Podcasts about mpr news

Laurie Putnam is the superintendent of St. Cloud Public Schools, and the first woman to lead the district. Her husband, Aric Putnam, is a DFL state senator, representing District 14, which includes St. Cloud. Together, they're navigating politics, education, family life and the challenges of leading in the public eye.MPR News host Angela Davis revisits another conversation in her Power Pairs series. She talks with the Putnams about how they support each other and why they picked careers that serve their community.

The Trump Administration set out to implement its immigration agenda on day one and made major changes to the U.S. immigration system. That included halting the resettlement of refugees, ending temporary protections for certain groups, and initiating a widespread deportation effort. In just this last month, at least 670 people in Minnesota have been arrested by ICE.These actions have left many immigrants across the state feeling fearful and uncertain about their futures. MPR News immigration reporter Sarah Thamer sat down with Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to look back on the year and what unfolded.

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

2025 brought many moments of grief and trauma for Minnesotans. That included the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis on Aug. 27. Harper Moyski,10, and Fletcher Merkel, 8, were killed. Twenty-eight others were injured. And hundreds of families now grappling with a very different reality. Kristen Neville and her fiancé Michael Burt together have five children who attend Annunciation. All five survived the mass shooting. Kristen and Michael have both taken on leadership roles in helping the Annunciation community move forward and they sat down to talk about those efforts with MPR News host Nina Moini.

The shootings of Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses was one of the most impactful stories of 2025. On June 14th, a shooter killed DFL House Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were also shot. They survived. Six months later, lawmakers are still grappling with the attacks. MPR News politics reporter Dana Ferguson joined Minnesota Now to talk about the tragedy and its lasting mark on the legislature.

Minnesota may be known as the land of ten thousand lakes, but an explosion of proposals for data centers this past year has some wondering if it could soon become the land of ten thousand data centers. From Faribault to Hermantown, places across the state are facing the possibility of a data center coming to their community. With cool temperatures and favorable tax exemptions, Minnesota has become an attractive place for tech companies searching for a place to build their data storage houses. MPR News reporter Kirsti Marohn has been following the data center beat. She joined Minnesota Now to recap all that happened in 2025.

If you think back to Valentine's Day 2025, you may remember the release of a dating reality show featuring a group of Minnesotans.‘Love is Blind: Minneapolis' portrayed the relationships of five couples who got engaged after a short, but intense period of dating, without ever seeing one another. Later in the show, the couples came back to the Twin Cities and put places like Buck Hill, Bryant Lake Bowl and the Como Conservatory on screens around the world. MPR News mapped the filming locations, talked to cast members and heard mixed reactions from fans.At the end of the season, just one couple said “I do” at the altar. Taylor and Daniel Hastings renewed their vows this summer and recently celebrated their favorite holiday, Christmas, together for the first time since their relationship became public. They joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about life after the show.

As 2025 comes to a close, we are reflecting on the stories that impacted Minnesotans most this year. The Annunciation Church and School community is working towards healing following a mass shooting. MPR News host Nina Moini talked with two Annunciation parents who are helping lead the community forward.2025 was also a difficult year for state lawmakers following the killings of House leader Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. MPR News politics reporter Dana Ferguson explained how the tragedy is still impacting the legislature. And Minnesota saw an explosion of data center proposals this year. MPR News reporter Kirsti Marohn broke down where things stand.Plus, Minneapolis was the center of reality TV this year. We're talking about Love is Blind! We heard from the only married couple from the show, Daniel and Taylor.

MnDOT has lifted no-travel advisories across southern Minnesota in the wake of blizzard conditions yesterday and overnight.And air traffic is running more smoothly today out of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport as the weather improved. Metropolitan Airports Commission spokesperson Jeff Lea says ground crews have been clearing runways.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Some say religion and politics don't mix. But they do in the lives of couple Marcia Zimmerman and Frank Hornstein.Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman is the senior rabbi at Temple Israel in Minneapolis.   Frank Hornstein served for 22 years in the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing neighborhoods near downtown Minneapolis and Lake of the Isles before stepping down in early 2025.They have raised three children together and supported each other in their individual callings through more than four decades of marriage.MPR News host Angela Davis revisits Power Pairs conversations from 2025 this week, starting with a conversation about faith, politics and the importance of strong relationships — in marriage and community.Guests:Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman is the senior rabbi at Temple Israel in Minneapolis. Frank Hornstein served as a DFL representative from District 61A in the Minnesota House of Representatives for 22 years until deciding in 2024 not to seek reelection.Listen to all the conversations in our Power Pairs series.Do you know a 'Power Pair? Send us your suggestions.

