Recent content from Katy Read
Virtual pen pals: ENGin pairs Ukrainians and Americans for online English conversations
ENGin participants in Minnesota and Ukraine find the exchanges extremely valuable.
Minnesota History Center's 'Girlhood' exhibit examines roles, restrictions and rebellions
The St. Paul museum's show explores issues affecting girls in education, health, work, sports and fashion.
Can Americans discuss political disagreements respectfully? Yes, says this Minnesota pastor.
The Rev. Jerad Morey of the Minnesota Council of Churches specializes helping people politely navigate discussions of divisive issues.
'Harry Potter' Broadway play makes its Minnesota debut at a Plymouth high school
Armstrong students find ways to create magic onstage with "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."
In St. Paul theater play 'Thank You for Holding,' caregivers perform as caregivers
Wonderlust Productions' play connects stories of the joy and grief that come with caregiving.
This Minnesota council helps people with diseases you've probably never heard of
The Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council works to help those with rare diseases get screened, diagnosed and treated.
Giddy-up! Cafesjian's Carousel's original horses at Como Park are still galloping after 110 years.
After a fire and several moves in Minnesota, the vintage merry-go-around retains its original paint and charm.
MacPhail therapists use music to treat a wide range of health issues
Minneapolis program focuses on music's power to affect brain function, mood and behavior.
Why isn't medication that eliminates opioid cravings more widely used?
Despite government approval, the drug still scares some people.
He was the face of addiction recovery. Then he got hooked on opioids.
In a new book, William Cope Moyers, a vice president at Minnesota's Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, tells about how, after years of sobriety, he became addicted to painkillers — and how he got off them.
Mobile Market delivers food to Twin Cities communities in need
Converted school bus is a grocery store on wheels.
Minneapolis woman, losing speech to Parkinson's disease, works to communicate via a documentary
Jackie Hunt Christensen speaks slowly and faintly, but her determination is strong.
Minneapolis musicians play oldies that senior-home audiences remember from their younger days
When the Floras perform, audiences can sing along to songs by Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley and other hits from their youth.
The eagle isn't actually the national bird. An effort launched in Wabasha may change that.
The National Eagle Center is spearheading an effort championed by Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Reps. Angie Craig and Brad Finstad.
New book by St. Paul therapist guides self-examination through journaling
"Unapologetically Healing: A Guided Journal for Reflection and Generational Transformation" is designed for use during, after or instead of therapy.
Three 101-year-old friends recall fond memories in 1940s Alexandria
Virginia Goering, Vera Sims and Viva Froemming have stayed friends for 80 years.
Minnetonka teenager singlehandedly organizes nonprofit and travels to Tanzania to coach girls in running
Maya Mor decided to use her "gap year" constructively.
This rocks! Minnesotans are painting stones with kind messages to spread cheer.
Brightly decorated rocks in yards across the state are part of a "kindness rock" trend.
For Minneapolis assisted-living chaplain, residents' stories are 'a gift'
Annie Lees went from Los Angeles actress to chaplain at Catholic Eldercare so she could spend time talking to people.
Could a system developed by Minnesota high school students reduce school shootings?
Vigilance Safety, a system designed by Wayzata High School students to detect guns, has receive praise from police, educators and even a gun dealer.
Minnesota company helps special-ed teachers around the country
Creatively Focused helps educators organize paperwork and connect with other teachers.
Minneapolis program sparks youth careers through community projects
Spark-Y offers hands-on classroom learning, internships and apprenticeships to help kids achieve their "destiny."
St. Paul club offers 'a lot of fun stuff' for people with developmental disabilities
The Highland Friendship Club was organized by the moms of two members.
Volunteering in hospice helps Macalester students contemplate death's mysteries up close
"Just being there" can be a comfort to people in their final days.
Minnesota music teachers play alongside Minnesota Orchestra members in special concerts
Each of 54 educators sat beside an orchestra member playing the same instrument for a performance of Gustav Holst's "Jupiter" during season sampler concerts.
Two die in Wyoming, Minn., crash
Two others were injured when a vehicle crossed the center line.
Minnesota veteran makes 1,000-mile 'gratitude walk' for program that helps vets
Daniel Crawford hiked in honor of 23rd Veteran, a Duluth program that turns trauma triggers into positive vibes.
What are the financial pros and cons of retiring in Minnesota?
The state has higher taxes. But it is also important to look at the "whole picture."
At 90, Northfield woman looks back on 57 years of blood drives
Cindy Anderson helped recruit volunteers and set up the spaces.
Service dog helps Minneapolis high-school counselor cope with MS
Fortunately, Lambeau's name was no problem for Nora Guerin, an avid Green Bay Packers fan.
Twin Cities exhibit traces 'Unfinished Journey' for people with developmental disabilities
From lifelong confinement to voting rights: Some of the milestones providing more opportunities and independence are disturbingly recent.
Artists offer ideas for improving the health care system
What sounds like a monumental task is doable if lots of people get involved, they say.
Owner of Hopkins doggie day care shares tips for helping pups learn good manners
Every dog has its day at Adventures in Barking.
Twin Cities program helps parents celebrate their babies with Down syndrome
Jack's Basket counters "insensitive" delivery of the news with baskets of baby gifts and family resources.
Women in Twin Cities group help each other develop their careers
TeamWomen's members, representing a variety of career levels and industries, get together to share experiences and strategies.
University of Minnesota researcher studies health effects of sit-stand desks
A University of Minnesota professor partnered with a colleague from Arizona State University to study how sit-stand desks affect workers' health.
Little-known devices restore vision to people who can't be helped by regular glasses
Bioptic telescopic glasses can help people read, walk and see loved one's faces, but hardly anyone has heard of them.
