AMPERS

North Star Stories

News EN ↓ 395 episodes

North Star Stories: Voices from Where We Live is comprised of a weekly 30-minute magazine-style newscast and daily, five-minute headlines segments that shine a spotlight on the stories and perspectives of Minnesota’s diverse communities, including Black, Latine, Asian American, East African individuals, people living with disabilities, LGBTQIA2S+ residents, laborers, veterans, and those from Greater Minnesota.

Author

AMPERS

Category

News

Podcast website

ampers.org

Latest episode

Jul 10, 2026

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Episodes

Safety Improvements Aim to Reduce Suicide on a Minneapolis Bridge 15.08.2025

Today, a new law makes it easier for those needing tinted car windows. Then, a Twin Cities bridge gets funding for suicide prevention. And, the NCAA elevates a Minnesota university to Division One status. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Lydia Moran  Anchor: Chantel SinGs  Reader scripting: Joel Glaser Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Palomino  Editorial support: Emily Krumbe...

What Does the New Drone Law Mean for Minnesotans? 14.08.2025

A new scam is targeting residents in Northern Minnesota. Then, the state has a new law about police drones. And, colleges and universities will carry more opioid overdose drugs, like Narcan, on campus. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Faaya Adem  Anchor: Grace Jacobson  Reader scripting: Frankie Felegy  Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Palomino  Editorial support: Emily Krumb...

Are Executive Orders Moving the Country into Martial Law? 13.08.2025

In today's stories, health officials warn of an unusually high West Nile Virus risk. Then, are United States executive orders moving the country into martial law? And, you're recycling to try and protect the earth. But are you doing it correctly? ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Jose Ozoria  Anchor: Chantel SinGs Reader scripting: Xan Holston  Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor...

Why You Soon May Have to Pay More to Visit the Boundary Waters 12.08.2025

Heading to the doctor? Some patients in Minnesota may see new forms to fill out. Then, why you may have to start paying more to visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and you'll now have easier access to free water at sporting events, concerts, and other large venues. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Victor Palomino  Anchor: Grace Jacobson  Reader scripting: Frankie Felegy Fact...

What Does Minnesota's Clemency Process Mean for People Waiting on a Pardon? 11.08.2025

In today's segment, a new law that gives Minnesotans power over their online data Then, the state's Clemency Review Commission recently met. We hear from a Minnesotan who was recommended for a pardon. The Board of Pardons decides his case next month. And, a new option for those who don't want to be buried or cremated. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Emily Krumberger  Anchor: C...

Parents and Teachers Concerned about Threats of School Funding Cuts 08.08.2025

Today, a warning about pest control scam. Then, threats about federal cuts to school funding have parents and teachers asking questions. And, a new, easy way to help prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Jamad Jama  Anchor: Grace Jacobson  Reader scripting: Joel Glaser  Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Palomino  Editorial support: Emily Kru...

Macalester Alumni React to College's Animal Ethics Lawsuit 07.08.2025

In today's broadcast, mental health warnings are coming to social media feeds. Then, reactions from former students about the lawsuit against Macalester College. And, the state wants to recognize those who served in the Secret War in Laos. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Kylie Kendall  Anchor: Chantel SinGs  Reader scripting: Xan Holston Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Palo...

Unbuilt Potential: Greater Minnesota's Housing Crisis 06.08.2025

In today's stories, the state is opening a limited number of deer hunting permits for young adults. Then, how Greater Minnesota is responding to a housing shortage. And, the Minnesota State Patrol is getting a new headquarters. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Ngoc Bui  Anchor: Grace Jacobson  Reader scripting: Joel Glaser Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Palomino  Editorial...

How Wildfires Impact Air Quality and What You Need to Know 05.08.2025

Today, tribal input allows northern Minnesota schools to keep their sports mascots. Then, how wildfires are affecting the state's air quality, and what can be done about it. And, why the Roseau River Wildlife Management Area won't be opening its Wildlife Drive this summer. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Britt Aamodt  Anchor: Chantel SinGs  Reader scripting: Xan Holston  Fact...

A Small Nonprofit Newsroom Gets a Major Court Win 04.08.2025

In today's segment, Senator Nicole Mitchell resigns post-conviction. Then, a small nonprofit newsroom gets a major victory in court. And, for the first time, a female CEO will head up the nation's largest freestanding pediatric health system, located in Minnesota. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Xan Holston  Anchor: Grace Jacobson  Reader scripting: Xan Holston  Fact checking:...

A New Reform to the Homeowners' Associations Laws Raises Questions 01.08.2025

Today, a new cancer center opens in central Minnesota, a new reform to the Homeowners' Associations laws has homeowners and leaders asking questions, and a reminder about the "Move Over" law for Minnesota's drivers. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Kylie Kendall  Anchor: Chantel SinGs  Reader scripting: Xan Holston Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Palomino  Editorial support:...

A Statewide LGBTQIA2S+ Survey Aims to Bring Current Solutions to Decades-Old Issues 31.07.2025

In today's broadcast: scammers preying on fear about your family's safety are getting more sophisticated, a statewide  LGBTQIA2S+ survey aims to bring current solutions to decades-old issues, and a warning from the Department of Natural Resources for residents up north. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Emily Krumberger  Anchor: Grace Jacobson Reader scripting: Joel Glaser Fact...

