Samantha Stroozas
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Articles by Samantha Stroozas
Minnesota’s second romance-only bookstore brings the small-town charm
At least twice a month Maggie Taylor drives 90 miles one way to Austin for book club. While there are book clubs in Winona where she lives, there is nothing quite like the Hey Darling romance club. “Being able to go in person and just talk about books is like a dream come true,” Taylor said. “It’s the thing I do for myself, make time to go and talk about books with other book lovers.” Trish Marin opened Hey Darling on Oct. 12, 2024. It is the second romance-only bookstore in Minnesota.
Nothing Compares 2 local libraries: Hennepin County releases limited-edition Prince cards
In honor of the debut of the “Purple Rain” musical at State Theatre in Minneapolis, the Hennepin County Library System introduced a limited-edition Prince library card Friday. Twenty-five thousand cards are available at all 41 library locations in the county. Library director Scott Duimstra said staff members reached out in fall of 2024 asking if they could make a Prince card happen. Other libraries across the nation have done similar limited-edition runs for artists or cultural moments.
Season of the witch: How one Minnesotan found her place among the craft
When Sophia Reed was a pre-teen, her southern Catholic mother gave her and her siblings an option: test out any religion you want and find one that resonates. After some exploration, Reed landed on a practice that suited her best — witchcraft. Her journey began with a book her mother gifted her, “The Wiccan Rede.” It’s a handbook on Wicca, a Western pagan religion that has an active community in the Twin Cities.
Thousands of Minnesotans could go hungry next week — here’s how to help
As the second month of the federal government shutdown looms, advocates say thousands of Minnesotans could go hungry starting Nov. 1. Because of the shutdown, state officials say there is not enough federal funding for SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that provides food benefits to low-income families, to offer money to Minnesota participants for the upcoming month. On top of that, local food shelves say they are already strained from increased need. On Monday, Gov.
Smiles and hugs: Last hospitalized Annunciation shooting victim goes home
Create an account or log in to save stories. Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories. Twelve-year-old Sophia Forchas was released from the hospital on Thursday, nearly two months after she was shot in the head at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis on Aug. 27. She is the final victim of the mass shooting to be discharged.
No, Taco Bell is not opening Live Más Café locations in Minnesota
Sorry beverage fans, the rumors aren’t true. Despite several social accounts, websites and news organizations reporting that Taco Bell is opening two Live Más Café locations in Minnesota, it turns out the claim is unfounded. According to Taco Bell itself, no Live Más Café’s are opening anytime soon in the North Star State.
Rural New Ulm family carries on State Fair tradition
NEW ULM — Sarah Schmidt grew up a Minnesota farm kid in McLeod County, working her family’s dairy operation in McLeod County with her three siblings. There were chores at night and long days on weekends — and she loved it. When she married, she hoped her kids would embrace those same rhythms of rural life, including raising animals and showing them at the Minnesota State Fair. She didn’t need to worry.
‘Our way of life’: State Fair traditions keep a Minnesota farm family close across generations
MCLEOD COUNTY, Minn. — Sarah Schmidt grew up a Minnesota farm kid in McLeod County, working her family’s dairy operation with her three siblings. There were chores at night and long days on weekends — and she loved it. When she married, she hoped her kids would embrace those same rhythms of rural life, including raising animals and showing them at the Minnesota State Fair. She didn’t need to worry. Her daughters Aubree, Kate and Britta needed no coaxing in the wee hours Wednesday, Aug.
‘Our way of life’: State Fair traditions keep a Minnesota farm family close across generations
Sarah Schmidt grew up a Minnesota farm kid in McLeod County, working her family’s dairy operation with her three siblings. There were chores at night and long days on weekends — and she loved it. When she married, she hoped her kids would embrace those same rhythms of rural life, including raising animals and showing them at the Minnesota State Fair. She didn’t need to worry.
Minnesota booksellers share their favorite beach reads
Create an account or log in to save stories. Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories. The “beach read.” It can be romantic, mindless and light — sometimes read on the beach, but not required. They’re the perfect genre to escape from all reality. We asked Minnesota booksellers what beach reads are flying off their shelves and their personal favorites.
