Today, a warning about pest control scam. Then, threats about federal cuts to school funding have parents and teachers asking questions. And, a new, easy way to help prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
—–Executive Producer: Victor Palomino Producer: Jamad Jama Anchor: Grace Jacobson Reader scripting: Joel Glaser Fact checking: Joel Glaser, Victor Palomino Editorial support: Emily Krumberger Mixing & mastering: Chris Harwood
Transcript
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HOST: You're listening to North Star Stories: Voices from Where We Live, a daily newscast about what it means to live in Minnesota.
ANCHOR: Today, a warning about pest control scams that are infesting the state. Then, threats about federal cuts to school funding have parents and teachers asking questions. And, a new, easy way to help prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
I'm Gracie J.
Minnesota's Attorney General is warning residents not to get scammed by door-to-door pest control companies that are ripping off residents. The AG's Office says you should be leery of high-pressure sales tactics demanding an immediate decision, as well as companies offering a special deal in your neighborhood. The state's warning says scammers are trying to sell you a service they won't deliver or that has hidden fees and long-term contracts. They say legitimate companies that want your business will allow you to think about the offer, research your options, and shop around.
In today's main story, threats of federal funding cuts to Minnesota's schools are leaving teachers and families feeling uncertain. Reporter Jamad Jama asks the teachers' union and parents about what could be at stake.
Jamad Jama: Earlier this year, the Department of Education announced that millions in education funding were going to be withheld from states, including Minnesota. This money directly supports things like teacher training and special education services. Just recently, the Trump administration authorized the release of these funds, but there's still lingering uncertainty and frustration from educators and parents about the lack of communication.
Monica Byron: These are not just funds and a budget. These are promises.
Jamad Jama: That's Monica Byron, the president of Education Minnesota, and a Richfield public school teacher of 24 years. Education Minnesota is a union of over 84,000 members, and Byron's position gives her a clear view of where federal dollars go.
Monica Byron: These are programs that help support our English language learners, before and after school programming. They really are programs that help all students, but especially students that need those supports, and educators are concerned about how funding cuts could affect students, especially those most in need. So what's at stake isn't just school budgets, it's about our children, no matter if it's your child or the child down the street.
Jamad Jama: And in classrooms, funding means more staff and more services for students. Ebyan Guutale, a Minnesota parent, has a son with special needs who gets this key support at school.
Ebyan Guutale: The schools are the second home for many children like my son. I work full time, and without that support, I wouldn't be able to go to school or provide for my family.
Jamad Jama: Her son Madar is a student at Transitions Plus, a post-secondary school in Minneapolis that provides educational services for students with disabilities.
Ebyan Guutale: The support he gets there goes beyond education. T Plus is one of the best schools we came across because they really teach him more. They wipe his mouth, they clean him. They really take wonderful care that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Jamad Jama: Recently, the Trump administration released the full funding for Monica Byron and many educators across the state. This is a relief.
Monica Byron: I believe that in Minnesota, we know that every student should have access to a strong, safe and welcoming public school, and that's really the future that I know our educators are fighting for.
Jamad Jama: Still some Minnesotans, like Attorney General Keith Ellison, believed that leaders shouldn't have had to push so hard to get the approved funds. Ellison stated, "I am very disappointed that it took multiple lawsuits and bipartisan pushback to convince the Trump administration to release the crucial education funding they had illegally frozen." For North Star Stories, I'm Jamad Jama.
Anchor: You are listening to North Star Stories.
If you are already planning to buy alcohol-free cocktails in the next six months, you can help prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorder simply by choosing where you buy it. Proof Alliance, a nonprofit committed to preventing prenatal alcohol exposure, is partnering with KUL MOCKS, a Wisconsin-based women-owned mocktail company. Ten percent of KUL MOCKS' sales at participating liquor stores will be donated to Proof Alliance. Participating stores include Lakeville Liquors, Rogers Wine and Spirits, Paynesville Municipal Liquor Store, Longville Bottleshop, and Tall Grass Liquor.
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HOST: North Star Stories is produced by AMPERS, diverse radio for Minnesota's communities, with support from the McKnight Foundation and the State of Minnesota. Online at ampers dot org.