Podcasts about minnesota department

Danielle Hayden is Director of Early Education for the Minnesota Department of Education, joined Vineeta to discuss the new program on the WCCO Morning News.

Danielle Hayden is Director of Early Education for the Minnesota Department of Education, joined Vineeta to discuss the new program on the WCCO Morning News.

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.    

As heat waves are hitting the Upper Midwest for the next few days, Xcel Energy says its crews and operation teams are prepared. Xcel says they have more crews on standby and the company also pushed people to sign up for alerts and report outages.The Minneapolis City Council is set to vote this week on whether to approve a reconstruction project on Lyndale Avenue South. Project officials with Hennepin County say the street is due for improvements. But some business owners are seeking a delay. They say they're worried about losing customers as some businesses on nearby Hennepin Avenue continue to struggle after recent road work there.The Minnesota Department of Commerce has advice for homeowners affected by the recent rash of weather events around the state. The agency recommends homeowners document all damages and should not repair anything until talking to their insurance provider first.Enrollment in the state's MNsure health insurance plans plunged 12 percent already this year in the wake of rising health insurance costs.

As heat waves are hitting the Upper Midwest for the next few days, Xcel Energy says its crews and operation teams are prepared. Xcel says they have more crews on standby and the company also pushed people to sign up for alerts and report outages.The Minneapolis City Council is set to vote this week on whether to approve a reconstruction project on Lyndale Avenue South. Project officials with Hennepin County say the street is due for improvements. But some business owners are seeking a delay. They say they're worried about losing customers as some businesses on nearby Hennepin Avenue continue to struggle after recent road work there.The Minnesota Department of Commerce has advice for homeowners affected by the recent rash of weather events around the state. The agency recommends homeowners document all damages and should not repair anything until talking to their insurance provider first.Enrollment in the state's MNsure health insurance plans plunged 12 percent already this year in the wake of rising health insurance costs.

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.

On this week's episode of Minnesota Military Radio, we dive into critical topics for Veterans and their families: protecting against frauds and scams, maximizing education benefits through the Minnesota GI Bill, and transitioning military skills into rewarding public service careers with the Minnesota State Patrol. Guests: Kindahl Larsen – Chief Compliance Officer, Minnesota Department of […] The post Veteran Scams Awareness, GI Bill Benefits, and Law Enforcement Careers appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

Sheletta's best buddy Jim Platten just pulled his Harley out for the summer and that always makes her anxious. She's nervous about bikers being on the road and wanted to find out if there's anything she can do, as a driver, to keep her friend Jim and other riders safe. So she asked the folks from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to join her on the podcast to motorcycle safety.   https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/safe-driving-information-and-laws/mn-motorcycle-safety-center/motorcycle-training-courses

When 17-year-old Jeremy Jourdain left on Halloween night in 2016, his family expected to see him again soon, but 10 years later the people of Bemidji, Minnesota are still looking for him AND the truth.Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/findwormHave information? Please contact the Bemidji Police department at 218-333-9111.  If you need to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers of Minnesota at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477).Thank you to Dateline, Red Lake Nation News, The Doe Network, The Charley Project, NCMEC, NamUs, CBS Minnesota, Lakeland PBS, Valley News Live, The Bemidji Pioneer, KAXE, The Star Tribune, KSTP News, Shakopee Valley News, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and MMIR Office, the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, MPR News, and Danelle Hallan for information contributing to today's case.This episode was written by Kira McQueen, edited by John Lordan, and produced by LordanArts.Do you have any comments, or a case you'd like to suggest? You'll find a comment form and case submission link at LordanArts.com.This is not intended to act as a means of proving or disproving anything related to the investigation.  It is a conversation about the current known facts and theories being discussed.  Everyone directly or indirectly referred to is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.LordanArts 2026

The U.S. has decided not to renew a key trade agreement with Canada and Mexico. The decision plunges Minnesota's agriculture industry into uncertainty. Lawmakers grilled the Minnesota Department of Human Services' leader Wednesday about the agency's process for revalidating Medicaid providers. Oral arguments are set Thursday morning in three lawsuits challenging Minnesota's ban on prediction markets. In May, Minnesota became the first state to outlaw prediction markets, which allow users to bet on everything from sports to current events. Supporters of the ban say the markets are unregulated gambling platforms.

