MPR News with Angela Davis

From shrinking newsrooms to less news coverage, local journalism faces many challenges.Since 2005, more than 3,200 print newspapers have vanished, according to Northwestern University's 2024 report on the state of local news.But one thing that still makes local journalism powerful is when reporters live in the places they cover. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with reporters who do just that. They'll talk about what it means to report on their own communities and why that connection matters. Guests: Tadeo Ruiz Sandoval is an MPR News reporter based in the Fargo-Moorhead area. He covers the region with a focus on agriculture. Tadeo started his journalism career as an intern at KMUW, the NPR Station in Wichita, Kan. In 2024, he interned at The Wall Street Journal where he produced and hosted a miniseries on Gen Z's debt. Molly Castle Work is an MPR News reporter based in Rochester. She covers health care in southeast Minnesota. Prior to joining MPR News, Molly worked as an investigative reporter at the Rochester Post Bulletin and later as a correspondent for KFF Health News in California. Dan Kraker is an MPR News correspondent based in Duluth where he covers the people, economy and environment of northeast Minnesota. Before joining MPR News, Dan worked at KNAU Arizona Public Radio for 11 years. He covered northern Arizona's Native nations and then served as news director. He also contributes regularly to National Public Radio programs and Marketplace.

Since it was launched 20 years ago by Minnesota Public Radio, The Current has grown into much more than your average music radio station. It's become a cultural hub for music lovers across Minnesota.It's where local artists are played alongside national names, and for many musicians, hearing their song on The Current isn't just exciting — it's a career milestone.MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with some of The Current's staff. They'll pull back the curtain on The Current's sound and how it all comes together.Guests:Lindsay Kimball is the program director of The Current. She started her career at The Current as an intern in 2005.Amber Hoback is the music director of The Current. She curates the station's playlist and works to shape the sound of The Current.Gannon Hanevold is a weekend host at The Current. You can hear him every Saturday and Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m.   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 guest host Catharine Richert talks with MPR President Duchesne Drew about the future of local journalism and public media in the wake of government funding cuts. They talk about how MPR News is adapting, what's at stake for communities and what he thinks it will take for public media to survive and thrive.Guest:Duchesne Drew is senior vice president at American Public Media Group and president of Minnesota Public Radio. He leads the teams that produce MPR News, The Current, APM Reports and YourClassical MPR.Editors note: MPR receives money from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. When reporting on the business of MPR and public media, we do so independently from news executives and do not let them review material before it runs. 

Willmar, Minn., is one of the most diverse cities in greater Minnesota. More than 25 different languages are spoken in its school system, and immigrants hailing from east Africa, Mexico, Myanmar and central America have revitalized its downtown. So on Sept. 8, Kerri Miller took the Rural Voice town hall series to Foxhole Brewhouse in Willmar to talk with community members about how they've successfully built an inclusive city. Rural Voice in Willmar The conversation focused on how the region evolved over the last few decades to include immigrations from Africa, Mexico and other countries and discuss the positive impact that integration has had on the local culture and economy. Participants also discussed ongoing challenges, like political representation for newcomers and institutional discrimination. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.

In 2023, Minnesota passed a law requiring free menstrual products in all public school bathrooms for grades four through 12.But when the law went into effect last year, some schools weren't sure how best to put it into practice.MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with two graduate students who created the Minnesota Menstrual Products in Schools Toolkit to help school staff navigate implementing the law.They shared what they learned about the needs inside schools and why they believe their toolkit can make a difference for students and educators alike.

The Federal Reserve recently cut its key interest rate for the first time since December 2023. The move marked a shift in monetary policy as the central bank responds to what Fed Chair Jerome Powell described as a “really cooling off” labor market, while continuing to monitor inflation.MPR News guest host Catharine Richert and senior economics contributor Chris Farrell talk about the reasoning behind the Fed's decision and what the rate changes could eventually mean for your credit cards, mortgage, savings account or investments. Guest:Neel Kashkari is president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. It's one of the Federal Reserve System's 12 regional banks with a district that includes Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Northern Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.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.     

Thinking about adding attic insulation, swapping your old air conditioning system for a heat pump, or putting solar panels on your roof?Federal tax credits can cut the cost, but the clock is ticking. President Donald Trump's tax and spending bill passed this summer is doing away with several energy incentives that encouraged homeowners to reduce their energy use and switch to cleaner energy sources. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with her guests about the tax credits and home energy efficiency.You can also find more information on home energy audits, how to get started on home energy efficiency projects and rebate, tax credit and financing programs at the Center for Energy and Environment.

