MPR News with Angela Davis

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

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

Smoke from wildfires burning in northern Minnesota and Canada has drifted into other parts of Minnesota this week and triggered air quality alerts for much of the state.MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon talks about how air quality is monitored and forecast and the health risks of breathing wildfire smoke.Guests:Kathy Raleigh is an epidemiologist who works in the environmental health division of the Minnesota Department of Health.Matt Taraldsen is a meteorologist and supervisor of the team that issues air quality conditions, alerts and forecasts at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Resources discussed during the show:Air quality forecasts: Air quality forecast | Minnesota Pollution Control AgencyCurrent air quality conditionsAirNow.gov allows you to check current air quality conditions. You can also download the AirNow mobile app and sign up to receive air quality alerts and forecasts via email.Current air quality conditions | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (state.mn.us)Purple AirMinnesota Outdoor Air Qu

MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon talks with a forest ecologist about what's behind the fires burning in and near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, why they're so difficult to contain and what we can do to reduce wildfire risk. Listen Poor air quality: What causes it and how to protect your health Guest:Lee Frelich is the director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Forest Ecology.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer in Minnesota means more time outdoors — and more encounters with ticks and mosquitoes.While most bites are little more than an annoyance, these tiny pests can carry diseases that pose serious health risks. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two experts about the risks posed by ticks and mosquitoes, and what Minnesotans can do to protect themselves, their families, and their pets while enjoying the outdoors this summer.Guests:Elizabeth Schiffman is the epidemiologist supervisor at the Minnesota Department of Health. She oversees disease surveillance activities for mosquito- and tick-borne diseases across Minnesota. Caleb Corona is a research entomologist and vector control scientist for the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

This past Saturday marked five months since Renee Good was shot and killed on Jan. 7 in Minneapolis by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. The federal officer was one of about 4,000 immigration and border enforcement agents sent to Minnesota during the immigration crackdown the White House called “Operation Metro Surge.” The focus was to deport — in the words of President Donald Trump — the “really bad criminals.” By the time the surge wound down weeks later, several thousand people had been detained. Many were deported. Most had no criminal record. Many more immigrants stopped going to school and work, and hid at home for weeks. In response, thousands of Minnesotans organized to support people in hiding, document ICE activity and protest the immigration raids. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the leaders of two organizations on the front lines about their experiences during the federal enforcement surge, what immigration enforcement looks like now and what comes next. Guests: Francisco Segovia is a founder and executive director of Comunidades Organizando el Poder y la Acción Latina (COPAL), which was started in 2018 to organize grassroots support to improve the lives of Latino families in Minnesota. In 2024, COPAL launched the Immigrant Defense Network, a coalition of more than 100 immigrant, labor, legal, faith and community organizations to respond quickly to immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota. Michelle Garnett McKenzie is the executive director of The Advocates for Human Rights, a nonprofit that provides free legal services to immigrants, documents human rights abuses and advocates for human rights. She joined the organization in 1999 as an attorney representing asylum seekers and detained immigrants. She also serves on the steering committee of the Immigrant Defense Network. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on:<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mpr-news-with-

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

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

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

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

For millions of fans around the world, Prince was a musical innovator. He blended rock, funk, pop, R&B and soul in ways that were uniquely his own. For Minnesotans, he was also one of our own — an artist who helped put the state on the global music map, and whose influence remains as powerful today as it was during his lifetime.Prince’s legacy will be celebrated with a five-day tribute starting June 3 and including a block party and singalong in downtown Minneapolis. MPR News host Angela Davis talks to someone who knew Prince well — his attorney, business advisor and friend. They discuss what’s planned for the celebration, Prince’s impact on music and culture and some of the unforgettable songs that continue to inspire. Guest:L. Londell McMillan is a business manager, producer and entertainment attorney. He was Prince’s lawyer, manager and friend. He is a co-manager of Prince’s estate and is also the founder and chair of The NorthStar Group which owns and operates The Source magazine.