James Clark, Inspector General of the Minnesota Department of Human Services, talks about how his office is fighting fraud and working to protect taxpayer funded services.

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.    

Hundreds of people attended an open house hosted by Google Wednesday in Hermantown, just outside Duluth. The company wants to spend up to $2 billion to build a large data center there. The proposal has faced strong opposition from residents, and at least two lawsuits have been filed to block it. The project still needs additional city and state approvals.The Minneapolis City Council voted Thursday to approve a pair of ordinance changes that would allow the city to legalize bathhouses. Adult bathhouses were historically frequented by gay men in the 1970s and '80s. They were banned in Minneapolis in 1988 during the AIDS epidemic. The changes allow the city to start the process toward permitting bathhouses and other sex venues in the future.A state lawmaker will be arraigned Friday on DWI charges stemming from a traffic stop earlier this year. State Rep. Elliott Engen of White Bear Lake was pulled over in March for speeding. According to the criminal complaint, police say Engen had a headlight out, expired registration and a blood alcohol concentration of .13. Engen had been running for state auditor, but ended his campaign.Minnesota exports fell eight percent in the first quarter compared to the same period in 2025. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says a decline in sales of mineral fuel and oil to Canada is driving the loss, along with uncertainty tied to federal actions. Excluding mineral fuel and oil exports to Canada, Minnesota exports grew slightly from a year ago.Parts of Minnesota could see triple-digit highs early next week, as a potentially dangerous heat wave moves into the region. MPR meteorologist Sven Sundgaard says temperatures and humidity will start climbing this weekend. Monday could bring highs in the upper 90s, with heat indices above 105. The heat could linger through next week, with highs near 90 continuing into the Fourth of July weekend.

Many people use banks or credit unions to manage their money. But soon, these same institutions could help some people manage their cryptocurrency. A new law taking effect Aug. 1, 2026, in Minnesota lays out the rules for financial institutions wanting to become so-called “crypto custodians.”Advocates for the legislation say it's an important step in ensuring local banks and credit unions stay competitive against national crypto companies. Minnesota Department of Commerce Deputy Commissioner Michael Crow spoke to MPR News host Nina Moini about the new regulations and what it could mean for the state's economy.

A provider trade group is alleging that the Minnesota Department of Human Services is intentionally dismantling a social services program. Democrats see an opportunity to regain ground in rural parts of Minnesota this election year as farmers cope with high oil prices and input costs. A northern Minnesota utility broke ground on a nearly billion-dollar transmission line project. It's part of a broader effort to modernize the state's electric grid.The Justice Department is asking a federal court in Minnesota for two more weeks to return the car seized after Renee Good was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis in January.