Rural Voice, the statewide town hall series amplifying perspectives from greater Minnesota, launched its 2025 season at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College on Sept. 3, with a robust conversation on tribal rights and sovereignty in rural Minnesota.Moderated by Rural Voice co-founder and MPR News host Kerri Miller, the discussion featured a variety of voices and opinions emphasizing the inherent nature of treaty rights and the importance of Native Minnesotans relationship to the land. Rural Voice at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Participants also touched on the challenges of building a Native middle class, how current tribal members are dealing with generational trauma and the importance of Native businesses in the area to create true economic vitality.

As we head into fall and winter, COVID-19 is still with us — even if it looks different than it did a few years ago.Case numbers often rise when we spend more time indoors, so what can you do to keep yourself and others COVID-free? Just last week, an advisory panel with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surprised many by not recommending COVID-19 vaccines for high-risk groups like seniors. Instead, they said decisions should be made individually — in consultation with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon talks with an infectious disease physician about what you can do to lower your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19 as the weather turns cold.

Kids and teens spend a huge part of their lives in digital spaces — on apps like TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram and even using artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT. Gaming platforms like Roblox have become virtual playgrounds, too. These tools can be fun, creative and social, but they also carry real risks, ranging from misinformation to cyberbullying and grooming by online predators. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about how to keep kids safe without shutting them out of the digital world. She'll talk with her guests about what's working, what isn't and how families can find some balance online.  

In the days following Charlie Kirk's fatal shooting, many people took to social media to share their feelings and thoughts.  People expressed sorrow, shock and anger. They shared critiques of Kirk's conservative views. In some cases, what people said or posted about his death got them in trouble at work.  Last week ABC pulled comedian Jimmy Kimmel's show off the air “indefinitely” after Kimmel's comments on how MAGA was characterizing Kirk's killer. The announcement came just hours after the chair of the Federal Communications Commission suggested in a podcast that the FCC could use its power against ABC unless the network acted against Kimmel. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with her guests about freedom of speech — and workplace issues. When can something you say get you in trouble on the job? Guests: Phillip Kitzer is an employment law attorney in Minneapolis. He served on the board of directors of the Minnesota affiliate of the National Employment Lawyers Association and sits the governing counsel for the Labor and Employment Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association.George Vergolias is a workplace resilience consultant and chief clinical officer at R3 Continuum, a Minnesota-based company that develops behavioral health solutions for organizations that need help managing workplace disruption and stress.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.

Have you ever felt dizzy? You're not alone.  Dizziness is one of the most common reasons people show up at a hospital emergency room.  But there are different kinds of dizzy. A lot of people, especially as they age, live with the feeling of being just a little unsteady or off balance.  Others have experienced true vertigo. That's when the room seems to swirl and tip to the point where you might feel nauseous.  Dizziness shouldn't be ignored. Depending on the cause, it can often be treated with medication, surgery or physical therapy exercises. And, it could be a sign of a serious underlying medical issue. MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon talks with medical providers to sort through our dizzy symptoms.  

Big waves are part of the fun of summer, but they can also stir up big debates.  Wake boats are designed to create large waves for surfers to ride. But those waves don't just disappear. A new University of Minnesota study shows they can stir up sediment, muddy the water and release phosphorus, which causes algae blooms.MPR News guest host Kirsti Marohn dives into the science and what it means for lake lovers.Guests:Jeff Forester is the executive director of Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates, a nonprofit that represents lake associations and property owners. Jeff Marr is the associate director of engineering and facilities at the University of Minnesota's St. Anthony Falls Laboratory. He was a lead researcher on a recent study that looked at what happens under the lake surface when different types of recreational boats travel at different speeds.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 the wake of the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, questions about political violence in America are once again front and center. MPR News guest host Chris Farrell and his guests ask: Why is political violence on the rise and how do we respond?Guests:John Hinderaker is the president of the Center for the American Experiment, a conservative policy advocacy group based in Minnesota.David Schultz is a professor of political science and legal studies at Hamline University.Shannon Watson is the executive director of Majority in the Middle, a Minnesota nonprofit that promotes civility in public life.