Rising costs, student debt and shifting workforce needs are putting more pressure on liberal arts colleges to demonstrate their value. But some proponents say a liberal arts education is about more than just preparing for a first job. It's about building skills for the many careers and changes that come after it.MPR News guest host Annie Baxter talks with guests about the future of liberal arts and higher education at a recent event sponsored by the Citizens League and Macalester College.Guests:Suzanne M. Rivera is the president of Macalester College. She previously served in academic and leadership roles at Case Western Reserve University, UT Southwestern Medical Center and the University of California–Irvine.B Kyle is the president and CEO of the St. Paul Area Chamber.Wendy Robinson is the assistant commissioner for Programs, Policies, and Grants at the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.

For the past year, we’ve spent a lot of time talking about economic uncertainty, gun violence, war, divisive politics, suffering and fear.Times are tough — so, MPR News host Angela Davis decided to go out and find some joy. She recently visited neighborhoods and asked people to tell her “something good.” She first posed this simple question to people on the street in the fall of 2020 when the COVID-19 virus was spreading chaos and fear.Listen to what people told her this time around about what’s bringing them joy during stressful times — and we’ll talk with a therapist about why that matters.

What does it mean to grow up in a family haunted by a tragedy? That’s one of the central themes in a new memoir by Laurie Hertzel, the former book review editor for the Minnesota Star Tribune. In “Ghosts of Fourth Street: My Family, a Death, and the Hills of Duluth,” Hertzel writes about growing up in Duluth in the 1960s, the seventh child in a family of ten children. Her father was a college English instructor with a quick temper. Her mother was often overwhelmed. And her family was changed forever when she was 9, after the sudden death of her 18-year-old brother. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Laurie Hertzel about how we’re shaped by our family’s stories, sorrows and silences. Guests: Laurie Hertzel was a journalist and the longtime book review editor at the Minnesota Star Tribune, retiring in 2023. She teaches creative nonfiction in the MFA program at the University of Georgia in Athens. She’s the author of three books, including the memoir "News to Me: Adventures of an Accidental Journalist," which won a 2011 Minnesota Book Award, and “Ghosts of Fourth Street: My Family, a Death, and the Hills of Duluth,” which was published earlier this year.

Whether you’re renting, trying to buy your first home, or making a move — many people are finding that affordable housing feels out of reach. Minneapolis Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari recently pointed to four major factors pushing up housing prices: High interest rates, rising construction costs, regulations and zoning rules, and a shortage of housing overall. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about what more expensive housing means for renters and buyers across Minnesota — and what policymakers, builders and communities can do to make housing more affordable. Guest:Alene Tchourumoff is the senior vice president of Community Development and Engagement for the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Her team studies housing affordability and economic trends affecting low and moderate-income households across Minnesota. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.

The World Health Organization says it is deeply concerned about the scale and speed of the Ebola outbreak in Africa. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with an infectious disease expert about what’s driving the spread of the virus, who is at risk and what it will take to contain it.Guest:Rebecca Wurtz is a professor in the division of Health Policy & Management at the University of Minnesota. She is also a board-certified infectious disease physician and has worked in public health roles in local, state, federal, international, and private sector settings.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.

Last March, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.”It mandated a shift in how American history is portrayed in federal institutions, with a goal of eliminating “improper, divisive or anti-American ideology.”Instead, according to the executive order, the focus should be on a more “patriotic” narrative. And to ensure that happens, funding was cut for anything that “degrades shared American values” or “divides Americans by race.”This order applied largely to federal institutions, like the Smithsonian museums and the National Parks System.But here in Minnesota, the funding restrictions and shifts in ideology were felt immediately. History museum directors and curators — the people who collect and keep Minnesota history — were alarmed at what might be coming their way.So what happened? Were their fears realized?North Star Journey Live went to Mankato to find out. At the annual conference for the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums, Angela Davis hosted a live discussion to talk about the ramifications of the federal order in Minnesota. Guests: Jessica Potter, executive director of the Blue Earth County Historical SocietyDave Nichols, executive director of the Rice County Historical SocietyMai Vang Huizel, founder and director of the Hmong MuseumKyle Ward, director of the social studies education program at Minnesota State University MankatoSubscribe to MPR News with Angela Davis on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.

