MPR News with Angela Davis

Episodes

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  Do youth sports demand too much of families? 12.11.2026 46m

  Youth sports look a lot different than they did a generation ago. Many parents are shelling out hundreds, if not thousands of dollars to sign their kids up for club sports at younger and younger ages. They’re paying for summer skills camps and hiring private trainers, driving across town in rush-hour traffic for games and heading out of town almost every weekend for tournaments. And some parents are questioning whether this is good for their kids and their community.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a journalist and a coach about what we gain and lose when we invest so much time, money and energy into kids sports. Guests: Laura Yuen is a parent and a columnist for the The Minnesota Star Tribune. She recently wrote a series of columns exploring the pressures of youth sports. She was previously an editor and reporter at MPR News and a reporter for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Johnny Tauer is in his 16th season as head coach of men's basketball at the University of St. Thomas where he led the recent transition from Division III to Division I. He's a former psychology professor and also runs a summer basketball camp for kids in elementary through high school. In 2015, he published a book called "Why Less Is More for WOSPs (Well-Intentioned, Overinvolved Sports Parents): How to Be the Best Sports Parent You Can Be." Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.
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  How artificial intelligence is changing healthcare 11.11.2026 46m

  Artificial intelligence is changing the way doctors diagnose diseases, treat patients and manage their workloads. More physicians are using AI than ever before, but questions remain about its accuracy, reliability and impact on patient care.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with an expert about how AI is being used in medicine, what’s working well and what researchers are developing next.Guest:Matt Redlon is chair of the AI program and vice president of digital biology in Mayo Clinic Digital Pathology. He leads efforts to develop and apply artificial intelligence in medicine, including tools that support disease diagnosis, drug discovery and medical research.
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  Neighborhood House: Helping immigrants and people in crisis for nearly 130 years 10.11.2026 46m

  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.    
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  How financial challenges are affecting Minnesota hospitals and patients 09.11.2026 46m

  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.
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  What’s political grief? And did it shape the midterm election? 05.11.2026 46m

  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.    
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  Analyzing the 2026 election results 04.11.2026 47m

  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.    
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  The rise of early voting in Minnesota 03.11.2026 46m

  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.”
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  Power Pair: These sibling auctioneers know how to inspire giving 02.11.2026 45m

  They’re siblings, they’re business partners and they know how to inspire generosity. Glen Fladeboe and Kristine Fladeboe Duininck are among the most well-known and busy auctioneers in Minnesota. You may have seen them at a nonprofit gala engaging the crowd, building excitement and calling bids. Coming up at 9 a.m. on Monday, MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her latest Power Pair about growing up on a farm near Willmar, Minnesota, stepping in to lead the family auction business after their father’s stroke and what it takes to inspire people to care about a cause and open their wallets. Guests: Glen Fladeboe is an auctioneer and partner with his sister in their second-generation, family-owned auction business. Fladeboe Advancement runs benefit auctions and consults with nonprofit organizations on fundraising. Fladeboe Land works with families and investors on the sale and purchase of Minnesota farmland. Kristine Fladeboe Duininck is an auctioneer and partner with her brother in Fladeboe Advancement and Fladeboe Land. She works with families and investors on the sale and purchase of Minnesota farmland. She was named the top female auctioneer in the U.S. in 2010 by the National Auctioneers Association. Check out Angela’s previous Power Pair conversations. Do you know a Power Pair?We’d love to hear your ideas for Power Pairs to interview. Send us your suggestions.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.    
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  Rural Voice: Creative solutions to the rural housing crunch 29.10.2026 54m

  There’s a lack of affordable housing across Minnesota. State projections say more than 182,000 new housing units across all types and prices points are needed by 2035 to create a healthy housing market.But the problem is especially acute in rural communities, due to a complicated mix of older housing in need of repairs, seniors remaining in single-family homes and high construction costs. MPR News host Kerri Miller devoted the final Rural Voice of 2026 to the lack of affordable housing — a problem that comes up at every town hall she moderates, no matter the topic. The town hall discussion took place on Oct. 6, in Marshall, where community leaders said housing is needed across the board — renters need more apartments, young families need single-family homes and seniors need places where they can affordably downsize. Creative solutions could include updated modular housing and repurposing the second stories of downtown spaces. Rural Voice: Marshall Leaders also linked housing to employment. Businesses can’t grow because there is no housing for more workers. Chad Adams, CEO at the Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership, said the business community needs to do more to help with the housing crisis and reminded local leaders that “housing is economic development.”
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  What keeps you up at night? How improving sleep can improve your health 28.10.2026 46m

