Podcasts about mpr news

A proposal to tie up Medicaid funds to Minnesota could force tough budget choices.Gov. Tim Walz says the announced halt in Medicaid funding continues a campaign of retribution from the Trump administration.That story and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

When the world feels heavy, we look for small escapes.For some, that means tuning out the headlines to binge a new show or watch a must-see film.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with NPR's TV and media critic and a Twin Cities entertainment writer about what they're watching — and the hottest shows and movies right now.Guests:Eric Deggans is the TV critic, media analyst and guest host at National Public Radio.  He is also the Knight Professor of Journalism and Media Ethics at Washington and Lee University in Virginia. Lily Osler is an entertainment writer based in the Twin Cities. Her writing has been published in the New Yorker, Racket and Reactor. She is also the managing editor of Episodes, a newsletter and pop-culture blog. 

President Donald Trump took the national stage Tuesday night for his State of the Union address at a pivotal moment for his presidency and for his party.MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what the president said — and didn't say — with a historian, a political scientist and our listeners. Guests: Yohuru Williams is a distinguished university chair, professor of history and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas.Whitney Court is a professor of political science and chair of political science at the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.    

Minnesota was a target in President Donald Trump's State of the Union speech Tuesday night. But he did not talk about the surge in federal immigration agents to the state. Instead, he focused on fraud. Trump said corruption is a problem in the U.S. and specifically called out Minnesota.MPR News reporter Matt Sepic joined Minnesota Now to break down what the President said.

A new filing from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security lays out a plan for the number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents left in Minnesota to drop to about 400 after Wednesday. The numbers come after border czar Tom Homan's announcement of a drawdown earlier this month. Thousands of Minnesotans have taken part in demonstrations, mutual aid efforts and rapid response networks to support neighbors and fellow Minnesotans during the surge of federal agents. A broad coalition of groups across the Twin Cities looks to continue building on that momentum even in light of the drawdown announcement. Unidos MN organizer José Alvillar Hinojosa joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about a week of action the groups began Wednesday titled “Bring the Heat, Melt the ICE.”

Several parts of the state government are working to root out fraud from state programs. State lawmakers are considering legislation. And the Department of Human Services is reviewing payments to 14 Medicaid programs for possible fraud. It has delayed or suspended payments to some providers. Advocates for disability rights say people who rely on these programs are caught in the middle. At a senate human services committee meeting this week, several presenters described cases where people never received services that were paid for or abruptly lost services after payments were suspended. A group of legal experts will gather to talk about this issue Wednesday in a panel discussion at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. The event, titled “Disability Rights on Hold: How the fraud allegations and funding freezes are affecting the disability community,” is the opening to an exhibit about disability rights in Minnesota that will travel to three law schools this year. MPR News host Nina Moini talked with two of the panelists, disability lawyer Shamus O'Meara and University of St. Thomas law professor Elizabeth Schiltz, who is also one of the organizers of the panel and the traveling exhibit.

A University of Minnesota literature collection is celebrating more than 40 years of preserving African American heritage and culture. The Givens Collection contains more than 8,000 books, manuscripts, photos and personal papers. It recently wrapped up an exhibit to commemorate its beginnings. Curator Davu Underwood Seru joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about the collection.

A whistleblower says Immigration and Customs Enforcement sent poorly trained cadets to Minnesota. Ryan Schwank was a lawyer for ICE who helped train cadets until he resigned eleven days ago. He says ICE has cut training hours by nearly half and removed all legal instruction about use of force. And Pine Island says Google is behind a massive data center project, and the big tech company is promising to bring in new jobs and tax revenue.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Americans say staying informed is essential to participating in civic life — especially when it comes to voting. But a new Pew Research Center study finds that many people also feel overwhelmed by the news, are distrustful of what they see and are increasingly selective about what they pay attention to.So what does that mean for local journalism?MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how newsrooms are trying to adapt to changes in news consumption with the editor of the Minnesota Star Tribune.Guest: Kathleen Hennessey is the editor and senior vice president of the Minnesota Star Tribune. Prior to her current role, she was deputy politics editor for the New York Times. Before that, she led the regional politics team for the Associated Press. She covered the White House during President Barack Obama's second term for the LA Times and the Associated Press and was the White House editor and deputy bureau chief for the Associated Press during President Donald Trump's first term.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.

