The Crisis Files

When U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Green called for a “national divorce,” many balked at the farfetched idea. But in our increasingly polarized country, the concept of dividing the nation into red and blue states is gaining traction. Some lawmakers have proposed seceding, redrawing state boundaries and even prosecuting women who cross state lines for abortions. Attorney and Crisis Squad member Steve Silton joins host Roshini Rajkumar to explore the constitutionality, historic precedents and feasibility of a divided America

In an increasingly interconnected world, cancel culture takes center stage. Public figures like J.K Rowling, Mindy Kaling, and Dave Chappelle sometimes find backlash from Americans fueled by a desire for accountability. But at what cost? How does the marketplace of and for ideas live on? Addressing controversy can devolve into a mob mentality, unfair boycotts, and punishing those with dissenting views. Host Roshini Rajkumar welcomes film critic and entertainment contributor Paul McGuire Grimes to explore how cancel culture can oversimplify complex viewpoints and even silence underrepresented voices.

From bracket breaking upsets and Cinderella stories to dominant champs hoping to cement their legacies, March Madness is in full gear! The NCAA basketball tournament captivates the nation year after year as the biggest sports tourney in the United States. Attorney, Crisis Squad member, and sports superfan Steve Silton joins host Roshini Rajkumar to talk about game changers, including the spread of legal sports betting and the rising popularity of women’s basketball. The Crisis Files celebrates the thrills and heartbreaks of the “Big Dance" in this Case File that's dedicated to sports fans everywhere. Plus, get pro tips about how a city lands part of the action and this pair's take on name, image, likeness.

Do you ever wonder if life is happening to you or whether you are in control? Now may be the time to take a step back, dig deep, and pivot. In this inspiring case file, host Roshini Rajkumar welcomes Small Business Revolution host and former Chief Brand Office of Deluxe Amanda Brinkman. She shares how her vision of a cosmic swirl started her journey from the corporate C-Suite to CEO of her own brand, Sunshine Studios. Get pro tips for reimagining your future and discover deeper meaning in your present. Plus, learn how to harness the feeling on those "kick-ass" days into a path toward a more satisfied life.

Experts say there are more guns in the U.S. than people. While the second amendment guarantees the right to bear arms, the shocking frequency and magnitude of U.S. gun violence surpasses every other country. As extremes on both sides of the political spectrum dig in, mass shootings and record-breaking casualties highlight Washington’s failure to act. Do regulations like red flag laws infringe on responsible gun owners’ rights? Why don’t political leaders have the tough conversations to address gun violence? Do gun laws overlook the root causes of increasing gun violence such as mental health? Former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch joins host Roshini Rajkumar to dissect this divisive issue and explore solutions to prevent more gun deaths.

Death isn’t something we want to talk or think about. But when tragedy inevitably strikes, the fog of grief can leave us shocked and hopeless. Loss can tear families apart and make surviving spouses vulnerable to bad actors looking to make a quick buck. Difficult conversations and end-of-life preparations can take the stress out of funeral preparations, prevent estate disputes and prepare you for life after death. In this special case file, Roshini and Minnesota broadcast hall of famer Pat Miles discuss their personal experiences with loss, key resources to look into now, and how to ask for help. This Case File is dedicated to Bucky Zimmerman and to everyone who has lost a loved one.

Having trouble keeping up with all the awards shows? The Crisis Files host Roshini Rajkumar asked film critic and our entertainment contributor, Paul McGuire Grimes, to get real about what's real. A win usually meant a career-defining moment for an actor and a prestigious payout for a studio. With declining ratings, are awards shows and the awards they give out still relevant? How have streaming services and changing viewing habits affected the film industry? Do studio campaigns affect outcomes? From the latest hits and dark horse surprises, this Case File will have you laughing and, maybe, shouting with emotion.

Extreme voices on the right and left dominate politics, creating endless showdowns and stalemates without much progress for the American people. Studies show that divisive politicians reflect an increasingly polarized electorate and a media machine that feeds on scandal and soundbites. How can leadership thrive in this increasingly divided climate? Host Roshini Rajkumar welcomes lobbyist and former Minnesota Senate majority leader Amy Koch to share her insider knowledge. Plus, learn how humility and understanding can dial down the rhetoric and empower leaders to rise above the political divide.

It’s a tale as old as time - two people meet at work, fall in love and get married, but for every successful office romance there’s a dating disaster that can have legal and moral consequences. From sexual harassment to consensual extramarital affairs, sex at work can violate company policies, make coworkers uncomfortable and even break the law. But you can’t stop love and you definitely can’t stop sex! Business attorney and crisis squad member Steve Silton joins host Roshini Rajkumar to break down the do’s and don’ts. Plus, learn how businesses can set boundaries and navigate office romances.

Hybrid work demands, increased crime and overall employee wellness have businesses and residents questioning if downtowns are relics of the past or if they can meet the wants and needs of a post-pandemic world. How can city planners and civic leaders navigate these seismic changes to prevent urban blight? How can the arts ensure metropolitan communities and businesses thrive moving forward? What cities are getting the transition “right”? Host Roshini Rajkumar welcomes Minneapolis Regional Chamber President and CEO Jonathan Weinhagen to dissect the current state of downtowns and break down how leaders can adapt to evolving urban cores. Plus, find out why density matters.