MPR News with Angela Davis

Recent federal immigration enforcement actions are creating fear, anger or uncertainty for some Minnesota families. And mental health providers say that anxiety doesn’t stop with adults. Stress in young people might show up as sleeplessness, trouble focusing in school or a deep sense of worry about family safety.MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what children, teenagers and young adults are experiencing right now and how the adults in their lives can support their mental health.Guest:Ana Mariella Rivera is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist in private practice in St. Paul who works with teenagers, young adults and families. She is also an adjunct professor of social work at St. Catherine University.Resources shared during the show: ”Good People Everywhere” by Lynea Gillen, ”Something Happened to My Dad: A Story about Immigration and Family Separation” by Ann Hazzard, ”The Breaking News” by Sarah Lynne Reul and ”Most People” by Michael Leannah.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs immediate mental health support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also find the number for your local crisis team here.

Federal immigration enforcement activity has increased in Minnesota in recent weeks, prompting questions, concern and uncertainty in many communities.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Minnesotans who have had recent interactions with federal immigration officers. They talk about how enforcement is affecting daily life, public spaces and community trust.Guests:Ahmed Bin Hassan is a rideshare driver who was questioned by U.S. Border Patrol agents outside the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in a now-viral video. State Rep. Peter Fischer, DFL-Little Canada, has represented Little Canada and most of Maplewood since 2013. Julie Vossen-Henslin is involved with a group of people trying to document the increased federal immigration enforcement in Willmar. She is also trying to support family members of people who are taken into federal custody.To report incidents related to recent federal actions in Minnesota, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office created this Federal Action Reporting Form.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.     

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a chance to reflect on King’s life, his words and the work he urged us to continue. King believed in justice rooted in community, in young people as leaders and in the power of any individual to create the change they want to see. Coming up at 9 a.m. on Monday, MPR News host Angela Davis talks with high school students across Minnesota who are engaging with King’s message in meaningful ways. They’re leading student groups, organizing for change, serving their communities and asking hard questions about equity and justice.

Sometimes opposites attract, and then they make each other stronger. That’s the story of our first Power Pair of 2026, Minneapolis married couple Roosevelt and Angela Mansfield. She is a longtime educator who taught in Minneapolis Public Schools and now serves as an assistant commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Education. He’s a youth worker, DJ and photographer, whose art shines a light on the people and history of Black communities in the Twin Cities. They met through their shared love of hip-hop. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the Mansfields about their work, their relationship and their commitment to supporting young people in stressful times. Guests: Angela Mansfield is an assistant commissioner in the Minnesota Department of Education in the Office of Educational Opportunity. She started nearly eight years ago at the state agency as a teacher training specialist. She also founded and ran a charter school and taught in Minneapolis Public Schools.   Roosevelt Mansfield is a photographer and DJ who has worked as a behavioral specialist and in other roles in public schools. He’s also the founder of The Purpose, an organization that supports young people of color through cultural education, photography and entrepreneurial skills.  

Getting a cancer diagnosis today can mean something very different than it meant a few decades ago.  Cancer is still deadly. But thanks to advances in detection and treatment, cancer for some people has turned into a manageable condition. A report from the American Cancer Society out this week shows that for the first time that the five-year survival rate for all cancers has reached 70 percent. Tumors are being found at earlier stages, when treatment can be more effective. Surgery and radiation have gotten more precise.  Researchers have refined their understanding of different types of cancers and developed new drugs that zero in on the unique biology of specific tumors.Maybe most importantly, researchers are figuring out how to use the body’s own immune system to fight cancer in ways that doctors couldn’t have imagined 20 years ago.  MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about how cancer treatments are improving.Guests: Dr. Emil Lou is a medical oncologist and professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School who sees patients at M Health Fairview Masonic Cancer Clinic. He specializes in gastrointestinal cancers, such as colorectal and pancreas cancers, and is also involved in cancer research.  Dr. Rachel L McCaffrey is a breast surgical oncologist at Allina Health who specializes in treating breast cancer. 

Have you ever seen a social media post that was so captivating that you just had to share it?  Maybe it was a powerful video, a striking image or a headline that made you stop scrolling.   But was it true? In a world where artificial intelligence can generate photos, videos and even voices, it’s becoming harder to know what’s real and what isn’t.In fact, it’s become so challenging to tell truth from fiction that many colleges are offering classes in how to spot misinformation and digital manipulation. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two professors about how technology is being used to mislead and how to avoid being fooled by fake images, videos and stories. Guests:Bob Groven is a professor and Co-Chair of the Department of Communication Studies, Film and New Media at Augsburg University. He teaches the class “Defense Against the Dark Arts,” which aims to help students recognize and protect themselves from misinformation and disinformation. He is also a strategic communication consultant with over 15 years of experience in leading political campaigns. Lana Medina is a journalist, researcher and educator. She teaches media literacy at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. Her work explores how social media algorithms, AI and newsroom pressures shape local journalism and civic discourse. 

Increased immigration enforcement and Wednesday’s fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent have left some Minnesotans feeling frightened, angry or overwhelmed.MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about how to manage fear, anxiety and emotional overload during stressful times.Guests:Corey Yeager is a licensed marriage and family therapist who has a doctorate in family social science. He has worked for Minneapolis Public Schools and with the Minneapolis Police Department. He was a psychotherapist for the Detroit Pistons and he is the author of “How Am I Doing? 40 Conversations to Have with Yourself.” Chris Farrell is senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace.

On Wednesday morning, a woman was shot and killed during what ICE describes as a targeted enforcement operation in south Minneapolis. In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said one of its officers fired his weapon in an act of self-defense as the woman “weaponized her vehicle.” However, elected officials and local law enforcement leaders are challenging that account, saying they see no evidence that the shooting was an act of self-defense.   MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with her guests about what’s known about the fatal shooting, what remains unclear and the legal questions it raises about federal authority, use of force and civil liberties.Guests:Sarah Thamer is the senior reporter for the MPR News Race, Class and Communities team.Emmanuel Mauleón is an associate professor of law at the University of Minnesota who researches policing, surveillance and racial justice.Jenn Budd is a former senior patrol agent with the US border patrol and author of “Against the Wall: My Journey from Border Patrol Agent to Immigrant Rights Activist.” Liliana Zaragoza is an associate professor of clinical law and director of the Racial Justice Law Clinic at the University of Minnesota Law School.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.     

Health insurance is about to become more expensive for tens of thousands of Minnesotans. Some of the tax credits that helped lower the cost of insurance for people who buy their own plans through the Affordable Care Act expired at the beginning of January after Congress failed to reach a compromise. Those federal subsidies were at the center of last year’s political standoff that shut down the federal government. With premiums rising, the cost of healthcare coverage is expected to be a top political issue heading into the 2026 midterm elections.MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about why premiums are rising and what this means for Minnesotans struggling to afford coverage.

President Donald Trump’s administration says it’s freezing $185 million in child care funds nationwide this year amid allegations of potential fraud in Minnesota.State officials say they are continuing to investigate the allegations but have not substantiated them so far.MPR News guest host Catharine Richert will examine what the funding freeze could mean for children, families, child care providers and Minnesota politics.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced this morning that he is ending his campaign for a third term. He said he made the decision after consulting with family and friends over the holidays. Walz’s departure from the race comes as reports of fraud in state-run social service programs in Minnesota escalated in recent weeks. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with two political scientists about Walz’s announcement and the race to replace him.Guests: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. Cindy Rugeley is an associate professor of political science and chair of the department at the University of Minnesota Duluth.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.     

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.     

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.