North Star Stories

The federal government says Operation Metro Surge is concluding after thousands of arrests. State leaders say the damage isn’t over — and neither are the investigations. --------- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.  instagram.com/ampersradio/ instagram.com/northstarstoriesmn/ Never miss a beat. Sign up for our email list to receive news, updates and content releas...

Today’s statewide headlines include: a Bloomington police prostitution sting ensnares a man who ran federal employee background checks, a recent poll shows low opinions of ICE amongst Minnesotans, and the state’s Environmental Protection Agency releases its 2026 climate goals. Tune in for the full newscast.   (Photo credit: Bee Kakac) --------- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us o...

Today’s statewide headlines include: Governor Walz hints at a possible upcoming end to Operation Metro Surge, the Duluth City Council considers a proposal to temporarily halt evictions, and Minnesotans take medals at the Milan Winter Olympics. Tune in for the full newscast.   Image caption: Metro-area protest actions in response to Operation Metro Surge (Image credit: Katharine DeCelle) __________...

Today’s statewide headlines include: an update on GOP candidates for the Governor’s race; Duluth and Fridley’s lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, and the economic hit to Minneapolis businesses. Tune in for the full newscast.   Image caption: East Side, St. Paul and other Metro-area businesses have closed in response to the increased presence of federal immigration agents. (Image...

Today’s statewide headlines include: a public memorial ceremony for Renee Good one month after her death; protests and arrests outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in St. Paul, and Representatives Pete Stauber, Michelle Fishbach, and Tom Emmer introduce a bill to cut off federal election funding if Minnesota refuses to hand over its voter rolls to the federal government. Tune in for t...

Children are facing mental health crises during the continuing Minnesota ICE surge. Then, a look at how we can be smarter media consumers in an age of nonstop headlines, fake news, and propaganda. NSS Host Chantel SinGs goes deeper by talking to both the head of a Minneapolis health clinic and a library sciences and literacy educator. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producers: Maija Hec...

Federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota comes under intense legal scrutiny. Then, transnational adoptees are worried amid immigration enforcement.  ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producers: Xan Holston, Ngoc Bui  Anchor: Grace Jacobson  Reader scripting: Victor Palomino  Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Palomino  Editorial support: Emily Krumberger  Mixing & mastering: Chris...

Another fatal shooting by a Border Patrol agent thrusts our state back into the spotlight. While thousands of Minnesotans exercise their First Amendment rights, others ask what the difference is between observer, protester, and agitator. Then, Minnesota's Muslim community faces unprecedented hate, and a look at the Sax Zim Bog north of Duluth. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producers:...

This week, we continue our coverage of the intensified federal immigration operations in Minnesota and the growing public response.​ Tribal members say federal agents are not recognizing tribal identification cards. And we take a look at how the immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities is impacting local businesses and communities.​ ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producers: Xan Holston...

Community residents respond to Operation Metro Surge and the killing of Renee Good. Then, we look at how hazardous road conditions are affecting drivers, along with tips on how to stay safe on winter roads. And we conclude with ways to protect yourself and your health when clearing your sidewalks and driveways. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino Producers: Katharine DeCelle, Jamad Jama, Jos...

Minnesotans respond to operations in Venezuela. Then, Mayor Jacob Frey responds to the shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an ICE agent. Governor Tim Walz drops out of governor's race. The Department of Homeland Security has launched the largest immigration crackdown in US history—in Minnesota. Meanwhile, Minnesotans are finding ways to peacefully protest ICE actions. Son of slain Minnesota Speaker...

Renters in Northern Minnesota are seeing the results of a new, first-of-its-kind law in our state. Plus, some of the state's law students from tribal nations receive top honors and candlelight winter walks return to Minnesota state parks. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: frankie felegy Anchor: Grace Jacobson Reader scripting: Victor Palomino  Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor...

