MPR News with Angela Davis

Neighborhood House was started in 1897 to help Jewish refugees escaping persecution in Russia. Nearly 130 years later, the St. Paul nonprofit continues to help immigrants, refugees and people in a transition or crisis. During the federal immigration enforcement surge, it delivered food to 750 local families. Last year, it was the largest provider of emergency rental assistance funds in Ramsey County. It also runs leadership and English classes for adults, afterschool activities for youth, and other programs. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the president and CEO of Neighborhood House about the work of providing help — and hope — to neighbors in need. Guest: Janet Gracia is the president and CEO of Neighborhood House, a St. Paul nonprofit that serves nearly 10,000 households annually with food and housing support, family coaching, youth programs, English classes and other programs. She started the position in 2024 after working for nearly 30 years with Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys, including 15 years on the senior leadership team. She's a longtime resident of the West Side neighborhood in St. Paul. 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.    

Minnesota hospitals are facing growing financial pressures and patients are feeling the effects.A new report from the Minnesota Hospital Association warns of what it calls a “statewide crisis of care.” The report found that more than one in four hospitals lost money on operations in 2024, while the cost of providing care continues to rise. Some hospitals — especially in rural areas — have cut services, leaving patients with fewer options and longer distances to travel to get the care they need.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about what’s driving the financial challenges facing some hospitals, how those pressures are affecting patients and what can be done to protect access to health care across Minnesota.Guests:Dr. Rahul Koranne is a physician and the president and CEO of the Minnesota Hospital Association, an organization that represents Minnesota's hospitals and health systems. Rachelle Schultz is the president and CEO of Winona Health, an independent nonprofit health care system in southeastern Minnesota that operates a hospital, clinics and community-based services.

The term “political grief” has been gaining attention in recent years. Maybe you’ve experienced it yourself.It describes feelings of loss, frustration and uncertainty about the direction of the country — and a loss of trust in political leaders and public institutions.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about how emotions — including political grief — shaped the midterm election.Guests: The Rev. Karen Hutt is a Unitarian Universalist minister who has served congregations in Chicago and Minneapolis. She is also a board-certified chaplain who has worked in prisons and large metropolitan hospitals. She currently trains other chaplains. JaNaé Bates Imari is a minister and the co-executive director of ISAIAH, a multi-racial, multi-faith, nonpartisan coalition of faith communities in Minnesota. 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.    

Minnesota voters elected a new governor and U.S. senator on Tuesday, along with all seats in both chambers of the state Legislature.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a historian and a political scientist about the 2026 midterm election results, what they mean for Minnesota, the country and what comes next.  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 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.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.    

Leading up to election day, a record number of Minnesotans have voted early. Early voting — in person, by mail or through an absentee ballot — has become increasingly popular for people who hope to avoid lines or cast their ballots when it’s convenient for them. And this year, Minnesota introduced a new process that allows early voters to place their ballots directly into the machine that counts them, just as they would on Election Day.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about why so many Minnesotans chose to vote early, how voting habits are changing and what Minnesotans should know if they’re heading to the polls on Election Day.Guests: Amy Perna is the executive director of the League of Women Voters of Minnesota, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to voter education and civic engagement. She leads the organization’s efforts to encourage voter participation, improve access to voting and help Minnesotans make informed decisions at the ballot box. Michael Minta is a professor and director of graduate studies in political science at the University of Minnesota. He is also the author of “No Longer Outsiders: Black and Latino Interest Group Advocacy on Capitol Hill.”