The Stories That Shaped 2025: Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder’s Most Impactful Reporting
As 2025 comes to a close, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder looks back at the reporting that informed, challenged, and uplifted our community. From breaking news and accountability journalism to stories centered on culture, resilience, and celebration, these 15 pieces reflect the issues and voices that mattered most throughout the year.
As we step into 2026, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder takes a moment to reflect on the stories that defined 2025. From urgent breaking news and accountability reporting to culture, community, and celebration, these 15 stories captured the issues and voices that mattered most throughout the year.
Each entry below includes a brief summary, an image, and a link to the full story, offering a look back at the moments that informed, challenged, and connected our community.
Metro – Anti-2025 MAGA protest joins others nationwide
As icy wind cut through the streets of downtown Saint Paul February 5, the Minnesota State Capitol filled with echoes of chanting protesters: “What do we want? Our rights! When do we want it? Right now!” Their voices carried through the crisp February air as dozens of demonstrators gathered in opposition to former President Donald Trump’s controversial 2025 policy plan, a sweeping agenda many fear could dismantle civil rights protections, erase hard-fought social justice gains, and target marginalized communities.
“Anti-2025 MAGA protest joins others nationwide” was published on February 13, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder.com/2025/02/13/protest-50501-movement/.
Metro – Thousands gather at Capitol to demand ‘something radically better’
The front lawn of the Minnesota State Capitol pulsed with chants, banners, and unwavering resolve on April 5 as thousands assembled for the “HANDS OFF” rally — a powerful rebuke of rising police aggression, the tightening grip of surveillance, and the continued systemic neglect faced by Black, brown, and Indigenous communities.
The cold didn’t stop them. Neither did the threat of rain. And though the sky hung heavy and gray, the message rang bright and clear: Hands off our bodies. Hands off our families. Hands off our communities. Hands off our future.
“Thousands gather at Capitol to demand ‘something radically better’” was published April 18, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder.com/2025/04/18/minnesota-capitol-hands-off-rally/.
Metro – MSR-hosted event honored George Floyd’s legacy
Community members, advocates and local leaders gathered Wednesday evening at the University of Minnesota’s Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) to mark five years since the murder of George Floyd, reflecting on the past and asking a pointed question: Where do we go from here?
The event, hosted by the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, featured musical and spoken-word performances, emotional testimony, and a panel discussion on justice and reform in the wake of Floyd’s death, which was captured on video and sparked global protests in 2020.
“MSR-hosted event honored George Floyd’s legacy” was published on May 28, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder.com/2025/05/28/george-floyd-5-year-anniversary-msr-panel/.
Metro – Minnesota racism then and now
Since African Americans began migrating mainly from the South to Minnesota as newly freed slaves, they have been fighting to obtain equal rights. That fight continues today through everyday people addressing racism and discrimination in their jobs, sharing the history of the struggle, and community activism.
Buster Cooper and Yousef Mgeni have been on the front lines for several years in St. Cloud and St. Paul respectively. Their work has made a lasting impact on the communities they served.
“Minnesota racism then and now” was published on January 2, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder.com/2025/01/03/minnesota-naacp-racial-disparities/.
Arts + Culture – Jellybean Johnson leaves legacy of joy and genius
On stage, Jellybean Johnson was thunder and electricity. Behind the drum kit, behind the guitar, and behind the curtain of Minneapolis fame, he was a force so steady and full of joy that even those who played beside him for 50 years still struggle to believe he’s gone.
But for his daughter, Bianca Rhodes, the first image that flashes is simpler: a towering man in a long coat stepping into her Northside daycare, arms outstretched. “‘Daddy’s big baby, how’s that baby?’” he would say, scooping her up.
“I’ll never forget that,” she said. “His hugs, his kisses, his joy. That’s what comes first.”
Johnson — drummer, guitarist, producer, and an architect of the Minneapolis Sound — died suddenly Nov. 21, two days after his birthday, sending shockwaves through a community that has long regarded him as one of its brightest cultural pillars. His loss has left Minnesota’s musical elders grieving, young musicians reflective, and his family determined to protect his legacy.
