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Articles by Julie Siple
Christmas bells, the old fashioned way
MPR’s Cathy Wurzer talks with church bell ringers in the Twin Cities. From Salvation Army kettles to church towers, the ringing of bells is a traditional part of the Christmas season. Their melodic sound that tolls from bell towers across the region are more often, than not, courtesy of computer chips and other high technology. But we found at least two churches in the Twin Cities whose bells are still powered by the human touch.
How to find purpose at work
People & Places Chris Farrell , Julie Siple · Jun 28, 2019 Listen Story audio 49min 25sec As adults, we spend a huge part of our waking hours working. Business experts say finding purpose at work may increase job satisfaction and productivity. And a growing body research suggests having a strong life purpose is good for your physical and mental health - and may even decrease your risk of dying early.
As ticks spread in Minnesota, so do the diseases they carry
Health Angela Davis , Julie Siple · Jun 11, 2019 Listen Story audio 49min 50sec The incidence of Lyme disease is rising in Minnesota. The state gets about 1,000 reports of confirmed cases each year, four times the number it saw in the late 1990s. But Lyme isn't the only tick-borne disease found in the state. There is also anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and several others you don't want to get.
Former Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett reflects on her time in the White House
Arts & Culture Angela Davis , Julie Siple · May 30, 2019 Listen Story audio 51min 9sec In her new memoir, "Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward," Valerie Jarrett shares the details of her early childhood in Iran, the racism and segregation her family endured in Chicago in the 1950s and the challenge of being a single mother after her divorce.
Loneliness: Does technology help or hurt?
Health Angela Davis , Sara Porter , Julie Siple · May 29, 2019 Listen Story audio 51min 22sec Several studies in the past few years have pointed to a growing public health crisis in America: loneliness. Feeling lonely or isolated can have serious health consequences — researchers have found links to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and depression.
Special session is over: Here's what happened
Politics Angela Davis , Julie Siple · May 28, 2019 Representatives gather on the floor of the Minnesota House in the State Capitol in St. Paul on Friday for a special session to finish work on the state's $48 billion two-year budget. Steve Karnowski | AP Photo file Listen Story audio 8min 56sec Minnesota lawmakers finished their special session just before 7 a.m. Saturday after the House and Senate passed the final pieces of the state's next two-year budget.
Minnesota lawmakers reach budget deal, but will need overtime
Politics Angela Davis , Julie Siple · May 20, 2019 Gov. Tim Walz, center, with Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, left, and House Speaker Melissa Hortman, announce a budget deal in St. Paul Sunday, May 19, 2019.
Coming up: Noor trial: A dramatic week in the courtroom
Issues Angela Davis , Julie Siple · Apr 18, 2019 Former Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor (center) during his trial on April 10, 2019. Cedric Hohnstadt for MPR News It was an important week in the trial of Mohamed Noor, the former Minneapolis police officer who faces murder and manslaughter charges in the shooting death of Justine Ruszczyk. On Thursday, Noor's partner took the stand.
Documentary chronicles struggles, successes at north Minneapolis elementary school
Live Flooding and weather updates Education Angela Davis , Julie Siple · Apr 10, 2019 Listen Story audio 49min KARE 11 reporter Lindsey Seavert and photojournalist Ben Garvin spent a year following the teachers, students, and families at one of the state's worst-performing schools.
Coming up: A conversation with NPR's Noel King
Live Flooding and weather updates Issues Angela Davis , Jeff Jones , Julie Siple · Apr 8, 2019 NPR's Noel King knows what it's like to be behind the microphone on big, complicated stories — and controversial ones, too. King is a host of NPR's Morning Edition program and Up First podcast. She's also a correspondent for Planet Money. Before joining NPR, she was a senior reporter at Marketplace.
Coming up: Gov. Tim Walz live in the studio
Live Flooding and weather updates Politics Mike Mulcahy , Julie Siple · Apr 4, 2019 Gov. Tim Walz speaks during the State of the State address at the State Capitol in St. Paul Wednesday. Renee Jones Schneider | Star Tribune via AP In his State of the State address this week, DFL Gov. Tim Walz used the stories of real people to try to persuade lawmakers to support his plans to increase spending for state transportation projects, classrooms and health care.
Coming up: From electro-pop to ballads, new Minnesota music offers something for everyone
Live Flooding and weather updates Arts & Culture Stephanie Curtis , Andrea Swensson , Julie Siple · Apr 2, 2019 Lady Lark plays The Current's 13th Birthday Party January 20, 2018 at First Avenue. Maddy Fox for MPR In recognition of Minnesota Music Month, we invited The Current's Andrea Swensson to join us on the program. She will highlight some new songs by Minnesota artists and share the stories behind them.
