Jearlyn Steele

Hamline political science professor David Schultz takes us on a deep dive through the Debt Ceiling and why this passage of it was so tense. MN State Rep. Leigh Finke explains why this edition of Pride Month appears to have more importance than those of years past.

This week, those calling for more accountability for police officers got a boost to their cause.  New laws allow the MN POST (Peace Officer Standards & Training) Board to revoke licenses for officers whose conduct the board's policies, even if those officers are not charged or convicted of a crime.  Board executive director Erik Misselt joins the program to explain the process of getting their rules changed.

Jearlyn starts the show by discussing some of the air quality issues that the state has faced recently, despite the otherwise bright and sunny weather.  She also introduces us to a new law meant to help smaller repair businesses get the materials they need to continue working. MN POST Board executive director Erik Misselt tells us what changes the group is making to licensing peace officers around the state.

During this edition of Center Stage, Jearlyn speaks with the following guests: Children’s Theatre Company Casting Director Raiyon Hunter Mostly Trees lead guitarist Joel Korte Steam Machine band members AJ Srubas & Rina Rossi

On Sunday, one local entrepreneur celebrated her hair care product line launching with national retail chain Macy's.  DeVonna Pittman describes the journey of getting her product to this point.

Among the many bills that the MN State Legislature passed this year was a new initiative regarding what bicyclists can do when approaching street intersections.  Dorian Grilley, executive director of the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, explains the nuances of the law and what this means for cyclists on the road.

Dorian Grilley of the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota discusses the new law for bicyclists that approach street intersections. Local author and entrepreneur DeVonna Pittman previews the new location that her hair care product line will be sold.

For women that have recently fled the country of Afghanistan, getting acclimated to America can be daunting.  So, one local non-profit is providing a program to help for these refugees through shared experiences.  Sonia Anunciacion, Alight's Afghan Program lead, joins the show to explain how sewing is providing comfort in a new land.

Jearlyn starts the show by looking at the true purpose of Memorial Day.  Plus, do you think there's a certain age where children should (or shouldn't) attend remembrance services? Sonia Anunciacion of Alight tells us about the organization Sewing Social group for Afghan women refugees.

During this edition of Center Stage, Jearlyn chats with the following guests: Former Vikings DT and "Hate is Wrong" GSA Prom founder Esera Tuaolo Wakpa Triennial Art Festival project director Colleen Sheehy and contributing artist Xavier Tavera Singer/musician/songwriter Scott Zosel

In a recent survey, Minnesota's Deer Lake was named one of the country's top ten cleanest lakes.  What metrics are used to decide whether a certain body of water can be deemed clean?  Jearlyn asks this, and other questions, of Clean Lake Alliance deputy director Paul Dearlove.

Even though April is designated as National Stress Awareness Month, stress is something that effects us year-round.  But could this affliction actually be more of a part of living than we realize?  American Institute of Stress president Dr. Daniel Kirsch joins the show to talk about what we can do when it comes around...and whether some stress may even result in positive outcomes.

Dr. Daniel Kirsch of the American Institute of Stress tells us how stress is more of an everyday part of life than we think. Paul Dearlove from the Clean Lakes Alliance provides us with information on what makes for a "clean lake".

As we take this month to celebrate Asian-Ameicans and Pacific Islanders, there are still hurdles that need to be cleared for this population of people to receive the respect they deserve. Very Asian Foundation co-founder and former KARE-TV morning news anchor Gia Vang explains the work that the group is doing to educate about the contributions that people AAPI descent have made and are making to our society.

Jearlyn takes a few moments to talk about the importance of diversity as Disney offers a new cast portraying characters in the live-action "The Little Mermaid" movie. Gia Vang, co-founder of the Very Asian Foundation, tells us about her organization's efforts to educate during Asian-American & Pacific Islanders Heritage Month.

Guest host Steve Thomson take the last hour of the show to talk about some sports and entertainment news of the day, including the greatness of some athletes and the passing of the "Godfather of Poker".

Are legislative leaders in Washington really going to let the U.S. economy go into default?  Where can the two sides of these negotiations find a way forward?  We ask Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget senior VP & senior policy director Marc Goldwein about his thoughts on the stalemate.

In Wallethub's annual study of the Best & Worst States for working mothers, Minnesota ranks really well.  How has the state fared so well for this population subset?  Department of Labor and Industry deputy commissioner Kate Perushek lets us know how they are providing the best resources possible.

Steve Thomson continues his fill-in duty for Jearlyn tonight. Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry deputy commissioner Kate Perushek explains how the state has become so good to working mothers. Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget senior VP & senior policy director Marc Goldwein goes through the struggle to increase the country's Debt Ceiling.

Steve Thomson is in for Jearlyn tonight.  He and producer Jonathan Lowe discuss a few topics during the hour, including a tribute to Moms and some of the sports news of the day.