  Do you toss and turn and have trouble falling asleep? Or do you wake in the middle of the night and struggle to get back to sleep? About a third of adults in the U.S. report that they don’t get the recommended seven hours of sleep each night. About one in ten people struggle with chronic insomnia. As we reset our clocks on Sunday and leave Daylight Savings Time, it’s a great time to also reset our sleep habits. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a sleep expert about why sleep is so important for your body and your mind, what’s keeping people up and how to deal with common sleep problems.Guest: Dr. Michael Howell is a neurology professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School focused on sleep research. He sees patients through M Health Fairview's sleep clinics and is also the chief medical officer for GEM Sleep, a Minnesota-based virtual clinic with patients nationwide.
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  The history of Halloween and how we celebrate it today 27.10.2026 46m

  Halloween is just around the corner, and Minnesotans are getting ready with costumes, decorations and plenty of candy. From trick-or-treating and carving pumpkins to haunted houses and costume parties, Halloween traditions have evolved over generations. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a Halloween historian about the history of the holiday. She’ll also talk with a longtime community volunteer from Anoka about why the city calls itself the Halloween Capital of the World.Guests:Lisa Morton is an author and Halloween historian who researches the holiday’s origins, traditions and cultural significance. She has written several books about Halloween, including “Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween” and “The Halloween Encyclopedia.”Karen George is a longtime Anoka resident and volunteer with Anoka Halloween, Inc. She is grand marshal of the city’s Halloween parades this year.
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  The podcast that changed reading instruction is back 26.10.2026 47m

  Four years ago, the podcast Sold a Story sparked a national debate about how children learn to read. Its reporting helped drive changes in reading instruction across dozens of states, including in Minnesota. Now, the investigative podcast from American Public Media is back for a second season. And this time, the focus goes beyond reading to look at teaching itself. Sold a Story: What Happened to Teaching explores why so many schools have ignored an effective teaching method called direct instruction.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Emily Hanford, the senior correspondent and host of Sold a Story, about the new season and what happens when deeply held beliefs about education clash with evidence. Read more At a northern Minnesota tribal school A highly structured reading program gets results Guest: Emily Hanford is a senior correspondent and producer at APM Reports and host of the investigative podcast Sold a Story, one of Time Magazine’s top podcasts of the year and winner of numerous honors including a duPont, an Edward R. Murrow and a Peabody nomination. A longtime public media journalist and education reporter, she is based in Washington, D.C., where she’s been journalist-in-residence at Planet Word, the museum of words and language. 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.    
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  Rural Voice: Real talk about data centers 22.10.2026 1h 13m

  Data centers are coming for rural America. In the past, data centers tended to be built in urban areas, close to power grids and technology workers. But with the rise of generative AI, more data centers are needed, and this time, tech companies are eyeing rural communities. MPR News host Kerri Miller moderated a Rural Voice town hall discussion about data centers at Corks & Pints in Faribault, Minn. on Sept. 29. The conversation was lively, to say the least. Rural Voice: Faribault Community members, who live in a variety of towns across southern Minnesota, were skeptical about the energy and environmental impact data centers would have on rural areas. Many said they care more about natural resources than the money that development might bring. And almost everyone said they don’t trust technology companies to tell the truth or do the right thing when it comes to protecting and investing in rural communities. More from MPR News Data centers in Minnesota
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  Tackling the challenges at Minneapolis Public Schools 21.10.2026 46m

  Minneapolis Public Schools last month recommended closing more than a dozen schools — and then last week put the plan on pause. The proposal to shutter schools was put forward as a way to make better use of limited funds and half-empty buildings after years of enrollment declines and budget challenges. But at a recent school board meeting, after intense community feedback, Minneapolis Superintendent Lisa Sayles-Adams told the board not proceed with school closures. Coming up at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Superintendent Sayles-Adams about why that plan was proposed, why it was put on hold and what comes next for students and families. Guest: Lisa Sayles-Adams is the superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools. She started the job in early 2024 after serving during the pandemic as superintendent of Eastern Carver County Schools west of the Twin Cities. She started her career in education 30 years ago as a classroom teacher in Minneapolis and later worked in several districts in Minnesota and Georgia as a principal and assistant superintendent. She was selected by Minnesota Association of School Administrators as the 2026 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year.
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  Ask a vet: How to have a healthy, happy and well-behaved pet 20.10.2026 46m

