North Star Stories

Aims to address the significant need for coverage of the communities and experiences currently absent from the state’s news ecosystem.

March 13, 2025

Indigenous Farming Conference Explores Natural Solutions for Clean Water

Presented by the White Earth Land Recovery Project, the Great Lakes Indigenous Farming Conference celebrated its 22nd year this March. Deanna StandingCloud speaks with two of the conference participants about their work: Kaylee Carnahan, the Administration Associate and Greenskeeper for the Indigenous Environmental Network, and Leanna Goose, a citizen of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and a Co-Facilitator with the Rise and Repair Coalition. [Read Transcript...]

March 13, 2025

The Child Tax Credit: What It Is, Who Qualifies, and How to Get It?

The final file date for income tax is coming up fast, and the Minnesota Department of Revenue and HACER are reaching out to families to take advantage of the Child Tax Credit. [Read Transcript...]

March 12, 2025

Latino Organizations Look to the Future of Leadership

Rodolfo Gutierrez, Executive Director of HACER (Hispanic Advocacy and Community Empowerment through Research), discusses MILLA, an alliance of Latino-led organizations that are advocating for their community with state legislators and creating pathways for leadership to enhance civic participation among Latino leaders in Minnesota. [Read Transcript...]

March 12, 2025

The Impact of Special Olympics in Minnesota

The Special Olympics Minnesota State Poly Hockey and Powerlifting Competition was held on March 8 and 9, 2025 at Stillwater High School, and it showcased the talents of Special Olympics athletes from across the state. Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968, Special Olympics has grown into the largest sports program globally, empowering over 4.5 million athletes with intellectual disabilities. This state tournament celebrated not just competition but friendship and good sportsmanship. Athletes Ann and Trent emphasize the joy of being in community, and Minnesota Special Olympics senior program manager Emily Carr discusses the many benefits of sports. Looking ahead, Minnesota will host the Special Olympics USA Games in June 2026, attracting 4,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, and 10,000 volunteers, shining a light on the strengths of individuals with intellectual disabilities. [Read Transcript...]

Indigenous Farming Conference Explores Natural Solutions for Clean Water

The Child Tax Credit: What It Is, Who Qualifies, and How to Get It?

Latino Organizations Look to the Future of Leadership

The Impact of Special Olympics in Minnesota

Spotlight stories

George Floyd

George Floyd Square: A Contested Memorial

Business Owners Still Feel an Impact 5 Years After George Floyd’s Murder

The Fifth Anniversary of the Murder of George Floyd Renews Calls for Racial Healing, Justice, and Equity

Minnesota’s Youth Say George Floyd’s Impact Is Lasting, but Skeptical of Long-term Change

La Calle Lake: The Impact of George Floyd’s Murder on Lake Street’s Latino Community

Fire

Becoming Firewise

Wildfire Season Is upon Us

Good Fire: How Low-Intensity Wildfire Benefits the Northwoods

How Indigenous Traditions Are Helping Reduce Wildfires

How Wildfires Impact Air Quality and What You Need to Know

Water

Mining and Sulfates in Wild Rice Beds

What to Know about the Northern Lakes Toxic Algae Bloom

Water Protectors Call for DNR Transparency

Voting

Ranked Choice Voting in Minnesota

A Proposed Federal Bill Raises Community Concerns about Voting Rights

Caucusing: Grassroots Democracy

Farming

Ag for All: Minnesota’s First-Ever Agricultural Conference for the LGBTQIA+ Community

Farmers May Soon Be Able to Grow Produce All Winter Long

Female Farmers Are Growing in Minnesota

Sustainable Farming in Minnesota

Solar-Powered Farm Stands Soon Could Be Spotted on Roadsides

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