Republican State Representative Bidal Duran of District 2A checks in from St. Paul. He discusses the new DWI law that extends the time of ignition interlock for repeat offenders among other things. He also discusses his belief in local solutions and discusses all things budget talks.

A last second cancellation left Kev & Denae without a guest for this edition of LIVING UNITED, The United Way Podcast. So, they talked to each other. Denae had plenty of great United Way stuff to share including the Investment process, their NEW Kid's Fishing Tournament, the Lueken's Village Foods Fishing Tournament and Women United.

Bemidji Area Schools Superintendent Jeremy Olson checks in for his monthly visit. He recaps the momentous school board meeting Monday, breaking down the budget reductions and discussing how we got here and how to be fiscally healthy moving forward.

Joy Barclay, Susie Balstad and Angie Scripture of the First City Lions Club are in with all the details on the upcoming Minnesota Lions Hearing Foundation's Annual Walk to D-Feet Hearling Loss coming June 7th. They discuss the Lions efforts to combat hearing loss, how you can join the club and how to get registered for the walk.

Today Trisha Andrews is in to update what's going on at the Headwaters School of Music & The Arts this summer and preview the annual Monroe's Crossing Concert coming May 17th to the Chief Theatre. Then Christina and Demo Regas are in to preview this summer's annual Take A Kid Fishing Day in Bemidji.

The Bemidji School Board will hear details on the District's plan to cut $1.5 million dollars to the upcoming Fiscal 2026 budget tonight and will vote on the proposal. Superintendent Jeremy Olson and Board Member Todd Haugen discuss the details.

First National Bank Bemidji is hosting two Security Awareness Seminars covering multiple topics. Madi Pfleger, Wade Hudkins, Chris Mathisen and Jim Ekstrom are in to preview the events and why it's vital for you to be aware and safe.

Today on Chatabout, we start with a conversation on mental health with Alicia Holley of Sanford Health. She discusses why and when to seek services, the options available and finding the right fit for you. Then, we hear from Lacie Blake of Otter Tail Power, LInda Kingery of the Citizens Climate Lobby and Ayla Kranz of Beltrami Electric Cooperative abotu Empower Your Home 2.0, a free event at Beltrami Electric for those ready to get their homes more energy efficient...and economical.

Fund raising breakfasts are the topic today. Ethan Larson previews next Tuesday's Bemidji Lions Club Flapjack Fundraiser and talks all things Lions Club. Then, Don Hazeman and Dori Ramondo talk about this Saturday's Breakfast, Bake Sale and Garage Sale at Eckles Community Center to raise needed funds.

Another doubleheader today. We start off with the latest from the State Capitol with House 2A Representative Bidal Duran, including the challenging budget discussions. Then, we hear from Dale Sohlstrom of Duluth, who will tell the story of his Swedish Ancestors moving to Minnesota at the Bemidji Chapter of the American Swedish Institute's Annual Meeting this Saturday.

Frank Bera of the Bemidji Woodcarvers Club talks all things wood carving as well as his upcoming presentation on a traditional Scandanavian style at this Sunday's Sons Of Norway Meeting. Meanwhile, Hondo, Suzy and Will preview this weekend's FUNtastic Dance Follies at Bemidji State.

Mayor Jorge Prince is in to talk about what's happening in Bemidji. He discusses tree replacement, sink holes (and secret buildings?!), the 197 project and his thoughts on Northern Township's intent to incorporate. Then Angela Lyseng of Beltrami Electric previews their upcoming Green Touch Park Cleanup at Lake Bemidji State Park.

Beltrami County Solid Waste Operations Manager Jared Davidson was in to update the construction project at the Transfer Station. Plus, the new recycling site in Bemidji, battery issues and the demolition landfill has their expanded summer hours

In another two part show, we start off with Beltrami County Commissioner Brian Winger recapping yesterday's meeting and discussing the very big burdens the current state budget proposals put on the county. Then Walt & Amy Lindahl are in to tell Walt's story of the life saving importance of organ donation during Organi Donation Awareness Month.

Mary Eaton and Alice Thompson preview next Thursday's 26th Annual Ministry of Caring Conference, then we get updated on Spring at Lake Bemidji State Park with Park Manager Pete Harrison and Naturalist Christa Drake.

Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs is in to update all thing law enforcement. We discuss his trip to the southern border, budget season and medical examiners. Then, Dave Knudson and Kari Lewis of the Bemidji Sunrise Rotary preview their annual Shred Event, a scholarship fundraiser.

PA Jen McGill in Rheumatology at Sanford Health of Northern Minnesota discusses what rheumatology is, the various types of arthritis and treatment options. Then, Ward 3 Bemidji City Councilor Mark Dickinson recaps Monday's meeting and discusses key items in the city for the summer and beyond.

Tomorrow is Northwest Technical College's Day Of Giving. The NTC and BSU President and Head of Staff discuss the programs, the growth of both schools and tease a big event coming to the Gigazone TechXpo this Saturday.

State Representative Bidal Duran checks in from St. Paul as negotiations on the budget begin in earnest. He also discusses the decision to bring additional FBI agents to Minnesota to work on the continuing tragedy of missing indigenous women and children.

Paul Bunyan Communications' Brian Bissonette is in to preview the 9th Annual Gigazone Gaming Championships filling up Sanford Center this weekend. Plus, it's the 3rd Annual TechXpo as well.

Lisa Bruns and Sally Corser are in to preview Thursday's 3rd 100 Women Who Care event in Bemidji. We'll find out how it works, what it's all about and where you need to be if you want to be part of it this Thursday!

On the latest LIVING UNITED PODCAST, Denae and Kev talk with Lydia Petruszewski and Tina Kaney about BECC and the many things they do to help kids and families. One of their big events is Tiny Tots and that is set for tomorrow at Sanford Center. All the details on LIVING UNITED.

Fresh from an e-learning day and a late start, Bemidji Schools Superintendent Jeremy Olson discusses the challenges of deciding when to close, when not to open and when to start late. Plus student achievement in the classroom and in activities, financial challenges and he addresses what he can on the teacher currently on administrative leave.

Beltrami County Administrator Tom Barry was in to recap the topics from yesterday's County Board meeting including concerns about the Minnesota Budget and its huge implications for Minnesota counties, future options for the current jail facility, upcoming road projects and more