What happens when cell phones disappear from classrooms across North Dakota? This week on Prairie Beat, Ann Alquist joins Danielle Webster to dive into the state’s new “bell-to-bell” phone ban.

Short of heading to a tropical island, how can we unplug from the stress of the news and comments about the news we see everyday as we scroll on social media? On this week's Prairie Beat, we have some expert advice.

Public health officials worked tirelessly for years to get their arms around the opioid crisis that began in the 90s and early 2000s. Manufacturers and distributors later settled lawsuits after it was proven how addictive they were, and with those funds states were able to set up their own response programs. One way North Dakota combats overdose deaths from opioids is giving out thousands of doses of naloxone statewide every year - and it's making a big difference.

It's not a straight up David vs. Goliath story- it's more complicated than that- but a project that could be breaking ground very soon, just outside of Fargo, has unleashed strong opinions and tensions between neighboring communities. That's the focus of our news podcast this week, Prairie Beat.

Danielle Webster and Erik Deatherage take a look back at some of the earlier big stories they were following this summer, including North Dakota's distinction of once having the highest measles cases per capita in the country. And more rain than expected prevented a predicted drought, but the danger is not totally over.

The stories of the predominantly Indigenous missing children and teens in North Dakota got added attention over the weekend from a Fargo Forum lead article that spotlighted a recent sudden uptick in cases.

Danielle Webster and Erik Deatherage dig into the complex story of crime, both across the nation and right here at home in North Dakota. What is the gap between our perception and reality? And how does our fears, assumptions, and headlines paint a picture that don't always match the facts.

With the Corporation for Public Broadcasting shutting its doors, what's the future hold for Prairie Public? You'll hear from our president and CEO John Harris. Plus, a scared citizenry, a gap of official information and a police chief on vacation lead to calls for a change at the top of the Fargo PD. Danielle and Erik dive into these weighty topics.

This week on Prairie Beat, Danielle Webster and guest host Ann Alquist take us to Callaway, Minnesota, for an in-depth look at KKWE Niijii Radio, a public radio station serving the White Earth Reservation. We hear from station manager Maggie Rousu about how KKWE is more than music and talk; it’s a healing tool, a cultural lifeline, and a vital voice for rural Native communities, now threatened by a major funding rescission.

Summertime weather is still very much on the minds of North Dakotans. While many of us are dreading more potential severe weather, in other parts of the state, there are hopes and prayers for rain. Let's listen to this week's episode of our news podcast, Prairie Beat.