As the federal government shutdown drags on, Minnesotans are bracing for rising health care and food costs this winter. Premiums on the state’s ACA marketplace are projected to increase an average of 21.5% in 2026, while federal subsidies that have helped keep coverage affordable for lower-income households are set to expire at year’s end. Community […]
Clint Combs
Posted inLocal & State
State launches ambitious marijuana expungement program
Minnesota is attempting something few states have tried: clearing thousands of marijuana convictions automatically, without requiring anyone to petition the courts. On Wednesday, state officials and legal experts gathered at the Sabathani Community Center in South Minneapolis to outline the scope of what they called one of the most ambitious government-led expungement efforts in the […]
Posted inLocal & State
Courtroom protesters demand ‘No More Stolen Lives’
Families, activists expose gaps in domestic violence protections Allison Lussier’s life ended in a North Loop apartment in February 2024, but questions surrounding her death continue to reverberate through Minneapolis. Family members and Indigenous activists say the system failed Lussier, a 29-year-old woman with a history of domestic abuse, and are calling for accountability as […]
Posted inLocal & State
MPD domestic violence unit understaffed
With no High Risk Team, more deaths likely Hennepin County District 2 Commissioner Irene Fernando said the city failed to assign an investigator to the domestic violence case of Mariah Samuels before her death, despite internal claims that one had been appointed. “The letter says that an investigator was assigned,” Fernando said at a press […]
Posted inBusiness
Mpls BIPOC-owned businesses call city contracting unfair
The Minneapolis Small Business Forum at the Mosaic Venue, originally scheduled for last weekend, was rescheduled to Thursday, October 30, after State Sen. Omar Fateh had a family emergency. Mayor Jacob Frey, who did not attend the initial session, was also absent from the rescheduled event, citing growing campaign demands. The forum underscored how the […]
Posted inEducation
Ta‑Nehisi Coates talks race, power, global justice
At St. Catherine University, author Ta-Nehisi Coates called for courage in confronting racism, authoritarian power, and global injustice. He challenged institutions that stay silent under pressure and urged communities to recognize connected struggles for freedom from the U.S. to Palestine.
Posted inBusiness
St. Paul small businesses face uncertainty amid federal rule changes
Small businesses owned by women and people of color in St. Paul are bracing for tougher times after a recent federal rule quietly changed how equity programs operate. Earlier this month, The U.S. Department of Transportation ended the practice of automatically recognizing women and racial minorities as “socially disadvantaged” under the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise […]
Posted inPolitics
Minneapolis mayoral candidates debate key issues ahead of Nov. 4 election
At the MPR News and Star Tribune mayoral debate, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and his three primary challengers outlined sharp contrasts on minimum wage, public safety, and ranked choice voting strategy ahead of the November election.
Posted inPolitics
Frey booed at forum as challengers question transparency
Mayor Jacob Frey drew boos and tough questions at the AALF forum as challengers DeWayne Davis, Omar Fateh, Jazz Hampton, and Brenda Short challenged his record on small business support and transparency ahead of the November 4 election.
Posted inPolitics
Gun control divides St. Paul mayoral candidates
St. Paul’s mayoral candidates clashed over gun policy during a public debate. Mayor Melvin Carter outlined a proposal to restrict assault-style weapons, while Rep. Kaohly Her and Yan Chen questioned its legality and effectiveness. The exchange highlighted sharp differences on public safety, housing, and riverfront development ahead of the November 5 election.
Posted inLocal & State
Minnesotans show up en masse to declare “No Kings”
Thousands gathered outside U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis on Saturday for the “No Kings” protest, where demonstrators voiced opposition to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, the deployment of federal troops in U.S. cities, and the use of the justice system against political opponents. The crowd filled the Commons area near 425 Portland Ave., stretching […]
Posted inLocal & State
Tensions flared at St. Paul mayoral forum over proposed bike trail
“All of our streets need to be redone,” State Rep. Kaohly Her said to a round of applause during the St. Paul mayoral forum on October 6 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. “Such a bulls**t answer,” muttered engineer and mayoral candidate Adam Dullinger off-mic, but within earshot of Her. The tense moment came during the […]
Posted inLocal & State
Mpls renters want first rights to buy
Minneapolis renter coalitions want a Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), giving tenants the first right to buy when buildings go up for sale. Advocates say TOPA would fight displacement and expand ownership for renters of color, while opponents warn of added complexity. The City Council will weigh the proposal this month.
Posted inLocal & State
Felony charges for local activist called ‘excessive’
Indigenous poet and activist Isabella Lopez faces federal charges tied to a June 3 Lake Street raid. Her attorney calls the case political overreach, while supporters warn it could chill civic engagement. A Sept. 29 pretrial hearing was canceled, and trial is set for Nov. 24.
Posted inLocal & State
Angry tenants demand accountability for Mpls slumlords
Tenants at IPG-owned buildings say the 311 system has failed to fix chronic mold, leaks, and infestations. After a 5–1 committee vote, the “Stop the Slumlords” ordinance would force council approval — not automatic renewal — of rental licenses for landlords with repeated Tier 3 violations. Supporters call it overdue accountability. Landlord groups disagree.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Don’t wait! Get checked!
Last Saturday, a powerful panel of doctors, cancer survivors and physicians gathered at the University of Minnesota’s Masonic Cancer Center for Live Laugh Learn 2025, a cancer awareness event focused on the disparities in breast, prostate and colorectal cancer within the Black community. The message was clear and urgent: Don’t wait. Early detection saves lives, […]
Posted inNews
Hennepin County joins shift away from ‘pretextual’ enforcement
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced the county will stop prosecuting charges from pretextual traffic stops—expired tabs, window tint, and similar low-level violations—starting Oct. 15. Officials say the move reduces racial disparities and frees resources for violent crime; skeptics warn about losing an enforcement tool. The shift mirrors Ramsey County’s 2021 policy and Minneapolis’ consent-decree limits on stops.
Posted inFinance
Twin Cities R!SE fights Black unemployment with empowerment and opportunity
As Black unemployment rises to 7.5% nationally and 6.9% in Minnesota, Twin Cities R!SE doubles down on empowerment, coaching, and employer partnerships. From a new Legacy Gallery to union pathways at ~$34/hour, TCR focuses on careers that last—not quick fixes.
Posted inPolitics
Mpls mayoral race heats up at Westminster
At the Westminster Hall debate, Minneapolis mayoral candidates clashed over downtown vacancies, homeless encampments, rent control, and policing. Mayor Jacob Frey defended his housing record; Omar Fateh proposed vacancy and land-value taxes and a public-health approach to encampments. DeWayne Davis, Jazz Hampton, and Brenda Short outlined competing public safety and development plans. Early voting has begun.
Posted inEducation
Robbinsdale schools face $21M shortfall
Robbinsdale Area Schools unveiled Reimagine Rdale 2030 to close a $21M shortfall—merging Cooper and Armstrong into one new high school by 2030 and reducing middle and elementary schools. Advocates say consolidation boosts collaboration and stability; critics fear larger classes, fewer arts and sports slots, and weaker student–teacher ties.