North Star Stories

Energy co-ops statewide back Lower Sioux Community’s right to produce its own energy, a big win for Minnesota voters, and it’s Pride Weekend in Minneapolis. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image: It’s Pride Weekend in Minneapolis [image credit: TC Pride] Audio credit: Portland Pride Parade Hour 1 SPDR.flac by tim.kahn -- https://freesound.org/s/4751...

This week, we look at efforts to reach Minnesota's renewable energy goals. We examine how tuition increases at state schools may affect younger Minnesotans, and we have ideas how to enjoy the outdoors during the holiday weekend.  ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino Producers: Jules Yaeger, Jamad Jama Anchor: Chantel SinGs Reader scripting: Xan Holston, Tracie Wells Collier, Victor Palomino F...

A sentencing date is set for the man who killed former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, Inver Grove Heights has to decide if it will risk a 150-million-dollar lawsuit, and learn to speak “bird” in Bemidji this weekend. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  Learn to speak bird, even if you can’t tell a common grackle apart from a Canada Goose. [credi...

White Earth hits the brakes on its proposed casino near Moorhead, a real estate broker violated the state Human Rights Act by targeting Muslim homebuyers with predatory mortgages, and do you have what it takes to win the State Fair Amateur Talent Contest? ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  A quarry pit at Pipestone National Monument [credit: Na...

Police voice concerns over “teen takeovers”, the former Lusten Resort owner wants arson charges dropped, and the Special Olympics USA Games promotes unapologetic confidence. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  The Lutsen Resort after fire razed it in 2024. [credit: Kirsten Wisniewski, WTIP] ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow...

Two Texans plead guilty in a Northern Minnesota crypto kidnapping, it’s lights out at a Winona lighting factory, and the fifth annual Two Spirit Powwow is back at the Minneapolis American Indian Center this Tuesday. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  A dancer wears a pride flag [credit: CJ Younger, Minnesota Native News} ----- For the latest ep...

On the last day of our special coverage marking the one-year anniversary of the death of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, North Star Stories speaks with current House Speaker Lisa Demuth about how we tone down political violence and rhetoric, Hennepin County charges a man for allegedly threatening St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, and Minnesota marks Juneteenth ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scr...

Esta semana recordamos los hechos de violencia política que marcaron al Estado hace un año This week, we look back at the acts of political violence that left their mark on the state a year ago . ----- Productor/ Producer : Victor Palomino Voiceover: Marisa Rueda, Rito Ayala Pie de foto: La presidenta de la Cámara de Representantes, Melissa Hortman, en 2024. [Crédito fotográfico: Andrew VonBank, S...

This week, we remember the political violence that shook the state last year. We also look at the history of one of the state's newest official holidays, Juneteenth, and how it continues to be celebrated across generations.  ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino Producers: Xan Holston, Tracie Wells Collier, Jose Ozoria Anchor: Grace Jacobson Reader scripting: Xan Holston, Tracie Wells Collier,...

North Star Stories continues its special reports on former House Speaker Melissa Hortman’s legacy, Pine Island changes rules for public speaking at city council meetings, and mayflies muck up bridges in southeast Minnesota ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  Mayflies are lovely when they’re not swarming the lights and coating bridges. [credit: K...

North Star Stories continues its special coverage on what’s becoming former House Speaker Melissa Hortman’s legacy. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  Representative Ginny Klevorn before the House passed a bill establishing greater penalties for people impersonate a police officer while committing a crime. [credit: House Media Service]  ----- F...

North Star Stories continues its special coverage marking a year since the murder of Former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, Bemidji looks for answers on a recent ICE raid, and we say goodbye to longtime Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder sports journalist Larry Fitzgerald Sr. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  Image: Larry Fitzgerald Sr.  [credit: KMO...

North Star Stories hears from House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman’s colleagues and friends marking one year since Hortman, her husband Mark, and dog Gilbert were murdered. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  House Speaker Melissa Hortman in 2024 [credit: Andrew VonBank, House Public Information Services] ----- For the latest episode drops and...

La policía del estado alerta sobre un nuevo modelo de estafa. Una comunidad de la zona metro rechaza las cámaras de vigilancia y la cara de un bebé le da un nuevo motivo de orgullo a Mineesata. Police warn of a new type of scam, a metro-area community rejects surveillance cameras, and a baby's face gives Minnesota a new reason for pride . ----- ProductorProducer: Victor Palomino Voiceover: Marisa...

Vance Boelter changes his plea to guilty and will spend life in prison, community members around George Floyd Square won’t be charged for infrastructure changes, and the 158th White Earth Treaty Day Celebration and Powwow kicks off. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  US Attorney for Minnesota Daniel Rosen announces Vance Boelter’s plea deal [cr...

This week, residents in Northern Minnesota find a space to celebrate trans joy. Then, how a group of Minnesota athletes is preparing to be the center of a national sports competition. And, Minnesota has a new claim to babyface fame. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino Producers: Katharine DeCelle, Emily Krumberger Anchor: Chantel SinGs Reader scripting: Xan Holston, Tracie Wells Collier, Vic...

The Upper Sioux Community gets closer to energy sovereignty, scammers move on from crypto kiosks, and a North Shore easement protects nearly 1,000 acres of forest. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  North Shore forest land [credit: Xan Holston] ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.  instagram.com/ampersradio...

A real estate broker accused of religious discrimination goes on trial, the University of Minnesota forges a new partnership with Fairview, and a preview of next week’s coverage remembering Melissa Hortman. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  DFL Leader Melissa Hortman in 2 [credit:  Michele Jokinen, House Public Information Services] ----- For...

The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa live streams its election count, Mesabi Metallics gets closer to opening, and a bomb threat interrupts attempts to smell a flower that reeks like rotting flesh. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image: The blooming of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory’s Corpse Flower, Horace, was nearly ruined by a bomb threat. [credit:...

As one Northland wildfire is contained, two more pop up, rural healthcare providers find strength in numbers, and a Minnesota Gerber baby. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  A firefighter walks the hose line for the Birch Bay Fire. [credit: inciweb.wildfire.gov] ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.  instagr...

La modernización del aeropuerto de Makato sufre retrasos por financiación. St Cloud detiene un proyecto de vivienda para los más vulnerables, y un nuevo centro cultural Dakota abre en las ciudades gemelas. The modernization of Mankato Airport faces delays due to funding issues. St Cloud halts a housing project for the most vulnerable, and a new Dakota cultural center opens in the Twin Cities . ---...

A Roseau pilot gets his plane back from Red Lake Nation, a Minneapolis City Council committee rejects a developer for the Peoples’ Way site at George Floyd Square, and children — and kids at heart — fish for free this weekend. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  The Peoples’ Way at Geroge Floyd Square [credit: Xan Holston] ----- For the latest e...

This week, we examine the benefits and drawbacks of artificial intelligence and how some state agencies are putting it to use. Then, we look at the current job market and why many recent graduates and younger Minnesotans are struggling to land their first position.  ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino Producers: Jose Ozoria, Jamad Jama Anchor: Grace Jacobson Fact checking: Joel Glaser Editor...

A potential break in decades-old missing persons case of news anchor Jodi Huisentruit, the future of conservation goes to Washington County’s ballot this fall, and the Superior Hiking Trail marches to its 40th year — in style. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  A map of the Birch Bay Fire in the Superior National Forest. [credit: inciweb.org] -...

Another northern wildfire, St. Cloud votes against housing for homeless, and Dakota cultural center Wakan Tipi opens ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  An aerial view of the Birch Bay Fire in the Superior National Forest [credit: inciweb.wildfire.gov] ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.  instagram.com/ampe...