A legal battle affects a northern Minnesota industry. Then, new laws impacting Minnesotans go into effect with the new year, and, health officials urge vaccinations as respiratory illnesses rise. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Victor Palomino Anchor: Chantel SinGs  Reader scripting: Victor Palomino  Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Palomino  Editorial support: Emily Krumber...

Rideshare drivers at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport call for better work conditions. Plus, the federal government puts the state's unemployment insurance program under the microscope and a Minnesota company invests in hunger relief. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Xan Holston Anchor: Grace Jacobson Reader scripting: Victor Palomino  Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Palomino  E...

We take a look at how the revitalization of derogatory language is impacting some Minnesotans. Plus, a federal grant funds transit improvements in greater Minnesota and organizers of the new Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame announced where it will be located. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Katharine DeCelle Anchor: Chantel SinGs Reader scripting: Victor Palomino, Joel Glaser  Fa...

As federal agents increase their presence in the state, questions are rising about the rights of protesters versus those of law enforcement. Then, one last push to get info from the state's queer community. Plus, Rochester honors the first woman ever elected to office in the city. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Xan Holston Anchor: Grace Jacobson  Reader scripting: Victor Palo...

How the Twin Cities is bringing unique solutions to the issue of homelessness. The city of Winona tries to find a new home for its police and fire departments. And, a Minnesotan is elected to represent the interests of Native Americans around the Midwest. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Faaya Adem Anchor: Chantel SinGs Reader scripting: Joel Glaser  Fact checking: Joel Glaser,...

St. Paul's Boriken Cultural Center celebrates Christmas Caribbean style. Congress tries to provide schools in Northern Minnesota with a helping hand. And, how you can check out artifacts from the Vatican without having to travel to Rome. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Jose Ozoria Anchor: Grace Jacobson  Reader scripting: Joel Glaser  Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Palomin...

Why thousands of jobs in Minnesota's hemp industry are in jeopardy. Plus, the Trump administration forces another group of African immigrants to leave the country, and, Terminal One at Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport has a sleek new look.   ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Xan Holston  Anchor: Chantel SinGs Reader scripting: Joel Glaser  Fact checking: Joel Glaser, V...

The Minnesota Attorney General weighs in on agreements between county sheriffs and federal law enforcement agencies. Plus, Airport commissioners get an earful from union representatives and rideshare drivers, and why it's much more than just common courtesy to shovel your sidewalk during the winter. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Katharine DeCelle Anchor: Grace Jacobson  Read...

Somali Minnesotans respond to the increased hostility they say the federal government is creating in our state. Plus, a Republican State Senator calls the President out for referring to Somali Americans as garbage, and Minnesota mourns the loss of a music legend. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Jamad Jama Anchor: Chantel SinGs Reader scripting: Joel Glaser  Fact checking: Joel...

Minnesota hunters are helping to stock food shelves. Then, a racial incident in Rochester earlier this year is still prompting new criminal charges. And, Blue Cross Blue Shield customers in Northern Minnesota are breathing a sigh of relief.  ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Maija Hecht Anchor: Grace Jacobson  Reader scripting: Joel Glaser  Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Pal...

The sun might be able to help Minnesota farmers sell more at their roadside stands. Then, if you live in Mower county, there's a good chance you're the victim of a data breach. And, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources gains significant ground.  ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Lydia Moran Story Voice: Britt Aamodt Editing: Britt Aamodt & Emily Krumberger Anchor: C...

A Minnesota organization is training citizens to legally ensure federal agents abide by the constitution. Then, how sexually explicit emails were sent from a Rochester Public School to students and staff. And, those without a home have new help in Southern Minnesota. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Katharine DeCelle Anchor: Grace Jacobson Reader scripting: Joel Glaser  Fact ch...

A community organizer and other Minnesotans waiting to hear about their cases get another chance for clemency. Then, residents of a small town in Southern Minnesota are trying to officially wipe the city off the map. And, how you can keep your eye out for eagles from the comfort of your own home. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Emily Krumberger Anchor: Chantel SinGs Reader scr...