North Star Stories

Palisade, a town in central Minnesota, is grappling with the failure and deterioration of its water infrastructure. In part three of North Star Stories' series marking the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act, we focus on infrastructure, examining how maintenance, upgrades, and funding are essential to ensuring safe drinking water and securing the future of rural communities.

As 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.

On March 3, 2025, OutFront Minnesota, the state's largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, held a rally in the Capitol Rotunda to show support for the trans community ahead of a House vote on HF12, a bill that would have banned trans girls from K-12 sports.

When her old career was stripped from her because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kathy Friedrich founded Gateway Meadows Equine-Assisted Services. At the Dayton ranch, this nurse and Army vet facilitates group therapy sessions with horses for veterans with PTSD, anxiety and other health issues. That’s where Navy vet Carrie Gilmer found a way to unpack years of unexplored emotions and memories around mi...

In this episode of North Star Stories, Darek DeLille sits down with artist Jonathan Thunder to explore his solo exhibit at Gamut Gallery. Jonathan discusses how storytelling and personal experiences shape his pieces, offering listeners a deeper understanding of his art. Join Darek and Jonathan for a rich conversation that explores the heart of Jonathan’s creative process, the messages he shares th...

In 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 prioriti...

"Big Data" centers are coming to Minnesota, with companies such as Amazon planning massive facilities.  But as the industry expands, residents are weighing the long-term economic benefits against their concerns about the possible strain on the state’s electrical grid and water resources.

In this month's conversation with WTIP’s News Director Kalli Hawkins, we discuss their interview with Rima Dael, CEO of the National Federation of Community Broadcasters (NFCB) about the work of the organization and challenges for small rural stations during a period of uncertainty for federal funding. Produced by Victor Palomino.

Katie 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 fo...

An art center in the Rondo and Frogtown communities is committed to spreading joy within the Twin Cities, starting with their black history month celebration. North Star Stories' Jamad Jama interviews Mercedes Yarbrough and Nehemiah Jett of 825 Art, giving listeners insight into their three upcoming events and how they connect to their mission as an art center.  Produced by Jamad Jama.

Minnesota Department of Health Laboratories use state-of-the-art equipment to analyze bacterial genomes. Sara Vetter, director of the Public Health Lab at the Minnesota Department of Health, talks about the high-tech ways they track diseases in an effort to limit and prevent outbreaks.  Produced by Victor Palomino

Barbershops are a multi-generational space where people from the Black community come together for a fresh cut, storytelling, and a sense of connection. North Star Stories ' Jarrett George-Ballard interviews St. Paul's Kali Kutz owner June Hunter for more. Producer:  Jarrett George-Ballard 

An 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,...

Reporter Andrea Duarte-Alonso shares her family’s journey to finding a home in Worthington, Minnesota, a small town that has undergone significant demographic and cultural changes over the past few decades.  Producer: Andrea Duarte-Alonso.

Highland 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 va...

What is a "third place," and why are they key to maintaining strong communities in rural Minnesota and beyond? Sampaguita is a multidisciplinary art space in Aitkin, Minnesota, that was created to give people somewhere to come and "just be." AMPERS is joined by Sampaguita co-owner Richard Lupu to discuss what he has learned from creating Sampaguita, and what community organizers and members might...

Trauma is common within the Native community in Minnesota. New therapies are helping to treat trauma.  Producer: Deanna StandingCloud.

After 25 years, Lisa Cullen retired from military service. She was only in her 40s and wanted to make a career in the civilian world. But doing what? She and her wife Holly Boeckman decided to follow their passion for animals into the world of pet-sitting, though neither of them had ever owned a business or knew the first thing about being an entrepreneur. They founded Oh, Fur Pet’s Sake in April...

Young actress Antonisia (Nisi) Collins takes the stage as part of the main cast for the world premiere of Milo Imagines the World, a production by the Children’s Theatre Company (CTC). Collins earned the role as an alumna of the CTC Performing Apprentice Program.  Producer: Victor Palomino.

Big changes are happening at Minnesota libraries — some bringing new protections, while others raise concerns for communities and schools. North Star Stories’ Emma Needham talks with Brainerd Public Library Branch Manager Laurel Hall for more.  Producer: Emma Needham.

Vincent Moniz explores the problems Indigenous American students face, the new challenges from recent policy changes, and the role of culturally responsive teaching and community support in their success.  Producer: Vincent Moniz.

Minnesota’s first Kenyan born legislator talks about her election, her first weeks in office, her aspirations, immigration, and the American dream.  Producer: Victor Palomino.

Twice 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 e...

Minnesota, and neighboring Wisconsin, are hotspots for folk schools, boasting 10 to 15 percent of all such institutions in the United States. These folk schools serve communities by preserving traditional skills, fostering sustainable practices, and providing a rare opportunity to step away from modern life and reconnect with deeper meanings.   Producer: Emma Needham.

The MN state’s Department of Human Services is partnering with grassroots organizations to ensure that non-English speaking communities receive vital, culturally relevant information about the opioid epidemic in their own languages. Vecinos Unidos is the campaign launched by HACER, a research organization serving Minnesota’s Spanish-speaking community.  Producer: Victor Palomino