems.Hackers disrupted technology controls at water towers and treatment plants in more than 30 Minnesota communities last week. And the FBI says water and wastewater companies in at least six other states have reported incidents. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with her guests about what we can do to protect the water systems, power grids and other public services we rely on.

Public office has always been demanding, but the stress of leadership seems to be taking a bigger toll on elected officials' mental health. Several city council members in Minnesota recently shared their struggles with mental health, including a Minneapolis council member who took a break to attend to depression and anxiety. Earlier this year, St. Paul's city council president resigned, citing “the “constant stressors of public leadership.” At a national level, a U.S. representative from New Jersey disclosed in June that he was being treated for depression after a four-month absence from Congress. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a therapist and a city council member about burnout and stress among elected officials and what to do about it. Guests: Aurin Chowdhury is a member of the Minneapolis City Council representing Ward 12 in southeastern Minneapolis. She was elected in 2023 after serving as manager of constituent services for a state senator and a policy aide for two Minneapolis council members. She recently shared her struggles with her mental health in a newsletter with constituents. Noel Nix is a therapist with Vibrant Life Therapy working toward a professional clinical counseling license. He has a master's degree in counseling psychology from the University of St. Thomas and previously worked for more than a decade in municipal government as a city council aide and in public engagement for the City of St. Paul.

Public trust is essential to effective leadership, but it can be difficult to build and easy to lose.Recent allegations of sexual harassment involving St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her have prompted conversations about workplace conduct, accountability and the responsibilities that come with public office. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about the standards we hold elected officials to and how power, race, gender and politics shape how we think about allegations against public figures.

If you have student loans, keeping up with the rules hasn't been easy. Over the past few years borrowers have navigated payment pauses, loan forgiveness efforts, court challenges and the return of monthly payments.Now, another major change has arrived. As of July 1, new federal rules have reshaped parts of the student loan system, restricting repayment options for many borrowers and borrowing rules for future students.MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about what these changes mean for borrowers, how they affect monthly payments and how people can make informed financial decisions about their student loans. Guests:Chris Farrell is a senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace. Shannon Doyle is a certified financial counselor and program director of partnerships and education with LSS Financial Counseling. Here are some resources that were mentioned during the show:Federal Student AidFederal Student Aid EstimatorSubscribe 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 last week put a new freeze on Medicaid funding for Minnesota, citing concerns over fraud. The nearly $200 million in frozen payments follows previous funding pauses, for a total of nearly $550 million. While federal authorities insist they are protecting taxpayer money, Minnesota state officials argue that the move is punitive and harms vulnerable people who rely on Medicaid programs. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the head of the state's Medicaid programs about how the state department is responding to Medicaid fraud cases and the impact of funding freezes on providers and patients. If you suspect fraud in a program run by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, you can find information on how to report it on the DHS fraud reporting website. The Minnesota Department of Human services also has information on what people can do to find a new provider if their provider has been disenrolled from the Medicaid program. Guest: John Connolly is temporary commissioner and state Medicaid director for the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Before being appointed as interim head of the department in 2026, he was a deputy commissioner.

For many people, going to the dentist is easy to put off — until something hurts. Millions of Americans don't get regular dental care because of cost, lack of insurance, difficulty of finding a provider or fear of the dentist. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two experts about why oral health matters, the barriers that keep people out of the dentist's chair and what's being done to make dental care more accessible.Guests:Dr. Elmi Abdulkadir Elmi is a dentist and co-founder of All About Dentistry, a general dental practice with locations in Burnsville and West St. Paul. He was also selected as a 2026 Bush Fellow, recognized for his work expanding access to oral health care. Dr. Sheila Riggs is an associate professor of dental public health in the School of Dentistry at the University of Minnesota and chair of the Association of Critical Access Dental Providers of Minnesota. Here are some of the resources that were discussed on the show:Dental Clinics and Services - Help Me ConnectPublic Resources | Minnesota Dental AssociationUniversity of Minnesota Dental ClinicsSubscribe 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. 

