Anchor at 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS. Minnesota Mama. Love biking and skiing with the family.
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Articles by Leah McLean
Ouch, Indifference
Leah McLean · Follow Just now -- Grizzly, gnarly. Missed the train, split second. Not another one for an hour. Itchy teeth. I’ve eaten a whole packet of cotton wool balls. I chewed them. Totally yummy cotton wool balls. Only joking, not a psycho. Just a standard GIRL. Standard: hair, teeth, eyes. To summarise: one, two, three. Nothing else. The search continues. This is absurd. (There’s something wrong with this girl) – at least I don’t lack substance. Wouldn’t that be SO much worse?
That Is The Saddest Sunflower I’ve Ever Seen
Leah McLean · Follow 1 min read · -- Looks like you’re on a losing streak. Sorry about that. Perhaps if you listen to the world around you, their godly advice will lift you up and you will rise into that pretty blue sky. Still with your arms crossed across your chest, though. It’s not their intention to make you cry; I promise you, they don’t care, not really. They’re just living, using each of their hours to save their own lives, in tiny, mini, different ways.
5 Stages of Grief
Denial Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance Five fucking nightmares really. Each comes with its own pit of hell. I think anger is the most cathartic and perhaps the safest one to feel. Rarely is it acted upon, but it is felt very deeply and with complete reason. Bargaining, I would argue, is actually more of an act, rather than a feeling.
The Nutbag
Nutbag, Ratbag, Silly Sausage, Prick, You hate my voice, I think you’re a dick. Nutbag, Ratbag, Silly Sausage, Prick, I love you dearly but you’re taking the mick.
Tricky Life
It’s tricky, life. Especially when you fall in love. First it’s just bliss, all turquoise and dazzling. You are sane and not sane all at once but it does make sense, in some strange way. I love being in love, always have done. I find life is a desolate place when I am solitary, confined. I don’t care what people make of that, or how unhealthy it might seem to some. I’m not other people, nor do I believe I must think and feel the things that they do.
Pile
Is it likely that the pile will grow in time, or it is imminent. The word 'imminent' is scary and so definite. Definite also makes me fearful but with those sorts of feelings, I'm afraid the list could go on. The energy that is radiating off the pile is not great either. I sense old lovers who he made me dreary, but for some reason I haven't let go of. The heat from the flesh I remember once touching me lingers like a putrid smell in a tulip scented filled air. The contrast is stark.
How To Be Unhappy
First and foremost, it's very important that you focus deeply on hyper-fixating on any traumatic experience that you can get your hands on (or get your mind on, whatever works) - you've got to really hone in on any existing bad vibes, retracing all of those dreadful steps, right back to the source. When you're there, consider yourself well and truly stuck, as though you are completely cemented in that painful moment. Sit for a few minutes and really dwell.
The Pain of Potential
Early twenties with bags of time. Cool, there's no rush. Enjoy it. Moving at speed but with the right amount of energy needed to do so. Usually loosely safe but not when not consuming that good-good. That thing that kept me warm. Outrageousness under the guise of fun. Ridiculousness. Academic expectations with no real direction. It's ok, I'll be fine because I have a degree. It's all going to be completely fine if you are further educated. Lots of rambling. Kissing, fucking.
Prince's co-author talks about the late artist's new book
On Friday, Prince's co-author stopped by the 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS studios to talk about the collaboration with an icon and finishing the book on his own. Prince chose Dan Piepenbring to help him write a book about his life. Prince's anticipated, posthumous memoir is ready for fans "He sat me down at his desk and showed me he had started to write it. His 28 pages about his childhood really became the foundation of the book," Piepenbring said.
Local organization gaining national attention for helping people get good-paying jobs
Photo: KSTP Updated: August 02, 2019 05:34 PM The Minneapolis Urban League is gaining national attention for training programs helping people get good paying jobs. They just earned an award from the National Urban League for exceptional performance in the Urban Tech Jobs Program. The program offers free courses, and graduates get the opportunity to take a test to qualify for official certification in Cisco, CompTIA, and others.
U of M researchers find earthworms are threatening Minnesota's state flower
Professor Kyungsoo Yoo and a team of researchers conduct surveys to count how many worms are present in wooded areas of Minnesota. He said they're observing greater numbers in places where they previously didn't live, and believes they are introduced in a variety of ways, such as by people who use them to fish or garden. Earthworms eat the leaves that fall from trees and litter the forest floor.