  Pets can bring so much joy. But there’s also a lot to learn about how to train and care for a dog, cat or other animal companion. How do you help an anxious rescue dog? Do indoor cats need vaccines? What’s the etiquette at the dog park? What do I feed a rabbit? And, if you’re thinking about getting a pet, what should you be thinking about ahead of time? MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a veterinarian about how to help your pets stay happy, healthy and well-behaved.
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  How is Minnesota's paid leave program working? 19.10.2026 46m

  Minnesota launched a major new benefit for workers in January. The statewide paid family and medical leave program allows eligible workers to receive part of their pay while taking time off to recover from a serious illness, welcome a new child or care for a loved one.More than 100,000 Minnesotans have applied for benefits so far, but questions remain about how smoothly the program is working and how employers are adjusting.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about what we’ve learned in the first nine months, who’s using the paid leave program and what needs to be improved.Guests:Alice Mann is a DFL state senator who represents District 50, which includes Edina and Bloomington. She is also an emergency room physician.Evan Rowe is the deputy commissioner for workforce services and transformation at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, also known as DEED. 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.    
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  Rural Voice: Who owns Main Street? 15.10.2026 59m

  Do local businesses still own Main Street in Minnesota’s rural communities? Or are national chains and large corporations changing the fabric of what it means to be a small town? That’s the question MPR News host Kerri Miller posed during her most recent Rural Voice town hall, held Sept. 28 at The Broadway event center in downtown Albert Lea, Minn. Business owners and community leaders agreed that keeping local businesses local is key to maintaining small town feel and charm. But doing that is no small feat. Business owners say they work long hours, money is always tight and even if the business is a success, figuring out how to grow sustainably is a challenge. Organizations designed to support local businesses, like the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, say it’s a story they hear a lot. They pointed to the critical role community support and innovative financing models play in sustaining rural businesses.
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  What Medicaid changes mean for Minnesotans 14.10.2026 46m

  Last year, President Donald Trump signed a sweeping tax and spending bill — originally called the One Big Beautiful Bill. It included significant changes to Medicaid, the government health insurance program that helps people with lower incomes pay for medical care.Some changes to eligibility rules have already taken effect while changes to work requirements are scheduled to begin in 2027.MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about what the changes mean for Minnesotans who rely on Medicaid and for the healthcare system as a whole.If you’re looking for affordable medical care, you can find local resources here: Community Health Centers. Guests:Robin Rudowitz is a senior vice president and director of the Program on Medicaid and the Uninsured at KFF, an independent source for health policy research, polling and news. Jonathan Watson is the CEO of the Minnesota Association of Community Health Centers. 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.    
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  Minnesota Children's Museum is all about helping kids play 13.10.2026 46m

  Generations of children have run and climbed their way through the Minnesota Children’s Museum. They've shopped for plastic food at the pretend farmers' market, launched ping-pong balls, whooshed down the giant spiral slide and blown bubbles at the wacky car wash. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the museum’s president Dianne Krizan about how the museum is doing following its post-COVID attendance slump, why play is so important for kids and how the museum is trying to help address anxiety in young children. Guest:Dianne Krizan is the president of the Minnesota Children's Museum and a champion for children's wellbeing and play. The museum announced earlier this fall that she'll be retiring in June 2027 after leading the St. Paul institution for more than 17 years.
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  Indigenous Peoples Day: Voices from Minnesota's Native communities 12.10.2026 46m

  Indigenous Peoples Day is a time to celebrate the history, cultures and contributions of Native people. But it’s also an opportunity to reflect on what’s happening in Native communities today.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two Native leaders about the ways Native communities in Minnesota are thriving, the challenges they continue to face and what the future holds for the next generation. Guests:Amber Annis is the executive director of Native Governance Center, where she works to support Native leadership and tribal sovereignty. She is a citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.Nikki Love is the executive director of the Tiwahe Foundation, a Minnesota-based organization that supports Native leadership, cultural preservation, and economic opportunity through grants, leadership opportunities and community programs. She is Bois Forte Anishinaabe. 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.