Hello dedicated listeners, it is Ceci Heinen, the podcast producer, gracing your inbox. You only get to hear directly from me a couple times a year so pay attention! The podcast desk has kicked off the year with some great stories. Keep scrolling to see some of our Operation Metro Surge coverage, hockey talk, Board of Regents and faculty changes, plus a Heated Rivalry episode (I'm coming to the cottage) and our brand new A&E podcast "The Daily Beat."
Truly couldn't be prouder of the pod desk and all the work we have done so far in 2026. And you should be proud too! Yes, YOU! #supportstudentjournalists #thisishardrightnow #listentoourpodcastsplease #thanks
All the best,
Ceci Heinen
Ceci Heinen | Podcast Producer | [email protected]
Top Story
Protesters in downtown Minneapolis on Jan. 30, 2026. | Image by Ceci Heinen
ICE enforcement, city-wide protests and safety fears mark start of semester
by Lucas Vasquez and Grace Aigner | Podcast Reporters | Published Feb. 15, 2026
Hear from students, faculty and protestors on what it has been like living amid an unprecedented time, amid rising human rights concerns and discussion of legal recourse.
Catch up on Podcasts
Olympic gold overshadowed by postgame controversy
By Samantha Roering and Megan Davis | Sports Desk
As both U.S. hockey teams won gold, a viral phone call between the men’s team and President Trump drew criticism over respect for women’s sports.
Photographer Hannah Reynolds recounts covering Alex Pretti’s death, ICE protests
By Grace Aigner and Hannah Reynolds | Podcast and Multimedia
A conversation with the Daily’s multimedia editor.
Breaking down the symbolism of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show
By Emma Vasa, Abbey Mulcahy, and Sophia Arndt | A&E Desk
Sugar cane fields, piragua, song choices and vibrant colors — how Bad Bunny displayed Puerto Rican culture through music. Plus, a look at the history of the halftime show.
Opinion: The ‘Heated Rivalry’ effect
By Amelia Watters and Matthew Jegers | Opinions Desk
The show’s breakout success reveals both progress in LGBTQ+ representation and ongoing gaps in who gets to shape queer narratives.