A state review released Monday says that state agencies need better oversight and training to prevent fraud. The state's Director of Program Integrity Tim O'Malley said the state government has failed to prevent fraud despite years of warnings. A group of Minnesota religious leaders has sued the Department of Homeland Security for blocking them from visiting immigration detainees at the Whipple Federal Building.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The immigration enforcement surge has taken an economic toll on many Minnesota communities, especially in the Twin Cities. As workers and customers stay home, some restaurants, construction firms and other businesses that employ immigrants are struggling to stay open. Minneapolis officials estimate the city lost more than $200 million in economic activity in a single month. And, when spending contracts this quickly, the impact ripples through industries far beyond those directly touched by immigration enforcement.MPR News host Angela Davis takes a look at the economic impact of ICE, proposals from local and state governments to support struggling businesses and how to move forward. Guests:Chris Farrell is the senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace. Neil Linscheid is a state specialist in entrepreneurship and expert in community economics for University of Minnesota Extension. He works alongside local leaders to develop practical, community-centered strategies that build and drive long-term economic health. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.  

The White House official overseeing the federal immigration operation in Minnesota said today that about 2,000 federal agents have left the state.And Minnesota Democratic U.S. Senator Tina Smith says negotiations with Republicans over funding for the Department of Homeland Security don't appear to be making much progress.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The last time Lake Superior completely froze over was 30 years ago in 1996. Around that time, Lake Superior was consistently at least 75 percent frozen over. Now, 75 percent coverage is rare, only happening about once every four years.Ice on the Great Lakes, and Lake Superior specifically, is a great way to measure climate for our region. MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner spoke with UMD professor Jay Austin, about what ice coverage can tell us about climate change.Click play on the audio player above to listen to this episode or subscribe to the Climate Cast podcast.

The Minneapolis City Council approved $7 million in funding today for small businesses that have lost money during the ongoing federal immigration operation. And at the state level, Minnesota legislators are discussing the potential economic impact of the recent immigration enforcement surge. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

The Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus is one of the oldest and largest gay choruses in the country. For 45 years, it's built a sense of community among its singers and has spread joy and awareness in the broader community. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the artistic director and chorus members about the choir's history and how music can heal and bring people together through hard times. Guests: Gerald Gurss has been the artistic director of the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus since 2018. He is also a composer and has served as artistic director and founder of choruses in North Carolina.  Carlos Saldaña sings tenor with the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus. He joined the chorus in 2013 and has also served in several roles, including as a member of the board of directors.  Mikal Nabors is a tenor with the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus. He joined the chorus in 2011 after singing with the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus.  

More federal funding for public health is on the chopping block. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what the cuts could mean for Minnesota and why a federal judge stepped in to temporarily block them. 

State investigators are taking a new step to get evidence related to the federal law enforcement shootings that took place in Minneapolis during the ICE surge. The Hennepin County Attorney's office announced Wednesday morning that it is filing a formal request for evidence from the federal government in the deadly shooting of Alex Pretti and the shooting in north Minneapolis that injured Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis.Estelle Timar-Wilcox was at the press conference and joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about what this means for the investigations.