Buying a house or condo is becoming harder for many people in Minnesota. The math is simple. Home costs are rising and most people's incomes aren't keeping up. But solutions are more complicated. Communities need to build more low-cost homes, help buyers with down payment assistance and lower-interest loans, and help current homeowners maintain and stay in their homes. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity's CEO Chris Coleman about how the nonprofit organization is working on all these fronts to tackle the housing affordability crisis. Guest: Chris Coleman became president and CEO of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity in 2018 after serving as mayor of St. Paul from 2006 to 2018. He worked previously as an investment advisor for RBC and served for six years on the St. Paul City Council.Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity uses thousands of volunteers every year. Learn more on their website's volunteer page.

Layoffs have become a recurring headline this year, with companies in technology, finance, manufacturing and other industries announcing job cuts.But at the same time, unemployment remains relatively low, applications for unemployment benefits are near historic lows and Minnesota recently added jobs, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. So what's really happening in the job market? MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about what's driving recent layoffs, where job opportunities might be, and what it all says about the economy.Guests:Chris Farrell is a senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace. Angelina Nguyen is the director of the Labor Market Information Office at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.Kyle O'Keefe is a district president at Robert Half, a recruiting and business consulting firm. 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.    

Your 30s are often described as the decade when you're supposed to have life “figured out.” Maybe you've built a career, bought a home, started a family or settled into the person you're going to be — but for many people, that's not what this decade looks like. MPR News guest host Kyra Miles talks with her guests about how your 30s can be a time of big transitions and changing priorities. They'll explore what research says about this stage of adulthood and why so many people feel pressure to have it all together. Guests:Audra Nuru is the director of family studies and professor at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. Her research explores how we communicate to construct identities and navigate periods of change. Melissa Ertl is a researcher and assistant professor of psychology at the University of Minnesota. She also works as a practicing therapist. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.

Eating is a fundamental part of life. So, when things aren't going well with our digestive system, it affects not only our health but also our routines, social lives and very identity. And these days, more people seem to be struggling with chronic gastrointestinal problems, including irritable bowel syndrome and autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. MPR News guest host Kyra Miles talks with her guests and listeners about diagnosing and living with gut problems.

When was the last time you read a book or magazine, or listened to an audiobook? Overall, Americans are reading less. A study last year from the University of Florida and University College London found the portion of people who read daily for pleasure in the U.S. fell from 28 percent in 2004 to 16 percent in 2023.And, according to the National Endowment for the Arts, fewer than half of all adults said they read a book of any kind in 2022 — even fewer said they read a novel. MPR News guest host Kerri Miller talks about what's behind the decline in reading, and why some people are saying that it points to a fundamental shift that has consequences for how we entertain ourselves, learn and think.

America's college campuses are entering a period of major change. The pool of traditional college-age students is shrinking, and many young people are rethinking whether college is worth the cost.MPR News guest host Kerri Miller and her guests talk about why colleges are expecting fewer students, how public and private institutions are preparing, and what's influencing whether — and where — young people decide to pursue higher education.Guests:Nathan Grawe is a professor of economics at Carleton College and is one of the country's leading experts on the college enrollment cliff. He is also the author of “Demographics and the Demand for Higher Education," and “The Agile College,” which helped bring national attention to the coming decline of college-age students. Suzanne Rivera is the president of Macalester College in St. Paul. She has been the president since June of 2020. 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.    

Wildfires have burned thousands of acres across northern Minnesota, sending smoke into communities around the state and prompting air quality alerts. Live updates Get the latest information on wildfires in Minnesota MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon talks with meteorologists about the combination of heat, rainfall, humidity, wind and drought that can increase wildfire risk. They'll also discuss what this summer's weather patterns can tell us about the weeks ahead, how smoke travels hundreds of miles from fires and how a changing climate is influencing fire seasons in Minnesota.Guests:Ben Cathey is the chief meteorologist for MPR News.Sven Sundgaard is a meteorologist for MPR News.Mandy Thalhuber is a meteorologist for MPR News.Jeff Masters is a meteorologist who writes about extreme weather for Yale Climate Connections, a news service that focuses on climate change. He is a former hurricane hunter and the co-founder of the commercial weather service, Weather Underground. 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.    