People of Hmong descent a growing force in Minnesota politics
Politics Angela Davis , Manda Lillie , Julie Siple · Mar 8, 2019 Listen Politics Friday: Hmong lawmakers 39min 44sec Minnesota has one of the largest Hmong communities in the United States. Migration started in the 1970s and census data shows that more than 85,000 Hmong people live in Minnesota. At the state Legislature, the Hmong community is more visible than ever. Since 2002, eight Hmong lawmakers have served in the House and Senate.
Coming up: Two months in, what has the state Legislature accomplished?
Politics Mike Mulcahy , Julie Siple · Feb 28, 2019 The grounds of the Minnesota State Capitol are covered in slushy, wet snow Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018. Brian Bakst | MPR News Minnesota lawmakers must agree on a balanced two-year budget by May 20 or risk a special session. They kicked off the year with optimism, talking of a fresh start and plans to get things done early.
Spotlight on mental health policy
Health Mike Mulcahy , Sam Choo , Julie Siple · Feb 18, 2019 Listen Story audio 51min 38sec According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of Americans will experience a mental health condition in their lives. Yet many Minnesota counties report that people are unable to get appropriate care when they need it.
Alan Page: On life after losing his spouse, receiving the nation's highest civilian honor and race relations
People & Places Angela Davis , Julie Siple , Jeyca Maldonado-Medina · Feb 4, 2019 Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page laughs during an interview in his chambers in St. Paul, Minn. on Jan 15, 2015.
Rural areas nationwide are losing prenatal and labor and delivery services, and Minnesota is part of that trend
Health Angela Davis , Julie Siple · Jan 28, 2019 Listen Story audio 49min 38sec Nationally, rural areas are losing prenatal and labor and delivery services, and Minnesota is part of that trend. But researchers are just starting to look at what this means for the health of mothers and their babies.
Astronaut Mae Jemison on a mission to get more women in STEM
Science Angela Davis , Julie Siple · Jan 23, 2019 Listen Story audio 14min 8sec Dr. Mae Jemison speaks at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. Christine T. Nguyen | MPR News Dr. Mae Jemison made history in 1992 when she became the first African-American woman to travel to space. Now she's working to get more women and girls into science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Jemison, a physician and an engineer, worked as a NASA astronaut for six years.
Kids and sleep: What you need to know
Health Angela Davis , Julie Siple · Jan 14, 2019 Students gather in the library at East Ridge High School before school begins at 8:35 a.m. School officials in the South Washington district moved high school start times back by an hour in 2009. Sleep researchers say later start times are best for teens, who generally need more sleep than younger adults and children.
Kaywin Feldman on art museums in the 21st century
Arts & Culture Marianne Combs , Julie Siple · Jan 10, 2019 Listen Story audio 35min 17sec The director and president of the Minneapolis Institute of Art is leaving in March to become director of the National Gallery of Art in Washington. Kaywin Feldman has led the Minneapolis museum, known as Mia, since 2008 and will be the first female director in the National Gallery's history.
2019 legislative session gets underway with new faces, familiar issues
Politics Mike Mulcahy , Julie Siple , Manda Lillie · Jan 8, 2019 Listen Story audio 50min 32sec Minnesota's 2019 legislative session kicks off Tuesday with a new balance of power. DFLers have the governor's seat and a new majority in the House, while Republicans retained their slim majority in the Senate. Lawmakers will start the session with a projected $1.5 billion budget surplus, but that won't necessarily make the session any easier.
Minnesota students pay the price for a lack of diverse teachers
Listen Story audio 36min 42sec Minnesota is facing a shortage of teachers of color as the student population continues to get more diverse. The Star Tribune recently did an analysis of Minnesota Department of Education records. It showed about 34 percent of K-12 students are kids of color, but when you look at the teachers in those classrooms, they're almost always white. Only five percent of Minnesota teachers are people of color, and that number isn't showing any sign of budging.
An exit interview with Mayo Clinic's CEO
Health Angela Davis , Julie Siple , Manda Lillie · Dec 11, 2018 Listen Story audio Dec 12, 2018 34min 11sec Dr. John Noseworthy retires from the top post at Mayo Clinic this month after setting some major changes in motion. Noseworthy has been Mayo's president and CEO since 2009.
Coming up: How to prevent the spread of germs this holiday season
It's the time of year when germy kids come in contact with older relatives who may be more susceptible to illness. Putting kids in a hamster ball isn't an option, so how can parents ensure their kids are as germ-free as possible? And how long do germs last on surfaces? Vaccine specialist and infection preventionist Joe Kurland of Children's Minnesota will join host Angela Davis to talk about all things germy. Tune in on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 11:45 a.m. to listen to the full discussion.