Wednesday morning, tenants advocates gathered at the state capitol to call for an eviction moratorium and rent relief funding statewide for people who are behind on rent as a result of amped-up ICE presence in. The authority to enact an eviction moratorium for the state lies with Governor Tim Walz, who has said he can't do it without declaring a peacetime emergency. He has so far been unwilling to make that move. Amanda Otero, an executive director for the nonprofit Take Action Minnesota, said workers and families are absorbing the economic impact of the ICE surge in the state. “Housing stability is not separate from recovery,” Otero said. “It is the foundation of it.”One of the groups pushing for the moratorium and even greater measures to support renters is the newly-formed Twin Cities Tenants Union. It's a combination of already-existing unions across Minneapolis and St. Paul that came together over the past two months to advocate for renters who have lost income during the ICE surge. The group is pushing for a rent strike beginning March 1. Lucid Thomas has been organizing with the tenants union and he joined MPR News host Nina Moini to explain. The Minnesota Multi Housing Association is a group that advocates for landlords and building managers. CEO Cecil Smith said in a statement to MPR News that rent collections overall were stable in January and February and on par with the previous year, according to the group's members. He said the association will “continue to help those seeking rental assistance.”

In a new series, Minnesota Now is airing the voices of people who have been hiding in their homes due to fear of arrest, detention or deportation during Minnesota's federal ICE surge. We asked them to send us voice memos for three days in a row, describing how they are spending their days.L is a Mexican mother of two. We are not using her full name for her safety. She has not left her home in Northfield for several weeks. She told MPR News she is still in hiding, despite federal officials saying the ICE surge in Minnesota is ending. L still receives ICE watch messages with pictures of federal vehicles in Northfield nearly every day. She said even if the drawdown happens, she thinks she will feel afraid leaving her house forever.Hear more voices from the series in our podcast feed or on our show page.

Former colleagues of Melissa Hortman paid tribute to the slain lawmaker today in a somber opening to the 2026 session. And winter storm warnings are posted across northern Minnesota — with blizzard warnings along the North Shore.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with former St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter about his eight years in City Hall, the lessons he's learned and what's next.Guest:Melvin Carter III served as mayor of St. Paul for eight years. Elected in 2017 and reelected in 2021, he was the city's first African American mayor. Prior to his election as mayor, he served as St. Paul City Council member for Ward 1, representing the neighborhood he grew up in. He is the founding board chair of the St. Paul Promise Neighborhood and served as the director of the Minnesota Office of Early Learning. He has roots that go back four generations in St. Paul. His father was a St. Paul police officer and his mother was a teacher and Ramsey County commissioner.

Minneapolis poet, musician and activist Joe Davis and his band, The Poetic Diaspora, is preparing a long lineup of musicians to celebrate Black music and poetry. Their show, “Diaspora: On the Rise” is set for Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at Northrop Auditorium in Minneapolis. Davis joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about showing up for his community as an artist in hard times, expression through poetry and the musicians he's working with to celebrate the work he's done with his band.

In a new series, Minnesota Now is airing the voices of people who have been hiding in their homes due to fear of arrest, detention or deportation during Minnesota's federal ICE surge. We asked them to send us voice memos for three days in a row, describing how they are spending their days.N is a Mexican immigrant. MPR News is only using her first initial, due to fears of safety. N hasn't left her home in weeks. She said she doesn't trust what federal officials have recently said about a drawdown of ICE agents in Minnesota. She worries things may get worse before they get better, and said that ICE watchers continue to spot federal vehicles and agents in her town almost daily.This series will continue on Minnesota Now this week. Listen at noon to hear more voices or check back on our show page.

In a new series, Minnesota Now is airing the voices of people who have been hiding in their homes due to fear of arrest, detention, or deportation during Minnesota's ICE surge. We asked them to send us voice memos for three days in a row, describing how they are spending their days.P is an immigrant from Mexico. MPR News is not using his full name for his safety. He and his wife have barely left their home for weeks. Since the announcement of federal agents leaving Minnesota, P said he and his wife feel slightly calmer, but they are still in hiding until they see evidence of that for themselves.This series will continue on Minnesota Now this week. Listen at noon to hear more voices or check back on our show page.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says he's cautiously optimistic about today's announcement that the Trump administration is ending the surge of immigration agents to the state.St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her is also optimistic about the announcement that the ICE surge is drawing down.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

In 2022, The State of Minnesota created their Climate Action Framework, a plan that sets a vision for how Minnesota will address and prepare for climate change. As of February 11th, the framework has been updated. MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner spoke with Heidi Roop, the Director of the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership, which helped create the new framework, to talk about the new changes.

