Anika Besst
@anikabesst.bsky.social
St. Paul | Digital Producer at MPR News | Innovative storytelling
Reposted by Anika Besst
Northern lights lovers didn’t have to go far to see them ripple across the sky Tuesday evening. A show that included vivid red auroras visible to the eye, not just the camera.
We want to see your aurora photos. Message them to us or email them to tell@mpr.org.
We want to see your aurora photos. Message them to us or email them to tell@mpr.org.
November 12, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Northern lights lovers didn’t have to go far to see them ripple across the sky Tuesday evening. A show that included vivid red auroras visible to the eye, not just the camera.
We want to see your aurora photos. Message them to us or email them to tell@mpr.org.
We want to see your aurora photos. Message them to us or email them to tell@mpr.org.
Had the chance to talk with Winona-based band Afflatus about the inspiration behind their new album ”Painted Turtle.” Check it out here 🦢
How a band captured Winona’s natural beauty
What began as a musician falling in love with Winona’s bluffs has become an album that captures the region’s voice itself — a melodic love story to a place.
www.mprnews.org
November 12, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Had the chance to talk with Winona-based band Afflatus about the inspiration behind their new album ”Painted Turtle.” Check it out here 🦢
Reposted by Anika Besst
A dragonfly! In November?! Yup, it’s called the Autumn Meadowhawk for good reason
#invertebrates 🌿
#invertebrates 🌿
November 12, 2025 at 5:42 PM
A dragonfly! In November?! Yup, it’s called the Autumn Meadowhawk for good reason
#invertebrates 🌿
#invertebrates 🌿
Tomorrow is Election Day! Check out the MPR News Voter Guide for information about what you'll see on your ballot.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, and while this isn’t a presidential or midterm election year, it’s still a big deal for local communities across Minnesota.
To make sure you’re ready, MPR News has a free, personalized tool to help you learn who and what is on your ballot: Build Your Ballot.
To make sure you’re ready, MPR News has a free, personalized tool to help you learn who and what is on your ballot: Build Your Ballot.
Minnesota voter guide: Use 'Build Your Ballot' to prepare for the Nov. 4 local elections
Minnesota voters can get ready for Tuesday’s local elections with MPR News’ free “Build Your Ballot” tool. Learn who’s on your ballot, where candidates stand and explore issue-based candidate quizzes ...
www.mprnews.org
November 3, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Tomorrow is Election Day! Check out the MPR News Voter Guide for information about what you'll see on your ballot.
Reposted by Anika Besst
Hiahli’s latest single, born from one broke week and a van jam session, turns struggle into a celebration.
From a rough week to a good party: Hiahli turns hard times into joy
Hiahli’s latest single, born from one broke week and a van jam session, turns struggle into a celebration.
www.mprnews.org
October 20, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Hiahli’s latest single, born from one broke week and a van jam session, turns struggle into a celebration.
Reposted by Anika Besst
Fans across the WNBA have shown an outpouring of support on social media for players and coaches since recent press conferences have emphasized disparities in the league. And in Minnesota, Lynx Forward Napheesa Collier and head coach Cheryl Reeve have reignited calls for change.
Calls for changes in the WNBA follow a history of advocacy in women's sports
Fans across the league have watched the press conferences from players and coaches, and there has been an outpouring of support on social media. Their concerns echo long-held qualms players and coache...
www.mprnews.org
October 9, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Fans across the WNBA have shown an outpouring of support on social media for players and coaches since recent press conferences have emphasized disparities in the league. And in Minnesota, Lynx Forward Napheesa Collier and head coach Cheryl Reeve have reignited calls for change.
Reposted by Anika Besst
There’s a new polar bear at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. The zoo announced Friday that Astra, the 4-year-old female polar bear from Washington state, arrived at the zoo Thursday evening.
Polar bear arrives at Como Park Zoo in St. Paul
The arrival of the 700-pound, 4-year-old female polar bear is part of a plan to support the threatened species.
www.mprnews.org
October 10, 2025 at 8:20 PM
There’s a new polar bear at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. The zoo announced Friday that Astra, the 4-year-old female polar bear from Washington state, arrived at the zoo Thursday evening.
