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Kim Whiting

The Making of a “Shooter” AbuseCrimeGunsIncarceration

The Making of a “Shooter”

One Man’s Story Highlights the Elements that Create – and Prevent – Killers

Writer Kim Whiting recounts the story of her friend, Tay Ramey. Once a gifted child, Tay was shaped by abuse, community violence, and a sense that he did not belong in the wider world. Tay was serving a life sentence for murder in California before his death in 2020. His story illustrates, Whiting says, how traumatic experiences and low self-worth can lead people toward violence. It also shows, she argues, that the alternative--being seen and loved--can foster healing. It's a Reporters Inc. Original.

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Kim Whiting
August 12, 2026
A “Trip” That Can Cure DepressionDrugsHealthPsychedelics

A “Trip” That Can Cure

Growing evidence about the benefits of psychedelics on mental health

Writer Kim Whiting details new discoveries in the study of psychedelic drugs for mental health treatment. She says an increasing amount of studies show that small doses of psilocybin, or "magic mushrooms," can help people struggling with drug-resistant depression, anxiety and PTSD. They could also help treat addiction and eating disorders. "If only they were legal," Whiting says.

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Kim Whiting
May 21, 2026
The Devastation of Thanksgiving DiversityEducationHeritageIdentityRace Relations

The Devastation of Thanksgiving

This American tradition remains bittersweet, even tragic, for Native Americans still struggling for equality 

"The bitter part is my recognition of the devastation for Native Americans that began after this famous gathering,” says J.D. Colbert. "But the sweet part is the idea of sharing and counting blessings, appreciating family, friends and life. It’s about connecting.” Writer Kim Whiting takes note of her holiday privilege after chatting with this noted Native American author and finance expert.

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Kim Whiting
November 26, 2025
10,000 Miles of Miracles ActivismBook ReviewsBusinessCareersTravel

10,000 Miles of Miracles

How two middle-aged 'Dames Gone Wild' found purpose during a cross-country road trip

After her marriage collapsed and her son suffered a severe head injury, Carol Hasbrouck thought she met her quota on hard times. Then came the 2008 Great Recession. In her new book, Hasbrouck chronicles her travels with her friend/roommate Joyce Claflin. Known as "The Dames," they traverse the country during a "summer service adventure" to get their mojo back.

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Kim Whiting
May 16, 2024
Personal Care Assistant Shortages CareersDisabilitiesEducationHealth

Personal Care Assistant Shortages

Will pay raises be enough to avert a health crisis?

As of 2022, there were more than 7,800 unfilled personal care assistant positions in Minnesota. PCA staffing agencies are struggling due to the shortage of people willing to work in those positions at the current pay rates. A recent wage increase for PCAs in the state could help address the shortage, and get people who rely on them the help they desperately need.

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Kim Whiting
September 4, 2023
A Novel Approach to Critical Thinking Book ReviewsDrugsMurderRace Relations

A Novel Approach to Critical Thinking

Real life murder used to explore racial, education concerns in rural South

Based on the real-life murders of a young wife and her toddler in rural Texas several decades ago, John Yearwood’s new novel Jar of Pennies explores the region’s culture and racial complexities. We've got exclusive excerpts and reporter Kim Whiting talks with the author to better understand his keen racial awareness and critical thinking.

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Kim Whiting
April 24, 2023
From the Brink to the Bench Book ReviewsDrugsHealth

From the Brink to the Bench

The astounding transformation of a methamphetamine junkie turned federal judge

"In 2014, twenty years into my sobriety, I zipped up my judge’s robe and looked in the mirror. I smiled at myself..." In her new memoir From Junkie to Judge: One Woman’s Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction, Mary Beth O'Connor recounts how she went from injecting methamphetamine regularly to almost three decades of sobriety and success.

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Kim Whiting
January 11, 2023
Psychedelic Microdosing DrugsHealthPsychedelicsPublic Safety

Psychedelic Microdosing

Mushrooms shown to provide "magical" mental health benefits

An increasing number of people are using psilocybin mushrooms unsupervised, obtaining them through a legal loophole. These "magic mushrooms" can cause anxiety-filled or highly emotional trips--imagine popcorn kernels trying to eat you. However, studies have proven small doses could help people experiencing mild depression and anxiety.

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Kim Whiting
July 28, 2022
The Reality of Reparations Black HistoryCivil RightsPoliticsRace Relations

The Reality of Reparations

U.S. moves closer to compensating Black people for generations of racism

The U.S. is getting closer to compensating Black people for enduring slavery and generations of blatantly oppressive laws, policies and unfair practices. Writer Kim Whiting points out that even a change in a street name can be a subtle yet destructive racist act that makes the seemingly always-controversial subject of reparations even heavier and more complex.

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Kim Whiting
March 22, 2022
Government Guinea Pigs? Targeted Individuals

Government Guinea Pigs?

Investigating the claims of ‘targeted individuals’ who insist they’re being stalked, tortured

According to Targeted Individual online chats and blogs, “the government” engages in invasive mental torture for research that will not only give it the upper hand in war, but total control of the masses. Psychologist and therapist Kim Whiting investigates the claims made by these individuals.   (more)
Kim Whiting
June 13, 2021
Healing America ActivismIdentityPolitics

Healing America

First-ever "Red/Blue Workshop" highlights people's desire to bridge political divide

Following the 2016 election, the founders of Braver Angels, the largest organization in the country dedicated to bridging the political divide, assembled 10 Donald Trump supporters and 11 Hillary Clinton supporters in South Lebanon, Ohio. The goal was simple--to see if Americans could still disagree respectfully and, maybe, find common ground.

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Kim Whiting
February 13, 2021
Cured? Hardly COVID-19HealthPandemicPublic Safety

Cured? Hardly

Sufferers say COVID-19 is unpredictable, freakish, lingering and recurrent

"For many, it's hard to know what to expect from one day to the next after COVID-19, or if they'll ever fully recover." Reporter Kim Whiting shares the stories of four people and their families, including herself, who experienced COVID-19 symptoms ranging from asymptomatic to critical. Their experiences underscore how unpredictable the virus truly is.

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Kim Whiting
October 14, 2020
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