1:25 PM; Thursday, June 19, 2014
Barrio Versalles - Barrancabermeja, Colombia 

Colombia beats the Ivory Coast (2-1) to qualify for the second round of the FIFA World Cup.

Let me set the scene: 

Vallenato is blaring from huge speakers set up on the sidewalk. Most everyone in the barrio is wearing a yellow or red Colombian jersey. A parade of motorcycles passes every 15 minutes waving flags and honking horns. Kids are standing along the street blowing plastic Colombian colored vuvuzelas.

All the shops are closed for the afternoon and it’s over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A man (pictured here) at the corner bar is spraying a water hose at neighborhood kids and every passing motorist.

AUDIO POSTCARD: Colombia Wins Over Ivory Coast (2-1)

Barrancabermeja is the largest oil town in Colombia. It's full of concrete and the only patches of grass generally reek of dog piss. This is to say nothing of the people (who are incredibly tidy).

And though Wikipedia doesn't describe Barranca this way, after more than two years in the city, I can confidently assert -- this place is loud. Vallenato is constantly blasting from the stereos of taxis, storefronts and homes. 

Which is why Barranca before the sun is magical. The birds -- I can't believe the birds. Listen in.

5:00 AM - Barrancabermeja Before the Sun

I'm at the Portland Fish Exchange, the USA's first  all display fresh seafood auction. It's an amazing — and stinky — place.

Take a listen.

AUDIO POSTCARD: Portland Fish Exchange

What happens when what you think you know about the people closest to you turns out to be, well, wrong. In this story, we consider the possibility that there’s often more to the people we love than what we know.

Anne-Sophie Carpentier takes us into the heart of her family, where so much has changed over the years.

Who We Are

This year may be the last season for most bear hunters in Maine. On November fourth voters will decide whether or not to outlaw three key bear hunting practices: baiting, hounding and trapping. With the vote less than a week away, the debate is getting heated. 

One side says the practices are central to the state’s livelihood and the other calls them cruel and unsportsmanlike. I head into the woods to take a look at the crux of the matter: just how hard is it to hunt a bear anyway?

*This piece has aired on WMPG, WABE and PRX Remix.

The Last Bear Hunter

On August 27 a man’s body was discovered in a shallow grave in Jefferson, Maine. The grave was in the man’s own yard. Brit Hanson headed to the small town with one question in mind: how does something like this happen? Here’s what she found. A warning to listeners, this story does contain graphic content. 

*This piece aired on PRX Remix.

Body in the Yard

On February 19 federal judge Joseph Batillion heard arguments for a preliminary injunction to overturn the same-sex marriage ban in Nebraska. After requesting additional information and addressing a number of questions to both sides, Judge Batillion did not immediately rule. Counsel has until 5:00 pm Monday (Feb. 23) to provide the requested briefs. A ruling is expected next week. 

This is the a full recording of the plaintiff's Feb. 19 post-hearing press conference. 

ACLU Nebraska Press Conference (post same-sex hearing; Feb. 19, 2015)

Same-sex marriage is now legal in 36 states and Nebraska could be next. I take a look at how much is at stake for one Omaha couple.

This story originally aired on KIOS Omaha Public Radio: bit.ly/1Al0XEM.

Same-sex couple seeks equal protection for their daughter in Nebraska

Today, Explained Clip - Gerrymandering

Journalist | Digital Producer at North Country Public Radio