Michael Olson

Meet the Minneapolis parents patrolling their schools amid ICE operations As federal agents continue their surge in Minnesota, Twin Cities parents are organizing to support their immigrant neighbors. MPR News spoke to a parent group that’s driving neighbor kids to school, d...

As absenteeism rises in Minnesota with the surge of ICE agents, some parents are helping patrol neighborhoods and get kids safely to school. And for those who are too afraid to leave, they deliver groceries, help with laundry and check in on their well-being.

‘James Madison’s nightmare’: How Trump is leaning on arcane laws to advance immigration agenda Before threatening the Insurrection Act, Trump officials privately strategized about using the Alien Enemies Act to detain people in Chicago, according to Signal messages reviewed by the Star Tribune.

“We are living in James Madison’s nightmare,” he said. “All of the founders would have been horrified to see the national government resorting to this level of force — not as a last resort, but as basically a first resort.” www.startribune.com/we-are-livin...

Some criminals ICE takes credit for arresting were already in Minnesota prisons Several of the 13 “worst of the worst” criminals that the Department of Homeland Security said were arrested in Minnesota through its immigration enforcement operation were actually handed over to ICE...

Several of the 13 “worst of the worst” criminals that the Department of Homeland Security said were arrested in Minnesota through its immigration enforcement operation were actually handed over to ICE by state prisons before Operation Metro Surge began.

Photo by Pierre Lavie. Yes this is me. And I threw my Leica. It landed on the bass plate with hardly a scratch. Another Photographer grabbed it along with my phone and I was able to track him later. I was held face down tear gas deployed right in front of me and pepper sprayed directly into the eye.

I'm working on a new show for Call to Mind and I want to know what stresses you out? What keeps you up at night? How does stress affect your mental health? Comment below or email with your stories about STRESS calltomind@americanpublicmedia.org

TY to anyone who can lend a 🔄 to help spread the word.

Abuse rates higher at nursing homes with many mentally ill residents — APM Research Lab Nursing homes are designed to care for patients with physical infirmities. But nationwide, 1 in 5 residents has been diagnosed with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia or psychosis — condi...

NEW investigation by @egawthrop.bsky.social

1 in 5 nursing home residents is diagnosed with a serious mental illness, which few facilities are equipped to handle. Analysis shows this can lead to higher levels of abuse, putting both residents & staff at risk

www.apmresearchlab.org/abuse-rates-...

Even the cybertruck parking lot looked nice with last night’s sunset.

Heartbreaking: The king of Spain is stripping Real Salt Lake of their "Royal" title for that performance.

Bock convicted on all charges

ooo-AHH-oooo!

This Black northern Minnesota inventor changed the world. Many Minnesotans don’t know him Frederick McKinley Jones invented refrigerated shipping, allowing trucks and trains to move fresh and frozen food worldwide. The self-taught engineer who lived in Hallock held dozens of patents that t...

Self-taught inventor Frederick McKinley Jones invented refrigerated shipping, allowing trucks and trains to move fresh and frozen food worldwide. Jones lived in Hallock and held dozens of patents that transformed America, but it’s likely many Minnesotans don’t know him.

From territory to today: Mapping Minnesota’s Black history In celebration of Black History Month in February, MPR News is highlighting Black history throughout the state. From a fur trader believed to be one of the first African descendants in a territory tha...

In celebration of Black History Month in February, MPR News is highlighting Black history throughout the state.

Who needs a Superb Owl when there are Loons on the field?

Meta Agrees to Pay Trump $25 Million to Settle His Lawsuit President Trump had sued Meta and other tech firms in 2021, arguing that he had been wrongfully censored by them. Meta also reported revenue and profit growth for the fourth quarter.

Meta said on Wednesday that it had agreed to pay President Trump $25 million to settle a 2021 lawsuit he filed over the suspension of his Facebook and Instagram accounts after the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol.