On this week’s show, we’re learning more about musky research and management in Minnesota. Kamden Glade from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources joins the show to talk about some of the muskie tagging and research he’s done on Lake Vermilion, as well as some of the other projects happening across the state. He tells us what he’s hoping to find, what they’ve discovered so far, and more. Joe Henry has the latest from Lake of the Woods. Bret and Dan start the show recapping their family fishing trip and talking about the potential pause on Minnesota’s elk relocation because of Red Lake, and Dan tries out the MN DNR Electronic Licensing App for the first time. Make sure you're “following” us on your favorite podcast streaming platform so you never miss a show, and if you like what you're hearing, leave us a rating and a review. We'd love to hear from you, and it helps us more than you know! Save 20% on a new OnX HUNT Membership with the code “SJR20” https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app/east https://fishhuntforever.com Find us on SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OVGMvd5vMvETdClc6ks6q?si=5bfeed6989d04b23 Find us on APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fish-hunt-forever/id1248475232 Find us on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/fishhuntforever Follow us on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/fish.hunt.forever/ Follow BRET on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bret.amundson/?hl=en Follow DAN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dan_amundson/?hl=en Find us on TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@fishhuntforever Follow DAN on TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@dan.amundson Follow BRET on TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bretamundson Get a NEW BOAT: https://www.raysmarinealex.com/ Take a trip to LAKE OF THE WOODS: https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/ Take a trip to DEVILS LAKE: https://www.haybaleheights.com/index.html Get in on the Rainy River/Lake of the Woods FISH MIGRATION: https://riverbendresort.com/ Learn more about SPACE TRAILERS: https://spacetrailers.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooboQSOhbWZ18_wMvVzkAIZx0uGsJiClXI22XCheqrdD8SEIUHn Learn more about CHEF ROBERTS: https://chefroberts.com/ Get OnX FISH: https://www.onxmaps.com/fish/app https://fishhuntforever.com/feed/podcast/ The post Week 719: Minnesota Musky Management with Kamden Glade appeared first on Fish Hunt Forever.

A new progress report finds the Minneapolis Police Department is falling behind on court-enforced reforms. It's the fourth report over two years from the independent evaluator, Effective Law Enforcement for All. Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero helped create the court agreement and walked MPR News host through it.

In 2026, the Minnesota Department of Education requires teachers to be toadies who follow approved teachers' manuals with fidelity. All the love of reading has been stomped out of students. Reading, writing, listening, thinking, and critically evaluating information has been replaced by remembering, responding, regurgitating, and filling in bubbles on standardized tests. This story ends where it began, in 1981. The Read Act Minnesota is the flux capacitor that has brought us screaming forward to the past (see Figure 4.4). We've been transported back to 1981 but it's much worse this time around.

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.

Help is available for families who lost a Medicare provider after Minnesota's revalidation process. Sheletta chats with her friends from the Minnesota Department of Human Services to offer resources available to help families access the services they need.  https://mn.gov/dhs/find-care/  

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.    

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

Forest Service officials say the Birch Bay wildfire burning a few miles northwest of Ely is now 30 percent contained.The Minnesota Department of Human Services has disenrolled sixty percent of providers from 14 high-risk Medicaid programs.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The school year is wrapping up for high schoolers. Soon, some teens will put down their backpacks and pick up an ice cream scoop, or maybe a lifeguard whistle. It's the season of the summer job. But this year, it may be a bit harder to find one. Over the past year Minnesota lost more than 5,000 jobs in leisure and hospitality – sectors that tend to hire youth. In March, the teen unemployment rate was 13.2 percent, nearly double what it was in March 2025, according to data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The higher unemployment rate could be a return to what was typical before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Oriane Casale, assistant director of DEED's Labor Market Information Office. Casale joined Minnesota Now along with Billie Jo Greene, who helps teens find jobs as team leader of the Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program in Bemidji.

Send us Fan MailJaneen Balsimo, a retired Minnesota state employee, spoke with Liz Collin on her podcast about what she believes to be yet another kind of Somali fraud involving workers' comp cases and “fake employees” with “fake injuries.”She explained how "it seemed like 50% of my work comp cases … were Somali cases” — and how up to $150,000 was awarded for injuries.Balsimo said that it wasn't until watching Nick Shirley's viral video that she recognized some familiar business names while working in the tort recovery unit for the Minnesota Department of Human Services.“I thought about it, I thought, wow, so the fraud went as far as the employee was a fake employee, probably with fake injuries, because there is no people at these places,” she said.Support the show

The Flanders wildfire in Crow Wing County is now 95 percent contained. Authorities say they believe it was sparked by a campfire. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said it has identified people of interest in connection with the case. Good financial news for Target today -- the Minneapolis-based retailer saw better-than-expected sales in the first quarter.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says it has located the origin of the Flanders Fire near the north shore of Flanders Lake. The fire started early Saturday afternoon and grew to more than 1,600 acres. Crow Wing County Sheriff Eric Klang says individuals appear to have started a campfire near Flanders Lake on Saturday or the night before. Minnesota is being sued by a federal agency over a new state law banning prediction markets.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

