Anika Besst
St. Paul | Digital Producer at MPR News | Innovative storytelling
- Reposted by Anika BesstVigils were held across the state to remember Alex Pretti after he was fatally shot by a federal agent Saturday in Minneapolis. Many also gathered to protest increased federal immigration enforcement happening in Minnesota. For our latest coverage visit www.mprnews.org/live-updates.
- Reposted by Anika BesstSeveral 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.
- Reposted by Anika BesstActivists allege ICE tracked and intimidated Minnesotans observing their operations using private data like license-plate and car-registration info — data that, advocates say should only be accessed during active criminal investigations. The ACLU of Minnesota calls for answers and accountability.
- Reposted by Anika BesstCan I stay silent? What kind of warrant do they need? What documents should I carry? We asked an attorney what to do if you get stopped by ICE.
- Reposted by Anika BesstThe Corporation for Public Broadcasting's directors voted the organization out of business Monday.
- Reposted by Anika BesstHistory will be made in St. Paul Friday when Kaohly Her becomes the city’s first Hmong mayor and the first woman to hold the title. With her inauguration, all of St. Paul’s elected city leaders will be women.
- Reposted by Anika BesstMinnesotans and players on Minnesota's pro teams made Team USA's hockey rosters for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Minnesota Frost players Kendall Coyne Schofield and Lee Stecklein and Wild players Brock Faber, Matt Boldy and Quinn Hughes are all in.
- Reposted by Anika BesstA company allegedly used to launder money stolen from the government in the Feeding Our Future fraud case owns at least five houses where taxpayer-funded group homes operate. Those group home businesses have collected millions of dollars from the government.
- Minnesota, the land of women’s sports 🏒🏀⚽️🏈🏉🏐
- What a way to spend a Saturday morning. A music legend and Minneapolis Sound mainstay, "Jellybean" Johnson's wealth of contributions were celebrated today at a remembrance.
- Reposted by Anika BesstA display at the late Minnesota House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman’s desk cropped up in the wake of her assassination. Leaders decided it should remain as a reminder of the impact of political violence.
- Reposted by Anika BesstMinneapolis musician Josh Lavonn’s “Woman” is a retro-soul record built on devotion, vulnerability and long-term partnership. “You don't need to fix one another or have all the answers, but just being there for one another,” Lavonn said about the inspiration for his work.
- Got to chat with Ryan Kemp of Chutes about one of his latest singles "Lawn." The inspiration for the song about nostalgia came out of the downtime of a season that looks much like the one Minnesota just entered. ❄️
- The tournament's first round starts Thursday. The University of St. Thomas faces Iowa State Friday and the University of Minnesota will also be playing in the tournament, facing off against Fairfield.
- Missing Lynx basketball? Here’s a draft pick update to fill the Lynx-o-meter. 🏀
- Chatted new music with Minnesota band Sleeping Jesus. Hear the story behind their latest release 🎶
- Reposted by Anika BesstResearch by the University of Minnesota's Mapping Prejudice Project has uncovered hundreds of racist property deeds in Sherburne County. Nearly all the properties were clustered around lakes, and 90 percent were added after 1948. Racial covenants became illegal in Minnesota in 1953.
- Reposted by Anika BesstTransgender Day of Remembrance is Thursday. Queer community members say the remembrance events carry a different weight this year as changes are introduced in other states — and on the federal level — designed to attack transgender rights.
- Reposted by Anika BesstHennepin Healthcare piloted a program to add qibla stickers to its ER in 2021. It is now expanding the program to its in-patient and acute psychiatric services department.
- Reposted by Anika BesstNorthern lights lovers didn’t have to go far to see them ripple across the sky Tuesday evening. A show that included vivid red auroras visible to the eye, not just the camera. We want to see your aurora photos. Message them to us or email them to tell@mpr.org.
- Had the chance to talk with Winona-based band Afflatus about the inspiration behind their new album ”Painted Turtle.” Check it out here 🦢
- Reposted by Anika BesstA dragonfly! In November?! Yup, it’s called the Autumn Meadowhawk for good reason #invertebrates 🌿
- Tomorrow is Election Day! Check out the MPR News Voter Guide for information about what you'll see on your ballot.
- Reposted by Anika BesstHiahli’s latest single, born from one broke week and a van jam session, turns struggle into a celebration.
- Reposted by Anika BesstFans across the WNBA have shown an outpouring of support on social media for players and coaches since recent press conferences have emphasized disparities in the league. And in Minnesota, Lynx Forward Napheesa Collier and head coach Cheryl Reeve have reignited calls for change.
- Reposted by Anika BesstThere’s a new polar bear at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. The zoo announced Friday that Astra, the 4-year-old female polar bear from Washington state, arrived at the zoo Thursday evening.