“Jellybean Johnson leaves legacy of joy and genius” was published on November 27, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder.com/2025/11/27/jellybean-johnson-heartbeat-of-the-minneapolis-sound/.
Arts + Culture – ‘Nothing to prove, only to share’
In every story shared about Toni Pierce-Sands, who passed away Nov. 26 at the wise age of 63, there is a moment when a dancer describes feeling “seen.” Not just corrected or coached, but understood. For many, that is the experience of walking into TU Dance for the first time: an invisible shift, as if the room itself is leaning in to witness your becoming.
Toni built that feeling.
Though she was a towering figure in Minnesota’s dance landscape — co-founder of TU Dance, internationally renowned performer, and keeper of the Alvin Ailey lineage — those who knew her describe something more intimate than prestige. They describe a presence that wrapped itself around a room like a hug; an artistic standard rooted not in perfection but in honesty; a leadership style that felt maternal, intuitive, and grounded.
“Nothing to prove, only to share” was published on December 11, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder.com/2025/12/11/toni-pierce-sands-tu-dance-remembered/.
Business – National boycott brings Target ‘to its knees’
Civil rights leaders gathered in Minneapolis on Nov. 20, days before the busy holiday shopping season, urging Americans to “hold the line” on a months-long nationwide boycott of Target. Speakers emphasized that the timing of the press conference was intentional, coming as Target rolls out deep seasonal discounts and aggressive price cuts in an effort to recover weakened sales and falling consumer sentiment.
The coalition, led by the Racial Justice Network, CAIR-Minnesota, Unidos Minnesota, and original organizers of the Target Boycott, reiterated their call for shoppers to avoid Target through the holidays, saying the company “capitulated” to former President Donald Trump by rolling back its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and donating $1 million to his inauguration committee.
“National boycott brings Target ‘to its knees’” was published on November 28, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder.com/2025/11/28/target-boycott-minnesota-leaders-continued-pressure/.
Business – Black labor has been foundational to Minnesota’s growth
Minnesota, often recognized for its lakes and resilient winters, holds a lesser-known but equally vital distinction: its deep and equitable history of labor. Throughout the state’s evolution, the contribution of Black labor has been instrumental in building industries, communities, and advocating for civil rights. By understanding this legacy, we not only honor those who paved the way but also underscore the critical importance of remembering and amplifying these narratives.
From the early days of Minnesota’s statehood in 1858, Black laborers worked to carve out spaces in industries that often resisted their presence. Whether in agriculture, railroads, domestic work, or emerging urban sectors, Black workers brought skill, determination, and innovation to the state’s rapidly changing economy.
“Black labor has been foundational to Minnesota’s growth” was published on February 21, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder.com/2025/02/21/black-labor-minnesota-legacy/.
Education – Historic change originates in the courage of ordinary people
The Landmark Center in St. Paul revived its powerful production “Little Rock: 1942” for a one-day performance this year on February 28 .The story, co-written by Terrance C. Newby and James Lundy and directed by Chad Snyder, honors the true, compelling, and lesser-known story of heroic school teacher Susie Morris and the civil rights lawsuit that brought Thurgood Marshall to Saint Paul.
Morris, a Black teacher from Little Rock, Arkansas, sued her school district in the 1940s for equal pay, and in doing so became an integral part of the fight for civil rights in education.
This historical drama not only highlights Morris’ courageous stand against systemic inequality, but also marks an important moment in the broader Civil Rights Movement, one that deserves recognition — especially during Women’s History Month.
“Historic change originates in the courage of ordinary people” was published on March 8, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder.com/2025/03/08/little-rock-1942-historical-drama/.
Education – Saint Paul’s new superintendent says Rondo lives on in her soul
Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) has a new leader effective May 10, and for many it feels like a homecoming. On December 19, the SPPS Board unanimously selected Dr. Stacie Stanley as superintendent, citing her deep ties to the city, her courageous leadership style, and a clear vision for change.
Dr. Stanley brings more than two decades of experience in public education, but more than that, she brings heart. From classrooms to central offices in Minnesota and Ohio, she’s spent her career uplifting students, challenging systems, and building pathways for kids who often go unheard.
