Shows
North Star StoriesEasy In, Easy Out: The Keyless Car TheftToday: a judge's ruling overrides tribal authority, why your keyless car is at risk of being stolen, and a warning about illegal use of hydraulic jets.2025-05-3005 min
North Star StoriesHow the Federal Budget May Affect Services for Domestic Violence SurvivorsToday, after decades, sacred indigenous artifacts will go back to their tribe. Then, how the federal budget may affect services for domestic violence survivors. And, the Fond du Lac Band enters the cannabis business. 2025-05-2905 min
North Star StoriesGeorge Floyd Square: A Contested MemorialToday, we begin our weeklong series of special reports recognizing the fifth anniversary of the murder of George Floyd…an event that reshaped our state.2025-05-2305 min
North Star StoriesWhy It's Always a Good Time to Prioritize Mental HealthIn today's segment, Governor Walz heads to Washington, why it's always a good time to prioritize mental health, and who gets to cash in on cannabis in Minnesota?2025-05-1605 min
North Star StoriesHow State Tests May Be Failing Some Students and SchoolsToday, why mosquito numbers could surge mid-summer. We look at how state tests may be failing some students and schools. And a Minnesota tribe is betting on the future. 2025-05-0805 min
North Star StoriesSome Minnesotans Living with Autism Respond to Federal ClaimsThe state is making it easier for gun owners to keep their firearms safe. Some Minnesotans living with autism respond to claims by the federal government about the developmental disability. And, Native American healthcare clinics are bracing for major budget cuts. 2025-05-0805 min
North Star StoriesMetro Area Organizations Providing Vital Information to Vulnerable CommunitiesToday, a northern community college looks to the environment for new workforce initiatives. Some metro area organizations are providing vital information to vulnerable communities. And new rules on the roads may have you checking your rearview mirrors more often. 2025-04-2805 min
North Star StoriesMaking Minnesota's State Parks Accessible for AllToday, Hibernation is over…it's time to start preparing for bears! Efforts to make state parks accessible to all Minnesotans. And which Minnesota students will start a four-day school week in the fall.2025-04-2205 min
North Star StoriesWhy Some Lawmakers Want to Reduce Mandatory Minimum for School Bus Arm StopIn today's stories: A monument in St. Cloud will now honor even more Minnesota Veterans. Why some lawmakers want to reduce the mandatory minimum fine for running a school bus stop sign. And, national recognition for two former Minnesota Lynx players. 2025-04-2205 min
North Star StoriesBiking from Minneapolis to DuluthGenerating $1.4 billion annually, Duluth International Airport has new construction in the works. Bike to Duluth is gearing up for the 170-mile trek from Minneapolis to Duluth on June 28th. And, Moorhead’s mayor declared March "Kurdish Heritage Month" which is welcome news to Minnesota’s largest Kurdish community. 2025-04-1005 min
North Star StoriesA Blueprint for Equitable Housing TransformationTogether, a Twin Cities-based non-profit and a national organization have purchased 345 single family homes in the Twin Cities metro area in hopes of reshaping the landscape of affordable housing. Also, The US Supreme court ruled against the EPA’s authority to enforce pollution permits under the Clean Water Act.2025-03-3105 min
North Star StoriesThe Push for Equal Transit Rights in MinnesotaOn March 14, the Minnesota Council on Disabilities legislative forum met at the State Capitol to address transportation issues impacting Minnesotans with mobility issues. Also, The Shade Company, Blackduck's largest employer, is closing at the end of April, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has detected the emerald ash borer in Aitkin County.2025-03-3105 min
North Star StoriesDisability 2025 Legislative ForumAt the 2025 Legislative Forum hosted by the Minnesota Council on Disabilities on March 14, 2025, State Representatives addressed budget cuts affecting the disability community, including the $19 million deficit in Minnesota's Vocational Rehabilitation Program, which threatens to cut vital support for nearly 14,000 individuals with disabilities. Representatives contend that denying access to employment support could constitute a civil rights violation, challenging harmful stereotypes that label people with disabilities as economic liabilities. Speakers include MN State Representative Democrat Kim Hicks (District 25A), State representative Rep. Brion Curran (District 36B), Rep Peter Fisher (District 44A) and Rep. Katie Jones (District 61A).2025-03-3105 min
