A drug bust in north central Minnesota is making national news, but not because of the drugs. Then, a Minnesota team is making headlines on the basketball court. And, why you might be seeing more purple around the state this month.
—–Executive Producer: Victor Palomino Producer: Mik Finnegan Anchor: Grace Jacobson Reader scripting: Joel Glaser, Victor PalominoFact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Palomino Editorial support: Emily Krumberger Mixing & mastering: Chris Harwood
Transcript
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HOST: You're listening to North Star Stories: Voices from Where We Live, a daily newscast about what it means to live in Minnesota.
ANCHOR: In today's broadcast, a drug bust in north central Minnesota is making national news, but not because of the drugs. Then, a Minnesota team is making headlines on the women's basketball courts. And, why you might be seeing more purple around the state this month.
I'm Gracie J.
Police always have to prepare for the unexpected, but Itasca County Sheriff's deputies got quite the surprise recently serving a search warrant. Officers searching a home in Deer River in North Central Minnesota found drugs, a gun, and several exotic and dangerous animals. According to TV station Northern News Now, officers confiscated cobras, a green mamba, a boa constrictor, tarantulas, and other venomous species. Authorities say some of the animals are illegal to possess in the state without the proper permits. Officers arrested a 39-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man from Central Minnesota during the search.
Next, the Minnesota Lynx entered the WNBA playoffs with the top seed and home court advantage this season. Mik Finnegan takes a look back at the season and the keys to their success.
Mik Finnegan: The Minnesota Lynx have clinched the number one seed in the playoffs after a dominant WNBA season.
Naomi: Yeah, it's been a fun year.
Mik Finnegan: Naomi is a longtime Lynx fan who watches away games at a Bar of Their Own in Minneapolis. She saw her first WNBA game in 2015.
Naomi: And I was kind of reluctantly, like, I should go support women. And then that game, Maya Moore scored, I think, 48 points. And after that one game, I told my husband I wanted to get season tickets.
Mik Finnegan: Head Coach Cheryl Reeve has led the team through the last 16 seasons, winning championships in 2011, 13, 15 and 17, solidifying the Lynx as a dynasty franchise.
Naomi: But you know, I always just trust Cheryl Reeve to make all these decisions that I don't usually understand but usually work out.
Mik Finnegan: Broadcast analyst Lea B. Olson credits Cheryl Reeves ability to build a championship ready team to her intelligence.
Lea B. Olson: She is just so aware of all facets of women's basketball, and it just shows up in how she selects players.
Mik Finnega: While previous championship teams were built around four or five superstars, this Lynx team is built around Napheesa Collier.
Lea B. Olson: I personally think she is the most valuable player in the league, but I see why. Sometimes not everybody sees that, because she's very understated. And then you look at the stat sheet and you'll be like, wow, she did like everything tonight.
Mik Finnegan: Collier is looking to win her first WNBA Championship this season after a devastating loss in the finals last year to the New York Liberty.
Lea B. Olson: She's represented Lynx basketball in this kind of championship pedigree but has yet to get one of those for her own.
Mik Finnegan: Olson has been an analyst with the Lynx for the last 15 years and with the team in other capacities since day one. She says Coach Reeves selects players with a team mentality.
Lea B. Olson: And they really trust each other. Everybody has the same mindset of, I have to play for the person next to me, and if we all do that, we can be successful.
Mik Finnegan: While Napheesa Collier stands out, players like forward Alanna Smith are in conversations for awards, like Defensive Player of the Year after the season she has had.
Lea B. Olson: This to me may be Coach Reeves's greatest coaching because of, I feel like, she's just getting regular players to play at an elite level.
Mik Finnegan: Bench players for the Lynx have made a huge impact this season as well.
Lea B. Olson: And what's difficult, I think, about coming off the bench is that you have to come in and you have to be good immediately. I'm probably most impressed with the rise of Natisha Heideman.
Mik Finnegan: Heideman is half of the point guard duo, nicknamed the Stud Buds with teammate Courtney Williams. They are getting recognition on and off the court for their friendship and flair.
Lea B. Olson: I don't think any team in the WNBA is really intimidated by the Lynx, but the Lynx just come in very nicely and just kind of destroy teams.
Mik Finnegan: The semifinals will begin Sunday, September 21. The first round is a three-game series. Semifinals is five games. And for the first time this year, the Championship Series will be seven games from October 3 through 17th.
Nat sound: Go Lynx!
Mik Finnegan: For North Star Stories, this is Mik Finnegan.
ANCHOR: You are listening to North Star Stories.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and the Minnesota Department of Health is calling on communities to join the effort. Officials encourage Minnesotans to "Light Up Purple" throughout the month to honor lives lost and show support for those affected by suicide. Health leaders say this month is a reminder that suicide prevention is important year-round, and that hope and healing are always possible. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to connect with the Minnesota Lifeline. Help is available 24/7.
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HOST: North Star Stories is produced by AMPERS, diverse radio for Minnesota's communities, with support from the McKnight Foundation and the State of Minnesota. Online at ampers dot org.