Her journey hasn’t been about climbing ranks, but rather about making space for others to rise. And as superintendent and her philosophy of “paying it forward,” she says she will make sure our local youth will always have the resources to do just that — rise.
“Saint Paul’s new superintendent says Rondo lives on in her soul” was published on May 24, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder.com/2025/05/24/dr-stacie-stanley-spps-superintendent-leadership/.
Health + Wellness – Run Blk inspires ‘come as you are’ communal fitness
Running clubs in metropolitan areas like Minneapolis have a long history in the United States, shaped over the decades by shifting fitness trends and growing popularity. According to World Athletics, a nonprofit governing body for the sport, running clubs saw a significant surge during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic as people sought ways to combat isolation and build connection.
Running typically doesn’t come with the same barriers to entry as other sports — it’s low cost, requires minimal equipment, and can be done almost anywhere. But for many, concerns about safety and social intimidation can make running outside feel inaccessible.
“Run Blk inspires ‘come as you are’ communal fitness” was published on June 12, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder.com/2025/06/12/run-blk-minneapolis-running-group/.
Health + Wellness – Helping the traumatized grow past survival mode
In semi-retirement, Samuel Simmons lectures and holds men’s groups twice per week. He recently completed a book that details his path to therapy. Though many become therapists as a calling, he entered the field purely by accident and is now one of the leading voices in his field.
After being injured on the job while working as a truck driver for the University of Minnesota, he sought treatment at Abbott Northwestern Pain Clinic. He met a psychologist there who told him that past trauma influences how individuals deal with physical and mental pain. The explanation made sense to Simmons though he had never considered therapy.
“Helping the traumatized grow past survival mode” was published on February 28, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder.com/2025/02/28/samuel-simmons-therapy-trauma/.
Metro – AG Ellison’s pushback pays off for Minnesotans
In every corner of Minnesota, Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office has become a bulwark in what he casts as a constitutional struggle, one state-led lawsuit at a time.
Across rural counties and in the halls of state agencies, his team is quietly but persistently pressing back against a federal administration he argues is attempting to override lawful norms. With more than 40 cases filed to date, Ellison says the stakes are not abstract — they are billions of dollars in funds Minnesota is entitled to, as well as the protections of civil rights he vows to defend.
“We’ve recovered money for the state…well ahead of $2 billion,” Ellison told me. He paused, then added, “We’re north of $2 billion right now.” That sum comes from forcing the federal government to release withheld funds without the sweeping conditions the administration attempted to impose.
“AG Ellison’s pushback pays off for Minnesotans ” was published on October 18, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder.com/2025/10/18/ag-ellison-minnesota-trump-overreach-lawsuits-2b/.
Metro – Minnesota makes history with Office for Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls
In a historic move, Minnesota officially launched the nation’s first “Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls Office” during a ceremony at the State Capitol on April 9. The office, which aims to address the disproportionately high rates of violence faced by Black women and girls, was celebrated with the inaugural “Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls Day on the Hill.”
The event brought together hundreds of advocates, lawmakers, and community members to honor the lives lost and to call for continued action. The creation of the office follows years of advocacy from families of victims and grassroots organizations working to shine a light on the often-overlooked crisis of missing and murdered Black women and girls.
“Minnesota makes history with Office for Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls” was published on April 17, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder.com/2025/04/17/minnesota-missing-murdered-black-women/.
Metro – How Black Minnesotans are responding to ‘No Kings’
On a gray fall Saturday in October, the Twin Cities streets echoed with chants of demonstrators carrying signs that read “No Kings.” For some, the phrase is a rallying cry against what they see as the creeping authoritarianism of Donald Trump’s presidency. For others, it blends into a political landscape that feels broken and exhausting.
Recent interviews with 10 Black Minnesotans from Minneapolis, Brooklyn Park, and Bloomington revealed a mix of disillusionment, determination, and weary distance. While few denied that America’s political terrain has shifted, their responses reflected a broader divide in how everyday people engage with power.
“How Black Minnesotans are responding to ‘No Kings’” was published on October 30, 2025. To read the full story, visit https://spokesman-recorder.com/2025/10/30/how-black-minnesotans-respond-no-kings/.