Minnesota lawmakers will face constituent pressure to take action on some potent issues from guns control, immigration, fraud, taxes and more as the convene the 2026 session on Tuesday.The Capitol also remains deeply split, with legislative seats almost evenly divided between the parties in the House and Senate.  Progress will be a challenge in an election year when some key players are looking up the political ladder or worried about the political winds back home.MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks with the Minnesota's four caucus leaders about what's in store for the session and what could get accomplished.Guests:Republican Speaker of the Minnesota House Lisa Demuth, of Cold Spring.House DFL Caucus Leader Rep. Zack Stephenson, of Coon Rapids.DFL Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, of St. Paul.Republican Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, of East Grand Forks.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation or subscribe to the Politics Friday podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or RSS.

The immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota is ending, said Tom Homan, the border czar for President Donald Trump.Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Thursday he'll back an aid package to support state businesses, especially immigrant-owned business, hurt by the surge of federal immigration agents in Minnesota over the past two months.Walz told reporters he'll propose a $10 million emergency fund, similar to an effort during the COVID-19 pandemic, that would offer forgivable loans targeted at small businesses.During this special coverage following the announcement from Homan, MPR News host Angela Davis talks with guests about the impact of the immigration surge on the community. Plus we'll hear live coverage of Gov. Walz's announcement and comments regarding the federal immigration actions.Guests:Michael Lansing is a professor of history of Augsburg University who has studied the history of policing in Minneapolis.Brian Bakst is the MPR News politics editor.Dana Ferguson is a politics reporter for MPR News.Zachary Aaker is an immigration attorney at Martin Law in Bloomington, Minn.Zena Stenvik is the superintendent of Columbia Heights Public School District.Brenda Lewis is the superintendent of Fridley Public Schools.

The Trump administration announced Thursday that it is ending what it called “Operation Metro Surge.” At its height, the more than two-month long immigration enforcement action brought 3,000 federal officers to the state. MPR News reporters Estelle Timar-Wilcox and Dana Ferguson joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about the announcement and the response from state and local leaders.

The Trump Administration announced Thursday morning it is ending what it calls Operation Metro Surge, which sent thousands of federal immigration officers to Minnesota. Throughout the last two months, Minnesota Now has checked in with Minneapolis immigration attorney David Wilson. He joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about the end of the surge and what he's seeing in the courts.

In a new series, Minnesota Now is airing the voices of people who have been hiding in their homes due to fear of arrest, detention, or deportation during Minnesota's ICE surge. We asked them to send us voice memos for three days in a row, describing how they are spending their days. A Somali immigrant who we are calling Z told us about her days in hiding. She has been working a nonprofit job from her apartment, which she shares with a beloved cat. MPR News is not using her full name for her safety. This series will continue on Minnesota Now on Thursday and next week. Listen at noon to hear more voices or check our podcast feed.

A new book from Minnesota children's author V.T. Bidania looks at the profound impacts of war and displacement through the eyes of an 11-year-old girl. “A Year Without Home” follows Gao Sheng and her family as they live through the wars in Laos and Vietnam during the 1960s and 70s. Eventually, they are forced to escape their beloved home in Laos and make their way to refugee camps in Thailand. Written as verse, the story is a break from Vong's other novels. It is her middle grade debut. She joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about it.