Smoke from wildfires burning in northern Minnesota and Canada has drifted into other parts of Minnesota this week and triggered air quality alerts for much of the state.MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon talks about how air quality is monitored and forecast and the health risks of breathing wildfire smoke.Guests:Kathy Raleigh is an epidemiologist who works 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. Resources discussed during the show:Air quality forecasts: Air quality forecast | Minnesota Pollution Control AgencyCurrent air quality conditionsAirNow.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.Current air quality conditions | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (state.mn.us)Purple AirMinnesota Outdoor Air Quality Guidance for Schools and Child CareThe MPCA's Air quality and health webpage has information about health and indoor and outdoor air quality and how to prevent air pollution.The Minnesota Department of Health has an Air Quality, Climate and Health webpage.The Minnesota Department of Health wildfire smoke webpage highlights ways you can protect your health against wildfire smoke.How to make your own air cleaner: DIY Air Cleaner to Reduce Wildfire Smoke IndoorsHow to protect pets8 tips on keeping pets cool during the dangerous heat wave across Minnesota this week | MPR NewsWildfire smoke and animals | American Veterinary Medical AssociationSubscribe 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 guest host Kelly Gordon talks with a forest ecologist about what's behind the fires burning in and near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, why they're so difficult to contain and what we can do to reduce wildfire risk. Listen Poor air quality: What causes it and how to protect your health Guest:Lee Frelich is the director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Forest Ecology.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.  

Many Americans give up on studying another language after finishing a high school or college foreign language requirement. But some adults are diving into learning a new language to connect with their heritage, communicate with neighbors or co-workers, as a door to travel and culture, or just to give themselves a mental challenge. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about the joys and challenges of learning a new language as an adult. Guests: Amanda Dalola is an associate professor of linguistics and director of the Language Center in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota. She studies how people learn languages. She trained in Romance linguistics, speaks several Scandinavian languages and is currently learning Finnish, Norwegian and Korean. Julian Nye has been learning Spanish for the past three years through language apps, conversation groups and St. Paul Public Schools Community Education classes. He works in human resources for a Twin Cities nonprofit organization.

Summer is heating up and temperatures over the next few days are expected to climb into the 90s in many parts of Minnesota.For many of us, that means finding ways to stay cool and maybe spending more time indoors. But public health experts say extreme heat is more than an inconvenience. It's the deadliest weather hazard in the United States — and a growing concern in Minnesota.MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about what can we do to protect ourselves, our families and our communities during stretches of extreme heat.Guests:Ben Cathey is the chief meteorologist for MPR News. He leads MPR's weather coverage including Climate Cast and the Updraft weather blog and helps Minnesotans understand everything from daily forecasts to long-term climate trends and extreme weather.Kristin Raab is the director of the Climate & Health program at the Minnesota Department of Health. Here's a link to the Minnesota Department of Health's resources for extreme heat.

Have you thought about what will happen to your home, your savings or your treasured family keepsakes after you die? If you're leaving it to your loved ones to just figure out, you might be leaving them costly and stressful problems. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about why estate planning isn't just for the wealthy, and what simple steps you can take now to reduce expenses and family conflict when you're gone.

Kimchi. Kombucha. Yogurt. Sauerkraut. Fermented foods have been part of the human diet for thousands of years but researchers are still trying to understand their potential health benefits.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two researchers about the connection between fermented foods and our health.Guests:Andres Gomez is an associate professor of animal science and food science and nutrition at the University of Minnesota.Kylene Guse is a researcher and founder of the Living Food Initiative where she explores the connection between food, microbes, ecology and culture. She was also co-owner of the now-closed GYST Fermentation Bar in Minneapolis.

Our friendships are some of the most important relationships we have. Friends are the people we celebrate with, lean on during difficult times, and turn to when we need advice or simply someone to listen. But for many people, friendship doesn't come easily. Maybe you've moved to a new city, started a new job or are juggling work and family. Or maybe, you're rethinking what you want from your social life.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about why adult friendships can be so challenging, what healthy friendships look like and when it's OK to let a relationship go, and what it takes to build meaningful connections that last.

