MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about prom, suicide prevention, the ongoing controversy over building a playground in Alexandria, the Kensington Runestone and reports of gunshots on the Alexandria Golf Club course. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute.

Check out the top headlines from April 30 and May 2 below:

April 30, 2025

2025 Osakis High School Prom was all about the glitz and glam - PHOTOS

A frank talk about suicide - from someone who’s been there

Alexandria City Council unable to override mayor's veto of playground equipment

Kensington Runestone to be featured in documentary series

Lake Brophy Park event to raise awareness of Parkinson's Disease

Girls Basketball: Legendary Alexandria head coach Wendy Kohler retires after 40 seasons

May 2, 2025

New ‘learning center’ clubhouse approved for Alexandria Golf Club

Construction on County Road 8 - the Barrett Road - should start mid-May

Update: Authorities investigate report of gunshots on Alexandria Golf Club course

Opinion

This month on Minnesota Night Skies, the Milky Way in May!

Mars in the Beehive cluster: best band name ever or astronomical event? Find out May3 and 4th

The Eta Aquariid meteor shower early in the mornings of May 6 and 7

Galaxies in Virgo: you'll need a telescope, but even a gently used one can open up a world of delights. You can’t see these galaxies with your eyes, but with a telescope and a map, you can galaxy hop across Virgo!

Corvus the crow has lots of galaxies in it,too, but it can be a little tricky to find. Follow arc of the Big Dipper's handle, the second bright star is Spica, and Corvus is just a little to the right of that.

The International Space Station returns at dusk - download NASA’s Spot the Station app or go to the Spot the Station website

Plus, Bob just won the 2025 Regional Award for contributions to public and amateur astronomy from the North Central Region of the Astronomical League!

Astro Bob is podcasting! Astro Bob King and Echo Press reporter and host Lisa Johnson did an astronomy radio show together for many years, and now they’re back on a new podcast for all of Minnesota, called Minnesota Night Skies.

Bob King is an amateur astronomer, an photographer and author. His most recent book is called “Magnificent Aurora” about the Northern Lights. He writes a syndicated column for the Duluth News Tribune and is a regular contributor to Sky & Telescope magazine.

Bob recommends several guides to help you find what’s up in the sky. For more information about the star maps and a local information calendar, you can check out Skymaps.com. Also look for Stellarium Mobile where you get your apps. It's available for both Apple and Android phones. And check out Heavens Above at Heavens Above.com.

MINNESOTA — In this episode of the Echo Press News Minute, reporter Lisa Johnson talks about Easter and Earth Day, the ups and downs of a proposed playground in Alexandria, the help from the Minnesota Twins for an area family and the help for a pickleball player who had a heart attack, and the importance of local journalism. Those stories and more, this week on the Echo Press News Minute.

Check out the top headlines from April 20 and 25 below:

April 20, 2025

Easter activities held at Church for the Harvest in Alexandria

Alexandria mayor vetoes City Council playground decision

Update: State releases new fish consumption guidance for lakes with 'forever chemicals'

Minnesota Twins fans may want to attend benefit for Randy Bartos on April 27 in Alexandria

Baseball: Alexandria College gets 20th win of 2025

April 25, 2025

Roughly 60 people took part in the Earth Day Walk in Alexandria (w/video)

Pickleball player's life saved because of heroic actions and an AED at Discovery Middle School

Mayor Bobbie Osterberg explains why she vetoed council's action to pursue playground project at Fillmore Park

Despite challenges — perhaps because of them — local journalism is vital

Baseball: Two months after breaking collarbone, injuring wrist, B-E's Jack Kelly hits walk-off in Monday win

Opinion