WORT 89.9FM Madison · Feds Remove Protections for Boundary Waters, Roadless Areas Jamie Ervin (photo courtesy Outdoor Alliance) On April 16, the U.S. Senate voted 50-49 to approve House Joint Resolution 140, stripping federal protections against metal mining in the watershed of the U.S. Forest Service's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park. The vote fell mostly along party lines, with all Democrats voting against the resolution.  Republican Thom Tillis of North Carolina crossed the aisle to vote against the measure, while Missouri Republican Josh Hawley did not vote.  The move comes in response to a proposed copper sulfide mine to be operated by Chilean-based Twin Metals.  Permitting for the mine now falls to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.  Meanwhile, on April 21, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers wrote to Brooke Rollins, secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to oppose the U.S. Forest Service's proposed rescission of the 2001 Roadless Rule, which includes wilderness protections for some 70,000 acres of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Northern Wisconsin.  Jamie Ervin is the Senior Policy Manager of the Outdoor Alliance, a coalition of outdoor recreation and conservation groups, and he joined the Monday Buzz on May 18, 2026. Featured image: Section Twelve Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Superior National Forest. (Photo by Daniel Ziegler, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons) Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post Feds Remove Protections for Boundary Waters, Roadless Areas appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we're joined by leaders from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to discuss career opportunities, Veteran mental health resources, and Memorial Day weekend events across the state. Guests include: Ray Douha, Director, CareerForce Veterans Employment Program Shannon Sprouse, Senior Veterans […] The post Minnesota Veterans Career Fair, Mental Health Resources, and Memorial Day Events appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

Scott Brewer and Kyle Agre are talking hunting, fishing and just about anything you can do outdoors each weekend on Gone Outdoors radio. Listen in this week as they welcome Elizabeth Schiffman of the Minnesota Department of Health to inform us about vector borne illnesses, Pastor Ben Jacobson with an invite to the upcoming Men In Boats event and Mark Noonan previews a bass fishing tournament on White Earth Lake. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 As Minnesota advances toward its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 — what are some of the most actionable and cost-effective decarbonization opportunities for this sector?   In April, Fresh Energy and The 2035 Initiative co-authored a new study, “Advancing Industrial Electrification in Minnesota,” that charts practical policy pathways for decarbonizing the manufacturing sector.  Listen to this latest episode to hear from the report's authors, including The 2035 Initiative's Dr. Leah Stokes and Dr. Eric Masanet and Fresh Energy's Brandon Isakson, with opening remarks from Pete Wyckoff, Deputy Commissioner of Energy Resources at the Minnesota Department of Commerce and Kate Knuth, Climate Director at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The group will dig into the details of the report, discuss policy pathways, and answer audience questions. Resources:Download the studyView a recording of the webinarFresh Energy's mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky:  https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

A Minnesotan may have been exposed to hantavirus. The Minnesota Department of Health is monitoring this person for symptoms. The state epidemiologist explained this virus, how it spreads and how health officials are making sure it stays contained. You might be looking at gas prices and thinking it's time to go electric. We checked in on the state of the EV industry in Minnesota. Plus, prediction markets are on their way to being banned in Minnesota. But the ban is likely to face legal obstacles. It's a picture-perfect spring day. We got an extended forecast from MPR News Meteorologist Sven Sundgaard. This weekend, a herd of bison will be released in the St. Croix River Valley. We learned how the animal is crucial to habitat preservation.

State health officials say they're monitoring a Minnesotan who may have been exposed to hantavirus. The person was briefly in contact with a cruise ship traveler who tested positive for the virus. The Minnesota Department of Health says the individual is not currently showing symptoms and the risk to the public remains very low. Hantavirus is normally passed on by rodents but the Andes strain linked to the cruise ship outbreak is the only known type that can spread person-to-person. Dr. Ruth Lynfield, epidemiologist at the Minnesota Department of Health, shared more about the steps being taken and what to know about the virus.