Only six percent of Americans follow a vegetarian diet, according to a Statistica poll. And even fewer follow a strict vegan lifestyle, avoiding all animal products in food and clothing.But many people are starting to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diets, often for health reasons and out of a concern for the environment.More vegan and vegetarian options are going mainstream. Think about “meatless Mondays” or the Impossible Burger. Don't want cow milk? Your local grocery store's dairy case probably carries milk made from oats, soybeans, rice, almonds, coconuts or cashews.  MPR News host Angela Davis revisits a conversation she had about what it means to be vegan or to follow a mostly plant-based diet. What makes people decide to do it? Are there health benefits or health hazards? Can you get the protein and nutrients your body needs without eating animal products?Guests:Jacque Reid is the founder of the “Vegan Sexy Cool” brand, which includes a digital lifestyle magazine and a podcast. She is also an Emmy-award winning journalist. She co-hosts the “Reid This/Reid That” podcast with former MSNBC host Joy Reid. She previously hosted lifestyle TV shows on NBC affiliates in New York and Boston and was the lead news anchor for “CNN Headline News” and the “BET Nightly News.”   Megan Baumler is an assistant professor and director of the Nutrition and Dietetics Program at St. Catherine University in St. Paul. She is a licensed and registered dietitian nutritionist. 

As winter settles across Minnesota — when lakes freeze, snow quiets the land, and nights stretch long — many Indigenous communities enter a season of storytelling. It's a time to gather indoors and share stories that carry history, teachings and connection, passed carefully from one generation to the next. MPR News guest host Leah Lemm talks with two Native storytellers about the significance of storytelling in our lives, particularly during the darkest days of the year. Guests: Hope Flanagan is is a storyteller and teacher who works at Dream of Wild Health, a Minneapolis nonprofit organization that recovers and shares knowledge of Indigenous foods, medicines and ways of life. Stories were passed to her from Ona KingBird from Red Lake reservation. She comes from the Turtle Clan, from the people of Tonawanda, Seneca Reservation. Teresa Peterson is an avid gardener and author of several books, including "Grasshopper Girl," "Voices from Pejahutazizi: Dakota Stories and Storytellers," and "Perennial Ceremony." She is Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota and a member of the Upper Sioux Community.

Minnesota state agencies are now required by law to report instances of suspected fraud to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. That's one of the new steps to crack down on schemes targeting human services programs, which are largely federally funded.One of the busiest times for air travel at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is coming up this week. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Millions of dollars for homeless services in Minnesota are up in the air after the Trump  administration proposed changing the rules for housing programs that helped people get off the streets.   The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development plans to shift money away from long-term housing programs that provide services.   Instead, more federal money would go toward breaking up homeless encampments and to short-term shelters with work requirements and mandatory addiction treatment.  Critics warn this could force thousands of Minnesotans back into living in their cars, onto friends' couches or onto the streets — including people who have relied on supportive housing for years.On Dec. 19. a judge temporarily halted the administration's proposals, creating more uncertainty. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with her guests about what helps people move into permanent homes and how federal policy shifts could affect Minnesotans. Guests: Chris LaTondresse is the president and CEO of Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, one of Minnesota's largest nonprofit providers of supportive housing for families, single adults and youth who have experienced homelessness. He previously served as a Hennepin County Commissioner and chaired the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority. LeAnn Littlewolf is the executive director of the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) in Duluth. The nonprofit organization runs Gimaajii Mino-Bimaadizimin, a community center with supportive housing for women and children. She is a member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and previously worked with the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless.  

