North Star Stories

Seven new wildfires in the BWCA, power’s coming back on after the tornado north of Detroit Lakes, and it’s hardside camping only at Lake Winnibigoshish this summer. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  More wildfires in the BWCA [credit: inciweb.wildfire.gov] ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.  instagram.co...

Minnesota's cultural diversity is a blend of experiences from around the world. This week, we're dedicating the program to these cultures by exploring some of the corridors that reflect the Twin Cities' rich multiculturalism. Then, we head to Central Minnesota to look at a landmark that has held Ojibwe history for decades. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino Producers: Faaya Adem Anchor: Vic...

A second death at Palisade Head this year, Willmar schools set up an anonymous threat reporting app, and get away to Coney Island … the one on Lake Waconia. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  Coney Island on Lake Waconia in Carver County. [credit: Carver County Government] ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social medi...

A tornado touches down north of Detroit Lakes, interfaith leaders call for people to engage in upcoming elections, and expect traffic on I-394 west of Minneapolis until fall. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  Road work on I-394 west of Minneapolis [credit: MNDOT] ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.  insta...

Water fatalities over the Fourth of July weekend, plans move forward on a new Anishinabe Academy, and federal funding claw-back fears in rural healthcare. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  Minnehaha Falls from a bridge overlooking its basin. [credit: Xan Holston] ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.  insta...

A five-year-old Iron Range hero comes home, farmers “grow” wind energy to make ends meet, and in St. Paul, the last White Castle closes, ending a 100-year run. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  Crops and wind energy coexist on dozens of Minnesota farms, where one in every 640 acres is used to build a wind turbines and the roads to support them...

Esta semana, entran en vigencia nuevas leyes que pasaron en la última sesión legislativa. Un nuevo tribunal ofrece protecciones a los niños indígenas y un parásito carnívoro pone en alerta al estado. This week, new laws passed during the last legislative session are taking effect. A new court offers protections for Indigenous children, and a flesh-eating parasite put the state on alert . ----- Pro...

Boat (and road) safety, biodegradable bait, Fourth of July traditions on the Iron Range, and what will become of the Crissy Lake Dam? ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  Crissy Dam, 1939. [credit: Minnesota Historical Society] ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.  instagram.com/ampersradio/ instagram.com/nor...

This week, we explore how cuts in research and science funding may affect the career paths Minnesotans choose. Then we look at efforts to encourage science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in schools. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino Producer: Maija Hecht Anchors: Britt Aamodt, Victor Palomino Reader scripting: Xan Holston, Tracie Wells Collier, Victor Palomino Fact checking: Vic...

The "Minnesota 15" have their first day in federal court, Big Stone Lake produces a record bluegill, and the state says goodbye to trailblazing lawmaker Karen Clark. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  A protest sign supporting the “Minnesota 15” who were arraigned in federal court Wednesday afternoon. [credit: Xan Holston] ----- For the latest...

A Minnesota marine lost at sea is declared dead, Minnesota clamps down on pet imports in response to rising New World Screwworm outbreaks, and would you like to buy a 65-foot Ferris wheel in Minneapolis? ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  Wanna buy a Ferris wheel? The old Betty Danger’s restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis is back on the market...

Counties and cities offer ways to beat the heat, the University of Minnesota raises tuition for a second time in as many years, and the North Shore’s Sugarloaf Cove gives a glimpse into the past. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  A view of Sugarloaf Cove [credit: exploreminnesota.com] Audio credit: POOL_SUMMER_SOUNDS_KIDS FROLICKING_1.wav by S...

Severe heat hits Minnesota, deadly motorcycle accidents are up, and Inver Grove Heights votes to hold off on data centers ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  Temps could feel as hot as 110 with the heat index in parts of the state today. [credit: NWS] ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.  instagram.com/amper...

Esta semana, reuniones masivas de jóvenes ponen en alerta a las autoridades, y los parques estatales son una opción para el fin de semana festivo. This week, mass gatherings of young people are putting authorities on alert, and state parks are an option for the holiday weekend . ----- Productor/ Producer : Victor Palomino Voiceover: Marisa Rueda, Rito Ayala Pie de foto: Vistas de Gooseberry Falls...

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...