Prairie Beat

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.

The latest report from the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission seems to show high consumer confidence, as 2025 shapes up to be a record year for airline boarding from the state's eight commercial airports. Passenger boarding numbers have been growing for the past 14 consecutive months.

Texans are leaning on their faith and asking pointed questions of officials as the search and rescue continues in the wake of a tragedy that has everyone holding on their kids a little more tightly.

Red River Valley communities voice concerns for drinking water safety as a proposed dairy farm takes shape in Abercrombe, ND. Daniele Webster and Erik Deatherage examine the potential environmental impacts of cow waste runoff to the north-flowing Red River and you'll hear the reaction of some residents and an invitation from an official of the dairy farm.

Nerves were frayed and blessings were counted for many North Dakotans who still have their lives and property. But last Friday's devastating tornadoes and hurricane-like derecho did bring death and damage to neighbors in our region. On this week's Prairie Beat, you'll hear recalls of past deadly twisters and a meteorologist who believes parts of North Dakota's largest population center were spared because of an unusual collision of storms.

The killing of MN Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband and the wounding of another lawmaker and his wife, has politicians regionwide reconsidering how to balance the need for their safety and access for their constituents.

State and industry leaders, along with representatives from the Five Recognized Tribes form a task for to bring attention to missing Indigenous people.