- Reposted by Anika BesstTwo thousand people are expected to turn out next month when Split Rock Lighthouse and the Minnesota Historical Society host a memorial to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Nov. 10.
- Reposted by Anika BesstThe exhibition features artists — all based in Minnesota — who offer perspectives on gender, sexuality and queerness, drawn from their experiences as trans and queer people or as caregivers within those communities.
- The Voter Guide is live! Check it out. And remember, Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4 (with early voting happening now).
- Reposted by Anika BesstThere’s four games remaining in the league’s regular season, and while the Lynx were the first team to clinch a playoff spot, the team remains committed to closing the season off strong. Monday night, the Lynx rallied against the Dallas Wings for a 96-71 win beating Minnesota-native Paige Bueckers.
- Reposted by Anika BesstIt's called fashion.
- Reposted by Anika BesstTwin Cities musicians Jackie Rae Daniels and Nate Baker’s new EP “Amerikinda Minnesorta Folk” showcases some of their favorite numbers and the depth in their rich sound that enhances the duo’s acoustic storytelling.
- Reposted by Anika BesstNursing homes are designed to care for patients with physical infirmities. But nationwide, 1 in 5 residents has been diagnosed with a serious mental illness — conditions few of the facilities are equipped to handle. By @egawthrop.bsky.social: www.apmreports.org/story/2025/0...
- Reposted by Anika BesstThe Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot Amir Locke — and, until recently, led MPD’s use-of-force training — is not the only trainer whose record has raised concerns over the department’s commitment to changing its culture.
- Reposted by Anika BesstMPR News’ parent company to lay off 5–8% of staff amid $6M budget gap tied to state and federal funding cuts.
- Reposted by Anika BesstThe Senate voted to approve a $9 billion rescission package aimed at clawing back money already allocated for public radio and television. In Minnesota, that funding totals $17,228,752 across 16 organizations. Read the full story here: www.mprnews.org/story/2025/0...
- Reposted by Anika BesstResearchers with the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Large Lakes Observatory have discovered a new microbe hidden deep in the oily rudder shaft of its research vessel the Blue Heron.
- I had the opportunity to catch up with the Twin Cities band Gifted Handz. Hear more about how they met, their music, goals and about their piece “Freedom’s Intro.”
- Creativity + archival material + a beloved game...What do you get? Archival footage bingo at the Minnesota History Center. Read about the new event here:
- It was a big day for Minnesota's women's basketball and a fight for home court advantage: the Lynx on their own hardwood and Paige Bueckers back in her home state. I had the opportunity to chat with her former coach, fans and Lynx fans. Check out what they had to say about the matchup. 🏀🏀
- St. Paul officials haven’t determined what caused a 35-foot-deep sinkhole on West Seventh Street. They also say the fix could take a couple of months to repair.
- Reposted by Anika BesstAt last report, the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires had burned nearly 3,000 acres combined and destroyed dozens of structures about 40 miles north-northeast of Duluth. A third fire northwest of Duluth — the Munger Shaw Fire — also prompted evacuations late Monday.
- Reposted by Anika BesstAll of the bunnies 🐰🐰🐰
- Here we are again. Experiencing Déjà vu? The Timberwolves are chasing their first-ever NBA Finals appearance for a second consecutive time after their failed attempt last season. After knocking out the Lakers, they now face the Golden State Warriors Tuesday in Round 2.
- Need some mallard magic this morning? Check out this mama who has taken over an unused eagle nest that just so happens to have a DNR cam. 🦆
- Varnish has faded its 119-year-old paint, but an artwork at the State Capitol still captures the grim reality of The Battle of Nashville, which involved hundreds of Minnesotans.
- What a group 🎶
- The provocative comment and amplification by Musk has sparked discussion about the possibility. Trump can pardon Chauvin’s 20-year federal convictions for violating Floyd’s civil rights, but pardoning or commuting Chauvin’s 22 ½ year state sentence is out of his jurisdiction.
- Reposted by Anika BesstThe event for sex workers and their allies praised the best in the businesses while advocating for stronger labor protections for dancers and sharing the importance of decriminalized sex work.
- What’s better than stars?!? WHOLE PLANETS! And many of them! Catch them tonight and tomorrow. 🪐
- Reposted by Anika BesstIowa’s saturated buffers aren’t as effective as promised. Even if they met advertised standards, the state would need to increase installations exponentially to make even a marginal difference in water quality. youtube.com/shorts/Mgq3f...
- Reposted by Anika BesstThird graders in Steubenville, Ohio, are among the best little readers in the nation. For nearly 20 years, the elementary schools in this economically depressed area have produced better readers than some of the wealthiest places in the country. www.apmreports.org/story/2025/0...