Looking at the latest trend in housing: cohousing
"The whole idea is to connect people. We want to be your neighbor," Brackett said. She and three other people are working to encourage others to join their community. While it's still in the planning phase, she hopes the idea will attract enough attention so they can build about 20 housing units. KSTP There is already a cohousing community established in St Louis Park. The Monterey Cohousing Community currently includes 26 people.
Hundreds gather to thank a Minnesota hero
Updated: July 18, 2019 06:36 PM Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt.) Lanny White has served the USA for 36 years. On Thursday, hundreds of people and several generals gathered to thank him for his service and shower him with awards. KSTP's Leah McLean once flew a mission with him, and Thursday, she was at his send-off in Bloomington. "I wanted to thank Sgt. White, too," McLean said.
2018 Minnesota Teacher of the Year advocating for anti-bias curriculum
Updated: July 08, 2019 04:58 PM OutFront Minnesota, a local nonprofit, is working to expand educational programs for Minnesota schools, and the 2018 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, Kelly Holstine, is now taking the lead. Holstine said she wants school to be a safe and supportive environment for all children. She said she'll use her new position as director of educational equity to encourage school districts to become more inclusive and supportive of LGBTQ people.
KSTP's Dave Dahl to have procedure done to remove skin cancer from forehead
June 11, 2019 08:47 PM Tuesday marked the the last time KSTP Chief Meteorologist Dave Dahl will be on the newscast for an extended period of time, as he will take some time to have a small area of skin cancer removed from his forehead. Dave insists people shouldn't worry, as he will be just fine. "People don't realize it's very easy," he said. "It's one of the most curable cancers there is.
U of M researchers hope video game can help children diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
May 26, 2019 11:08 PM A team of researchers at the University of Minnesota has created a video game they can use to measure muscle strength. And, for the thousands of children diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy every year, it could open doors that have never been open before. Connect with KSTP Download the KSTP News app on your mobile device KSTP Facebook KSTP Instagram KSTP YouTube KSTP Twitter Join the conversation on our social media platforms.
New study aims to keep people with lung disease more active
Photo: KSTP May 22, 2019 04:18 PM Minnesota researchers have taken the lead on a project designed to help people with lung disease live longer. The clinical trial through the Minnesota Lung Center is investigating how portable tanks much smaller in size can keep people more active. Connect with KSTP Join the conversation on our social media platforms. Share your comments on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.
New Hope church helps schools by providing snack packs
May 17, 2019 07:05 PM A local church is showing their passion for helping children in need within their community, as they pack meals every week and deliver them to two schools. Volunteers packed these snacks and meals at St. Joseph's church in New Hope, where the boxed food was delivered to Sonnesyn Elementary School. 54% of students there qualify for free or reduced lunch. The church partners with schools across the state to provide weekend snack packs for kids.
Zillow looks to buy houses in Twin Cities
May 13, 2019 06:47 PM Zillow, the online housing site, announced Monday that the company wants to buy homes in the Twin Cities. It's part of a process called Zillow Offers. The company has been buying homes in other cities over the past year. Now the effort is being launched here as well.
Saints show off new food options at CHS Field
May 07, 2019 05:12 PM The St. Paul Saints are showing off the new food available at CHS Field this season. The team has a pig as a mascot, so pork is a key feature in many of the new dishes being offered. Connect with KSTP Join the conversation on our social media platforms. Share your comments on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages. Credits Leah McLean Created: May 07, 2019 05:12 PM Copyright 2019 - KSTP-TV, LLC A Hubbard Broadcasting Company
Cremation becoming a more common option for many in Minnesota
The National Funeral Directors Association said about 67 percent of deaths in Minnesota this year will result in cremation. But people still want options. And when it comes to cremation, being environmentally friendly is a priority for many. Bradshaw Funeral and Cremation Services was the first in Minnesota to offer green or water cremation to families.
Goldy's Run helps family keep child's memory alive
April 03, 2019 05:31 PM Losing a child is the worst thing that can happen to a family. But the DeMaster family of Plymouth is using their own tragedy to help others. Mason DeMaster was born in June, 2017. He was diagnosed with hypoplastic left-heart syndrome before he was born. He spent months at a time at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital and had multiple surgeries. But he died of complications from the condition in July of last year.