Iconic drummer and performer Sheila E. is back for her birthday
Musical artist Sheila E. posted on Twitter just how excited she was to be back in Minneapolis for her birthday performance. The internationally-famous drummer and songwriter is returning again to the state where her dear friend Prince died in April of 2016. Sheila E. sat down with MPR News host Angela Davis to talk about her return to First Ave and her work. Use the audio player above to listen to the entire conversation.
Coming up: The Minnesota Orchestra is on a hunt for a new music director
Osmo Vanska announced last week that he'll step down in 2022. Under Vanska's baton, the Minnesota Orchestra drew international attention. The group won a Grammy in 2014, and performed in both Cuba and South Africa in addition to multiple European tours. Vanska is also credited with rebuilding the ensemble after a bruising contract dispute and musician lockout that threatened the organization's future.
Coming up: Parenting toddlers vs. teenagers
Parenting is hard — no matter how old your kids are. But what's tougher: Toddlers or teenagers? On Monday, Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. host Angela Davis will talk about what's challenging at each age, what parents worry about, and how to cope. Two experts will join her, and they'll provide hope to parents who might be struggling at a particular stage. Tune in on Monday, Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. to hear the full discussion. To listen live you can click here.
Coming up: What should Minnesota do with its budget surplus?
As we reported on the show last week, state officials project Minnesota will have a $1.5 billion dollar budget surplus over the next two years. Now we're asking Minnesotans: What do you think we should DO with that surplus? The $1.5 billion represents only about 3 percent of the two-year general fund budget. But it's good news for Gov.-elect Tim Walz and the divided Legislature as they begin the process of crafting a new two-year budget.
Coming up: Faith in journalism and the changing media landscape
When it comes to getting your news, where do you go? Who do you trust? Polls show trust in media largely waned over the past decade and audiences have declined in tandem. MPR News host Angela Davis will talk with two guests, one national and one local, about the state of media in Minnesota - and across the nation. Tune in on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. to join the discussion.
Coming up: New state budget forecast will set the stage for debate at the Capitol
State officials are expected to release a new budget forecast on Thursday morning, predicting whether the state will have a surplus or deficit in the coming years. That forecast comes as Gov.-elect Tim Walz and a new Democratic House majority prepare for a new legislative session in which they must pass a budget for the next two years. Thursday's prediction is sure to affect the debate and the new governor's ambitions.
Coming up: Protecting your marriage during the holidays
It's day two of MPR News with Angela Davis. We'll continue our week of programs introducing the audience to Angela. This hour, we'll talk about marriage. What can you do to protect your marriage, especially during high-stress times like the holiday season? The holidays can add a lot of financial, social, and family pressures. How do the strongest couples foster a happy marriage as all this is coming at them?
Making a midlife job move
People & Places Angela Davis , Julie Siple , Manda Lillie · Dec 3, 2018 Listen Story audio 50min The new host of MPR's 11 a.m. program, Angela Davis, started on Monday. Davis comes to public radio after nearly 30 years in television news — and shortly after turning 50 years old. On her first day, we'll talk about midlife career changes. So you want to do something new in your 50s or 60s? How can you get started? What are the hurdles?
MPR News with Angela Davis
Conversations about life in Minnesota and how the state is changing, weekdays at 11:00 a.m. Call us at 651-227-6000. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts , or RSS
Politics Friday: Election winners prepare to take office
Listen Story audio 49min 38sec Many Minnesotans elected to new offices last week are getting ready for their new jobs. We heard from several of them about how the transition is going and their plans once they take office. • DFL Rep. Keith Ellison, Minnesota's newly-elected attorney general, joined MPR News host Mike Mulcahy in studio. • Later in the show, we heard from Governor-elect Tim Walz and the incoming 1st District congressional representative Jim Hagedorn.
Coming up: Politics Friday
We'll look at what this past Tuesday's election means for Minnesota. We'll be joined by two political analysts: DFL strategist Todd Rapp and Republican strategist Brian McDaniel. DFL U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, who won re-election on Tuesday, will call in for an interview during the program. Brian McDaniel— Republican political strategist. Attorney and government relations professional. One of the hosts of the podcast "Wrong About Everything" Tune in Friday, Nov.
Researchers untangling link between hunger and obesity
The picture of hunger in America is changing. In the past, hunger may have conjured up images of gaunt faces or rail-thin children. Today, some people who struggle to feed their families are actually obese. It's a paradox that researchers are trying to untangle: How can people be both hungry and overweight? Gwendolyn Smith worries about a lot of things — including food. Sometimes, she doesn't have money to buy enough for the month.
Coming up: Politics Friday
There are only four days to go before the 2018 midterm elections. This hour, we'll talk to some of the candidates in races you might not have thought too much about. We'll hear from the major party candidates for Minnesota secretary of state and state auditor, and we'll hear from leaders of the state House about control of the Legislature. We'll also check in with MPR political reporters about judicial races that will be on the ballot — and the final campaign rallies of this election season.