How can we spend less without giving up the stuff we need? Maybe you're furnishing your first apartment, replacing a broken toaster, looking for clothes for a growing child or trying to put together a professional wardrobe for a new job.MPR News host Angela Davis wraps up her “Cheap Week” series with ideas for saving money on the clothes we wear and the things that fill our homes. She and her guests talk about how to stretch your dollar by shopping secondhand at thrift stores, consignment shops and online resale sites, and how to get and give away things for free through neighborhood “Buy Nothing” groups. Guests: Roxanne Sanchez is co-owner of Nine Lives thrift store in St. Paul, which opened in 2024. She's also an administrator of her neighborhood “Buy Nothing” Facebook group and had a previous career as a costumer for television and movies.Anna Thompson is a Minneapolis mom and digital marketing strategist who loves to shop at thrift stores and online resale sites. She runs the sustainable fashion Instagram account @annazzon and previously worked as a personal stylist for Arc's Value Village thrift stores.

Going out can get expensive fast. By the time you pay for tickets, food, drinks and parking, a single outing can easily cost $100 or more. Most of us don't want to stop having fun — we just want to spend less doing it.MPR News host Angela Davis continues her “Cheap Week” series with a conversation about ways to enjoy summer — for less, or even for free. Angela and her guests talk about bargain summer festivals and live music, museum deals, affordable date nights, budget recreation and ways to have fun at home. Guests: Jessica Armbruster is a co-owner and editor at Racket, a Minnesota online news and culture website. She compiles the weekly Freeloader Friday listing of free events. She was previously the arts editor at City Pages. Alex V. Cipolle is a senior arts reporter and critic, covering arts and culture for MPR News. She previously covered the arts in the Pacific Northwest and southwest France and has written for publications including The New York Times, Fast Company, Frommer's and Hyperallergic.

Does it feel like every trip to the grocery store costs more than it used to? You're not alone. With food prices still high, many households are looking for ways to stretch their grocery budgets.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two experts about smart shopping, cutting food waste and preparing healthy, affordable meals.Guests:Mary Schroeder is a health and nutrition educator with the University of Minnesota Extension and a registered dietitian nutritionist. She specializes in helping individuals and families make healthy, affordable food choices through meal planning, food budgeting and food waste reduction. She is based in Willmar, Minnesota.Jenny Breen is a chef, public health nutritionist and author of “Cooking Up the Good Life.” She teaches culinary nutrition courses through the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing at the University of Minnesota.

Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or hoping to book a flight, travel costs can add up quickly. But there are ways to spend less without giving up the experiences that make a trip memorable.MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about searching for airfare deals, ideas for destinations closer to home and finding more value when you travel.Guests:Kyle Potter is the editor of the travel website Thrifty Traveler.Sara Joy Berhow is the public relations supervisor for the Parks and Trails Division of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.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.    

Next week, the United States marks a unique milestone: the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.For some Americans, the semiquincentennial is a moment to celebrate the nation's achievements and ideals. For others, it is an opportunity to reflect on the gaps between those ideals and the realities of American history. For many, it is both.MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about what the anniversary means for the U.S.

Craig Leipold may be one of downtown St. Paul's biggest boosters. He's the owner of the Minnesota Wild, and his company manages the venues that bring two million people downtown every year for games, concerts and other events: the Grand Casino Arena, the Saint Paul RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium.This year, he expanded his sports franchises to include a new women's volleyball team that he hopes will attract even more fans to downtown. And he just became majority owner of the historic St. Paul Hotel, the century-old hotel overlooking Rice Park where he stays on the top floor when he isn't home in Racine, Wis. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Leipold about his career, the business of sports, being a dad of five sons and what's ahead for downtown St. Paul.

Summer is a great time to get lost in a good story, discover a new author, or tackle that book on your nightstand. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two booksellers about their recommendations and what Minnesotans are reading.