The latest vaccines for COVID-19 have reached Minnesota. But should you get one? Can you find one? And will your insurance pay for it?These are just some of the questions flying around following turmoil at federal health agencies.U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has fired the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, laid off workers, overseen changes in COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and replaced the committee that sets broad vaccine guidance for the nation.Former leaders of the CDC under both Republican and Democratic administrations recently warned that the nation's public health system is a “raging fire” under Kennedy's leadership.MPR News guest host Chris Farrell talks with a pediatrician and a professor of public health about what this means for public health in Minnesota and for people just trying to get their fall shots.Guests: Dr. Rebecca Wurtz is a professor in the division of Health Policy & Management at the University of Minnesota. She is also a board-certified infectious disease physician and has worked in public health roles in government and private sector settings.Dr. Gigi Chawla is a pediatrician and the chief of general pediatrics at Children's Minnesota.

Parenting can feel like a rollercoaster — equal parts joy and chaos.We often second-guess ourselves: Am I doing this right? Am I messing my kid up forever?Trust us, you are not alone.And maybe you've heard the term “attachment” thrown around in parenting circles — the deep emotional bond that can form between a child and their primary caregivers.But what does it really mean? And how does it shape a child's development?MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon and early childhood education reporter Kyra Miles talk with a developmental psychologist about how to create parent-child attachment and how to know if we're getting it right.

Minnesota lawmakers from both parties say they're open to returning to the Capitol to consider policy changes after last week's deadly school shooting in Minneapolis. But what might come out of a special session — if one materializes — is harder to gauge.MPR News guest host Catherine Richert talks with a pediatrician and a researcher about what we know about what works to prevent gun violence and what steps policymakers might take. Guests:James Densley is a professor and chair of criminology and criminal justice at Metro State University. He is also co-founder of the Violence Prevention Project Research Center at Hamline University.Dr. Marc Gorelick is a retired president and CEO of Children's Minnesota. He is a pediatrician, former pediatric emergency medicine physician and author of “Saving Our Kids: An ER Doc's Common-Sense Solution to the Gun Crisis.” He also serves on the MPR Board of Trustees.

Reading is often called the gateway to learning. It opens the door to almost every subject, from history to science.But what happens when the words on the page or screen don't come easily — when they blur, flip, or just don't make sense?For as many as one in five students, that's the reality of dyslexia. It's one of the most common learning differences, yet it's still widely misunderstood.  MPR News guest host Catharine Richert and her guests will talk about how dyslexia is assessed and how resources and teaching approaches can make reading easier for children and adults with dyslexia.Guests:Liz Adams is a neuropsychologist who owns and manages Minnesota Neuropsychology, which specializes in assessing dyslexia, ADHD and other learning differences in children and adults. Evelyn Haselmann is the CEO of the 20% Club, a dyslexia tutoring center based in White Bear Township, Minn. She also serves as a board member for Decoding Dyslexia Minnesota, an organization that advocates for awareness, teacher training and stronger policies to support students with dyslexia across Minnesota.  

It's back-to-school time, and for many families, the excitement is mixed with worry. Will my child make friends? Keep up with the schoolwork? And underneath it all — will they be safe? MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about the signs and causes of back-to-school anxiety and what parents can do to support their children and teens.Guests:Katie Lingras is an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at the University of Minnesota Medical School and a licensed child psychologist with M Health Fairview.Amy Klinger is co-founder and director of programs for the Educator's School Safety Network, a non-profit that works with schools nationwide to identify and meet safety needs. She is also a professor of educational administration at Ashland University in Ohio. And she is a former elementary and middle-school principal.

Students are getting ready to head back to school next week. Some have already started classes.As teachers kick off the new school year, they may ask themselves, “Will I be able to reach that one struggling student? Will I make the difference they need?”MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a former secretary of the U.S. Department of Education who says teachers saved his life. Join Angela when she talks with John B. King Jr., who says the best teachers didn't just teach him subjects — they taught him that he mattered, that his voice had value and that his dreams were worth pursuing. Guest:John B. King Jr. is the chancellor of the State University of New York. He was secretary of the U.S. Department of Education during President Barack Obama's administration. He has been a high school social studies teacher, a middle school principal and a college professor. He served as New York State Education Commissioner and was the president and CEO of the Education Trust, a national education civil rights organization. And he is the author of "Teacher By Teacher: The People Who Change Our Lives.”