Employers watching, reacting to Minnesota's aging workforce
He says he's taken time over the past year to say goodbye to his patients, and he's already cutting down his hours. However, he's just one of a growing number of people nearing the end of their time in the workforce. Minnesota Census data says roughly 285,000 Minnesotans will turn 65 years of age this decade, and in the next 10 years, more than one in five Minnesotans will be an older adult. With the shift in age, many employers are watching the changes closely, including Lundgren's employer.
Nonprofit seeks help clearing snow for senior citizens
February 20, 2019 10:22 PM A local nonprofit could use help when it comes to clearing snow for senior citizens. Senior Community Services is seeing more seniors looking for help than they are people willing to do the snow removal. RELATED: New record set during Wednesday snowstorm The organization pays $16 an hour. But it hasn't been able to hire enough people this year. They are hoping more people will sign on to clear snow, or volunteer to help their neighbors.
Mother, daughter taking on diabetes through TrialNet
February 18, 2019 06:40 PM A Minnesota doctor working to cure or prevent Type 1 Diabetes is on a personal mission. Dr. Jennifer McVean was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when she was 11-years-old. She recently learned her youngest daughter, five-year-old Elizabeth, will likely develop it too. Connect with KSTP Join the conversation on our social media platforms. Share your comments on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.
Signs still point to a seller's real estate market this spring
February 13, 2019 10:17 PM March is right around the corner, and the spring real estate market is already starting to heat up. Real estate experts say it will likely continue to be a seller's market. RELATED: Home sales booming in Twin Cities area Herb Tousley, the Director of Real Estate Programs at the University of St Thomas, said it's just too soon to say the past year's seller's market has turned into a buyer's market, even if it is starting to even out.
During extreme cold, keep an eye on pets
January 25, 2019 07:24 PM As temperatures start to drop, many Minnesotans will prepare their homes and vehicles to combat the cold. However, pets can take a hit during extreme cold as well. Connect with KSTP Join the conversation on our social media platforms. Share your comments on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages. Credits Leah McLean Updated: January 25, 2019 07:24 PM Created: January 25, 2019 07:22 PM Copyright 2019 - KSTP-TV, LLC A Hubbard Broadcasting Company
Woodbury clinic using Ketamine to treat depression
Photo: KSTP January 16, 2019 08:11 PM More than 16 million Americans struggle with major depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Many are not helped by medication or therapy. And every year, one million Americans attempt suicide. So mental health advocates say there is a great need for new treatment. That’s what inspired Dr. Gregory Simelgor to start the Minnesota Ketamine Clinic in Woodbury.
Mother learns to forgive man who shot, killed son in 1990s
January 12, 2019 09:28 PM Mary Johnson-Roy and Oshea Isreal may appear to be a happy mother and son, but their bond was actually formed in the most unexpected way. "We have a relationship just like a son and a mom. I can bop him upside his head," Mary said, lightly tapping Oshea's head. Mary's son, 20-year-old Laramiun Byrd, was murdered by then-16-year-old Oshea in 1993. Oshea Isreal (left) and Mary Johnson-Roy. KSTP "I was full of hatred," Mary said. "He was just a kid but I didn't care.
Minneapolis mayor wraps up a busy year
December 28, 2018 06:59 PM Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has been in office almost one year. The year started with hosting a Super Bowl, and it's ending with a new navigation center opening for people who are experiencing homelessness. As he looks back, he said he is proud of the partnerships formed with community groups to achieve gains in working to end homelessness and offer more affordable housing.
How federal tax law changes will affect charities and donors
This time of year, many inboxes and mailboxes are full of requests from nonprofits and charities. They receive more than one-third of their donations in December, much of that in the last week or last day of the year. But this year, organizations are watching for how the change in federal tax law will impact them. “What we do is provide housing grants on behalf of families who have critically ill members in the hospital,” Erich Mische, the executive director of Spare Key, said.