Many people underestimate how much they spend on subscriptions and memberships. Consumers think they spend around $90 a month, according to one survey. But when asked to actually add up those recurring fees, the average came to $220 a month — more than twice as much. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about the rise of the subscription economy, why recurring fees have become so common and how consumers can get a better handle on what they're paying for.Guests:Demitri McGee is a financial coach, certified housing counselor and youth director at Build Wealth Minnesota, a nonprofit opportunity center dedicated to helping families through financial education, personalized coaching and community-based programs. Akshay Rao is a professor of marketing at the University of Minnesota, where he holds the General Mills chair at the Carlson School of Management.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.      

From missing a father to mourning a changed relationship or grieving the dad you never had, Father's Day isn't joyful for everyone. On Thursday, MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about the complicated emotions the day can bring and strategies for coping.

Each minute after someone's heart stops is a countdown towards death — nine in 10 people die if they experience a cardiac arrest outside a hospital. Dave Ogle beat the odds. The Woodbury man's heart stopped seven years ago while he was at home watching TV. His wife Kris Patrow was able to perform CPR until paramedics arrived. And then he was rushed to one of the few hospitals in the world that was pioneering new techniques that could restore blood flow to his lifeless body. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Ogle and Patrow about his recovery, and with a cardiologist about the importance of CPR and why Minnesota has some of the best cardiac arrest survival rates in the country.  

Commencement speeches are meant to mark an ending and a beginning. And the best ones offer wisdom that lasts beyond graduation day. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with three Minnesotans who were commencement speakers this year about the messages they shared with graduates and what the rest of us can learn from them.Guests:Myles Frueh earned his associate's degree from Alexandria Technical and Community College in May and was a student speaker at the school's 2026 commencement ceremony. He double-majored in business management and sales marketing, was vice president of the student senate and was a campus tour guide. He also serves as a vice president for Collegiate DECA, an international nonprofit that prepares high school and college students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.Maria Reeve is the executive director of culture and careers at The Minnesota Star Tribune. Prior to her current role, she was a managing editor for the newsroom. Before that, she was the executive editor for the Houston Chronicle. And she was a reporter and editor at the St. Paul Pioneer Press for 19 years. She delivered the 2026 commencement address for the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland. Della Schall Young is the CEO and principal hydrologist of Young Environmental Consulting Group, a Minnesota-based environmental consulting firm specializing in water resources, stormwater management, and environmental planning. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota and was invited back this year to give the undergraduate commencement address.

Minnesota's student population has grown significantly more diverse over the past few decades. Today, nearly 40 percent of the state's K-12 students identify as students of color.But, according to the Minnesota Department of Education, just 7 percent of the state's teachers identify as teachers of color. The gap is even wider for Black educators. While Black students make up about 12 percent of Minnesota's student population, Black teachers account for just 1.4 percent of the state's teaching workforce. And Black men make up only 0.5 percent of all K-12 teachers in the state.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with leaders of Black Men Teach, a Twin Cities organization that's working to recruit, prepare and support Black male elementary school teachers in Minnesota.Guests: Markus Flynn is the CEO of Black Men Teach, a nonprofit committed to increasing the number of Black male elementary school educators in the Twin Cities. He used to teach fifth and sixth grade science at Prodeo Academy in Minneapolis. Devon Minke teaches third grade at North Park School for Innovation in Columbia Heights. Keondre Lewis teaches second grade at North Park School for Innovation in Columbia Heights.

In the year since the assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, concerns about political violence have continued to grow. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert and her guests talk about what fuels political violence and how to prevent it.Guests:Nealin Parker is the executive director of Common Ground USA, which is part of Search for Common Ground a global peace building organization. Kathryn Pearson is a professor of political science at the University of Minnesota. She is also an associate dean of undergraduate education and the director of the University Honors Program. Dr. Garen Wintemute is a professor of emergency medicine and director of the Centers for Violence Prevention at the University of California, Davis.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. 