Child care is one of the biggest expenses families face — and here in Minnesota, it's among the highest in the nation.Infant care in the state averages nearly $1,900 a month — that's more than most families pay for a mortgage and is more than the cost of in-state tuition at some public colleges. And Minnesota isn't alone. In more than 40 states, parents say child care is the single biggest expense in their households. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with leaders in early childhood education and child care policy to help us understand what's behind these rising costs and what families are doing to make it work. Guests:Angela Clair is the director of early childhood services for the Wilder Child Development Center in St. Paul, an early childhood facility that provides care, education and family support to families across the Twin Cities. Clare Sanford serves as Government Relations Chair on the board of the Minnesota Child Care Association. She is also vice president of government & community relations for New Horizon Academy, a family-owned, Minnesota-based child care provider.    Here are some more resources that were mentioned during the show:Kids Count on Us CoalitionKids Count on Us Newsletter Sign Up

We've all been there — you get the invitation for dinner at a friend's place. Maybe it's a backyard barbecue, a holiday gathering or a spur-of-the-moment picnic.Because you're a thoughtful guest, you ask, “What can I bring?” And then you freeze. You wonder what you can pull off that everyone will love and will disappear from the table first.So, what will you bring?MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a cookbook author who shares recipes designed to travel well, taste amazing and win you the title of ‘best guest ever.'Guest:Casey Elsass is a food writer, recipe developer and cookbook author whose writing has appeared on Tasty, Epicurious, Food Network Kitchen, Delish, and Food52. His first solo cookbook is “What Can I Bring? Recipes to Help You Live Your Guest Life.” 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.

Do you feel like your phone is always in your hand, or that your laptop never really closes? Well, you aren't alone. More people are looking for ways to step back from constant notifications, endless scrolling and that feeling of always being “on.”  MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two experts about digital detoxing — what it means, why it's so hard to unplug and how taking a break from our screens can help us feel more present, focused and connected.Guests:  Erin Walsh is the co-founder of the Spark & Stitch Institute, a Minneapolis-based organization that helps families, schools and communities navigate the connection between child development, technology and relationships. She is also the author of “It's Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence.”  Tyler Rice is the co-founder and CEO of the Digital Wellness Institute, an educational and training organization that helps people and organizations build more mindful and balanced relationships with technology. He is also the author of “Tactical Disconnection,” a book about rethinking how we use technology in our daily lives. 

If you've heard a young person say someone has “rizz” or something is “mid,” you might've nodded along — all while secretly wondering … what on earth were they talking about? Every generation has its own way of speaking, but Gen Z slang is unique. Influenced heavily by social media trends, it's shaped by internet culture and can spread at lightning speed. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests break it all down. Where does this generation's slang come from? What does it say about how young people connect, express themselves and even challenge the way we use language?Guests:  Tish Jones is a poet, emcee and hip-hop theater artist from St. Paul. She's the founder and executive director of TruArtSpeaks, a St. Paul arts and culture organization that provides mentorships, workshops and other opportunities for artists and art leaders.Alayo Tripp is a linguist and cognitive scientist studying language development. They are also an assistant professor of computational language science at the University of Florida. Was there any slang you're curious about that we missed in the show? Check out the list below for more words and phrases.100 Current Slang Terms Teens and Gen Z Use Daily

Ten years ago, when you needed a ride across town or to the airport, you might have called a taxi. Now, you're more likely to open an app on your phone. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have been growing at breakneck speed. But the fast growth — and increased focus on profits — has changed the experience for some drivers and riders. It's also prompted some states, including Minnesota, to pass minimum wage guarantees for drivers. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about how rideshare works and how it's changing. Guests:  Sergio Avedian is senior contributor for The Rideshare Guy, a driver advocacy blog and YouTube channel. He drives for multiple ridesharing and food delivery services in Los Angeles.Said Mohamed has been a rideshare driver for nine years and is a former taxi driver. Since moving to the Twin Cities from southern California three years ago, he's driven over 11,000 rides. He's also an organizer for SEIU Local 26, a union that wants to represent rideshare drivers.

