The 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 Special Olympics USA Games in June 2026, attracting 4,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, and 10,000 volunteers, shining a light on the strengths of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Production and backstage workers at Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) got their first union contract after a vote from the Members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 13. This marks a local milestone for these types of workers in the theater industry, and it sets an example for theater unions across the nation. North Star Stories talks with a CTC administrator and a union representative about the process gains and next steps for the workers.

The final file date for income tax is coming up fast, and the Minnesota Department of Revenue and HACER are reaching out to families to take advantage of the Child Tax Credit.

This Women’s History Month, we hear from three women stewarding culture through storytelling: Tracey Dagen, Jess Anderson Ojala, and Dani Pieratos have all made thoughtful contributions to the past & future iterations of the Vermilion Lake Oral History Project, an effort to preserve stories from Elders for future generations. Full transcripts of Mary Anderson’s interview and more interviews with Bois Forte elders are accessible on the Bois Forte Heritage Center’s website.

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 military-related sexual trauma.

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 through his art, and a unique behind-the-scenes look at the world of this gifted and experienced Indigenous artist.

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 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 Katharine DeCelle