In a recent announcement from the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority, The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will be utilizing nearly $200 million on wastewater and drinking water projects across the state

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is making sure providers of high-risk Medicaid services have the right paperwork, training, and insurance on file. Over 5,500 Medicaid providers are required to go through revalidation by the end of May. If you're one of these providers, Sheletta tells you how to follow the steps to ensure compliance and avoid missing out on funding on the latest episode of her autism podcast. mn.gov/dhs/revalidate-steps

Guest Minnesota native Aaron Hebeisen grew up hunting, fishing, and recreating outdoors. His lifelong passion for wildlife led him to earn an Animal Ecology degree from Iowa State University. He has worked for the Minnesota Conservation Corps, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture on wildlife disease research, and is now the Field Operations Coordinator with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, supporting chapters in 10 states across the Midwest and the southern U.S. Summary This episode explores the meaning, management, and future of public lands in the United States. The discussion begins by defining public lands—roughly 640 million federally managed acres overseen by agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service—and emphasizes their "multiple-use" mandate, balancing recreation, resource extraction, and conservation. Aaron highlights BHA's mission to advocate for these lands on behalf of all users, not just hunters and anglers, framing Americans as "public landowners" with both rights and responsibilities. A key theme is the complexity of land and water access, illustrated through conflicts over stream access laws in states like Illinois, where differing definitions of "navigability" create legal gray areas and tension among stakeholders. The conversation also examines policy advocacy, including coalition-building, lobbying, and navigating bipartisan politics. Aaron describes BHA's approach as "radically purple"—engaged but nonpartisan—focused on finding common ground across competing interests. A major case study is the rollback of mining protections near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area via H.R. 140, which Aaron argues could set a precedent for weakening environmental safeguards nationwide. Despite such challenges, the episode remains grounded in a broader philosophical reflection: public lands are a uniquely American inheritance that fosters personal connection, humility, and stewardship. Ultimately, Aaron underscores that protecting these lands requires active civic engagement—if people don't participate, they risk losing access to what is collectively theirs. A key takeaway Public lands belong to all of us, but their future depends on whether people actively engage in protecting them—through stewardship, advocacy, and participation in the political process. References / Links Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Beyond Fair Chase: The Ethic and Tradition of Hunting LinkedIn Instagram Facebook

A bill to make Minnesota's bridges safer passed the House unanimously Thursday. The measure directs the Minnesota Department of Transportation to make a statewide plan to identify bridges with high suicide rates and incorporate suicide prevention in new bridges.The judge presiding over the Feeding Our Future case is limiting convicted ringleader Aimee Bock's access to confidential case documents after she allegedly directed her sons to send the files to reporters and elected officials.As gas prices climb, drivers want to fill up at the gas station offering the cheapest gas. One south Minneapolis independent gas station with cheaper prices says it's seeing heavier traffic since the start of the war in Iran.

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota has gotten warmer and wetter over the last century. It's one sign of a changing climate being seen in the state. As we continue to learn about the impacts of climate change, state leaders are taking steps to hold big companies accountable for their role in contributing to climate change. One route has been through the courts. Another has been through legislation that would make fossil fuel companies pay for their emissions. To learn where these efforts stand, MPR News host Nina Moini spoke with two guests who have been keeping an eye on these efforts in Minnesota and across the U.S. James Coleman is a professor of law at the University of Minnesota. And Margaret Barry is a climate litigation fellow at the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz says today's execution of search warrants at multiple locations across the Twin Cities is an example of state and federal agencies working together.The federal Department of Homeland Security says the warrants are part of an ongoing criminal investigation related to fraud. The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families confirmed the operation, saying it stems from information it shared with state and federal law enforcement.That story and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Many Black women share similar stories about the horror and health challenges of giving birth, but nobody was listening—until now.  The Maternal and Child Health staff at the Minnesota Department of Health wants to hear from you about what it is like to have a baby in Minnesota. Link: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/womeninfants/womenshealth/story.html