St. Paul woman advocates on behalf of access and equity for other deaf people
Jessalyn Akerman-Frank has won awards for creating innovative programs for the deaf community.
Eden Prairie photographer creates portraits of dogs using AI
Is artificial intelligence a threat to artists or a useful tool? Maybe both, Jim Henderson says.
Twin Cities area clinics offer holistic care to women over 65
Herself Health focuses on women's health and wellness from a perspective that's different from the one used for men.
St. Paul consultant helps 'solo seniors' deal with dilemmas of aging
Linda J. Camp is working for systemic change to help those without close relatives or friends to deal with health care, financial challenges and more.
Rochester woman turns stories of her own struggles into advocacy for others in need
Caregiving challenges, homelessness, chronic disease, drug addiction and lack of medical insurance are among the problems Toni Kay Mangskau's family encountered.
Local leaders welcome pope's statement on LGBTQ couples
Archbishop Hebda says it's a reminder "that all of us are loved by God." Dignity Twin Cities calls it a "landmark decision."
Residents of Edina senior housing meet monthly to write, read, remember
A writing group at the Waters has published four books that share their stories.
An Imax producer shares his travel secrets
"The World Has a Big Backyard," by former Science Museum executive VP Mike Day, is part travel memoir, part advice book.
Minnesota LGBTQ organizations offer support to newcomers seeking trans refuge
With a new Minnesota law making the state a refuge for people seeking gender-affirming care, local organizations are offering support to transgender and nonbinary arrivals.
Formerly homeless Minneapolis brothers develop passion for drawing in Mia class
Through the Vitality Arts projects, they explored their range of interests, from mythology to World War II to Taylor Swift.
Dinners by top Minnesota chefs serve up 'courageous conversation'
Stories Behind the Menu founder Chaz Sandifer wants people to form connections across cultures by breaking bread together.
Exhibit shows progress in lives of Minnesotans with developmental disabilities
Once labeled "feeble-minded" and institutionalized, people with disabilities now have more control over their lives and choices.
Minnesota therapists use virtual reality to help patients conquer fears
Whether it makes you feel like you're playing an enjoyable game or confronting your worst fears, VR is gaining interest as effective therapy.
9 Minnesota coffee shops that pour profits back into the community
These coffee shops have missions that extend beyond their brews.
Edina teens create free app that lets kids track their emotions
Users of Taara Verma's Feel Now get a reminder each day to log their moods.
Minneapolis woman's introspective memoir examines the emotions of caregiving
Savita Harjani's "Postcards From Within" isn't a how-to book as much as a personal journal about what it meant.
New $2,000 Minnesota State Fair scholarship aids study of skilled trades
Lex Lewison of Owatonna will use his scholarship to learn increasingly complex automotive service technology.
Minneapolis wellness center offers Black people a space where others 'get it'
Reviving Roots offers an all-Black staff and therapy designed for the Black community.
Minnesota teen swimmer has broken more than 100 bones, but her spirit is unbreakable
After winning gold in a national tournament, Sophia Nohre wants to compete in the 2028 Paralympics — among other things.
Minneapolis author tells kids how they can make their days and nights 'good'
"Make it a Good Day" and "Make it a Good Night" offer young readers tips for making things go well.
St. Paul man wins national recognition for helping others through recovery
Writer, speaker and mentor James Page Jr. developed a set of inspirational cards he named "Spiritual Apples."
Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota gets $5 million donation for Camp Oz
The gift is by far the largest the organization has ever received.
Minnesota dads harness 'power of music' to help kids with mental health struggles
The Twin Cities duo wants to raise money to help children struggling with anxiety and depression.
Minnesota father and son develop app to monitor loved ones with dementia
Scott and Paul Carpenter created BoundaryCare after finding little available to protect family members — including their own.
Minnesota man develops games to help kids learn Ojibwe culture and language
Cards and puzzles give Native American youngsters a chance to speak Ojibwe.
To help his riders, Twin Cities Uber and Lyft driver goes the extra mile
Mark Daigle of Minnetonka pays for people's rides, gets them to safety if needed — and more.
Retiring Minneapolis teacher 'Ms. Jean' has offered a living lesson in caring
School to salute "Ms. Jean" Cerisier, who is "respected and revered" by her peers and students alike.
How do you decide how to give? These Minnesotans practice Effective Altruism
The practice aims to save lives using logic — but why is it so controversial?
Former Vikings star's daughter wants to help other families tell their stories
Filmmaker and author Maya Washington has designed a program on making a creative project.
Lakeville mom has more than 100 kids: 'If there's room in the heart, there's room in the home'
Donna Traefald raised nine adopted children and fostered more than 100, much of that time as a single mother working full time.
Curiosity Studio in Minneapolis offers open-ended approach to art therapy
Programs include Open Studio, in which participants can create whatever they want while interacting with others.
Why has Minnesota's suicide rate been steadily rising?
This heartbreaking public health trend has mirrored a similar increase across the country.
These Minnesotans channeled their grief into 'a force for good'
For some people, a project offers a way to cope with grief and honor the memory of a loved one.
Blaine mom helps school understand son, other kids with Down syndrome
Sana Soussi hopes the program she organized will lead to more acceptance and inclusion of kids with special needs.
16 Minnesota volunteers discuss the rewards of giving time
During March, the Star Tribune explored volunteering, from how to find opportunities to how helping others can make your life better. Each week, four volunteers explained how they give back and why they volunteer.
These Minnesotans volunteered to help others. They ended up helping themselves.
Folks who participated in the Star Tribune's Volunteer Challenge talk about the joys of helping others.