‘Girls belong in baseball’: Minnesota Twins-sponsored 14U team traveled to nationals Original
While Emma Charlesworth-Seiler was growing up, she was “baseball obsessed.” She loved playing, but also watching games, listening on the radio, collecting baseball cards, reading the game stats in the newspaper — she couldn’t get enough. But then she entered puberty. She wasn’t encouraged to keep playing baseball. Everyone recommended switching to softball.
‘Girls belong in baseball’: Minnesota Twins-sponsored 14U team heads to nationals
Create an account or log in to save stories. Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories. While Emma Charlesworth-Seiler was growing up, she was “baseball obsessed.” She loved playing, but also watching games, listening on the radio, collecting baseball cards, reading the game stats in the newspaper — she couldn’t get enough. But then she entered puberty. She wasn’t encouraged to keep playing baseball. Everyone recommended switching to softball.
Justin Vernon on his love for the Lynx, new partnership Original
Justin Vernon said he only has one regret in life: that he did not play basketball during his senior year of high school. Vernon, from Eau Claire Wis., played on a team while growing up but skipped the final year to focus on his music. Some would argue that things worked out, as he now leads the Grammy-winning music project Bon Iver. But for Vernon, basketball would always be in the back of his mind.
‘I’m just a huge fan’: Justin Vernon of Bon Iver on his love for the Lynx, new partnership
Create an account or log in to save stories. Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories. Justin Vernon said he only has one regret in life: that he did not play basketball his senior year of high school. Vernon, from Eau Claire Wis., played on a team while growing up but skipped the final year to focus on his music. Some would argue that things worked out, as he now leads the Grammy-winning music project Bon Iver.
Bringing back the ‘gayborhood’ in Loring Park: New Pride Cultural Arts Center debuts
Create an account or log in to save stories. Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories. Maddie Stumbaugh never imagined having a solo art show before they were 30 years old. It was a pipedream, not something that would ever happen to them — until it did. Stumbaugh is an artist in residence for Twin Cities Pride, and works in the new Pride Cultural Arts Center in Loring Park.
Minnesota’s own Paige Bueckers gets custom Gatorade flavor in her honor
Minnesotan Paige Bueckers debuted her new limited-edition Gatorade flavor Tuesday night following the Dallas Wings win over the Golden State Valkyries. Bueckers became the first NCAA athlete in history to sign a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal with the sports brand in 2022. She was also the named the Gatorade Minnesota Girls Basketball Player of the Year for 2019-2020. For her signature flavor she chose the classic Shirly Temple.
These two tours bring Minnesotans together by celebrating a common love — cats in windows
For eight years, people have gathered in the Wedge neighborhood of Minneapolis to celebrate a universal experience — the happiness one gets when you spot a cat in a window during a walk. John Edwards, the publisher and editor of the hyper-local news source Wedge LIVE! started the tour as a way for neighbors in the area to adore the felines. The Wedge, an area known for its historical homes and lack of parking, has many cats that hang out in windowsills.
Pro rugby finds a friendly scrum in Minnesota’s fast-growing women’s sports market Original
Volleyball and track drove Marisa Hall as a student-athlete at Park High School in Cottage Grove. But then she found rugby — a game that matched her competitive nature and her toughness. She was hooked. Playing matches in the Twin Cities, she caught the attention of Lindenwood University in Missouri, one of the country’s top women’s college rugby programs. Hall played on championship teams at Lindenwood and then Scion Rugby, a Washington, D.C.-based squad.
Pro rugby finds a friendly scrum in Minnesota’s fast-growing women’s sports market
Volleyball and track drove Marisa Hall as a student-athlete at Park High School in Cottage Grove. But then she found rugby — a game that matched her competitive nature and her toughness. She was hooked. Playing matches in the Twin Cities, she caught the attention of Lindenwood University in Missouri, one of the country’s top women’s college rugby programs. Hall played on championship teams at Lindenwood and then Scion Rugby, a Washington, D.C.-based squad.
Pro rugby finds a friendly scrum in Minnesota’s fast-growing women’s sports market
Volleyball and track drove Marisa Hall as a student-athlete at Park High School in Cottage Grove. But then she found rugby — a game that matched her competitive nature and her toughness. She was hooked. Playing matches in the Twin Cities, she caught the attention of Lindenwood University in Missouri, one of the country’s top women’s college rugby programs. Hall played on championship teams at Lindenwood and then Scion Rugby, a Washington, D.C.-based squad.