Can controlled drainage make that big of a difference in drainage flow, nitrogen loss, and overall yields? A research project in the Midwest has been studying that question since 2017, and the findings might surprise you.Guest host Trey Allis sits down with Jeppe Kjaersgaard, a research scientist studying drainage, nitrogen management, and irrigation. Jeppe traces his journey from the family farm in Denmark to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, shares results from his controlled drainage field study, and makes a compelling case for collaborating with people across the ag industry.Jeppe and Trey talk through the methods and findings of a controlled drainage comparison study in Wilkin County, Minnesota. The project includes two sites: a 160-acre field used to gather data on controlled drainage and a 65-acre plot used to explore the impacts of a saturated buffer. Jeppe shares what he's learning about how different water management methods impact drainage flow, nitrogen loss, and overall yields.Trey and Jeppe also discuss the Conservation Drainage Network, an organization made up of researchers, drainage professionals, and interest organizations, as well as federal, state, and local conservation district staff. Jeppe talks about the benefits of such a network and how it can help increase adoption of different conservation drainage practices.Learn more about the Red River Drainage Water Management Project: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/protecting/cleanwaterfund/onfarmprojects/rrvdwmprojectCheck out the Conservation Drainage Network: https://conservationdrainage.net/Chapters:00:00 - Introductions01:42 - From Denmark to Minnesota04:50 - Local differences and global similarities06:45 - Minnesota Department of Agriculture work08:27 - Controlled drainage comparison project13:20 - Highlights and learnings of project17:38 - Measuring drainage flow, nitrogen loss, and yields20:00 - Cost analysis and planning for the future21:58 - Saturated buffer impacts on nitrogen and water flow26:19 - Using project data to set standards27:47 - The Conservation Drainage Network35:47 - Drainage is a key piece of the whole ag picture41:40 - ClosingRelated Content:#142: Minnesota's coolest drainage plots#98: Exploring Discovery Farms: A lesson in doing the homework#110: Bridging the gap between water management research and applicationJeppe Kjaersgaard on the 2026 Discovery Farms Minnesota Controlled Drainage WebinarFind us on social media!Facebook Twitter InstagramListen on these podcast platforms:Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube MusicYouTubeVisit our website to explore more episodes and water management education.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is under scrutiny after admitting that fraudsters targeted its $100 million small business grant program, the Minnesota Promise Act. Commissioner Matt Varilek acknowledged that safeguards, while in place, aren't foolproof. An investigation revealed that some grant recipients may not have met eligibility requirements, raising questions about the allocation of taxpayer dollars. DEED is reevaluating businesses featured in the report and has referred 76 potentially fraudulent applications to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. They've already clawed back approximately $10,000. Lawmakers are pressing for answers and changes to the program, highlighting the need for greater oversight and accountability in the distribution of public funds to prevent future fraud and ensure the money reaches the intended recipients.

  This week on Minnesota Military Radio, we get an in‑depth update from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, focusing on Veteran care, advocacy, and support services available to Veterans and their families across Minnesota. Commissioner Brad Lindsay joins the show to discuss current priorities, statewide initiatives, and how the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs continues […] The post MDVA Update: Veteran Care Programs and Veterans Day on the Hill appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

