Blizzard cleanup in the Northland, a memorial targeted by arson in Minneapolis, and new limits on masked officers in St. Paul — the stories shaping Minnesota today.

Image: World’s Best Snowdrift? Snow piles up near Grand Marais iconic donut shop. [credit: Kalli Hawkins]

This week on North Star Stories, we look at how Operation Metro Surge is impacting the state's education system. Then, a northern Minnesota community responds to federal legislation that would shift focus for the mining industry and change EPA regulation of public lands and waterways.

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Executive Producer: Victor Palomino 

Producers: Xan Holston, Katharine DeCelle, frankie felegy 

Host: Chantel SinGs 

Reader scripting: Joel Glaser, Victor Palomino 

Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Palomino 

Editorial support: Emily Krumberger 

Mixing & mastering: Chris Harwood
Image: Demonstrators holding anti-ICE signs outside the governor's residence. (Credit: Katharine DeCelle)

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School immigration fears, a standoff over federal evidence, and a judge-ordered release. Plus, Springsteen will hit the streets of Minneapolis again soon.

Image: A teacher shares how ICE actions have affected her students to the Senate Education Finance Committee. (Credit: Minnesota Senate Media Services)

Minnesota lawmakers opened the new session by honoring former Speaker Melissa Hortman before turning to a sharply divided political agenda. Meanwhile, a major winter storm is set to bring blizzard conditions along the North Shore.

Image: At a memorial for House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, colleagues placed roses on her old desk. (Image credit: Minnesota Senate Media Services)

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For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media. 

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New security measures at the Capitol, a federal judge steps in on immigration transfers, and a clash over access to evidence in a fatal shooting case. Also: the state warns about thin ice risks, and cultural celebrations begin across Minnesota.

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For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media. 

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Never miss a beat. Sign up for our email list to receive news, updates and content releases from AMPERS. ampers.org/about-ampers/staytuned/ 

This show is made possible by community support. Due to cuts in federal funding, the community radio you love is at risk. Your support is needed now more than ever. Donate now to power the community programs you love.

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Hundreds gathered in Minneapolis for the annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives march. Meanwhile, debate continues over what happens and happened in Minnesota as Operation Metro Surge winds down. 

 
Audio credit: KAXE 

Image: The 2026 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives march moves through the Little Earth community. 

Image credit: Xan Holston 

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For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media. 

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This show is made possible by community support. Due to cuts in federal funding, the community radio you love is at risk. Your support is needed now more than ever. Donate now to power the community programs you love.

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The federal government says Operation Metro Surge is concluding after thousands of arrests. State leaders say the damage isn’t over — and neither are the investigations.

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For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media. 

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This show is made possible by community support. Due to cuts in federal funding, the community radio you love is at risk. Your support is needed now more than ever. Donate now to power the community programs you love.

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Today’s statewide headlines include: a Bloomington police prostitution sting ensnares a man who ran federal employee background checks, a recent poll shows low opinions of ICE amongst Minnesotans, and the state’s Environmental Protection Agency releases its 2026 climate goals. Tune in for the full newscast.

(Photo credit: Bee Kakac)

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For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media. 

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Never miss a beat. Sign up for our email list to receive news, updates and content releases from AMPERS. ampers.org/about-ampers/staytuned/ 

This show is made possible by community support. Due to cuts in federal funding, the community radio you love is at risk. Your support is needed now more than ever. Donate now to power the community programs you love.

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Today’s statewide headlines include: Governor Walz hints at a possible upcoming end to Operation Metro Surge, the Duluth City Council considers a proposal to temporarily halt evictions, and Minnesotans take medals at the Milan Winter Olympics. Tune in for the full newscast.

Image caption: Metro-area protest actions in response to Operation Metro Surge (Image credit: Katharine DeCelle)

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For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media. 

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Never miss a beat. Sign up for our email list to receive news, updates and content releases from AMPERS. ampers.org/about-ampers/staytuned/ 

This show is made possible by community support. Due to cuts in federal funding, the community radio you love is at risk. Your support is needed now more than ever. Donate now to power the community programs you love.

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Today’s statewide headlines include: an update on GOP candidates for the Governor’s race; Duluth and Fridley’s lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, and the economic hit to Minneapolis businesses. Tune in for the full newscast.

Image caption: East Side, St. Paul and other Metro-area businesses have closed in response to the increased presence of federal immigration agents. (Image credit: Ngoc Bui)

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For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media. 

instagram.com/ampersradio/

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Never miss a beat. Sign up for our email list to receive news, updates and content releases from AMPERS. ampers.org/about-ampers/staytuned/ 

This show is made possible by community support. Due to cuts in federal funding, the community radio you love is at risk. Your support is needed now more than ever. Donate now to power the community programs you love.

ampers.org/fund