Duluth's Olympic curlers Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin claimed silver medals in Milano Cortina during their debut in the mixed doubles event, falling to the Swedish team 6-5 in the gold-medal match.  This is the first time the U.S. has earned a medal in the event and only the third time that the U.S. has brought home a medal of any sort in Olympic curling. Thiesse is the first U.S. woman to medal in curling at the Olympics.  Both Cory and Korey knew each other from Duluth Curling Club and started playing together in 2022.  Korey Dropkin joined MPR News host Nina Moini from Italy.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is predicting the surge in federal immigration agents is nearing its conclusion. At an event this morning to highlight business hardships, Walz said he believes a bigger drawdown could be just days away. And Minnesota business owners say even after ICE operations eventually end, recovery will take a long time.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Names removed from mailboxes. Businesses shuttered. More packages from online retailers. These are just a few of the changes mail carriers say they've noticed since President Donald Trump's administration sent a surge of federal immigration agents to Minnesota in early December.MPR News host Angela Davis hears from mail carriers about how ICE activity is affecting their work and the people they serve, and how their familiar routes feel different.Guests:Artis Curiskis is a reporter and producer for the Center for Investigative Reporting — a nonprofit, independent, investigative newsroom that produces the radio show “Reveal,” the print magazine Mother Jones and the podcast “More To The Story.” You can hear his recent report about the changes mail carriers are noticing on their routes here: How Minneapolis Taught America to Fight Back.Luke Ferguson is a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier who delivers along a Minneapolis route ten blocks from where he grew up.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.     

The federal immigration enforcement actions have brought a sense of fear and uncertainty to many communities in Minnesota. Many people — especially immigrants and their families — are feeling unrelenting stress. Others are feeling anxious and exhausted as their workplaces, schools and neighborhoods navigate sudden changes and loss. Coming up at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how to live through a crisis — how to process grief, protect yourself when anger is everywhere and cope when you feel overwhelmed without resorting to “toxic positivity.”

Thousands of Minnesotans have plugged into opportunities to help their community with food, legal help, rent help, and more as the immigration operation in the state continues. One group, Haven Watch, has been running for just a few weeks, supporting people released from detention at the Henry Whipple Federal Building. Natalie Ehret is the founder of Haven Watch. She joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about the outpouring of support for the organization and to share what she's seen on the ground outside of the Henry Whipple Federal Building.

Members of Congress questioned the leaders of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Tuesday. MPR News immigration reporter Sarah Thamer listened in for details about the now two-month-long surge of agents in Minnesota and joined MPR News host Nina Moini for an update.

Duluth's Olympic curling stars Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin earned a silver medal in Italy Tuesday. It was their mixed-doubles debut for Team USA. They took home the United States' first medal in the event.MPR News reporter Estelle Timar-Wilcox was at a watch party at the St. Paul Curling Club during their competition, and she joined MPR News host Nina Moini with the details.

When you go to one of Chef Ann Ahmed's restaurants, you are immersed in southeast Asian cuisine. Chef Ann is Laotian-American, and her three restaurants in the Twin Cities reflect her roots. Now, she's helping her employees understand the culture and cuisine she grew up with by guiding them on a trip to Laos. Monty Luthongxay is a server at Chef Ahmed's restaurant Khaluna and joined her on the trip. Both Luthongxay and Ahmed joined MPR News host Nina Moini for a conversation about visiting Laos.

Immigration agents arrested 38-year old Javier Abreu-Vasquez in Rochester Thursday, and he was flown to a Texas detention center Friday. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Friday that ICE was aware of the kidney transplant, the family gave authorities the medications and that ICE was working to ensure he gets them.But the wife tells MPR News she spoke with Abreu-Vasquez by phone Sunday and he told her he still hasn't received the meds, and without them, he could eventually die.A Minneapolis-based media company that makes podcasts about video games raised almost 280,000 dollars for Minnesotans scared to leave their homes due to the activities of ICE.

Construction always slows during winter in Minnesota. But this year, federal immigration crackdowns are causing an even bigger slowdown in the industry.Builders and remodelers who rely on immigrant labor say enforcement activity is making it harder to keep crews on the job. Many immigrant workers are staying home out of fear — worried about being detained, questioned and harassed by immigration officers. And when crews aren't available, projects drag on and costs rise.  MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a homebuilder and a labor organizer about the impact of federal immigration enforcement on workers, businesses and the construction industry. Plus, MPR News senior economics contributor Chris Farrell shares the latest economic news headlines. Guests: Dave Remick is the owner and president of McDonald Construction, a smaller, custom homebuilding company based in Burnsville, Minn. with projects throughout the greater Twin Cities.  Patricio Cambias is an organizer with Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en la Lucha, an organization working to protect worker rights and improve conditions for non-unionized workers in the construction industry in the Twin Cities metro area. 