High rents. Student loans. A shifting job market. For a growing number of young adults, moving back home isn't a setback — it's a smart financial strategy. But multigenerational living comes with real financial and emotional complexity. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about what's driving the trend and how to make it work financially for everyone under the roof.Guests:Michelle Singletary is a personal finance columnist for the Washington Post. Jamia Erickson is a financial consultant with Thrivent, a Twin Cities based financial services organization.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.

Over the past decade, police in America have shot and killed 1,939 people who were in the middle of a mental health crisis. That’s 20 percent of all police killings in that time. Those deaths helped fuel a movement. Instead of armed police, more than half of the country’s largest cities now send specially trained social workers and EMTs. This new generation of first responders handle 911 calls involving mental illness, substance use disorders, or suicidal thoughts. Call to Mind: The Fifth Branch is a special program made in partnership with the “Tradeoffs” podcast. This episode takes listeners to Durham, North Carolina, to meet people who have reimagined the city’s crisis-response system.For more reporting like this, subscribe and follow Call to Mind on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, TuneIn or wherever you get your podcasts.

Immigration in the United States has reached historic numbers. More than 50 million people born in other countries now call the United States home.Migrating to a new country can bring unique mental health challenges, like coping with the traumas that may have caused a person to leave home, and the pressure of fitting into a new community.Meanwhile, global conflicts, the COVID-19 pandemic, changes to U.S. immigration policy, and America’s recent deportation crackdown have all amplified the challenges of making a new home in the United States.This Call to Mind special program explores the unique mental health challenges for immigrants in America.For more reporting like this, subscribe and follow Call to Mind on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, TuneIn or wherever you get your podcasts.

We spend about one-third of our lives sleeping. And not because we’re lazy. Every living creature sleeps, from cats to dolphins, and even fruit flies — it’s an essential need for good health and survival. So, if sleep is a basic health need, why do so many people have trouble doing it? Nearly a third of Americans say they sleep poorly or not enough. Our 24/7 culture makes it tough to get a good night’s sleep; we prize long work hours, fast-paced productivity, staying up late to socialize, and simply stiving for more. While lack of sleep can leave a person groggy, it can also signal a mental illness, make an existing problem worse and increase the risk of mental health issues. This Call to Mind special explores the fundamental relationship between sleep and mental health.For more reporting like this, subscribe and follow Call to Mind on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, TuneIn or wherever you get your podcasts.

Every day we hear concerning news about the human costs of climate change. Severe storms and wildfires can lead to housing instability. Air pollution and dirty water have been tied to respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases. And a growing area of psychological research reveals that climate change is both harming our mental health and triggering new disorders. This Call to Mind special looks at the mental health consequences of climate change. We’ll hear from experts who say climate-related anxiety, depression, and grief are urgent mental health issues. And we’ll hear real-world stories of people coping with a rapidly changing environment.For more reporting like this, subscribe and follow Call to Mind on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, TuneIn or wherever you get your podcasts.

Americans are stressed. And what many people are concerned about seems to have escalated and changed. There are the usual personal stressors like money, caretaking, and jobs, but pressing social challenges like political division and the uncertain economy, are shaping life’s challenges for many people. Health experts warn that living with chronic stress doesn’t just make us feel bad in the moment. Stress can shape the brain’s neural networks. It puts many people at higher risk for mental illnesses like depression, anxiety disorders and substance-use problems.This Call to Mind special examines stress. We’ll hear firsthand about issues that can overwhelm us, how it impacts our mental health, and from experts about ways to manage the strain. For more reporting like this, subscribe and follow Call to Mind on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, TuneIn or wherever you get your podcasts.