‘Dream come true’: Soccer player aims to inspire Hmong women like her to play sports
Create an account or log in to save stories. Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories. This year marks 50 years of Hmong refugee resettlement and immigration to Minnesota. MPR News will feature Hmong Minnesotans in a variety of careers through the month of May as part of our “ChangeMakers” series. This series highlights Minnesotans from diverse and often underrepresented backgrounds who are making an impact.
Athletes step up to support Minnesota kid who was told girls can’t play football Original
On a recent day during recess in Cambridge, 8-year-old Elena Easley was playing football with her friend. Like many young girls across the nation, she developed a passion for the sport while watching Travis Kelce — also known as singer Taylor Swift’s boyfriend — play for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Athletes step up to support Minnesota kid who was told girls can’t play football
Create an account or log in to save stories. Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories. On a recent day during recess in Cambridge, 8-year-old Elena Easley was playing football with her friend. Like many young girls across the nation, she developed a passion for the sport while watching Travis Kelce — also known as singer Taylor Swift’s boyfriend — play for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Meet the world-famous Minnesota cat with a record-setting tail
It’s not uncommon for Mr. Pugsley Addams to be fawned over. The nearly two-year-old Maine coon cat is often the center of attention in the Cameron household and lives among three other equally as beautiful Maine coons. But Pugsley, Puggy for short, has something that makes him stand out from his siblings — the world’s longest tail on a living domestic cat. Measuring in at 18.5 inches, Pugsley’s tail was officially crowned number one by the Guinness World Records in March.
Meet the world-famous Minnesota cat with a record-setting tail
Create an account or log in to save stories. Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories. It’s not uncommon for Mr. Pugsley Addams to be fawned over. The nearly two-year-old Maine coon cat is often the center of attention in the Cameron household and lives among three other equally as beautiful Maine coons. But Pugsley, Puggy for short, has something that makes him stand out from his siblings — the world’s longest tail on a living domestic cat.
Sex ed in Minnesota schools is up for a rewrite: 4 things to know
It’s not easy talking about sex or sex education. That’s true if you’re a high school student, a parent or a Minnesota legislator. Lawmakers last year ordered an update to state standards for health education in schools, including sex education. The topic, though, remains uncomfortable for many, and getting an agreement on new standards is proving to be a challenge. kAmw6C6’D H92E E@ <?@H 23@FE E96 DE2E6 @7 D6I 65F42E:@? :?
Sex ed in Minnesota schools is up for a rewrite: 4 things to know
It’s not easy talking about sex or sex education. That’s true if you’re a high school student, a parent or a Minnesota legislator. Lawmakers last year ordered an update to state standards for health education in schools, including sex education. The topic, though, remains uncomfortable for many, and getting an agreement on new standards is proving to be a challenge. Here’s what to know about the state of sex education in schools and why change won’t be easy.
Sex ed in Minnesota schools is up for a rewrite: 4 things to know
It’s not easy talking about sex or sex education. That’s true if you’re a high school student, a parent or a Minnesota legislator. Lawmakers last year ordered an update to state standards for health education in schools, including sex education. The topic, though, remains uncomfortable for many, and getting an agreement on new standards is proving to be a challenge. Here’s what to know about the state of sex education in schools and why change won’t be easy.
Minneapolis business Smitten Kitten saves woman from overdose death with Narcan
On one of the first warm days in Minneapolis this year, the doors were propped open in most businesses near the intersection of Lake Street and Lyndale Avenue. That’s why employees at the store Smitten Kitten were able to notice a woman slumped over in her parked car outside the shop. A staff member went the owner, Jennifer “JP” Pritchett. They knocked on the window and yelled but the woman didn’t respond. Pritchett opened the driver’s unlocked door and saw the woman was not breathing.
Love is political? ‘Love is Blind’ Minneapolis season centers politics more than ever
Create an account or log in to save stories. Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories. After weeks of watching our state have a moment in the limelight, the season eight finale of “Love is Blind” debuted Friday on Netflix. From a breakup at Bryant Lake Bowl and drama at Buck Hill, the Minneapolis season of the reality TV show dared to ask — what if we talked about politics more? Spoilers ahead for those who have not tuned in yet.
