Ramsey County is changing how it responds to young people who commit crimes — and early results show their new approach is working.

In the past, young offenders were charged much like adults. They were sent to court and often placed on probation or assigned community service.

The new approach, sometimes called restorative justice, goes deeper. It pulls in members of the community, considers why the crime happened and helps young people understand the harm they caused while also holding them accountable.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks about why more communities across Minnesota are using restorative justice and about a new a study in Ramsey County that shows it dramatically reduces repeat offenses.

Protein is having its moment.

Protein powders are marketed to young men who want to bulk up and to women in menopause to prevent losing muscle mass.

It’s also being added to everything from cereal to bagels, pasta and pancake mix.

And, in January, federal dietary guidelines nearly doubled the amount of protein per day Americans are recommended to consume, with a focus on meats and full-fat dairy products.

So, with all the protein hype, how much do we really need?

MPR News host Angela Davis talks about our current protein obsession along with smart and budget-friendly ways to get the nutrition we need for a healthy life.

Guests:  

• Tara Schmidt is a registered dietitian and instructor of nutrition at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. She is also the lead dietitian for the Mayo Clinic Diet, host of the podcast “On Nutrition,” and co-authored “The Mayo Clinic Diet: Weight Loss Medications Edition.”  
• Aimee Tritt is a practicing dietitian in private practice. She is also a clinical assistant professor of nutrition at the University of Minnesota in the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Science.  

One in five Minnesota households can't afford the food they need. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about hunger in Minnesota — who's affected, what keeps people from seeking help, and potential solutions. 

Guest:

• Sarah Moberg is the chief executive officer at Second Harvest Heartland, which is one of the largest food banks in the country. It provides services in central and southwest Minnesota and western Wisconsin. She worked at General Mills for 25 years, where she was most recently the senior director of Innovation, Technology and Quality.

For help finding free food, call or text the Second Harvest Heartland helpline: 866-844-3663.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.     

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.     

Increased federal immigration agents in parts of Minnesota has had ripple effects that are affecting child care.

Some child care centers are reporting drops in attendance as families keep children home out of fear. And, staff members are strained as they worry about their own safety.  

MPR News host Angela Davis is joined by early childhood education reporter Kyra Miles to talk about how the increase of federal immigration agents is affecting the child care industry and children, families and child care workers. 

Guests:

• Kimberli Benhoff is the program director of Rise Early Learning Center in St. Louis Park.
• Tiffany Taylor is a teacher at South Metro Childcare Academy in Bloomington. 

When the world feels heavy, we look for small escapes.

For some, that means tuning out the headlines to binge a new show or watch a must-see film.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with NPR’s TV and media critic and a Twin Cities entertainment writer about what they’re watching — and the hottest shows and movies right now.

Guests:

• Eric Deggans is the TV critic, media analyst and guest host at National Public Radio.  He is also the Knight Professor of Journalism and Media Ethics at Washington and Lee University in Virginia. 
• Lily Osler is an entertainment writer based in the Twin Cities. Her writing has been published in the New Yorker, Racket and Reactor. She is also the managing editor of Episodes, a newsletter and pop-culture blog. 

President Donald Trump took the national stage Tuesday night for his State of the Union address at a pivotal moment for his presidency and for his party.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what the president said — and didn’t say — with a historian, a political scientist and our listeners.

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 and chair of political science at the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University.

Americans say staying informed is essential to participating in civic life — especially when it comes to voting. But a new Pew Research Center study finds that many people also feel overwhelmed by the news, are distrustful of what they see and are increasingly selective about what they pay attention to.

So what does that mean for local journalism?

MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how newsrooms are trying to adapt to changes in news consumption with the editor of the Minnesota Star Tribune.

Guest:

• Kathleen Hennessey is the editor and senior vice president of the Minnesota Star Tribune. Prior to her current role, she was deputy politics editor for the New York Times. Before that, she led the regional politics team for the Associated Press. She covered the White House during President Barack Obama’s second term for the LA Times and the Associated Press and was the White House editor and deputy bureau chief for the Associated Press during President Donald Trump’s first term.

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.

The immigration enforcement surge has taken an economic toll on many Minnesota communities, especially in the Twin Cities. As workers and customers stay home, some restaurants, construction firms and other businesses that employ immigrants are struggling to stay open.

Minneapolis officials estimate the city lost more than $200 million in economic activity in a single month. And, when spending contracts this quickly, the impact ripples through industries far beyond those directly touched by immigration enforcement.

MPR News host Angela Davis takes a look at the economic impact of ICE, proposals from local and state governments to support struggling businesses and how to move forward.

Guests:

• Chris Farrell is the senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace. 
• Neil Linscheid is a state specialist in entrepreneurship and expert in community economics for University of Minnesota Extension. He works alongside local leaders to develop practical, community-centered strategies that build and drive long-term economic health. 

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.  

The Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus is one of the oldest and largest gay choruses in the country.

For 45 years, it’s built a sense of community among its singers and has spread joy and awareness in the broader community.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the artistic director and chorus members about the choir’s history and how music can heal and bring people together through hard times.

Guests:

• Gerald Gurss has been the artistic director of the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus since 2018. He is also a composer and has served as artistic director and founder of choruses in North Carolina.  
• Carlos Saldaña sings tenor with the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus. He joined the chorus in 2013 and has also served in several roles, including as a member of the board of directors.  
• Mikal Nabors is a tenor with the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus. He joined the chorus in 2011 after singing with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.  

More federal funding for public health is on the chopping block. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what the cuts could mean for Minnesota and why a federal judge stepped in to temporarily block them.