No mammal represents Minnesota's north shore better than the moose. The winter of 2026 has been busy and significant for these majestic animals.  Through the Northern Moose Alliance (www.moosealliance.org), a joint effort between Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 1854 Treaty Authority, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation, 60 juvenile moose were collared to launch a study on why the moose population has seen a 60% decline in recent years. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Michelle Carstensen, Wildlife Health Group Leader for the Minnesota's DNR about the project and the partnerships that have come together to better learn about the region's moose.We'd love to keep you updated as this work evolves and share ways you can help protect moose as opportunities arise. Join the Northern Moose Alliance's quarterly newsletter for exclusive updates, expert moose insights, and actions you can take: https://moosealliance.org/subscribe/ Quotes“It's been a very moose-filled winter for us, which, if you ask me, is a great way to spend the winter.” “What we want to know is how many can survive over winter and at what age they become reproductively contributing to the population.”“We were missing that middle cohort of animals, which is a huge driver if you want to have a population that's going to grow.”“We're trying to understand why the moose population has been kind of stagnant.”“It's our role as stewards to try to help this population thrive.”Connect With Us:Northern Moose Alliance Website – https://moosealliance.org Lake Superior Podcast Page – https://nplsf.org/podcastFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/NationalParksOfLakeSuperiorFoundationSponsors:Cafe Imports – Minneapolis-based importers of specialty green coffees since 1993, focused on sustainability. Learn more: cafeimports.comNational Parks of Lake Superior Foundation – Donate to protect Lake Superior's five national parks: nplsf.org/donate

This is a time of real uncertainty for agriculture in Minnesota. Crop prices are fluctuating, the cost of fuel and fertilizer remains high, and tariffs and global trade uncertainty are adding another layer of pressure on farmers trying to make a profit. As spring planting season begins, farmers need to make some big decisions — facing a lot of unknowns. For many families, farming is not just tied to income, but to identity, tradition, and generations of work. So when things feel unstable, the impact goes far beyond the farm. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how Minnesota farmers are managing the challenges.Guests:Thom Petersen is the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Before being appointed commissioner, he was the director of government relations for the Minnesota Farmers Union. He has spent most of his life working for a horse and farm business. Megan Horsager is a farmer in Chippewa County. She works on Stevens farms with her family, where they raise sugar beets, corn, soybeans, alfalfa and silage. 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 Minnesota, high school students can earn college credit for proficiency in a language besides English. The Minnesota Bilingual Seals Program has been around since 2014 to help recognize multilingualism as an asset. The program recognizes 32 languages and this year for the very first time, a student was awarded a World Language Proficiency Certificate for Ojibwe. Tecumseh Fahrlander is a senior at Hinckley-Finlayson High School and is a member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. He spoke with Minnesota Now host Nina Moini about the experience alongside Annie Huberty, the director of American Indian education at the Minnesota Department of Education.

Back in the 1970s, a Canadian ice researcher developed a formula to determine how thick lake ice needed to be for logging trucks to drive across. It helps inform the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' ice safety guidelines today. Reporter Kim Hyatt talks with host Erica Pearson about the history and science of ice roads.

Planning for the next generation to take on the family farm can be a huge stressor on farmers. According to a recent analysis by Farm Journal, nearly 15 percent of American cropland is projected to change hands by 2030. Yet, many producers have no formal succession plans in place. Over the winter, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture along with University of Minnesota Extension and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, are helping farmers with that transition through retreats. Jim Molenaar supports farmers with succession planning and presents at the retreats. He joined Minnesota Now to talk more about his work.

The Crabby Coffee Shop hosts Faye Bernstein, a 20-year employee at the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Bernstein gives her first-hand report by telling you what happened when she questioned the suspicious activities occurring at DHS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whistleblower Allegations Over 400 employees from the Minnesota Department of Health and Human Services claim they warned Governor Walz about the fraud early but faced retaliation instead of cooperation. Allegations include monitoring, threats, and discrediting of fraud reports. Nature of the Fraud Fraud reportedly involved members of the Somali diaspora misappropriating millions from Medicaid autism programs. Funds allegedly sent overseas to terrorist organizations like Al-Shabaab. Nearly 100 autism clinics investigated for fraudulent billing. Political Dimension Walz ignored the issue for political gain, citing the Somali community’s voting power. Democrats were prioritizing votes over accountability. Media Criticism Mainstream media downplayed the scandal. NBC’s interview with Walz was “softball” at best, allowing him to deflect blame and attack Donald Trump. Governor’s Response Walz acknowledges responsibility for prosecuting offenders but rejects demonizing an entire community. Minnesota’s prosperity and social programs were blaming federal cuts for oversight challenges. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.