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Wednesday, June 15, 2022 - We recap North Dakota’s unusually interesting primary as news director Dave Thompson welcomes political observers Jack Zaleski of Forum communications; and Mike Jacobs, of the Grand Forks Herald. ~~~ Dr. Stephen McDonough discusses the "History of Public Health in North Dakota.” It’s a preview of his upcoming presentation at the Barnes County Museum.

Tuesday, June 14, 2022 - Juneteenth is coming up on Sunday. This federal holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved black Americans. Coinciding with the holiday is an exhibit at the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County titled “Stories of Local Black History.” Special contributor Brandi Malarkey stopped by and toured the exhibit with communications manager Gabby Clavo. Register for next Wednesday's Zoom event HERE. (http://www.hcscconline.org/events.html) ~~~ We continue with more history as historian Tom Isern shares a Plains Folk essay, “The Idea of North Dakota.” ~~~ When people think of jobs in agriculture, they might think of traditional jobs on a farm. But over the past few decades, the industry has changed. Now there’s a real need for people who are interested in science. St. Louis Public Radio’s Kate Grumke reports. ~~~ Speaking of jobs, we share a conversation with Carey Fry, of Job Service North Dakota as she visits with John Harris in an excerpt of this week’s Prairie Pulse television show.

Monday, June 13, 2022 - We start today by acknowledging June as Pride Month by sharing another episode of Breaking Barriers: Harvesting LGBTQ Stories on the Northern Plains. It’s part of the Red River Rainbow Seniors oral history project. In this excerpt, Lyle Halvorson interviews Kevin Tengesdal, a graphic designer and activist from Bismarck. ~~~ The State Historical Society of North Dakota is looking for stories about the 1997 floods. It’s part of the historical society’s oral history project called “Flicker Tales of North Dakota.” Joining us is Sarah Walker, the head of reference services at the North Dakota State Archives. ~~~ Peggy Lee Day is coming up in Valley City. We visit with Bonnie and Myron Sommerfeld about the famous North Dakota vocalist.

Friday, June 10, 2022 - Jack Russell Weinstein joins us to preview this Sunday’s “WHY? Philosophical Questions About Everyday Life.” His guest this month is Brian Huschle, vice president of academic and student affairs at Northland Community and Technical College in an episode titled “What Do Community Colleges Do?” They explore the role of two-year schools in higher education. ~~~ Dave Thompson is here for a discussion of the recent headlines. ~~~ And Matt Olien has this week’s movie review, the new horror film “Crimes of the Future.”

Thursday, June 9 - A Concordia professor is being recognized for her work promoting French culture. Dr. Gay Rawson is now a Knight in the Order of Academic Palms. She visited with Ashley Thornberg. ~~~ Horticulturist Ron Smith is here for a spring garden and yard update. ~~~ Sue Balcom discusses the lawn’s most prevalent weed, dandelions.

Wednesday, June 8, 2022 - Dr. Peter Hotez, who helped develop a patent-free COVID-19 vaccine, recently tested positive for a breakthrough strain of the virus. In this excerpt from “Conversations on Health Care” podcast, he discusses that experience, and also addresses questions about rising cases, booster shots, the anti-science movement and other important issues. ~~~ In another episode of Natural North Dakota, Chuck Lura discusses the phenomena of ducks nesting far from water. ~~~ News director Dave Thompson reflects on the passing of North Dakota’s first woman to serve on the state Supreme Court: Beryl Levine. ~~~ Cellar 624 in Fargo is currently working with the Northern Crops Institute and NDSU's viticulture program to taste wines created from locally grown fruit. Joining us is event & venue manager Ashley Serbus.

Tuesday, June 7, 2022 - What does it mean to be “of the prairie” Dr. Molly Rozum contemplates that in her book, Grasslands Grown: Creating Place on the U.S. Northern Plains and Canadian Prairies. She’s an associate professor at the University of South Dakota. She visits with historian Dr. Tom Isern. ~~~ North Dakota artist and TikTok sensation Hannah Stelter is known for her cheerful images, entertaining puns, and embracing imperfection. She visits with Brandi Malarkey.

Monday, June 6, 2022 - Author and environmentalist Taylor Brorby is out with a new book, Boys and Oil: Growing Up Gay in a Fractured Land. It explores his love of the prairie, growing up in a coal-mining family, and being “the pink sheep” of the family.

Friday, June 3, 2022 - It’s time for our Monthly Journalists Roundtable. Along with news director Dave Thompson, we welcome special guests Jill Schramm, associate editor of the Minot Daily News; and Sydney Mook, managing editor of the Grand Forks Herald. ~~~ Matt Olien reviews “Top Gun: Maverick.”

5908 - Thursday, June 2, 2022 - Dr. Dean Bresciani is this week’s guest on the Prairie Pulse television show. We share an excerpt of his conversation with host John Harris. You can also watch the episode tonight at 8 Central. ~~~ Despite years of federal funding and initiatives, high-speed internet remains out of reach for millions of rural Americans. But some smaller, local broadband providers are finding ways to get rural customers connected. David Condos of the Kansas News Service reports. ~~~ The state is on the lookout, setting a number of traps for a dangerous culprit. Joining us is Joe Zeleznik, NDSU Extension forester to discuss the dreaded emerald ash borer. ~~~ Sue Balcom is here for Main Street Eats for a discussion on suppressing weeds.