Today's Segments
Reflections on the Passing of Pope Francis
Monsignor James Patrick Shea, president of the University of Mary and a priest in the Diocese of Bismarck, joins Main Street to reflect on the passing of Pope Francis, who died just one day after delivering his Easter blessing. Monsignor Shea describes Francis as a spiritual father whose humility, compassion, and commitment to justice profoundly influenced the global Catholic Church and the faithful in North Dakota. He shares how the Pope’s emphasis on outreach to the poor, care for the environment, and efforts to make the Church more transparent and inclusive deeply shaped his own priesthood and leadership. Shea says the Pope’s legacy lives on in how individuals choose to live out their faith with service, integrity, and hope.
Earth Day Events in Valley City
In celebration of Earth Day, Main Street features a conversation with three environmental advocates leading upcoming events in Valley City on April 22 & 24. Dr. Rebecca Phillips, a soil carbon and regenerative agriculture expert; Patrick Sommer, a Dark Sky International delegate; and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Matt Waxler discuss the urgency of climate action, the threats posed by pollution, and the importance of education in promoting sustainability. Waxler’s new documentary The Jungle explores the environmental impact of the U.S. meat industry, while Sommer emphasizes the need to reduce light pollution. Together, they preview this week’s local Earth Day activities—ranging from lectures to film screenings—that are free and open to the public, and they call on communities to take meaningful steps toward a healthier planet.