The episode articulates the significant impact of a potent Pacific storm train, which continues to target the western region of the United States, particularly California and Washington. We delve into the widespread flood watches issued by the National Weather Service, affecting vast areas along the California coast and valleys, alongside heavy snowfall in the Sierra Nevada, which complicates mountainous travel. Additionally, we address the winter storm warning currently in effect for the Washington Cascades, where hazardous conditions prevail due to blowing snow. Our discussion further encompasses the emergency declaration approved by FEMA for Montana, aimed at providing federal support in response to recent flooding incidents. We conclude by emphasizing the need for vigilance and safety amidst these challenging weather conditions, while we continue to monitor ongoing developments across various states. A comprehensive examination of the ongoing meteorological conditions reveals a formidable Pacific storm train currently imposing significant weather events across the western regions of the United States. The National Weather Service has issued widespread flood watches encompassing much of California's coastal and valley areas, while simultaneously, heavy snowfall is complicating travel through the Sierra Nevada mountains. This duality of weather phenomena underscores the potential for both flooding and treacherous travel conditions, particularly in the context of the Sierra, where snow accumulation is exacerbating the risks associated with winter travel. Further north, the Washington Cascades are under a winter storm warning, highlighting hazardous conditions including blowing snow and limited visibility, which pose serious risks to both residents and travelers alike. As we navigate through these intense weather patterns, it is imperative to remain vigilant and informed, as river flood warnings persist in various basins, reflecting the substantial impact these storms are having on local ecosystems and communities alike.Takeaways:* The National Weather Service has issued widespread flood watches across California's coastal regions and valleys.* A potent Pacific storm is currently affecting the West, leading to hazardous weather conditions.* FEMA has approved an emergency declaration for Montana in light of recent flooding incidents.* Winter storm warnings are in effect for the Washington Cascades, indicating severe weather challenges ahead.* Flood warnings persist on several rivers, including the Skokomish, indicating ongoing minor flooding issues.* Minnesota is experiencing icy road conditions due to overnight freezing rain, affecting travel safety.Sources[FEMA | https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20251220/president-donald-j-trump-approves-emergency-declaration-montana][NWS San Diego | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=flood+watch][NWS Bay Area | https://www.weather.gov/mtr/][NWS Sacramento | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?product1=Flood+Watch&warnzone=CAZ066][NWS Eureka (Eel River) | https://www.weather.gov/eka/][NWS Seattle | https://www.weather.gov/sew/][NWS Warning Text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=sew&wwa=winter+storm+warning][NWS River Warning | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=flood+warning][NWS Medford | https://www.weather.gov/mfr/][NWS Advisory Timing | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=43.1787&lon=-122.1389][NWS Spokane | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=IDZ101&product1=Winter+Weather+Advisory][Montana Governor | https://gov.mt.gov/Documents/GovernorsOffice/executiveorders/View?doc=EO112025DisasterDeclarationStatewideSevereWindEvent002.pdf][NWS Missoula | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+weather+advisory][NWS Fairbanks | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+weather+advisory][MnDOT 511 | https://511mn.org/list/events][MPR News | https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/12/22/road-conditions-icy-schools-delayed-in-southern-minnesota] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

A winter storm will bring accumulating snow, gusty winds and possibly blizzard conditions to parts of Minnesota over the next 24 hours. A mix of rain, snow and maybe some freezing rain will spread across the state through tonight. It'll change over to all snow most quickly across the north... with more than a half-foot possible in the far north by late tomorrow. A dusting to maybe an inch for central and southern Minnesota.That story and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The gusty winds that caused today's blizzard conditions in northwest Minnesota also brought much colder air across the entire state.The Department of Homeland Security says federal agents have not broken the law in their treatment of observers during immigration arrests in Minnesota.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

From shorebirds to warblers to backyard regulars, the Great Lakes region is a critical stopover for millions of birds every year.MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about winter birdwatching, how to attract birds to your yard and how to make birding more welcoming to more people.Guest:Dexter Patterson is the co-founder of the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, an organization dedicated to making birding more accessible and inclusive for people of color. He also co-hosts The Bird Joy Podcast and is the author of the book, “Birds of the Great Lakes."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.     

Federal prosecutors announced new fraud charges Thursday related to state programs. MPR News reporter Matt Sepic broke down what prosecutors have alleged so far in other fraud cases ahead of the announcement.Minnesota's construction industry has continued to fare better than the overall economy. But a new survey shows the outlook within the industry is less optimistic than previous years. MPR News reporter Melissa Olson dove into another study showing the economic value of tribal gaming for the state of Minnesota.Plus, a holiday edition of professional help explored how to give money to causes you care about instead of spending it this season.

