MPR News with Angela Davis

Minnesota Public Radio

4.6 (129)
DAILY NEWS
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Conversations about life in Minnesota and how the state is changing, weekdays from MPR News. Programming note: Our colleague Angela Davis is taking a leave of absence after a recent breast cancer diagnosis. Thank you to all who have checked in and shared kind words. Angela is touched by your support as she focuses on her recovery.

3D AGO

MPR News meteorologist Mandy Thalhuber on what goes into forecasting the weather

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.

36 min
4D AGO

A new advocate steps in as Minnesota's mental health needs rise

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.

35 min
5D AGO

MPR News arts reporters on covering Minnesota music, theater and the arts

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.

37 min
6D AGO

Inside the newsroom: How journalists make the call during breaking news

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.

39 min
APR 30

What's next for DEI? How to make workplaces more inclusive of everyone

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: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS. Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

46 min
APR 29

Annunciation Catholic school's long road to healing

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.

46 min
APR 28

Grooming and child abuse: 6 questions, answered

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.Recognizing Signs of Grooming in Sport | U.S. Center for SafeSport

47 min
APR 27

Paychecks, bills and reality: Teaching kids about money

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.

47 min

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4.6

out of 5

129 Ratings

Urban animals

Apr 14

Marigold135

Great podcast. I learned so much and improved my understanding of local animal behavior. Thanks! Love this podcast
Good

02/17/2024

Jhfhdjfjjfjfdn

You have to losing to it
Are you a victim?

06/27/2024

Night Soul Train

If you are, npr will bend head over heels to share your story, never willing to examine the other side of such stories, narratives. It makes for easy reporting, news gathering, but leaves us all less informed at the end of the day
Appointment listening

11/18/2023

Pocketfullofpocketsand

Angela Davis is a wonderful interviewer with a lovely voice and pace. She keeps the conversation moving and the topics discussed vary but are always interesting and informative.

Conversations about life in Minnesota and how the state is changing, weekdays from MPR News. Programming note: Our colleague Angela Davis is taking a leave of absence after a recent breast cancer diagnosis. Thank you to all who have checked in and shared kind words. Angela is touched by your support as she focuses on her recovery.