North Star Stories

St. Paul community supports an effort to revoke a foundry’s air permit, Somali leaders look for common ground with law enforcement, and Vance Boelter is due for federal sentencing for the murders of the Hortmans. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  An updated map of the June Lightning Incident fires. [credit: US Forest Service] ----- For the lat...

Brainerd confronts bullying and copes with the loss of two young students to suicide, the source of this spring’s Flanders Fire is identified, and a free museum day for kids to learn about Somali culture. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  An aerial view of the Flanders Fire [credit: Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office] Audio credit: KAXE Radio -...

Seasonal workers in the Boundary Waters look for work, some relief for tornado victims in Becker County, and an Albert Lea firefighter makes new state and regional records. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image: A map of part of the BWCA fires on Sunday [credit: US Forest Service] Audio credit: Public News Service ----- For the latest episode drops...

Esta semana, Los incendios forestales continúan y afectan la calidad del aire  en varias partes del estado y un nuevo portal ayuda a revisar la calidad del agua en las playas. This week, wildfires continue to affect air quality in various parts of the state, and a new portal helps check water quality at the beaches . ----- Productor/ Producer : Victor Palomino Voiceover: Marisa Rueda, Rito Ayala P...

Pilots fight wildfires, hazardous smoke blankets most of the state, and the DNR takes public input on a possible nickel mine up north. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  A rendering of the proposed underground Tamarack Mine [credit: MN DNR] ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.  instagram.com/ampersradio/ in...

This week, we dive into the challenges first-time homebuyers face in our state, and we explore some unique alternatives available to those trying to buy their first home.  ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino Producers: Jose Ozoria Anchor: Victor Palomino, Britt Aamodt Reader scripting: Xan Holston, Tracie Wells Collier, Victor Palomino Fact checking: Victor Palomino, Joel Glaser Editorial su...

Canadian authorities rescue Minnesota YMCA campers as wildfires intensify, mental health support for Brainerd schools, and farmers grow bison while the DNR fights zebra mussels. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  Wildfires smoke hides Lake Superior as the sun rises over the Duluth Canal [credit: Duluth Canal Cam ] ----- For the latest episode d...

U.S. Foresters say Boundary Waters fires might not be out until winter, the Public Utility Commission okays a massive solar project, and Rochester says no to a $55-million-dollar sports dome. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  Evening view of the “Camp fire” wildfire north of Ely [credit: inciweb.wildfire.gov] ----- For the latest episode drops...

The U.S. Forest Service shuts down access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the new city of Northern will soon have its first elected officials, and the DNR sprays for spongy moth. ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image: The DNR is spraying parts of northern Minnesota for the invasive spongy moth. [credit: MN DNR] ----- For the latest episode drops...

This week, clergy from various faiths call for the protection of voting rights, and it is the season to keep an eye out for the state's signature bird . ----- Productor/ Producer : Victor Palomino Voiceover: Natalia Toledo, Jose Ozoria Image: Common loon [credit: ADOBE Stock,  By Sue. B Photographie] ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.  instagram.com/ampersra...

Fires across the Superior National Forest and BWCA, three major egg producers must donate two million eggs to Minnesota food shelves for price manipulation, and the State Fair previews new foods ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  Image:  Closed entry points for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Wilderness [credit: U.S. Forest Service] ----- For the la...

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...