Many of us think about, talk about and chase happiness. But it can be elusive and surprisingly complicated.MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with a philosopher who says happiness — at least the way we usually think of it — is really just a feeling that comes and goes. She says what truly matters is flourishing — living in a way that reflects our values, our relationships and the kind of person we're trying to become. Guest:Valerie Tiberius is a professor of philosophy at the University of Minnesota. She is also the author of “What Do You Want Out of Life? A Philosophical Guide to Figuring Out What Matters.”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.     

Working in the back-of-house at many restaurants in Minnesota, you'll find a Hispanic or Latino employee. Government labor data shows that the most common occupations for Hispanic or Latino Minnesotans are chefs and cooks. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement have detained hundreds of people in the Twin Cities this month, including many from Latin American countries. ICE agents are now in their third week of an operation in the metro area and their increased activity has put the restaurant industry on edge. For perspective, MPR News host Nina Moini talked with Gustavo Romero, co-owner and chef of the restaurant Oro by Nixta in Minneapolis.

This week, the Jewish community is celebrating Hanukkah. During the holiday season, people often turn to music to get into the holiday spirit. But there is not nearly as much festive Hanukkah music as there is Christmas music. A local musician is trying to change that. Adam Bohanan is putting on a show called “A Very Funky Hanukkah Show,” Thursday night at The Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis where he will share some new original Hanukkah tunes. He joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about it.

Prints from a Minnesota studio are among those on display as a part of novel exhibit at the Print Center New York. The project, called “Data Consciousness: Reframing Blackness in Contemporary Print,” is inspired by the ground-breaking data visualization work of W.E.B. Du Bois presented at the 1900 Paris Exposition, which sought to present various aspects of Black life after Reconstruction. This contemporary exhibit draws on updated data from official records, archives and oral testimonies to provide a contemporary look into the same themes explored by Du Bois.MPR News host Nina Moini talked with one of the artists behind the show, William Villalongo, along with Alex Blaisdell, gallery director at Highpoint Center for Printmaking in Minneapolis.

Increased Immigrations and Customs Enforcement actions in Minnesota this month have drawn, likely, thousands of community protesters and observers. And confrontations between ICE agents and community members have been chaotic. Today, six Minnesota residents along with the ACLU of Minnesota filed a lawsuit against ICE, alleging that agents have interfered with their rights to free speech and peaceful assembly and have subjected them to harassment, intimidation and unlawful detentions. For more information on the legal case, MPR News host Nina Moini talked with Alicia Granse, an ACLU of Minnesota staff attorney who is leading the lawsuit.

From local Nutcrackers to community choir concerts, ‘tis the season for holiday shows put on by your friends and neighbors. Across Minnesota, stages are booked with theater, dance and music performances — and many of the people in the spotlight aren't even paid professionals. They're adults with day jobs who rehearse after dinner, all for the joy and community they find in amateur arts groups. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about what tapping into your inner performing artist does for your own well-being and how these local productions enrich our communities.Guests: G. Phillip Shoultz III is the associate artistic director of VocalEssence and works with several of the organization's non-professional choruses. He also oversees music at Westwood Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, is an adjunct member of the music faculty at the University of St. Thomas and is artistic director of Sing Democracy 250, which is organizing choir performances next year in all 50 states to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Dylon Starr is the director of Disney's “Frozen” at the Rochester Civic Theatre and has acted and directed in other community theaters in southeastern Minnesota. He's also director of programming and music at Peace United Church of Christ in Rochester.  

Governor Tim Walz signed two executive orders Tuesday aimed at gun violence prevention. The first expands outreach and education on extreme risk protection orders, which is a law that allows for guns to be taken away from people deemed to be a risk to themselves or others. It also will promote safe firearm storage. And lastly will look to require insurance companies to provide data on the cost of gun violence. The second executive order establishes a statewide safety council. Rep. Emma Greenman, DFL-Minneapolis, who represents the area of south Minneapolis where Annunciation is located, joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about it.

This year has been turbulent for farmers: They've faced the ups and downs of trade wars, inflation and the persistent threat of climate change. And it shows. Calls to mental health hotlines for agricultural workers like the Iowa Concern hotline ticked up this fall compared to numbers from last fall. And a representative from the national Farm Aid hotline reported that more than 50 percent of their callers said they were “financially stressed.”Tracie Rutherford Self is one of three agricultural mental health specialists working for the state of Minnesota. She spoke to MPR News host Nina Moini about what that increased need looks like for farmers, and how she helps.