- Reposted by Anika BesstThere's a school district in Ohio where virtually all the students become good readers by third grade. And Steubenville is a Rust Belt town where the state considers almost all the students "economically disadvantaged." How do they do it? Episode 11: soldastory.org www.youtube.com/shorts/KsBNf...
- Reposted by Anika BesstA Minnesotan employed with the U.S. Forestry Service in Colorado has her job back a week after being laid off. She was terminated from her position as a result of the Trump administration’s reduction in federal workers, including about 3,400 Forest Service jobs.
- Reposted by Anika BesstNever before has there been a broad-ranging exhibition of Minnesota puppetry from across the state, which is one of the nation’s hubs for the art form.
- Minnesota native Mary Bue has carved a unique space within the music scene, using her art for healing. Her latest album “The Wildness of Living & Dying,” to be released Sunday, explores humanity, love, healing and trauma.
- Reposted by Anika BesstWhen we first started working on this in December, I was surprised there wasn’t already a resource to easily find Black history sites in Minnesota. This map is a culmination of months of research and reporting. Enjoy!
- Reposted by Anika BesstWednesday at 9am on MPR News, listen to my report on what Minneapolis police officers & community members learned about slavery, racial segregation & mass incarceration when they went to Montgomery, AL to tour museums. Will a better understanding of history help them? www.mprnews.org/episode/2025...
- Reposted by Anika BesstMinnesota Third-District Democratic Rep. Kelly Morrison, who is one of a handful of physicians in Congress and health care providers nationwide who are sounding the alarm over Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s qualifications and skepticism of medicine.
- Reposted by Anika BesstState Rep. Leigh Finke, DFL-St. Paul, is the first openly transgender person to serve in the state Legislature, and she talked to Minnesota Now host Nina Moini about how this order could impact the trans community.
- Reposted by Anika BesstA University of Minnesota student is speaking out after several right-wing commentators criticized his videos on social media related to a gender-affirming operation, drawing hateful attention and leading Meta to shut down his accounts on Instagram and Facebook.
- Opening this weekend! Minneapolis-based artist Flahn Manly's new exhibit is about the power of joy, love and peace to fight hate and fear.
- Reposted by Anika BesstFavorite name for a snowplow? Time to vote! But I wouldn’t mind hearing about your favorites out of the 50 finalists.
- Reposted by Anika BesstThe Doomsday Clock now stands at 89 seconds to midnight, the closest to catastrophe in its nearly eight-decade history. Here's a look at how — and why — it's moved.
- Front-facing staff at the Guthrie, represented by IATSE Local 13, are negotiating their first union contract with management, facing disagreements over DEIA language and labor protections.
- I had the chance to hear about the eighth-annual Great Northern Festival which begins it's 10-day run today. Read more about it (and the returning sauna village) here. ❄️
- Minnesota chefs are at it again! 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists named with plenty of Minnesota's own making the cut.
- Reposted by Anika Besst“Since at least 1928 there’s a historical record of people on the West Side wanting a Mexican and Latino Cultural Center," executive director Aaron Johnson-Ortiz said. "So this request goes back at least 100 years, and so we know that this work has been ongoing from multiple generations."
- Reposted by Anika BesstFrom India to Peru, snow sculptors from around the world have descended on Stillwater for the 2025 World Snow Sculpting Championship. The celebration runs through Jan. 26 and the sculptures will stand, weather permitting, for several weeks.
- Reposted by Anika BesstIn one of his last official acts before leaving the White House, President Joe Biden released Leonard Peltier from prison. The action is an extraordinary move that ends a decades-long push by Indigenous activists, international religious leaders and human rights organizations.
- Minutes into Unrivaled’s inaugural season 🏀
- A staple in Minnesota’s science innovation and education has hit a major milestone. The Bakken Museum in Minneapolis is celebrating 50 years of bringing electricity and scientific education to life.
- Are you a voter in Senate District 60? Here is a guide with responses from candidates running in the special primary election today, Jan. 14, 2025. This district represents the northeastern chunk of Minneapolis.
- Reposted by Anika BesstThe year-round workshops rely on theater improv techniques. They also teach active listening and the art of asking curious questions. And they reinforce the idea that it’s OK to abandon the goal of changing someone’s mind.
- Reposted by Anika BesstSome communities are bracing for potential mass deportations and the impact they may have on schools as a new Trump administration nears power. It’s especially concerning in small-town districts like St. James and Butterfield, where most of the kids are Latino.
- Reposted by Anika BesstHere’s a look at a handful of the new laws in the state for 2025.
- Reposted by Anika BesstJimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. He was 100 years old.