This week, we're sharing an episode of a show we think you'll enjoy: “Worth It” from the Minnesota Star Tribune and Lemonada Media.We've got the inside scoop on why the Guthrie's “Cabaret” is getting rave reviews. Also, as “The Great Gatsby” turns 100, why is this novel with Minnesota roots worth another read? Plus, we'll tell you about the Culinary North Stars that are pushing the boundaries of the Twin Cities' dining scene.Read more about the Culinary North Stars, Gatsby's centennial, Gatsby remixes and the Guthrie's production of “Cabaret”.This week our guests are taste editor Nicole Hvidsten, general assignment reporter Zoë Jackson, interim books editor Chris Hewitt, theater critic Rohan Preston and digital food and culture producer Abby Sliva.To support “Worth It” and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe.Stay up to date with the Minnesota Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Lemonada Media is on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

When we think about what makes a strong community, it often comes down to one thing — people showing up for each other. Across Minnesota, thousands of volunteers are showing up every day — to stock food shelves, tutor students, plant community gardens, organize donation drives and more.And the way we serve is changing.Today, it's easier than ever to sign up for one-time events, find projects that line up with your skills or passions and even volunteer virtually from your computer.  MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about why volunteering matters, how it strengthens communities and how you can find opportunities that fit your interests and schedule. Guests: Niila Herbert is the executive director of the Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement.Melissa Wilson is the senior director of engagement at Greater Twin Cities United Way. She leads the United Way's Volunteer United program, which promotes volunteer opportunities and events.  

Do you get discouraged and overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list? Do you finish your days feeling like you didn't get anything done? Maybe it's time to think about how you manage your time. MPR News Host Angela Davis talks with her guests about how to reflect, set priorities, plan and create new habits so you can spend more time on what matters. Guests: Theresa Glomb is a professor of organizational behavior and chair of the Work and Organizations Department in the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. She researches and speaks about how small changes at work can improve performance, meaning and well-being.  Anna Dearmon Kornick is a time management coach and public speaker based in New Orleans. Her podcast “It's About Time” has been downloaded nearly 1 million times since it was launched in 2019. She's also the author of “Time Management Essentials: The Tools You Need to Maximize Your Attention, Energy and Productivity.”  

From TikTok trends to Hollywood mergers, the media world is evolving fast. Most Americans — 83 percent of U.S. adults — use streaming services, according to the Pew Research Center.Social media is competing with traditional outlets for our attention and trust.  And mergers are reshaping who creates, distributes and profits from the content we watch, read and listen to.  MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a media analyst and a pop culture critic about how technology, business and culture are transforming the media landscape and what it means.Guests:Eric Deggans is TV critic, media analyst and guest host at National Public Radio. Next month, he begins teaching as the Knight Professor of Journalism and Media Ethics at Washington and Lee University in Virginia. His book on how media outlets use racial issues to draw audiences is “Race-Baiter: How the Media Wields Dangerous Words to Divide a Nation.”Neal Justin is the pop culture critic for the Minnesota Star Tribune. He is also an adjunct instructor at the University of St. Thomas. 

If you've been on the fence about whether to get an electric vehicle, now might be a good time to buy or lease one. A federal tax credit that lowers the cost of EVs is set to expire at the end of September — much earlier than planned. The change is part of President Donald Trump's major tax and spending bill, which eliminated several incentives for electric vehicles. EVs have come a long way in the last few years. They made up nearly 8 percent of new cars sold last year in Minnesota and more than 100 electric vehicle models are now for sale in the U.S. (A side-by-side comparison of models can be found here.) MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about how public funding changes could affect the shift to electric, if now is a good time to swap the pump for a plug, and how far you can really go on a charge. Guests: Jukka Kukkonen is the founder of Shift2Electric, a Minnesota-based electric vehicle consulting and training company. He's also an instructor at the University of St. Thomas where he teaches courses about the EV market and technologies.  Katelyn Bocklund is the facilitator of Drive Electric Minnesota, a coalition that works to make electric vehicles more mainstream and easier to use in Minnesota. She's also a senior program manager of transportation at the nonprofit policy organization Great Plains Institute.   

Youth sports can't happen without coaches and officials. But some are hanging up their whistles — not because of the players, but because of the parents. The sidelines have become a source of frequent criticism, confrontations and stress — driving some coaches and officials to walk away from the game entirely. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with two coaches about how they set expectations for parents, players, and fellow coaches — and what it takes to cool down when behavior off the field gets too heated. Guests:Hisham Sorour is the director of coaching and player development for Mankato United Soccer Club, which has teams for players who are 5 to 18 years old.Russ Turner is the director of The Training Institute at People Incorporated Mental Health Services. He is the head coach for boys' soccer at Cretin Durham-Hall High School, and a boys and girls coach at St. Paul Blackhawks Soccer Club.   A caller recommended the book, “My Mom Thinks She's My Volleyball Coach… But She's Not!” by Julia Cook.