Minneapolis will allocate a million dollars in funding for emergency rental assistance, as some residents say they need help amid the ongoing federal immigration operation. Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt says she is considering a change in policy at the county jail that would allow staff to notify federal immigration officials when someone they're seeking to detain is being released from custody.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

For many people, the federal immigration activity in Minnesota creates fear and raises urgent questions about safety and belonging. For others, it's a call to witness, document and respond. Artists are often among the first to translate historic moments like this — to give shape to emotions that can feel overwhelming or hard to name. Through poetry, visual art, murals, performance, and music, they help communities process what's happening in real time. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a poet, a ceramic artist and a graphic artist about what they're seeing, feeling and creating in this moment.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 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?”   Terresa Hardaway is the owner and creative director of Blackbird Revolt, a social justice-based design studio in Minneapolis. She's an associate professor of graphic design and the director of Design Justice in the College of Design at the University of Minnesota. She is also the owner of Black Garnet Books in St. Paul. Sayge Carroll is an artist and co-founder of Mudluk Pottery Studio in Minneapolis.  

Minnesotans are experiencing the ICE surge in the state in many ways. One Minneapolis artist took the spotlight thrust on Minnesota's Somali American community from President Trump as an opportunity to share what it is to be a part of that community.MPR News host Kelly Gordon spoke with Ifrah Mansour to explain her perspective on the last few months and how her community is standing strong.

It's a big weekend for sports; Super Bowl 60 is this Sunday in the San Francisco Bay Area. At the same time, in Italy, the Winter Olympics are kicking off, with dozens of Minnesotans competing. Back at home, Minnesota men's basketball teams have taken two wins. MPR News host Kelly Gordon spoke with sports contributors Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson to talk about more about it.

The Minneapolis City Council passed a proposal to provide rental assistance to people impacted by the surge of federal agents. Proponents say too many residents face eviction and other hardships because they feel like they can't leave their homes and work their jobs. Cari Spencer watched the council's discussion about the proposal and joined MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon.

This week is five years since the military in Myanmar seized control in a coup that forced many in the country to flee political repression and violence. Some came to Minnesota to join a large diaspora that was already here. More than 20 thousand people from Myanmar live in the state, which is home to the United States' largest population of Karen people, an ethnic minority group from Myanmar. The Karen community includes U.S. citizens, refugees and asylum seekers. Recently, federal immigration activities have caused fear and uncertainty among Karen people in Minnesota. That includes the fear of being sent back to Myanmar. MPR News host Kelly Gordon talked with two leaders of The Urban Village, a St. Paul nonprofit that works with youth in the Myanmar diaspora. Jesse Phenow is the group's co-director and Eh Ler Tha is director of special projects and media.

NOAA data shows that winters have warmed more than five degrees on average since 1970. And last two years were some of the warmest on record, dating back to the late 1880s.But as the climate warms over decades, so do the 30-year averages for climate variables like temperature and precipitation. These new normals can mask the true magnitude of just how fast Minnesota is warming up.MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner spoke with MPR News meteorologist Sven Sundgaard to explain how these normals can be misleading.

Federal immigration enforcement has entered a new era. ICE agents are now deploying facial recognition software, social media monitoring, and other digital tools to identify immigrants and surveil protesters. MPR News host Catharine Richert and her guests take a hard look at how these technologies work, where the law draws the line, and what the expansion of digital surveillance means for privacy for all of us. If you've ever wondered how much your digital footprint can reveal, join us for tonight's conversation.Guests:William McGeveran is the dean of the University of Minnesota Law School where he teaches data privacy.Shubhanjana Das is a reporter with the Sahan Journal. 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.