Daily Breakdown

Thursday, March 12, 2026

March 12, 2026

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.

The MN Daily thanks its Advertisers | Become one

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.

The MN Daily thanks its Advertisers | Become one

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.