A weather forecast can shape your whole day — from what to wear and when to exercise, to whether to make dinner plans for the patio. And when severe weather is on the horizon, those forecasts and warnings can save lives. So how do meteorologists get it right? And why do forecasts sometimes miss the mark?MPR News host Angela Davis sits down with MPR News meteorologist Mandy Thalhuber to talk about what goes into accurate forecasting, the impact of cuts to the National Weather Service and what makes the work so rewarding.Guest: Mandy Thalhuber is a meteorologist at MPR News, where her forecasts and weather insights can be heard on the radio and found online at Updraft. Before joining MPR News in 2024, she worked at Weatherology, providing local weather forecasts for radio stations across the country.

Nearly one in five Americans rate their mental health and emotional well-being as poor, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.In Minnesota, many people's mental health has been strained by a series of overlapping stresses — from the COVID-19 pandemic to the murder of George Floyd, the assassination of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, the mass shooting at Annunciation Church and School, and more recently, a surge in federal immigration enforcement that has left many communities experiencing fear and uncertainty.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the new leader of NAMI Minnesota about his vision for reaching more Minnesotans with mental health support and how seeking help for his own mental health is shaping the way he leads.Guest:Marcus Schmit is the executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Prior to joining NAMI Minnesota, he was the executive director of Hearth Connection, a nonprofit focused on ending long-term homelessness. If you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis, you can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also find the number for your local county or tribal crisis team here.

The arts aren’t just something extra — they’re a central part of how people in Minnesota connect with each other and experience their communities.Two out of every three Minnesotans attended a concert, visited a gallery or saw live theater in the past year. That engagement adds up. Arts and culture generate an estimated $1.6 billion in annual economic impact across the state, according to the Creative Minnesota 2025 report.So what shows are drawing in audiences right now? And what challenges are facing arts organizations behind the scenes? MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two colleagues who cover arts and culture in Minnesota. Guests: Jacob Aloi is a newscaster and arts and culture reporter for MPR News. He’s a member of the American Theatre Critics/Journalists Association. He’s contributed to PRX's The World, American Theater Magazine and NPR's Here and Now. He previously hosted a show on Frogtown Community Radio in St. Paul.     Alex V. Cipolle is a senior arts reporter and critic, covering arts and culture for MPR News. She previously covered the arts in the Pacific Northwest and southwest France and has written for publications including The New York Times, Fast Company, Frommer’s and Hyperallergic.

Over the past year, Minnesota has been at the center of several major breaking news events.From the assassination of a top Minnesota lawmaker and the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School last summer, to the fatal shootings by federal officers during “Operation Metro Surge” earlier this year, complex stories have unfolded quickly, often with conflicting information and intense public reaction. So how do journalists keep up? And more importantly, how do they get it right? MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what happens behind the scenes during breaking news and how our newsroom verifies information before it reaches you. Guests:Brian Bakst is a senior politics editor for MPR News. He is also the host of Politics Friday, where he discusses Minnesota politics —​ the latest from the legislature, election news and more. Matt Sepic is a correspondent for MPR News based in Minneapolis. He focuses much of his reporting on courts and legal affairs. He also contributes frequently to NPR's national coverage.