Minnesota folklorist and musician Ellen Stekert has released a new album for the first time in decades. But the songs on “Go Ahead Around Songs, Vol. 1” are not new recordings.They were cut years ago in the 1950s and 1960s and were never formally released. With the help of artificial intelligence, those archival recordings have now been restored and assembled into a collection.In addition to her music, Stekert is a pioneering scholar in folklore studies. She taught for many years at the University of Minnesota and became Minnesota's first state folklorist in 1976. Stekert joined MPR News host Nina Moini along with Ross Wylde, who helped produce the album.

The creator of ChatGPT has promised to donate more than $40 million to nonprofits across the country. It is the first round of philanthropy from the rebranded nonprofit arm of OpenAI. A portion of the new funding is coming to Minnesota. Two Twin Cities-focused organizations, COPAL and Merrick Community Services, are among more than 200 recipients nationwide. Kate Kelly is the development director of Merrick Community Services, which provides social services in St. Paul's East Side neighborhood. She joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about what the organization will do with the money, including their exploration of AI as a tool for their work.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, or DEED, says the state gained about 40,000 jobs in September compared to the same time a year ago. With the federal government shutdown now over, more current data will be released in the coming weeks. Olmsted County authorities today identified the person who shot and wounded a student in the Stewartville High School parking lot Friday as a man who graduated from the school last year.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Two mass shootings over the weekend left communities in two countries shaken. Two gunmen killed 15 people at a Hanukkah Festival in Australia and dozens remain hospitalized.MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about what we know about the shootings, what research says about patterns in mass violence and what these attacks mean for communities processing fear and grief.Guests:James Densley is professor and department chair of criminology and criminal justice at Metro State University and co-founder of the Violence Prevention Project Research Center at Hamline University. Jillian Peterson is a professor of criminology and criminal justice, director of the forensic psychology program and executive director of the Violence Prevention Project Research Center at Hamline University. Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker is the senior rabbi at Mount Zion Temple in St. Paul.

Jewish Minnesotans are condemning a mass shooting in Australia marking the first day of Hanukkah that left 15 people dead. It follows another shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island on Saturday where two students were killed. We'll hear from one local rabbi affected by both tragedies. An MPR News investigation shows Planned Parenthood in Minnesota is facing strife amid staff complaints and financial pressures. We'll hear more about the situation. Plus, we'll meet a Duluth foster parent who's just won an award for her work building connections between foster and birth families. And a food shelf operator talks about how he's responding to an ongoing uptick in demand. Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Happy Hollow” by Pert Near Sandstone and our Song of the Day was “8 Days (of Hanukkah)” by Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings.

A Stewartville high school student is in critical condition after being shot outside the school early this morning. And Minnesota fraud investigations are piling up as the Department of Human Services is more aggressively examining possible abuses.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Climate change has amplified the hydrologic cycle in Minnesota. Our more erratic precipitation patterns are driving faster transitions from drought to floods. So, can AI-driven forecasts help predict floods on rivers like the Mississippi? “We need to make innovations in these sorts of models and in our flood forecasting in general,” said Zac McEachran, a research hydrologist from the University of Minnesota. McEachran talked with MPR News meteorologist Paul Huttner about a new flood forecasting model that uses AI to improve local flood predictions. Click play on the audio player above to listen to this episode or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.

Is it possible to build relational bridges, even in contentious times?Scholar and activist john a. powell says yes. He's dedicated his life to teaching others how to belong and bridge. As the director of the Othering and Belonging Institute at the University of California, Berkeley and the founder of the Institute on Race and Poverty at the University of Minnesota, powell — who spells his name in lowercase, to signify that “we are part of the universe, not over it” — studies equity and connection. His new book, “The Power of Bridging,” is his thesis that connecting with others and honoring their humanity is the only way to create a world where we all belong. powell came back to Minnesota on a cold night in early December, at the invitation of The Bush Foundation and MPR, to talk with MPR News reporter and host Catharine Richert about how to do the work of bridging, even at this divisive moment in history. He shared stories from his own life, talked about how to bridge (or not) with folks who don't want to bridge and discussed how the work of bridging and belonging is as much internal as external.

