North Star Stories

Minnesota lawmakers support dueling plans for property tax relief, Highway 280 is closed until the State Fair, and Red Lake Nation College gets a historic gift. Image: Red Lake Nation College campus in Downtown Minneapolis [credit: Xan Holston] ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media....

A verdict for an attack on an ice cream shop is in, legislators look to lock in prescription drug discounts at hospitals statewide, and security cameras at schools that can “see” through bags.   Image: Fimrosa Umar throws a Molotov cocktail at Fletcher’s Ice Cream in October, 2025. [credit: United States Attorney’s Office] ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Hol...

Cambios en los requisitos de elegibilidad para SNAP, iniciativas legislativas para celebrar la cultura hmong, legislación sobre las rifas de carne y el Festival de Iron Range. Changes in SNAP eligibility, legislative efforts to celebrate Hmong culture, Meat Raffles legislation, and the Iron Range Festival. Productor/Producer: Victor Palomino Additional voice work: Natalia Toldeo Pie de foto: Se ob...

In this week's program, we take a look at how some companies handle electronic waste. And we look at how nonprofit organizations work to maintain their missions while being fiscally responsible.  ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producers: Xan Holston, Jamad Jama  Anchor: Grace Jacobson  Reader scripting: Victor Palomino, Tracey Collier, Xan Holston  Fact checking: Victor Palomino, Trace...

A hunger strike to shut down a Minneapolis trash incinerator, Owatonnan’s petition to stop new police and fire buildings, and there’s no place like … the Iron Range Earth Fest. Image: A diagram of how the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center — or HERC — works. [credit: Hennepin County] ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  ----- For the latest episode drops an...

State legislators fight over transgender rights in girls' sports, the Festival of Nations returns under a new name, and trout season is upon us. Image: A view from the 2016 Festival of Nations [credit: Visitstpaul.com] ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.  instagram.com/ampersradi...

A Minnesota tradition might get higher prizes, gas prices are still going up, and the trial starts for a man accused of firebombing an ice cream parlor — twice. Image: A man throws a Molotov cocktail at Fletcher’s Ice Cream in Minneapolis. [credit: U.S Attorney’s Office] ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  ----- For the latest episode drops and updates,...

A legislative effort to celebrate Hmong culture, April is sexual assault awareness month, and the federal overhaul of the U.S. Forest Service spells the end for some for Minnesota’s groundbreaking work on climate change. Image: An experimental chamber in the Marcell experimental forest in northern Minnesota [credit: Maija Hecht] Audio credit: Freesound.org ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader script...

An important food bank shuts down as new SNAP eligibility requirements go into effect, DFL leaders call for an investigation, and Minnesota Christians celebrate Easter. Image: A mural at George Floyd Square that says “You Changed the World, George.” [credit: Xan Holston] ----- Producer: Xan Holston Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Xan Holston  ----- For the latest episode drops and updates,...

In today’s program, we take a closer look at how human trafficking operates across Minnesota. And, after 10 years of climate research, a major climate experiment in northern Minnesota has reached a turning point. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino Production Assistant: Britt Aamodt Producers: Katharine DeCelle, Maija Hecht Anchor: Chantel SinGs Reader scripting: Tracie Wells Collier, Victor...

A temporary win for a Bemidji school, a new public comment period on Google’s Hermantown data center, and two bounty hunters from Oklahoma face felonies. Produced by Xan Holston Image: A possible plan for Google’s Hermantown data center [credit: City of Hermantown] For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media: www.facebook.com/northstarstoriesmn and www.instagram.com/northst...

Fires break out across the state, a state and tribal partnership monitors moose populations over the winter, and Minnesota takes a rare approach to fighting illegal drug sales. Produced by Xan Holston Image: Duluth's Park Point Forest is slated for a controlled burn this spring [credit: Minnesota Historical Aerial Photographs Online] For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social me...

Ice on the Great Lakes freezes up shipping lanes, a northern Minnesota school makes a hard choice, and a new twist to the drunk driving arrest of Representative Elliott Engen. Produced by Xan Holston Image: United States Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon announces Department of Justice charges against Minnesota [credit: United States Department of Justice] For the latest episode drops and...

More than 100,000 people flock to the Minnesota Capitol for the No Kings rally, St. Louis County considers how to spend opioid settlement money, and will the state get an official …sled? Image: Lillian Thuente speaks on behalf of toboggans at the Minnesota Senate. [credit: Senate Media Services] Produced by Xan Holston For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media: www.facebo...

A change in the Medicare payment system forces some rural medical providers to consider ending services, Minneapolis hits pause on “Cop City,” and if you start seeing more childish behavior in the Minnesota Senate, it might not be the lawmakers. Produced by Xan Holston Image: 41 yea and 25 nay, a resolution allows children on the Senate Floor during session for the first time in history [credit: S...

This week, a Minnesota mom describes the moment her life changed forever—after dropping off a baby she trusted would be safe. Then, Minnesota hospitals demonstrate how our healthcare system is struggling. A new group is asking what would it take to repair healthcare, not just patch it up? ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino Production Assistant: Britt Aamodt Producers: Jose Ozoria, Ngoc Bui...

Some state lawmakers stop a program for small dairy farmers, parents want to prevent another school shooting like Annunciation Catholic school, and one of the nation’s highest civilian honors is going to one of Minnesota’s youngest heroes. Image: Annunciation Catholic School shooting survivor Victor Greenawalt with his family and U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith before receiving an award...

The No Kings protest returns for its third edition, Iron Range schools weigh big cuts, and Delta airlines turns up the heat on Congress. Image: A couple dressed as George and Martha Washington at the No Kings march in June 2025. [credit: Xan Holston]

Bemidji starts its Inclusive Fire Brigade, a judge rules in favor of gender affirming care, and state lawmakers race to repeal César Chávez day. Image: Members of Lead for Inclusion team up with Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood to present their Inclusive Fire Brigade to the Bemidji City Council in January. [credit: Bemidji City Council]

One Minnesota family is suffering from one of the deadliest car crashes in recent state history, leaders of the Red Lake Nation take a message to D.C., and state and federal lawmakers target concert ticket price gouging. Image: Temperance River State Park on the Gitchi-Gami Trail [credit: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources] Audio credit: freesound.org ----- For the latest episode drops and...

A bill to drastically reduce the Minnesota Senate, Hibbing Schools on the brink of a strike, and an unlikely pair of lawmakers look to stop local government from signing non-disclosure agreements with businesses. Image: A new bill would fill the 135th desk in the House of Representatives [image credit: Minnesota House of Representatives] Audio credit: freesound.org

In today's broadcast, we hear about the end of the Mni Owe Sni prayer camp at Fort Snelling. And, we mark Women's History Month by learning about some of the women who have left a lasting mark on our state. ----- Executive Producer: Victor Palomino  Producers: Xan Holston, frankie felegy  Anchor: Chantel SinGs  Reader scripting: Victor Palomino   Fact checking: Victor Palomino, Tracie  Wells Colli...

The end of Ramadan brings preparations and celebrations, Bemidji draws a hard line with Northern Township, and students suspended and staff removed from coaching positions after hazing allegations. Image: A map of Northern Township septic systems [credit: www.northerntownship.com]

A public viewing for Nicole Amor, the rising cost of diesel hits Minnesota truckers, and lawmakers commemorate House speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and former Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic with their own buildings. Image: The soon-to-be named Kari Dziedzic Senate Building. [credit: AMPERS]

A fire at a ski lodge in Lutsen, state legislators and students have a snow day, and venison donations to a state food program are up. Image: A white tail deer [credit: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources]