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.
Latest episodes
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47 min
The podcast that changed reading instruction is back
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 stat…
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1 h 13
Rural Voice: Real talk about data centers
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…
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47 min
Tackling the challenges at Minneapolis Public Schools
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…
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46 min
Ask a vet: How to have a healthy, happy and well-behaved pet
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 c…
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47 min
How is Minnesota's paid leave program working?
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…
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59 min
Rural Voice: Who owns Main Street?
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? T…
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46 min
What Medicaid changes mean for Minnesotans
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 governmen…
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46 min
Minnesota Children's Museum is all about helping kids play
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…
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46 min
Indigenous Peoples Day: Voices from Minnesota's Native communities
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 commun…
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35 min
Meet some of the people behind the voices on MPR News
You know their voices, but what do you know about the people behind them? MPR News host Angela Davis talks with three MPR newscasters about their paths to journalism and who they a…
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36 min
Improve your health habits with Wellness Wednesday
Every Wednesday, MPR News with Angela Davis explores health and wellness topics with experts and listeners across Minnesota. Listen to highlights from recent broadcasts on colorect…
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35 min
What's happening this fall in Minnesota's arts scene?
From Twin Cities art crawls to small-town galleries, fall offers plenty of ways to explore Minnesota’s arts scene. But behind the art and performances are the artists — working to…
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34 min
How to build a career, start a business and succeed in a changing economy
The way we build careers and make money is changing. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with journalist Lee Hawkins about how people create businesses, move forward after career setb…
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1 h 08
Rural Voice: How to keep rural kids rural
Kerri Miller is on the road again for her Rural Voice town hall series — a project that highlights the joys and challenges of living in rural Minnesota. On Sept. 21, Miller moderat…
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47 min
Long COVID affects many Minnesotans years after the pandemic
The worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is several years behind us, but many Minnesotans are still living with its consequences in the form of long COVID. Long COVID is a chronic condit…
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46 min
Making classical music more accessible: Meet Minnesota Orchestra CEO Isaac Thompson
Isaac Thompson grew up in the Twin Cities dreaming of becoming a professional violinist. His career took him off the stage and into arts leadership — and eventually brought him bac…
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47 min
AI regulation: Exploring how to govern a rapidly evolving technology
As artificial intelligence companies create increasingly powerful models, lawmakers are calling for rules to regulate the technology. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk…
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1 h 05
Rural Voice: A town hall on belonging in St. Joseph, Minn.
Four years ago, Rural Voice launched in St. Joseph, Minn., with a conversation about the challenges and opportunities of building a business in rural America. This year, to kick of…
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47 min
Recovery: Building a new life after sobriety
When someone stops drinking alcohol or using drugs, it’s only the beginning. For many people, recovery is a long journey — one that can mean rebuilding relationships, changing ever…
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47 min
Why do we get tattoos?
Tattoos can mark a memory, honor someone we love, express something about who we are — or simply be a piece of art we like enough to put on our bodies. But choosing something perma…