This past Saturday, people across northern Minnesota and Wisconsin saw a long flash of sparkling white and green light trail across the night sky. People captured it on video and it went viral on social media. But no one was exactly sure what it was. Maybe a meteor? A comet? Santa doing a test run with Rudolph? MPR News Duluth reporter Dan Kraker made it his mission to find out after seeing the spectacle himself. He joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about what he learned about the so-called “space junk.”

Economic and social science research suggests climate risks are beginning to inform where people choose to live, raise families, and invest, foreshadowing the decline of a near 75-year trend of domestic migration to the Southern U.S. This is the focus of urban planner and trusted climate adaptation scholar Jesse M. Keenan's new book, North: The Future of Post-Climate America.  As the costs of environmental risks to homes, communities and livelihoods become insupportable in the most vulnerable areas of the country, many who are able will gravitate to regions where life can be relatively stable and secure.  North is a comprehensive assessment of trendlines and evidence that suggest how this migration will occur—and how leaders can ensure equity and continuity as American populations shift.  Drawing on his extensive background in climate adaptation research, Keenan offers strategies for locations that will be sending people and those that will receive them. He concludes North with a fictional description of what America could look like near the end of this century, when many climate impacts are expected to mature.   In this episode, Ten Across founder Duke Reiter and author Jesse Keenan discuss implications for the Ten Across geography, which is among the most climate-vulnerable regions in the country.  Relevant Articles and Resources  North: The Future of Post-Climate America  “Zillow deletes climate risk data from listings after complaints it harms sales” (The Guardian, December 2025)  “America's Home Insurance Affordability Crunch: See What's Happening Near You.” (The New York Times, November 2025)  “As millions face climate relocation, the nation's first attempt sparks warnings and regret” (Floodlight, September 2025)  “Snow Belt to Sun Belt Migration: End of an Era?” (Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, July 2024)  “Climate-proof Duluth? Why the city is attracting ‘climate migrants'” (MPR News, October 2021)“Want to Escape Global Warming? These Cities Promise Cool Relief” (The New York Times, April 2019)  “The Rise of the Sunbelt” (Edward L. Glaeser and Kristina Tobio, May 2007)  Relevant Ten Across Conversations Podcasts  How the 10X Region Can Plan for Climate Migration with Abrahm Lustgarten  CreditsHost: Duke ReiterProducer and editor: Taylor GriffithMusic by: Pearce Roswell, Out To The World, Johan GlössnerResearch and support provided by: Kate Carefoot, Rae Ulrich, and Sabine Butler  About our guestJesse M. Keenan is the Favrot II Associate Professor of Sustainable Real Estate and Urban Planning and Director of the Center on Climate Change and Urbanism at the School of Architecture and Built Environment at Tulane University. His research spans design, engineering, finance, and policy, with service to U.S. government agencies, international organizations, and major corporations. Widely published and cited, Jesse's work has shaped climate policy, financial regulation, and concepts like climate gentrification. He is the author of North: The Future of Post-Climate America, which is available in bookstores on December 17.

A judge heard arguments today in a federal lawsuit against the state of Minnesota challenging a state law that allows undocumented students to get in-state college tuition. And another long-time legislator says he won't seek re-election in 2026. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Last month the Food and Drug Administration announced that it would remove its warning on hormone-based products used to treat menopause symptoms.  As women age, most will experience changes linked to the stop of their monthly menses, including hot flashes, bone density loss and sleep problems. But in the past two decades a strong “black-box warning” has scared many women off from seeking relief in hormone creams, patches, pills and other treatments. The warning was added following a landmark study that linked hormone therapy to an increased risk for cancer and cardiovascular problems. Now the FDA says the risks were overblown for most women. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about the FDA's change, the risks and benefits of hormone therapy and what women should consider as they decide whether to try it. Guest: Dr. Jissy Cyriac is a primary care physician trained in internal medicine. She sees patients at the Menopause and Women's Sexual Health Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and is also a certified practitioner through The Menopause Society.  

Minneapolis' Somali community continues to be on edge, following a confrontation between ICE agents and community members. It happened Tuesday afternoon in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis where a large Somali community lives. Federal agents used chemical irritants to push through a crowd that blocked their vehicles as they checked identifications of people in the area. ICE officials say they did not make any arrests Tuesday. Minneapolis City Council member Jamal Osman, who represents that area, said he saw at least one young Somali person detained. The incident was the latest in an ongoing operation targeting some Somali people in the state. MPR News host Nina Moini talked with Osman for more about what he saw.