Summer in Minnesota means more time outdoors — and more encounters with ticks and mosquitoes.While most bites are little more than an annoyance, these tiny pests can carry diseases that pose serious health risks. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two experts about the risks posed by ticks and mosquitoes, and what Minnesotans can do to protect themselves, their families, and their pets while enjoying the outdoors this summer.Guests:Elizabeth Schiffman is the epidemiologist supervisor at the Minnesota Department of Health. She oversees disease surveillance activities for mosquito- and tick-borne diseases across Minnesota. Caleb Corona is a research entomologist and vector control scientist for the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District.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 past Saturday marked five months since Renee Good was shot and killed on Jan. 7 in Minneapolis by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. The federal officer was one of about 4,000 immigration and border enforcement agents sent to Minnesota during the immigration crackdown the White House called “Operation Metro Surge.” The focus was to deport — in the words of President Donald Trump — the “really bad criminals.” By the time the surge wound down weeks later, several thousand people had been detained. Many were deported. Most had no criminal record. Many more immigrants stopped going to school and work, and hid at home for weeks. In response, thousands of Minnesotans organized to support people in hiding, document ICE activity and protest the immigration raids. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the leaders of two organizations on the front lines about their experiences during the federal enforcement surge, what immigration enforcement looks like now and what comes next. Guests: Francisco Segovia is a founder and executive director of Comunidades Organizando el Poder y la Acción Latina (COPAL), which was started in 2018 to organize grassroots support to improve the lives of Latino families in Minnesota. In 2024, COPAL launched the Immigrant Defense Network, a coalition of more than 100 immigrant, labor, legal, faith and community organizations to respond quickly to immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota. Michelle Garnett McKenzie is the executive director of The Advocates for Human Rights, a nonprofit that provides free legal services to immigrants, documents human rights abuses and advocates for human rights. She joined the organization in 1999 as an attorney representing asylum seekers and detained immigrants. She also serves on the steering committee of the Immigrant Defense Network. 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.    

Summer job season is here and many teens and young adults are looking for a chance to earn money, gain experience and build skills.MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about the state of the summer job market for young workers in Minnesota. They'll discuss where opportunities exist, what employers are looking for and how job seekers can stand out in a competitive hiring environment.Guests:Mark Brinda is the Workforce Development Manager for the City of Minneapolis. Oriane Casale is the assistant director of the Labor Market Information Office for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.Chris Farrell is a senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace.During the show, the guests shared this job search resource: ​Jobs in Minnesota | Career Resources | CareerForce.MN.gov

Back in 2020, Kobi Gregory began making scented candles to cope with the stress of distance learning in high school. What started as a hobby quickly became a business with help from her mom, Tasha Harris.Today, Kobi Co. has a downtown Minneapolis storefront, sells signature candles paired with curated playlists, and hosts popular candle-making workshops.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Kobi and Tasha about what it's like to work together and how they spread self-care through their business. Guests: Kobi Gregory is co-founder of Kobi Co., a candle and wellness company in downtown Minneapolis. Tasha Harris is co-founder of Kobi Co. and Kobi Gregory's mother and business partner. Do you know a Power Pair?“Power Pairs” is a series featuring prominent Minnesotans in a close relationship. You may know of them separately but they reveal a new side of themselves when they sit down together. Listen to past interviews here and submit your idea for a future Power Pair here.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.    

One in 10 U.S adults age 20 and older has high cholesterol. And many people don't even know they're living it. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a cardiologist about “good” and “bad” cholesterol, what your cholesterol numbers mean and the latest advice on screening, prevention and treatment.

Minnesota's foster care system is designed to protect children during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. So, what do young people in tough situations need — not just to stay safe, but to feel stable, valued and cared for? MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about some of the challenges foster youth face in Minnesota and what we all can do to support them. Guests:Osahon Akpata-Tanious is the executive director of Foster Advocates, a nonprofit led by people who have lived in foster care that works to improve Minnesota's child welfare system.Nikki Farago is the executive director of the Children's Law Center of Minnesota, a nonprofit that provides free legal representation to youth ages 10-21 in foster care.