'We need to change the system': Richfield High School principal works to address opportunity gap
Photo: KSTP Richfield High School December 21, 2018 04:53 PM In Minnesota, state leaders have struggled for years to address the achievement gap. Certain groups of students perform better and graduate at higher rates than others. But 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS found one local high school working to help all students and finding success. At Richfield High School, the principal is focusing on an opportunity gap and encouraging more students to get involved in advanced classes.
Prosecution and defense team up to help Hennepin County community
Usually, you see the prosecution and the defense on opposite sides of the court, working against each other. But when the two sides decided to work together, they found they could create real change, and even save Hennepin County some money. Mary Ellen Heng is the Minneapolis deputy city attorney in the criminal division. "The people we are focusing on are the people out there who are committing these low-level, nonviolent offenses due to underlying issues.
St. Paul City Council expected to approve 2019 budget Wednesday
The St. Paul skyline KSTP/ File "Right now in St. Paul, we have 51,000 families who have library cards deactivated for $10 in late fees or less, going back to 2009. That makes no sense. We are going to fix it. We are going to invite those families back to the library," Mayor Carter said. The city's investment would add $215,000 per year to the library's general fund budget, bringing library spending to just over $20 million.
Minnesota Moment: Unknown woman donates full bags of Beanie Babies to Stuff the Sleigh
Some Beanie Babies made in the 1990s have become collectors editions. Some of those have sold for thousands of dollars. A Beanie Baby expert who's been tracking their sales for almost 20 years says it's pretty uncommon to find a toy worth thousands of dollars. But she reminds us they are still cute little animals and children love to play with them. Jodi Kurtz is the manager of Warners' Stellian.
Minnesota Senators push to lower cost of Naloxone to help fight opioid epidemic
Photo: AP Photo/Matt Rourke The overdose-reversal drug Narcan is displayed during training for employees of the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, in Philadelphia. December 04, 2018 09:45 PM Every single day, lives are saved in Minnesota using an antidote to opioids. Naloxone, or Narcan, reverses the effects of a drug overdose and most emergency responders carry the drug.
Hennepin County program helps people access HIV/AIDS treatment
One patient who uses the services says it has made a big impact in his life. Harry Mason said finding out he was HIV positive in 2008 changed his life. "It took me down," he said. "It made me feel like I wasn't a person anymore." Mason was living in Tennessee when he was diagnosed. At the time he said fear and limited access to resources kept him from getting treatment to stop the progression of the virus. "I just stopped living for a while," Mason said.
Minnesota's Legislative leaders sit down to discuss upcoming session
Going into the legislative session, Republicans and Democrats agree they need to make a deal on tax conformity. Minnesota tax law is still not in line with federal tax law.
Coming up at 10: Walz, Gazelka and Hortman sit down with KSTP
KSTP's Leah McLean sat down with Governor-elect Tim Walz, Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka and House Speaker-elect Melissa Hortman to learn how they plan to cooperate. It marked the first time the three had all met together. More from KSTP Walz spoke a lot about listening to Minnesotans, even those who didn't vote for him. "I'm looking forward to us being a team that can work together and that's how I view us - as one team for Minnesota," Walz said.
Family honors daughter by helping others with eating disorders
She died in January, 2017. Now her parents are carrying on her legacy of helping others. The Clare Susan Humphrey Memorial Fund is about more than just treatment for eating disorders. The idea is to get more people access to help - from a ride to appointments to a place to stay while being treated. More from KSTP Her father Andrew Humphrey said Clare was known for her bright smile and generous spirit. And she was full of energy. “She struggled with an eating disorder and took her own life," he said.
Ramsey County's Sponsorship Program Helps Families in Need Have a Happy Holiday
The Volunteer Services Family Sponsorship Program matches community sponsors with Ramsey County families in need for the holiday season. The sponsors will provide families with clothing, toys, food for a holiday meal and even a parent gift. The county wants to get as many sponsors as possible so they can help as many families as possible. Wednesday, the Volunteer Services coordinator explained who they are supporting.
St. Thomas Community Gathers to Show Support for Student Targeted by Racist Graffiti
Hundreds of students and members of the St. Thomas community gathered for a sit-in. It was a show of support for the student who received the threatening note. Thursday, he thanked the people gathered and said he would like to keep focusing on his education. "I'm not going anywhere," Kevyn Perkins said. "I'll get that degree and open doors for others that don't have power." Perkins found a racist message on his door in a dormitory Friday.
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