Chances are, you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with ADHD. About one in 10 kids live with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and among 14-year-old boys, that number jumps to nearly one in five.The commonly prescribed medications can make a big difference in behavior and self-esteem, but they don't always lead to better learning or performance in school.So, what are we getting right — and wrong — about ADHD? MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with a journalist and a pediatrician about how researchers and clinicians are changing how they think about and treat ADHD.  And we want to hear from you, too. Does your child have a diagnosis of ADHD or were you diagnosed when you were young? What is your experience with stimulant medications? What else helps you manage symptoms?

This fall, a new wave of kindergarteners enters the classroom — most born in the early days of the pandemic. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about the challenges they may face and how schools and parents can help them thrive.  Guests: Lauren Girard has been a kindergarten teacher for 15 years. She teaches at Overland Elementary School in Rochester, Minn. She is also the parent of a child born during the early months of the pandemic.Lelandra Ross is a lead specialist in early childhood education at Bruce Vento Elementary School in St. Paul, Minn. She works with staff and parents to support early childhood family education, early childhood special education, three-year-old Head Start and pre-kindergarten programming. She has also been a pre-K teacher.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.     

Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work — faster than many of us expected. From writing emails to screening job applications, AI tools are showing up in offices, warehouses and other workplaces. But are employers ready? How are they setting expectations and drawing ethical lines around using this powerful technology? MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about the growing role of AI across different industries and how organizations are responding. Guests:James Holmberg is the co-founder of VILAS, an organization focused on helping businesses understand, navigate and explore using artificial intelligence. Eran Kahana is an attorney for Maslon LLP, a business law firm based in Minneapolis. He specializes in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, privacy and intellectual property law. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota Law School.  Chris Farrell is the senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace. 

MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the power of poetry with Junauda Petrus, the poet laureate for the city of Minneapolis. Junauda says poetry is “soul medicine” that can unite us in our shared humanity. Angela also hears from poet and performer, Tish Jones, about what poetry means to her.Guests:Junauda Petrus is the poet laureate for the city of Minneapolis. She is an author, playwright, filmmaker and co-founder of the experimental artist collective, Free Black Dirt. She is the author of the Coretta Scott King Award-winning young adult novel, “The Stars and the Blackness Between Them,” and the children's book, “Can We Please Give the Police Department to the Grandmothers?” Tish Jones is a poet, performer and educator in St. Paul. She's also the founder and executive director of TruArtSpeaks. 

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a Twin Cities rapper and mindfulness instructor who says yoga saved his life.

If you're single, you've probably heard it — or said it to yourself: Dating feels impossible right now.The numbers back it up. A Pew Research study found that nearly half of Americans say dating is harder than it was a decade ago.So, what's changed? Why is dating so difficult for so many people?Dating apps have transformed how we can meet, but it's not clear if they are helping or hurting. In the 1990s, nearly 20 percent of couples met in a bar or restaurant. Today that number is down to just 8 percent.MPR News host Angela Davis revisits a conversation she had earlier this year with a dating coach and a therapist to help break down the challenges of modern dating — and provide some advice for what you can do to make it easier.Guests: Deanna Pelley is a public speaker, podcaster and mental health therapist with Emerge Therapy based in Minneapolis.Alex Merritt is a Minneapolis-based dating coach, known as the “Love Engineer.” Alex leads relationship workshops and does one-on-one advising on how to find love.  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 its origins in Black American communities to its influence on artists all over the world, jazz has always been about innovation, expression and connection. Here in Minnesota, one radio station has been keeping that spirit alive for more than 50 years — Jazz88 (KBEM-FM).Launched in 1970 as part of Minneapolis Public Schools, Jazz88 has been a hub for jazz lovers, educators and musicians, introducing generations to a timeless genre while adapting to changing times. MPR News host Angela Davis revisits a conversation she had earlier this year with some of the voices behind Jazz88, as well as a musician who performs around the Twin Cities. They explored the station's impact, its evolution and the artists shaping jazz.  Guests: Sean McPherson is the music director and afternoon host of Jazz88 (KBEM-FM). Previously he was an on-air host for The Current, Minnesota Public Radio's alternative music station.  Emmanuel Hill is the executive producer of MPS Voices, a Jazz88 livestream focused on broadcasting student voices in Minneapolis Public Schools.  Eli Awada is a Twin Cities musician, pianist and keyboardist for the jazz collective Room3.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.