The state released new health data Wednesday about students across Minnesota. The 2025 Minnesota Student Survey shows that students are generally reporting better mental and physical health than they did when they took the survey last, back in 2022. But they were asked about a new topic this time around: social media and screens. That was where students reported a bigger struggle. University of Minnesota professor Jodi Dworkin studies how technology shapes child development and she helps parents navigate children's use of social media and screens. Dworkin joined MPR News host Nina Moini on Minnesota Now.

A shiny green beetle has transformed city streets and forests in parts of the United States. The emerald ash borer has been found in 59 counties of Minnesota and it has especially affected the southeast corner of the state. The beetle depends on ash trees to survive and reproduce. It lays eggs into their bark. Then those eggs hatch into larvae that feed on the living tissue of the trees, eventually killing them. The larvae become beetles and fly off to other trees. Scientists at the University of Minnesota have found several species of parasitic fungi that can interrupt this cycle by killing emerald ash borer. Colin Peters is a Ph.D. candidate and lead author of a recent study about using these fungi to protect ash trees. He joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about his research and what it could mean for Minnesota's one billion ash trees.

Much of Minnesota woke up Wednesday buried in a fresh layer of snow. It's a fitting scene, since this week is 15 years since one of the state's most infamous snow events. Early in the morning on Dec. 12, 2010, the roof fell in at what was then the Minnesota Vikings' stadium, the Metrodome. Minnesota Now looked back at MPR News coverage of the collapse and talked with the only person who was in the arena when it happened. Peter Eisenschenk, former building operations manager of the Metrodome, joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share what he remembers.

Minneapolis leaders are sharing reports of racial profiling and arrests of U.S. citizens by ICE. City Council Member Jamal Osman talked with Minnesota Now about what he witnessed in a chaotic confrontation with ICE agents in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood.Minnesota's survey of students shows their mental health is getting better. But for the first time the results include a look at the impact of social media use.Plus, a local researcher may have found a new way to kill emerald ash borers and save ash trees. Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner joined with snow totals plus details on when the next round could arrive. And 15 years ago this week, the state was digging out of another winter storm. That one led to the collapse of the Metrodome. MPR News host Nina Moini talked to a man who was in the stadium when it happened.