Counter Stories: The migrant caravan
Listen Counter Stories 50min 30sec In this episode of Counter Stories, the team discusses the migrant caravan making its way to the U.S., as well as concerns about voter suppression ahead of next month's midterm elections. Counter Stories is our regular conversation by people of color, for people of color and everyone else. The group discusses race, identity, culture, and social justice.
Counter Stories: Trump's proposed immigration rule and the Kavanaugh hearings
In the latest episode of Counter Stories, the group discusses the Trump administration's proposed new rule on immigration, as well as the Senate hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Counter Stories is our regular conversation by people of color, for people of color and everyone else. The group discusses race, identity, culture, and social justice.
Coming up: Politics Friday and the Kavanaugh hearings
All eyes Thursday were on the Senate Judiciary Committee, where members heard testimony from Brett Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford, the university professor who has accused the Supreme Court nominee of sexual assault. We'll talk about what the hearing means for the Supreme Court, the U.S. Senate, and American politics. Guests: Steven Smith, professor of political science at Washington University in St. Louis and director of the Weidenbaum Center.
Coming up: 4th Congressional District candidates debate
First up: A number of polls have come out in the last couple of weeks offering a look at who's leading in key Minnesota races. What do those polls tell us? And should we trust them? Craig Helmstetter from APM's Research Lab joins the program, along with MPR reporters Brian Bakst and Briana Bierschbach, for a conversation about polls. Then: We'll focus on Minnesota's 4th Congressional District.
Counter Stories: The shooting of Botham Shem Jean
The group discusses the cartoon of Serena Williams — widely decried as racist — that was published by an Australian newspaper this week. Mark Knight drew the cartoon for The Herald Sun after the U.S. Open women's final in which Serena Williams and umpire Carlos Ramos got into some heated exchanges — and Williams was penalized. The group also discussed the fatal shooting of Botham Shem Jean by an off-duty Dallas police officer.
Politics Friday: Third party candidates and Kavanaugh hearings
First up: We've heard a lot from the two leading candidates for governor, Congressman Tim Walz and Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson. Today, we heard from the two other people you'll see on your ballot running for governor this November: Libertarian candidate Josh Welter, and Chris Wright with the Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis party.
Counter Stories: Police who shot Thurman Blevins won't face charges
This hour, the Counter Stories team discusses the fatal shooting of Thurman Blevins by Minneapolis police. On Sunday night, the city of Minneapolis released body camera footage of the incident. The following day, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced the officers who shot and killed Blevins in a north Minneapolis alley on June 23 will not face charges. Counter Stories is our regular conversation on MPR News by people of color—for people of color, and everyone else.
Politics Friday: Tariffs and financial relief for farmers
First Up: This week, the U.S. agriculture department announced a $12 billion plan to help farmers hurt by President Donald Trump's trade disputes. That means help is on the way for Minnesota farmers suffering lost income from the trade wars — including soybean, corn, dairy, and hog farmers. But the plan has drawn criticism, including from Republicans.
Rivers of Oil, Episode 5: The decision
Crowds started gathering outside the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission's offices by 5:30 a.m. on June 18. People were portaging canoes through the heart of downtown St. Paul. All eyes were on a bland office building in the heart of Minnesota's capital city, where a meeting of five government regulators was about to begin. Years of protests, rallies, legal fights, paperwork, public hearings and ad campaigns had led to this. It was all over an oil pipeline.
Rivers of Oil, Episode 4: The rallying cry
Native Americans, farmers and ranchers hold a ceremony in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., in 2014 to protest the proposed Keystone XL pipeline. The event was part of a weeklong series of actions by farmers, ranchers and tribes against the tar sands oil pipeline project.
Rivers of Oil, Episode 3: The spark that ignited fires
A couple summers ago, Alexander Good Cane Milk was a high school dropout, working at an Arby's in South Dakota, just outside the Yankton Sioux Reservation. Life was going nowhere, and it had been that way as long as he could remember. "I just thought, you know, there's more to life to this," he said.
Rivers of Oil, Episode 2: The largest inland spill
Harry Hutchins had grand hopes for a 16-acre patch of land near a community college in Grand Rapids, Minn. It was the late 1980s, and Hutchins was a teacher at the school. He wanted to return the plot from farmland back to its natural wetland state. The idea was to use the marsh as a sort of living laboratory for his students. It took two years of work, but Hutchins finally got approval to make the plot a wetland again. Then, on March 3, 1991: A phone call.
Rivers of Oil: An MPR News podcast
In this podcast from MPR News, a look at how the pipelines beneath our feet, from Keystone XL to Dakota Access to Line 3, have come to the forefront of an epic tug of war between reliance and risk — and how we all have a role to play in this story.
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