Reposted by Anika Besst
Two thousand people are expected to turn out next month when Split Rock Lighthouse and the Minnesota Historical Society host a memorial to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Nov. 10.
Huge crowd expected for 50th anniversary memorial of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Two thousand people are expected at the 50th anniversary commemoration of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald at Split Rock Lighthouse on the North Shore of Lake Superior on Nov. 10.
www.mprnews.org
October 12, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Two thousand people are expected to turn out next month when Split Rock Lighthouse and the Minnesota Historical Society host a memorial to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Nov. 10.
Reposted by Anika Besst
The exhibition features artists — all based in Minnesota — who offer perspectives on gender, sexuality and queerness, drawn from their experiences as trans and queer people or as caregivers within those communities.
Lowertown St. Paul gallery spotlights Minnesota artists exploring gender and identity
A new Lowertown St. Paul exhibit brings together artists from across Minnesota whose work examines gender, queerness and the fight for justice — inspired by one family’s personal story.
www.mprnews.org
October 14, 2025 at 12:18 AM
The exhibition features artists — all based in Minnesota — who offer perspectives on gender, sexuality and queerness, drawn from their experiences as trans and queer people or as caregivers within those communities.
The Voter Guide is live! Check it out. And remember, Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4 (with early voting happening now).
Election Day is quickly approaching. With municipal races happening across Minnesota, MPR News has a voter guide to help with your candidate research.
Get a customized look at what is on your ballot for the Nov. 4 general election and learn more about the candidates seeking your vote here:
Get a customized look at what is on your ballot for the Nov. 4 general election and learn more about the candidates seeking your vote here:
Build Your Ballot 2025: What will you be voting on?
MPR News surveyed candidates in local and state races to hear about their background and interest in the office they are running for. Voters in Minnesota can use our Build Your Ballot tool to get info...
www.mprnews.org
October 17, 2025 at 12:53 PM
The Voter Guide is live! Check it out. And remember, Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4 (with early voting happening now).
Reposted by Anika Besst
There’s four games remaining in the league’s regular season, and while the Lynx were the first team to clinch a playoff spot, the team remains committed to closing the season off strong. Monday night, the Lynx rallied against the Dallas Wings for a 96-71 win beating Minnesota-native Paige Bueckers.
Minnesota Lynx top Dallas Wings 96-71, begin prep for postseason run with Phee's return
There’s four games remaining in the league’s regular season, and while the Lynx were the first team to clinch a playoff spot, the team remains committed to closing the season off strong. Monday night,...
www.mprnews.org
September 2, 2025 at 2:51 PM
There’s four games remaining in the league’s regular season, and while the Lynx were the first team to clinch a playoff spot, the team remains committed to closing the season off strong. Monday night, the Lynx rallied against the Dallas Wings for a 96-71 win beating Minnesota-native Paige Bueckers.
Reposted by Anika Besst
It's called fashion.
I *might* be a @mprnews.org (and The Current and MPR Classical) fan...
MPR mosquito hat, MPR tote bag, and a MPR nature print shirt. Even the MPR booth staff commented on my swag.
The MPR News fan is sadly at home.
MPR mosquito hat, MPR tote bag, and a MPR nature print shirt. Even the MPR booth staff commented on my swag.
The MPR News fan is sadly at home.
August 21, 2025 at 8:31 PM
It's called fashion.
Reposted by Anika Besst
Twin Cities musicians Jackie Rae Daniels and Nate Baker’s new EP “Amerikinda Minnesorta Folk” showcases some of their favorite numbers and the depth in their rich sound that enhances the duo’s acoustic storytelling.