A potent Pacific atmospheric river is currently inundating Washington and Oregon, resulting in significant urban and river flooding. The episode elucidates the ongoing flood warnings affecting several rivers in these regions, while simultaneously addressing a rapidly advancing winter storm traversing the upper Midwest and Great Lakes. This storm is anticipated to produce bursts of snow, pockets of freezing rain, and robust winds, thereby complicating travel and potentially causing localized power outages. Moreover, Southeast Alaska is grappling with perilous wind chills under cold weather advisories, as the National Hurricane Center confirms a lack of active cyclones in both the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific during this off-season. Throughout the discussion, we emphasize the necessity for vigilance and preparedness in the face of these severe weather conditions.Takeaways:* The Pacific atmospheric river continues to cause significant urban and river flooding in Washington and Oregon, necessitating urgent caution. * Multiple regions are under flood warnings due to saturated soils and strong winds, which pose risks of falling trees and power outages. * Severe winter storms are affecting the Midwest and Northeast, leading to hazardous travel conditions and potential power disruptions due to ice and snow. * In Alaska, dangerously cold temperatures persist, bringing about severe wind chill advisories that require vigilance and preparedness. * California's Bay Area is experiencing notable coastal hazards, including strong currents and high breaking waves, prompting advisories for beachgoers. * Oregon remains under flood watch as continuous heavy rain leads to rising river levels and associated dangers in the region. Sources[NWS — Cold Weather Advisory product summary | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=Cold+Weather+Advisory][NWS Fairbanks discussion portal | https://www.weather.gov/afg/AOD][NWS San Francisco/Monterey — hazards page | https://www.weather.gov/mtr/][NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard — hazards page | https://www.weather.gov/lox/][NWS Honolulu Surf Forecast — issued today | https://www.weather.gov/hfo/SRF][Kauaʻi Now News advisory write-up | https://kauainownews.com/2025/12/10/moderate-swells-trigger-high-surf-advisory-for-north-west-shores-of-kauai-niihau/][NWS Caribou — office hazards page | https://www.weather.gov/car/][NWS point forecast—Caribou with advisory timing | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?textField1=46.8668&textField2=-67.9906][NWS Gaylord—WWA text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=grr&wwa=winter+weather+advisory][Big Rapids News roundup | https://www.bigrapidsnews.com/news/article/michigan-winter-weather-advisories-december-9-21233133.php][MPR News school delays/commute impacts | https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/12/09/winter-storm-forecast-snow-freezing-rain-strong-winds][NWS Duluth office portal | https://www.weather.gov/dlh/][NWS Billings—Absaroka/Beartooth WSW | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=mso&wwa=winter+storm+warning][NWS Great Falls/Missoula advisory summary | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=mso&wwa=winter+weather+advisory][NWS Binghamton—Northern Oneida WSW | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=bgm&wwa=winter%20storm%20warning][Adirondack Daily Enterprise—travel impacts today | https://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/news/local-news/2025/12/tricky-travel-today/][NWS Bismarck—hazards page | https://www.weather.gov/bis/][InForum statewide travel impacts | https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota/high-winds-snow-freezing-rain-create-hazardous-driving-across-north-dakota][NWS Portland—hazards page showing Flood Warnings | https://www.weather.gov/pqr/][OPB recap of flooding/landslides | https://www.opb.org/article/2025/12/10/weather-pacific-northwest-storms-flooding-landslides/][NWS Burlington—office hazards | https://www.weather.gov/btv/][NWS Burlington recreational forecast/advisory timing | https://www.weather.gov/btv/recreation][NWS Seattle—hazards page showing Flood Warnings | https://www.weather.gov/sew/][AP regional recap including rescues and outages | https://apnews.com/article/8eb0a0bbfa34a5b542c727fefed668a4][NWS Wisconsin WWA summary page (selected zones) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=mkx&wwa=winter%20storm%20warning][NWS Riverton—WSW text (Yellowstone/Absaroka/Teton) | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=riw&wwa=winter+storm+warning][LocalNews8 alert mirror of NWS product | https://localnews8.com/weather/alerts-weather/2025/12/10/winter-storm-warning-issued-december-10-at-337am-mst-until-december-10-at-500pm-mst-by-nws-riverton-wy/] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

Driving conditions across Minnesota will worsen through night as snow and freezing rain move across the region.And nine Republican candidates for Minnesota governor gathered last night to debate issues at a Lyon County Republican candidate forum.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

A federal vaccine advisory committee recently voted to end the decades-old recommendation that all U.S. newborns get a hepatitis B vaccine dose at birth. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted that only infants born to mothers who test positive for hepatitis B — or whose infection status is unknown — are recommended to get that first dose immediately. The vote could result in new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is a dramatic shift from the CDC's current policy, which was adopted in 1991 and is credited with reducing childhood hepatitis B infections by more than 95 percent. MPR News guest host Chris Farrell talks with a pediatrician and an infectious disease researcher about what the new recommendation means for families, hospitals and communities in Minnesota that are disproportionately affected by the liver infection.Guests:Dr. Leslie King-Schultz is a pediatrician at Hennepin Healthcare where she co-chairs their vaccine committee.Angela Ulrich is a researcher and infectious disease epidemiologist with the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. She was one of the lead authors on the Vaccine Integrity Project's recent report about the safety and effectiveness of the hepatitis B vaccination at birth. 

Since an immigration operation launched in the Twin Cities on Dec. 1, federal officials have not said exactly how many people they have detained, have in custody for deportation proceedings or who has been released after questioning. Of those detained by ICE in the last week, several lawsuits have been filed on their behalf in an effort to secure release.Attorney David Wilson represents several of those individuals. He joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about his clients.

Those who have faced it know it well: substance use disorder does not discriminate. But addiction treatment can look different for everyone. That's why Fraser, a Minnesota-based autism services program, has launched a new substance use disorder treatment program specifically for Minnesotans on the autism spectrum. To get a better picture of how their services look different from a traditional addiction treatment program, Aric Jensen, the vice president of the outpatient and community-based mental health program at Fraser, joined MPR News host Nina Moini.

Officials at Augsburg University in Minneapolis say federal immigration agents entered a private campus parking lot without a warrant on Saturday afternoon and detained a student.And the Minneapolis City Council this week will consider a new ordinance that its authors say will require a more humane approach to homeless encampments. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.