Immigrant Rights Organizations Call for More Local Government Action 30.07.2025

In today's stories: a southeastern diocese faces new legal challenges for child abuse, immigrant rights organizations call for more local government action, and two Minnesota college hockey players get international attention. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Xan Holston  Anchor: Chantel SinGs  Reader scripting: Xan Holston Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Palomino  Editorial...

Local Businesses Closer to Opening Their Doors to Recreational Cannabis 29.07.2025

Today: Minnesota repeals shotgun‑only deer hunting zones statewide, local businesses are closer to opening their doors to the recreational Cannabis industry, and Hormel sues Johnsonville over an alleged top-secret recipe theft. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Jose Ozoria Anchor: Garce Jacobson  Reader scripting: Xan Holston Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Palomino  Editoria...

A Car Rally about Hate Symbols in Forest Lake Schools 28.07.2025

In today's segment, the new foods you'll find at this year's State Fair, a follow-up about Forest Lake's debate over hate symbols in schools, and state lawmakers try to make the skies a little safer in Northern Minnesota. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Xan Holston  Anchor: Chantel SinGs  Reader scripting: Joel Glaser Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Palomino  Editorial supp...

How Art and Nature Mix in a New Statewide Program 25.07.2025

Today, why Minnesota may cut the statewide walleye limit. Then, how art and nature mix in a new statewide program. And, why MnDot is turning off the lights on a Winona bridge. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Jamad Jama  Anchor: Grace Jacobson  Reader scripting: Xan Holston, Joel Glaser Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Palomino  Editorial support: Emily Krumberger  Mixing &am...

When Life Gives You Lumber: What Some Minnesotans Are Doing with the Destruction Left by Storms 24.07.2025

In today's broadcast, construction is causing even more congestion on a Twin Cities interstate. Then, how some up north are putting a positive spin on the destruction left behind by summer storms. And, what Minnesota is doing to help the agricultural industry to grow.  ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Maija Hecht  Anchor: Chantel SinGs  Reader scripting: Faaya Adem, Joel Glaser...

A Minnesota Company Takes on the Internet's Biggest Search Engine 23.07.2025

In today's stories, Mankato approves the use of A.I. cameras despite privacy concerns. Then, a Minnesota company takes on the internet's biggest search engine. And, a new platform showcases the state's Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ history.   ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Kyllie Kendall  Anchor: Grace Jacobson  Reader scripting: Xan Holston, Grace Jacobson Fact checking: Joel Glas...

The Man in the Garden: Celebrating the Legacy of St. Paul's Melvin Giles 22.07.2025

Today, The Department of Justice is investigating Minnesota's hiring practices. Then, we celebrate the life of a beloved community member from St. Paul. And, a new law you need to know about if you're heading to a Minnesota lake this summer. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Britt Aamodt  Anchor: Chantel SinGs  Reader scripting: Xan Holston, Grace Jacobson Fact checking: Joel Gl...

What Hibbing Is Doing with an Abandoned Animal Surplus 21.07.2025

In today's segment, Minnesota's Governor announces a special election to fill the vacancy left by the murder of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. Then, how Hibbing is coping with an abundance of abandoned animals. And, members of Minnesota's Congressional delegation send Canada a complaint letter. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Xan Holston  Anchor: Grace Jacobson  Reader scrip...

More Rain Means More Mosquitos This Summer 18.07.2025

Today, an endangered species is spreading its wings again in northern Minnesota. Then, take the repellent out; mosquito season is upon us. And, big news for Minnesota Frost fans. -------- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Mik Finegan Anchor: Chantel SinGs Reader scripting: Kylie Kendall, Faaya Adem Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Palomino  Editorial support: Emily Krumberger  Mixin...

988 Suicideline's LGBTQIA+ Youth Line Ends July 17th 17.07.2025

In today's broadcast, a Lower Sioux teen baseball player gets national recognition. Then, after federal cuts, an important hotline for LGBTIA+ youth goes silent. And Northland Arboretum brings space for conservation and recreation. -------- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Mik Finegan Anchor: Grace Jacobson Reader scripting: Ngoc Bui, Faaya Adem Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Pal...

Minnesota Could Face a Doctor Shortage 16.07.2025

In today's stories, Minnesota has its first licensed cannabis business. Then, Minnesota may be facing a physician's crisis. And, students with special needs in the Northland are getting updated classrooms.  -------- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Jose Ozoria Anchor: Chantel SinGs Reader scripting: Ngoc Bui, Lydia Moran Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Palomino  Editorial support:...

Why You Should Check for Ticks after Every Walk 15.07.2025

Today, Federal cuts may shake Greater Minnesota manufacturers. Then, why you should check for ticks after every walk this summer. And a new meat-packing plant brings on-the-job training to central Minnesota. -------- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Britt Aamodt Anchor: Grace Jacobson  Reader scripting: Ngoc Bui, Grace Jacobson Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Palomino  Editorial s...

Students and Families React to UMN Tuition Increase 14.07.2025

In today's segment, Federal cuts force a Minnesota health insurance company to drop coverage for about 90-thousand Minnesotans. Then, students and families react to tuition increases at the University of Minnesota. And an update on the Minnesota Senator shot and critically injured in what authorities called a targeted political attack. -------- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producer: Kathar...

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