What's next for DEI? Since taking office, President Donald Trump has signed a series of executive orders to reverse federal policies around diversity, equity and inclusion. The most recent order signed last month prohibits DEI activities in private companies that contract with the federal government. Some states have also passed anti-DEI legislation and many private companies have pulled back on diversity initiatives. So, where does this leave efforts to create workplaces that are more inclusive and fair? MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about how DEI is evolving and what it takes to create workplaces that work for everyone. Guests: Stacey Gordon is the founder of Rework Work, a leadership strategy and consulting firm, and author of “UNBIAS: Addressing Unconscious Bias at Work.” They are based in Edinburgh, Scotland.Lily Zheng is a consultant based in the San Francisco Bay Area who works with leaders to create inclusive workplaces. They are also the author of several books, including "DEI Deconstructed," "Reconstructing DEI" and "Fixing Fairness." Milton Dodd is the executive director of the Forum on Workplace Inclusion, a Minneapolis conference on May 27-28 for organization leaders, human resource managers, Employee Resource Group (ERG) leaders and others working on issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Dodd is also president of Infinity Systems, a Minneapolis consulting company specializing in organizational alignment and inclusive workplace cultures. Amid DEI backlash a liberal and a conservative Minnesotan seek common ground Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on:<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mpr-new

On Aug. 27, 2025, a shooter stood outside of Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis and opened fire through the stained glass windows. Children who had gathered for Mass during the first week of school dove for cover as bullets ricocheted off the pews. Older children shielded younger classmates with their bodies. Two students were killed that day. Many other children and adults were wounded, some critically. Eight months later, the Annunciation community continues to heal from the grief and terror. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two parents and the principal at Annunciation about what recovery looks like — including how some parents are using their voices in the legislature and elsewhere to make sure no other children go through what their families experienced. Guests:   Matt DeBoer is the principal of Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. He moved to Minnesota in 2022 to serve as campus minister at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Minneapolis after serving eight years as principal of a Catholic school in Seattle. Brittany Haeg is the mother of three children who attend Annunciation Catholic School. She is co-chair of the Annunciation Light Alliance, a nonprofit founded by Annunciation parents to ensure that children can learn, play and worship free from gun violence. Kristen Neville is in a blended family with five children who attend Annunciation Catholic School. She is founder and co-chair of the Annunciation Light Alliance.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how to prevent grooming — a pattern of manipulative behaviors to gain a child’s trust in order to sexually abuse them.Angela’s guests explain why preventing grooming isn’t just about recognizing it. It’s about creating conditions where it can’t happen. Guests:Dr. Mark Hudson is a child abuse pediatrician and medical director of the Midwest Children’s Resource Center at Children’s Minnesota, Minnesota’s largest pediatric hospital.Monica Rivera is the vice president of education and research at the U.S. Center for SafeSport, a nonprofit created in the wake of sexual misconduct at USA Gymnastics. Elizabeth Shockman is an MPR News reporter who covers K-12 education. To report abuse in Minnesota, contact your county’s child protection agency: Directory of County and Tribal Child Protection Agencies | Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families. A 24-hour statewide sexual violence and domestic violence hotline is available in Minnesota. You can call Minnesota Day One at (866) 223-1111 or text (612) 399-9995.You can also contact the Midwest Children’s Resource Center at 651-220-6750. Emergency phone consultation is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for concerned patients, parents, child protection and law enforcement agencies, physicians, therapists and attorneys. For more information about how to recognize and prevent grooming: Use this reference to identify, prevent, and respond to grooming behaviors.<a href="https://uscenterforsafesport.org/awareness-is-key-to-recognizing-signs-

MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about something that affects every one of us, but most of us were never formally taught — how to manage money. Guests:  Kumar Balasubrahmanyan is the vice president of Innovation for Junior Achievement North.Sara Dziuk is the president and CEO of Junior Achievement North.Isaac Kreis is a 10th grade student at Washington Technology High School in St. Paul. Rengsona Yawa is a 9th grade student at Washington Technology High School in St. Paul.

Last week, the U.S. Senate overturned a 20-year federal mining ban on land near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Supporters say modern mines can protect the environment while producing critical minerals and boosting the regional economy. Opponents argue the environmental risks are too great and the economic benefits aren't what they seem.MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about what comes next and how lifting the ban could affect the environment and jobs.Guests:Julie Lucas is the executive director of MiningMinnesota, an industry trade group.Ingrid Lyons is the executive director of Save the Boundary Waters.