Settled sounds from old guitars: How Daniels & Baker found joy in the familiar
Twin Cities musicians Jackie Rae Daniels and Nate Baker’s new EP “Amerikinda Minnesorta Folk” showcases some of their favorite numbers and the depth in their rich sound that enhances the duo’s acousti...
www.mprnews.org
August 18, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Twin Cities musicians Jackie Rae Daniels and Nate Baker’s new EP “Amerikinda Minnesorta Folk” showcases some of their favorite numbers and the depth in their rich sound that enhances the duo’s acoustic storytelling.
Reposted by Anika Besst
Nursing homes are designed to care for patients with physical infirmities. But nationwide, 1 in 5 residents has been diagnosed with a serious mental illness — conditions few of the facilities are equipped to handle.
By @egawthrop.bsky.social: www.apmreports.org/story/2025/0...
By @egawthrop.bsky.social: www.apmreports.org/story/2025/0...
‘We did not want to take this guy’: Abuse rates higher at nursing homes with more mental illness
Nursing homes are designed to care for patients with physical infirmities. But nationwide, 1 in 5 residents has been diagnosed with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia or psychosis — condi...
www.apmreports.org
August 7, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Nursing homes are designed to care for patients with physical infirmities. But nationwide, 1 in 5 residents has been diagnosed with a serious mental illness — conditions few of the facilities are equipped to handle.
By @egawthrop.bsky.social: www.apmreports.org/story/2025/0...
By @egawthrop.bsky.social: www.apmreports.org/story/2025/0...
Reposted by Anika Besst
The Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot Amir Locke — and, until recently, led MPD’s use-of-force training — is not the only trainer whose record has raised concerns over the department’s commitment to changing its culture.
Four Minneapolis officers were accused of excessive force — and now train other police
The Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot Amir Locke and until recently led MPD’s use-of-force training is not the only trainer whose record has raised concerns over the department’s commitment ...
www.mprnews.org
August 7, 2025 at 11:29 AM
The Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot Amir Locke — and, until recently, led MPD’s use-of-force training — is not the only trainer whose record has raised concerns over the department’s commitment to changing its culture.
Reposted by Anika Besst
MPR News’ parent company to lay off 5–8% of staff amid $6M budget gap tied to state and federal funding cuts.
MPR’s parent company announces layoffs due to state and federal funding cuts
American Public Media Group leadership announced Thursday that it will be laying off employees and making other cost reductions after state and federal funding cuts led to a $6 million budget gap.
www.mprnews.org
July 24, 2025 at 5:22 PM
MPR News’ parent company to lay off 5–8% of staff amid $6M budget gap tied to state and federal funding cuts.
Reposted by Anika Besst
The Senate voted to approve a $9 billion rescission package aimed at clawing back money already allocated for public radio and television. In Minnesota, that funding totals $17,228,752 across 16 organizations.
Read the full story here: www.mprnews.org/story/2025/0...
Read the full story here: www.mprnews.org/story/2025/0...
July 17, 2025 at 3:24 PM
The Senate voted to approve a $9 billion rescission package aimed at clawing back money already allocated for public radio and television. In Minnesota, that funding totals $17,228,752 across 16 organizations.
Read the full story here: www.mprnews.org/story/2025/0...
Read the full story here: www.mprnews.org/story/2025/0...
Reposted by Anika Besst
Researchers with the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Large Lakes Observatory have discovered a new microbe hidden deep in the oily rudder shaft of its research vessel the Blue Heron.
Duluth scientists discover novel ‘Ship Goo‘ aboard Great Lakes research vessel
Researchers with the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Large Lakes Observatory have discovered a new microbe hidden deep in the oily rudder shaft of its research vessel the Blue Heron.
www.mprnews.org
July 6, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Researchers with the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Large Lakes Observatory have discovered a new microbe hidden deep in the oily rudder shaft of its research vessel the Blue Heron.
I had the opportunity to catch up with the Twin Cities band Gifted Handz. Hear more about how they met, their music, goals and about their piece “Freedom’s Intro.”