Stripper Awards Gala in Minneapolis spotlights sex workers, decriminalization efforts
On Monday evening under a disco ball at Green Room in Uptown, the Minneapolis chapter of the Sex Workers Outreach Project, more commonly called SWOP, hosted the annual Stripper Awards Gala. The night celebrated workers in the industry while raising money to support harm reduction, advocacy and labor rights efforts for the Strippers Guild.
A stray inspired a Minnesota family to build a heated ‘cat condo’ — and livestream it - Austin Daily Herald
Published 6:08 pm Friday, February 28, 2025 By Sam Stroozas When Ola May VanDette was in the hospital in North Carolina with pneumonia, her daughter tried to find videos online to distract her. She landed on the Up North Cat Condo, a 24/7 livestream of outdoor cats from Frazee. VanDette has never been to Minnesota, but she soon realized that doesn’t matter. The community she became a part of welcomed her and served as a much-needed distraction. She was hooked.
A stray inspired a Minnesota family to build a heated ‘cat condo’ — and livestream it
Create an account or log in to save stories. Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories. When Ola May VanDette was in the hospital in North Carolina with pneumonia, her daughter tried to find videos online to distract her. She landed on the Up North Cat Condo, a 24/7 livestream of outdoor cats from Frazee, Minn. VanDette has never been to Minnesota, but she soon realized that doesn’t matter.
Duluth couple’s wood art featured in ‘Love is Blind’ Minneapolis apartments
In February 2024, Duluth artist Anna Bailey got a call from a home stager asking her to team up on a secret Netflix TV show. Bailey, an artist who specializes in woodworking and word mosaic art, jumped on the phone with the homestager and agreed — she would make dozens of art pieces for the mystery show. She and her husband Nathanael run the company Bailey Builds to sell their pieces and have a brick and mortar called BB + Friends at 601 N. 65th Ave. W. in Duluth.
Love is bland? Minnesotans react to ‘Love is Blind’ Minneapolis season so far
Three women walk and carry glasses and notebooks It’s been a week since the Minneapolis season of “Love is Blind” debuted on Netflix. In its first six episodes, the reality show gave viewers front row seats to conversations between singles from across the Twin Cities as they developed connections without seeing each other. kAm%9@F89 7:G6 4@FA=6D F=E:>2E6=J 8@E 6?82865 :? E9@D6 6A:D@56D[ “{@G6 :D q=:?5” 2D 2 “52E:?8 6IA6C:>6?E” :D ?@E DA2C<:?8 >F49 9@A6 :?
Love is bland? Minnesotans react to ‘Love is Blind’ Minneapolis season so far
It’s been a week since the Minneapolis season of “Love is Blind” debuted on Netflix. In its first six episodes, the reality show gave viewers front row seats to conversations between singles from across the Twin Cities as they developed connections without seeing each other. Though five couples ultimately got engaged in those episodes, “Love is Blind” as a “dating experiment” is not sparking much hope in love for Minnesotans. MPR News surveyed our followers on Instagram for their thoughts so far.
Couple gets engaged with a ‘Frog and Toad’-inspired book at Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul
Create an account or log in to save stories. Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories. Lily Tschudi-Campbell and Cassidy Foust’s love story follows the tropes of many books you may pick up in a romance store — “friends to lovers,” “only one bed” and “mutual pining.” The two weaved in and out of each other's lives for over a decade, but there was always one constant: the Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul.
This Valentine’s Day, name a bug at the Minnesota Zoo after someone who bugs you Original
Create an account or log in to save stories. Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories. Need a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift for a friend or a foe? The Minnesota Zoo Foundation has you covered. You can make a $15 donation to the zoo and in return get to name a bug that will be fed to an animal. It is the first time in about a decade the zoo has done a campaign of this sort.
New Minneapolis vinyl pressing plant Outta Wax focuses on local music, south side pride
At the Outta Wax pressing plant there are five key characters. The first four are Sara Pette and her brother John, Pette’s best friend Alex Stillman, and a dog named Tulip found outside the warehouse who is now the CEO. The fifth character is the south side of Minneapolis.
New Minneapolis vinyl pressing plant Outta Wax focuses on local music, south side pride
At the Outta Wax pressing plant there are five key characters. The first four are Sara Pette and her brother John, Pette’s best friend Alex Stillman and a dog named Tulip found outside the warehouse who is now the CEO. The fifth character is the south side of Minneapolis.
