MPR News host Angela Davis takes a peek behind the scenes of our favorite movies, television shows and live theater productions. Sound design immerses us in a story. It can make us feel things. Who could forget the whir of the light sabers in the “Star Wars” movies? Or the swish and swirl of the water in “Finding Nemo” that made you feel like you were in the ocean with Nemo, Dory and Marlin? Her guests are the creative masterminds behind sounds in movies and live productions. Some of which you m...
Aug 15, 2024•46 min
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, we’ve lost about half of the state’s natural shorelines. And researchers say natural shoreline continues to disappear at an alarming rate. When we lose natural lakeshore, it affects the lakes we love. Mowed shorelines allow seven to nine times more pollutants to enter the lake than one with native plants.’ MPR News Host Angela Davis and her guests explore what we can do to prevent shoreline erosion, improve water quality and create more...
Aug 14, 2024•47 min
If the business model of local news needs an overhaul, what can the journalists who work inside the system do to change it? Listen to part two in our Report for America conversation about the state of local news. Our first conversation was with local and national philanthropy leaders who want to build new ways for local news to thrive. This time, the focus is entirely on Minnesota. During an evening event on July 18 at the Weisman Art Museum, host Angela Davis talked with news leaders from acros...
Aug 13, 2024•48 min
MPR News host Angela Davis recently moderated two panels about the state of local news in Minnesota. The first is with funders who are pushing for new models to reinvigorate newsrooms across the state and the country. The second brings the conversation to news leaders across Minnesota. How can journalists themselves reinvent the way they do their jobs, in an era of cutbacks and decline?
Aug 12, 2024•51 min
Did you know in the late 1800s and early 1900s, one-third of Minnesota’s population was born in another country? Polls show immigration is a key election issue with voters having sharply different views. Assumptions and misinformation also cloud discussions about immigrants and immigration. What’s accurate and what’s not? MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about the role immigrants play in Minnesota’s workforce and population growth and how our history of immigration compares to to...
Aug 07, 2024•47 min
If you’ve ever watched a kid at play, you’ve probably seen a happy kid. Maybe you’ve watched children at your local park building forts out of sticks, or on the basketball court going for layups and pretending to be their favorite Timberwolves player. Maybe you’ve seen your own child lost in focus on a Lego creation or playing restaurant with dolls and stuffed animals. Knowing how to find happiness in play is important for all ages. But play does a lot more than bring joy. Unstructured play, the...
Aug 07, 2024•48 min
Vice President Kamala Harris chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. And she will launch a multistate tour with him at a rally in Philadelphia Tuesday night. MPR News guest host Chris Farrell talked about the Harris-Walz ticket and how much impact vice presidential candidates can have on a presidential campaign.
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 39 min
Imagine being so shaken up by a detour sign on your regular route to work that you had to pull over to fight against a panic attack. Or imagine not recognizing when someone was sarcastic with you or flirting with you. These can be common experiences for people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder — a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with sensory sensitivities, social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. The number of adults who identify as aut...
Aug 05, 2024•46 min
Join us for a discussion hosted by our colleagues at Sahan Journal — a nonprofit dedicated to reporting for immigrants and communities of color in Minnesota — about how to thrive as a business in Minnesota. Mukhtar Ibrahim, the founding publisher and CEO of Sahan Journal, talks with a panel of Black, immigrant entrepreneurs in tech, farming, fashion, food and wellness — including the man who started the first Jamaican restaurant in the U.S. that catered to the unique palates of Minnesotans. How ...
Jul 31, 2024•52 min
Every year, thousands of people visit the Boundary Waters and other remote, wild areas of northern Minnesota. Every year, lots of people run into trouble and call for help. Those who respond are often nurses, police officers and other volunteers who sometimes spend several days on missions. MPR News guest host Dan Kraker talked with two volunteer responders who describe what goes into those missions.
Jul 30, 2024•47 min
One year ago this week, cannabis was legalized for recreational use in Minnesota. So, how’s it going? MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests also looked ahead to see what changes are expected in the next year. Guests: Charlene Briner is interim director for Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management. Ben Halley is chief operating officer (COO) of Honest Cannabis , a private consulting company that has worked with Minnesota tribes to help them enter the cannabis industry and build their busines...
Jul 30, 2024•48 min
Vice President Kamala Harris is vying to be the first woman to serve as president. She’s already broken boundaries in her current position — as the first woman, first Black woman and first South Asian American to serve as Vice President. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talked about women in leadership and the Black women leaders who paved the way for Kamala Harris’ candidacy. America has gone nearly 250 years without a woman in the top job. But systemic barriers still remain. Guests: D...
Jul 29, 2024•47 min
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota had more than 9,100 animals come through its doors in May and June May — their top two busiest months in their 45-year history. MPR News guest host Nina Moini talks with staff from the rehab center about some of the most common wildlife rescues. And we’ll find out when to leave an injured or orphaned wild animal alone and when to seek help for it.
Jul 24, 2024•48 min
Do you have tummy troubles? Digestive system struggles? Problems pooping? MPR News host Angela Davis talked with two doctors who will help us understand what good gut health looks like and how can you make your digestive system as healthy as possible.
Jul 23, 2024•47 min
In late June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled fining or jailing people for sleeping and camping in public places when there is no shelter available does not violate the Constitution. The decision gives local governments the license to criminally punish people in homeless encampments or other public spaces. A recently proposed ordinance in Duluth would make camping on city property a misdemeanor crime and Brainerd is considering a similar law. Rochester recently passed a similar ordinance, and polic...
Jul 23, 2024•46 min
Three weeks after the first debate of the 2024 presidential campaign, President Joe Biden decided to step down from his bid for reelection and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about what’s next in the 2024 presidential election and the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month. Guests: Clay Masters is a senior political reporter for MPR News. Clay will cover the Democratic National Convention which begins on August 19th in ...
Jul 21, 2024•47 min
Just two days after the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, delegates officially nominated him for president and he announced his vice-presidential running mate is Ohio Sen. JD Vance. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests recap some of the most talked about moments of the first few days of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
Jul 17, 2024•47 min
Studies showed this generation was on track to end smoking, with long-running youth tobacco prevention campaigns and decades of research showing the health risks. However, with the decline of cigarette smoking, the tobacco industry is currently undergoing a smokeless revolution, marketing e-cigarettes and oral nicotine pouches more heavily. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talked about the tobacco and nicotine industry and how it has changed. With the rise of vaping and the growing popu...
Jul 17, 2024•47 min
Around the country, our bail system is getting a closer look. A few states, including New Jersey and Illinois, have done away with bail entirely. Handing cash over to the court is supposed to make sure someone appears for their next court date. If someone doesn’t show up, the court keeps the money. But, cash bail doesn’t always keep the public safe. Those who can afford it can bail out, even if they are a danger. On the flip side, people who are not a danger or flight risk often can’t get out of...
Jul 15, 2024•46 min
MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests discussed the assassination attempt on former President Trump at his campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday. What are the implications for this week’s Republican National Committee Convention and the 2024 presidential campaign?
Jul 14, 2024•47 min