Music as medicine: Gifted Handz and the power of vulnerability
Three childhood friends in the Twin Cities band Gifted Handz created the gospel-fusion song “Freedom’s Intro” — inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s final speech — as a powerful, emotional centerpiece...
www.mprnews.org
June 30, 2025 at 11:05 PM
I had the opportunity to catch up with the Twin Cities band Gifted Handz. Hear more about how they met, their music, goals and about their piece “Freedom’s Intro.”
Creativity + archival material + a beloved game...What do you get? Archival footage bingo at the Minnesota History Center. Read about the new event here:
Relics of Minnesota history play bingo
The Minnesota History Center is holding a new event to showcase archival footage through a bingo game. The Thursday, June 12 event will include segments from KSTP broadcasts, commercials, home videos,...
www.mprnews.org
June 12, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Creativity + archival material + a beloved game...What do you get? Archival footage bingo at the Minnesota History Center. Read about the new event here:
It was a big day for Minnesota's women's basketball and a fight for home court advantage: the Lynx on their own hardwood and Paige Bueckers back in her home state.
I had the opportunity to chat with her former coach, fans and Lynx fans. Check out what they had to say about the matchup. 🏀🏀
I had the opportunity to chat with her former coach, fans and Lynx fans. Check out what they had to say about the matchup. 🏀🏀
Lynx beat Wings 85-81 for 2nd time in 5 days, spoiling homecoming for Bueckers
Napheesa Collier had 28 points and eight rebounds to lead the Minnesota Lynx to their second victory over the Dallas Wings in five days, an 85-81 decision that spoiled the homecoming for first overall...
www.mprnews.org
May 22, 2025 at 5:10 PM
It was a big day for Minnesota's women's basketball and a fight for home court advantage: the Lynx on their own hardwood and Paige Bueckers back in her home state.
I had the opportunity to chat with her former coach, fans and Lynx fans. Check out what they had to say about the matchup. 🏀🏀
I had the opportunity to chat with her former coach, fans and Lynx fans. Check out what they had to say about the matchup. 🏀🏀
St. Paul officials haven’t determined what caused a 35-foot-deep sinkhole on West Seventh Street. They also say the fix could take a couple of months to repair.
Repair on sinkhole near Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul expected to begin Monday
St. Paul officials haven’t determined what caused the sinkhole. They also say the fix could take a couple of months to repair.
www.mprnews.org
May 13, 2025 at 1:11 PM
St. Paul officials haven’t determined what caused a 35-foot-deep sinkhole on West Seventh Street. They also say the fix could take a couple of months to repair.
Reposted by Anika Besst
At last report, the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires had burned nearly 3,000 acres combined and destroyed dozens of structures about 40 miles north-northeast of Duluth. A third fire northwest of Duluth — the Munger Shaw Fire — also prompted evacuations late Monday.
National Guard called in to battle fast-growing northeastern Minnesota wildfires
Scores of residents of northeastern Minnesota have been forced to evacuate their homes as several large wildfires grow and spread. Hot, dry and windy conditions are helping fuel the blazes. Gov. Tim W...
www.mprnews.org
May 13, 2025 at 12:03 PM
At last report, the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires had burned nearly 3,000 acres combined and destroyed dozens of structures about 40 miles north-northeast of Duluth. A third fire northwest of Duluth — the Munger Shaw Fire — also prompted evacuations late Monday.
Reposted by Anika Besst
Here we are again. Experiencing Déjà vu? The Timberwolves are chasing their first-ever NBA Finals appearance for a second consecutive time after their failed attempt last season. After knocking out the Lakers, they now face the Golden State Warriors Tuesday in Round 2.
Timberwolves playoff run: Everything to know about Minnesota’s basketball semifinals
The Minnesota Timberwolves are chasing their first-ever NBA Finals appearance. After knocking out the Lakers, they now face the Golden State Warriors Tuesday in Round 2. Many Wolves fans may be experi...
www.mprnews.org
May 5, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Here we are again. Experiencing Déjà vu? The Timberwolves are chasing their first-ever NBA Finals appearance for a second consecutive time after their failed attempt last season. After knocking out the Lakers, they now face the Golden State Warriors Tuesday in Round 2.