Contestants from upcoming ‘Love is Blind’ Minneapolis season are revealed
The trailer for the upcoming Minneapolis-based season of Netflix’s “Love is Blind” is out and things are looking … medical? A fourth of the 32 cast members introduced work in the medical field. From a health care recruiter to a colonoscopy nurse, Minnesota is showing off as a medical destination to the rest of the country. Season eight premieres on none other than Friday, Feb. 14 — Valentine’s Day.
St. Paul City Council President Mitra Jalali announces resignation, citing health concerns
Create an account or log in to save stories. Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories. St. Paul City Council President Mitra Jalali announced on Facebook Friday afternoon that she will step down from the council. She represents Ward 4, which includes the neighborhoods of Hamline-Midway, Merriam Park, St. Anthony Park, and parts of Macalester-Groveland and Como. She has served on the council since 2018.
St. Paul City Council President Mitra Jalali announces resignation, citing health concerns
St. Paul City Council President Mitra Jalali announced on Facebook Friday afternoon that she will step down from the council. She represents Ward 4, which includes the neighborhoods of Hamline-Midway, Merriam Park, St. Anthony Park, and parts of Macalester-Groveland and Como. She has served on the council since 2018. In her post, Jalali said she wants to focus on her physical and mental health. Political debates with family or friends can get heated. But what if there was a way to handle them better?
The 41 best books MPR News staff read in 2024
From a submarine survival adventure during World War II to an exploration of the dark side of a Catholic convent on the Irish countryside, our staff has wide-ranging taste for their favorite book they read in 2024. Check out the following suggestions (and maybe focus on the Minnesota authors first, eh?). Note: Not all of these books were released this year. We instead opened submissions to include any book a staffer read this year.
The 5 songs Minneapolis listened to the most in 2024, according to Spotify
Create an account or log in to save stories. Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories. Minneapolis was not sipping on “Espresso” this year. On Wednesday, Spotify released its 2024 Wrapped, which provides users with a personalized reflection of their year in music with top artists, songs and more.
Minnesotans seek long-term contraception after Trump win, worry about abortion access Original
When Alicia Kotz and her husband were ready to have children, she struggled to conceive. She miscarried before her first child arrived. She then experienced medical issues again, losing another pregnancy before finally having her second child. Recently, her doctor told her if she got pregnant again, it would be too hard on her body and she could die. While she has no plans on getting pregnant, she also hasn’t entered menopause.
Minnesotans seek long-term contraception after Trump win, worry about abortion access
When Alicia Kotz and her husband were ready to have children, she struggled to conceive. She miscarried before her first child arrived. She then experienced medical issues again, losing another pregnancy before finally having her second child. Recently, her doctor told her if she got pregnant again, it would be too hard on her body and she could die. While she has no plans on getting pregnant, she also hasn’t entered menopause.
‘Meant to be’: Four years later, Black Garnet Books owner is selling, to a friend
A few weeks after George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer, Dionne Sims sent a tweet that would end up changing the trajectory of her life. “Minnesota doesn’t have a Black-owned bookstore,” she wrote. “I think that’s my new dream.” Soon after, Sims opened Black Garnet Books as a pop-up and online shop in 2020 and then as a brick-and-mortar in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood of St. Paul in late 2022. Two years later, she’s ending her reign.
A new exhibit at the Minnesota History Center emphasizes the influence, power of girls
When Kathleen Franz works on an exhibit with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, she likes to keep some professional distance from herself and the topic. But Franz, a museum curator, experienced a first in her career: a topic that was too close to home. It was impossible to not feel emotional about it. The topic? Girlhood. “Girlhood (It’s Complicated)” opened in honor of the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, but it’s not your typical women’s history exhibit.
A new exhibit at the Minnesota History Center emphasizes the influence, power of girls
When Kathleen Franz works on an exhibit with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, she likes to keep some professional distance from herself and the topic. But Franz, a museum curator, experienced a first in her career: a topic that was too close to home. It was impossible to not feel emotional about it. The topic? Girlhood. “Girlhood (It’s Complicated)” opened in honor of the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, but it’s not your typical women’s history exhibit.
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