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 […]
Clint Combs
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.
Posted inPolitics
Doxxing campaign targets local Kirk critics
Far right doxxing surged in Minnesota after Charlie Kirk’s killing, with educators and journalists targeted and families harassed. Experts warn the campaigns can escalate offline.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Mayoral candidates clash over leading city issues
At the Minneapolis mayoral forum 2025, Frey, Fateh, Davis, and Hampton clashed over ICE raids, housing tools, George Floyd Square, and climate policy ahead of the Nov. 4 election.
Posted inNational
Rising political violence denounced after Kirk killing
Charlie Kirk shooting Utah Valley University occurred during a crowded Q&A on Sept. 10. Leaders condemned the attack and advocates pressed for solutions to persistent gun violence.
Posted inPolitics
Roof Depot rhetoric goes viral
The Roof Depot protest Minneapolis moved to Chute Park, where activists challenged the city’s $16 million price for the East Phillips site and urged a community-owned urban farm.
Posted inLocal & State
Families demand justice at Stolen Lives March to capitol
The Stolen Lives March St. Paul drew hundreds who marched from the police department to the Capitol, as families of Amir Locke and others called for accountability and policy change.
Posted inLocal & State
Students push lawmakers on gun control
More than 100 students rallied at the Minnesota Capitol after the Annunciation Church shooting, urging a ban on semiautomatic firearms and high-capacity magazines. Speakers called for policies that address both gun safety and mental health and pressed lawmakers to act in a special session.
Posted inFinance
Prison labor under scrutiny as advocates push for paid work protections
Minnesota advocates are calling for an end to forced prison labor after a state audit showed MinnCor Industries underpaid incarcerated workers while subsidizing corporate contracts. Proposed legislation would guarantee fair wages, union rights, and worker protections.
Posted inLocal & State
Re-imagining Mpls Third Precinct building as Democracy Center
Early plans for the Minneapolis Democracy Center show a welcoming, secure hub at the former Third Precinct. Residents can vote through Sept. 12 to choose Change Inc. or Mama Sheila’s House of Soul to operate the community space.
Posted inLocal & State
Appeals for assault weapons ban follow Mpls mass shootings
Two children were killed and 18 people injured when a gunman opened fire during Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in South Minneapolis. Leaders renewed calls for an assault weapons ban as the community mourns.
Posted inLocal & State
Health Heroes Awards recognize public health contributions
Over 100 health care professionals gathered at the Minneapolis Public Service Building to honor individuals and organizations making significant contributions to public health, including Marcus Kar, Matt Toburen, Sue Abderholden, BrightSide Produce, and the Colectiva Bilingüe.