Lakeville school board votes to remove inclusive posters from district buildings The Lakeville school board voted Tuesday to take down a series of inclusive posters after community backlash and an ongoing lawsuit.

The posters, designed by staff with input from students in 2021, have slogans like “everyone is welcome,” “we are stronger together,” and “Black lives matter.” Critics said they’re too political.

Yes! Definitely delicious and warming

11 Minnesota chefs and restaurants named 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists Eleven Minnesota chefs and restaurants were named James Beard Award semifinalists for 2025. The list includes five Minnesota chefs being awarded Best Chef in the Midwest category and one Minneapolis c...

Minnesota chefs are at it again! 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists named with plenty of Minnesota's own making the cut.

I remember when you winter biked

Extreme cold leads to school delays, cancellations Tuesday across Minnesota The arctic cold snap that remains entrenched across the Upper Midwest has prompted some school districts in Minnesota and neighboring states to cancel or delay the start of classes on Tuesday.

The arctic cold snap that remains entrenched across the Upper Midwest has prompted some school districts in Minnesota and neighboring states to cancel classes on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Anoka-Hennepin, Minneapolis, St. Paul and Rochester are among the districts that have canceled classes for Tuesday.

Trump Withdraws U.S. from World Health Organization Public health experts say U.S. withdrawal from the W.H.O. would undermine the nation’s standing as a global health leader and make it harder to fight the next pandemic.

President Trump moved quickly on Monday to withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization, a move that public health experts say will undermine the nation’s standing as a global health leader and make it harder to fight the next pandemic. nyti.ms/4hilymo

2025 ABA Bird of the Year: Common Loon - American Birding Association The Common Loon is our 2025 Bird of the Year! Imagine a clear summer evening in the north woods. Above you, the bands of the Milky Way framed by the dark spindly boughs of spruce and fir. And cutting ...

Bird of the year. Every year.

www.aba.org/2025-aba-bir...

23 News Leaders Chosen for AI Journalism Lab: Leadership Cohort - Newmark J-School This exceptional group of 23 journalists, strategists, and executives from across the globe will explore what newsroom leadership looks like in the age of artificial intelligence, and learn to navigat...

💡🧑‍💻We are pleased to introduce the 23 media executives, strategists, and managers from across the globe who have been selected for the AI Journalism Lab: Leadership cohort with support from @Microsoft!

Let's get to know them ↓
www.journalism.cuny.edu/2025/01/23-n...

Good luck Vince. I hope the travels are smooth

When kindness becomes a habit, it improves our health Whether it's volunteering at a local school or taking soup to a sick neighbor, improving the welfare of others can also improve our own physical and mental health, a sizable body of research shows.

Whether it's volunteering at a local school or taking soup to a sick neighbor, improving the welfare of others can also improve our own physical and mental health, a sizable body of research shows.

Chicago Mix is the people’s popcorn.

Cmon you Loons!

Playoff preview: Minnesota United prepare to take on LA Galaxy in conference semifinals Minnesota United FC take on LA Galaxy on Sunday in the MLS Cup conference semifinals. Recently retired player Zarek Valentin joined the program to share what the Loons are up against.

In three days Minnesota United is playing LA in the Major League Soccer conference semifinals. New fan? No problem. Former player Zarek Valentin is helping the team get ready & he joined @mprnews.bsky.social with a rundown of the season: www.mprnews.org/episode/2024...

How a Northfield farmer picks which of his turkeys to have pardoned at White House The competition to meet the president started months ago when John Zimmerman, his son and neighbors began examining 44 female turkeys from his flock for the Thanksgiving honor.

“He’s a turkey whisperer. He knows what they need.”
www.mprnews.org/story/2024/1...

Instant winter: November turns chilly into Thanksgiving week A much colder weather pattern is taking hold in the last weeks of Noevmber.

Well, that escalated quickly. ❄️
It looks like instant winter is here to stay into Thanksgiving week, Minnesota.
It was a long, lovely fall season! 🍁
#mnwx
www.mprnews.org/story/2024/1...