Main Street

Tuesday, February 16, 2021 - For a lot of people, North Dakota’s last oil boom became a beckoning call of the wild. Mostly men from around the country, even the world, flocked to The Bakken to make fast money from the mineral-rich earth. But our guest today was seeking something more. Singer-songwriter, playwright and author Michael Patrick F. Smith is out with his debut book today, on Penguin Random House. It’s called “The Good Hand: a Memoir of Work, Brotherhood, and Transformation in an

Monday, February 15, 2021 - The North Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation Division helps people with disabilities thrive in the workplace. And the pandemic has increased some of the obstacles, with people having disabilities often the last hired and the first laid off. Here to discuss the situation, and how employers can help, are Damian Schlinger, the state director of the division, and counsellor Megan Stone. ~~~ On this President’s Day, as the impeachment trial rages, let’s talk about the

Sunday, February 14, 2021 - A news update from Dave Thompson. ~~~ Scott Prebys hosts Prebys on Classics and Prebys on Jazz here on Prairie Public. Today he joins us to honor the musical lives lost in 2020, how musicians responded to the pandemic, and take a look at some of his favorite music coming out of an unprecedented year.

Friday, February 12, 2021 Jack Russell Weinstein hosts WHY? Philosophical Discussions about Everyday Life. This Sunday’s episode is, “Is the Law Consistent?” where he speaks with P. Andrew Torrez, a lawyer and host of the Opening Arguments podcast. We get a preview of their discussion. ~~~ News director Dave Thompson joins us for our weekly news review. ~~~ Matt Olien reviews "The Little Things."

Thursday, February 11, 2021 - A hearing was held this morning on a House bill that would change the way the state does redistricting. Here to discuss the issue is Ellen Chaffee, a board member with North Dakota Voters First, a group supporting the change. ~~~ Mark Trahant shares a commentary on the confirmation prospects of Interior Secretary nominee Rep. Deb Haaland. ~~~ Eliza Blue shares a Postcard from the Prairie ~~~ Ready to get an early start on your garden? Starting early with seeds is

Wednesday, February 10, 2021 - Thursday is Giving Hearts Day, a day of charitable giving involving hundreds of worthy organizations. Today we profile another of the participants as we learn about Nexus-Path Family Healing, which supports kids & families by providing transportation to medical & mental health appointments; helping foster families provide quality care; and ensuring that children have positive experiences through extracurricular activities. We visit with social worker Megan

Tuesday, February 9, 2021 - Global Neighbors is one of the participating organizations in this week’s Giving Hearts Day. We visit with founder and director Leah Hargrove. ~~~ Tom Isern shares a Plains Folk essay titled: “Bully for Antiquities.” ~~~ There are millions of dollars available as hospitality economic resiliency grants in North Dakota. Here to explain how restaurants and other venues can apply is Shawn Kessel, Interim Commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Commerce.

Monday, February 8, 2021 - Bruce Gjovig’s newest book is Innovative Entrepreneurs from North Dakota: 125 Years of Impact. The book profiles 46 North Dakotans who made their mark in business. ~~~ Giving Hearts Day is coming up on Thursday, and each year we like to pick out a recipient organization or two to learn about their work and to promote giving to any of the dozens of organizations that participate. This year, we visit with Cindy Miller, executive director of First Link, the hotline that

Sunday, February 7, 2021 - New director Dave Thompson starts us off with a news summary. ~~~ Mike Olson hosts Into the Music here on Prairie Public. Today he joins us to honor the musical lives lost in 2020, how musicians responded to the pandemic, and take a look at some of his favorite music coming out of an unprecedented year.

Friday, February 5, 2021 - Film Critic Matt Olien and music host Scott Prebys team up once again to talk about where their passions intersect, film scores! Today they dive into their favorite composers of crime and espionage movies and tv shows. ~~~ News director Dave Thompson is here for our weekly news chat. ~~~ Tom Isern shares a Plains Folk essay titled “Nostalgia with Wolves.”