North Star StoriesThe Impact of Special Olympics in MinnesotaThe Special Olympics Minnesota State Poly Hockey and Powerlifting Competition was held on March 8 and 9, 2025 at Stillwater High School, and it showcased the talents of Special Olympics athletes from across the state. Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968, Special Olympics has grown into the largest sports program globally, empowering over 4.5 million athletes with intellectual disabilities. This state tournament celebrated not just competition but friendship and good sportsmanship. Athletes Ann and Trent emphasize the joy of being in community, and Minnesota Special Olympics senior program manager Emily Carr discusses the many benefits of sports. Looking ahead, Minnesota will host the...2025-03-3105 min
North Star StoriesStaying Civically Engaged in Today's Political LandscapeAs Minnesotans await the results of the Minnesota House District 40B special election, Kathleen Cole, Professor and Department Chair of Social Science at Metropolitan State University, discusses the state's current political landscape and how Minnesotans can stay engaged in the democratic process.2025-03-3104 min
North Star StoriesPersonal Matchmaking for People with Intellectual DisabilitiesIn an age dominated by online dating, finding love can be particularly challenging for individuals with developmental disabilities, who often face additional hurdles in building meaningful connections. Katherine Gyolai, a mother of eight, is reigniting the art of old-school matchmaking with the dating service Find Love Safely. This dating service for people with developmental disabilities prioritizes in-person interactions and personal connections over digital platforms, which can expose vulnerable users to risks like financial scams. Her approach has already brought joy to many including her own son, who has found a match through this tailored service.Produced by...2025-03-3105 min
North Star StoriesSexuality for All Abilities: Empowerment Through EducationKatie Thune, the founder of Mad Hatter Wellness, is on a mission to empower individuals with disabilities through crucial education on healthy relationships, consent, and personal boundaries. With her background in health and special education, Katie left her teaching career to address the alarming issue of sexual assault among her students with intellectual disabilities. She created "Sexuality for All Abilities," a guidebook designed to help educators teach sexual health in special education settings, as well as teaching courses on the subject herself. Katie's dedication to teaching healthy sexuality and advocating for the autonomy of individuals with disabilities is creating...2025-02-2105 min
North Star StoriesGirls in STEM: The Bucket Cats Robotics TeamAn all-girls robotics team from St. Paul, Minnesota is leading the way for girls in STEM. The "Bucket Cats," along with hundreds of other young engineers gathered in Burnsville, Minnesota to compete in the FIRST LEGO League state competition. Teams come from around the state with robots they have built from LEGOs and compete to win points in robot missions. With a focus on underwater exploration, each team must also create an innovation project that showcases their problem-solving skills and passion for science, technology, engineering, and math. As an excellent example of girls in STEM, the Bucket Cats demonstrate...2025-02-2105 min
North Star StoriesMaking a Difference Making PopcornHighland Popcorn, a small popcorn shop in St. Paul, has made a significant impact on its community in just one year by providing meaningful job opportunities for individuals with developmental and physical challenges. Under the leadership of General Manager Goog Applebaum, the store partners with Midwest Special Services to employ staff who face barriers in the job market, helping them excel in various roles from popping to packaging popcorn. The employees express joy and pride in their work, creating a strong sense of community and belonging. Through this commitment to empowerment and inclusion, Highland Popcorn is not only transforming...2025-02-1705 min
North Star StoriesAdaptive Recreation's Music Night: A Celebration of InclusionTwice a month, Saint Paul’s Adaptive Recreation Music Night brings together individuals with developmental and physical disabilities, their families, and support staff for an evening of joyful singing and dancing. Led by long-time musicians Ken Schaefer and Dan Rumsey, this beloved event fosters a strong sense of community and belonging, transforming the space into a sanctuary where everyone can express themselves and connect through music. It serves as a powerful reminder of joy, inclusion, and the importance of togetherness for those who attend and their loved ones. North Star Stories’ Katharine DeCelle has more. [More information can be fo...2025-02-1705 min
North Star StoriesAirborne & UnstoppableConor O'Meara, a young man with autism, has turned his lifelong dream into reality through his sports radio show, "Conor's Corner," broadcasted on WFNU Frogtown Radio in St. Paul. Over the past four years, Conor has carved out a space for himself in the broadcasting world. North Star Stories' Katharine DeCelle has more. Producer: Katharine DeCelle 2025-02-1405 min