A biweekly column in which various contributors from both sides of prison walls explore common ground for effecting change. While conducting interviews with formerly incarcerated men for a community-based research project about health equity during incarceration, I have heard many examples of how these men have had their humanity undermined during the time that they […]
MSR News Online
Reach the MSR staff at msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com.
Posted inGo Green
Keep strong safety net for agriculture and rural communities
(MGN Online) As commodity prices remain low and rural economies struggle, farmers and rural citizens need a strong safety net to stay afloat until conditions improve. However, the budget proposals from the White House and the U.S. House of Representatives do not address that need. The House Budget Committee recently released its 2018 budget proposal, […]
Posted inGo Green
Farmers markets increase access to fresh food
There is nothing better than slicing up a ripe garden tomato fresh off the vine. However, some may not have the means to grow fresh vegetables in their backyards. At the Center for Rural Affairs, we work with rural communities to build healthy, sustainable, local food systems. That includes supporting farmers markets. Farmers markets expand […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
All MN high school coaches required to take asthma training
The Minnesota State High School League has joined the Minnesota Department of Health’s asthma program to launch an online training module that teaches coaches about asthma symptoms and how to respond if a student athlete has an asthma attack. To ensure athlete safety, the high school league is requiring that all 22,000 Minnesota high school […]
Posted inArts + Culture
MSR Top 5 | Summer Block Party, Little Africa Fest, Beloved Community Celebration & more!
If you like outdoor festivals and community gatherings, this is a good weekend to get out and about and savor the dwindling days of summer. 4th Annual Little Africa Fest 2017 Come out to St. Paul’s ONLY annual African arts and culture festival! It is an outdoor, family-friendly and free event that features African artist […]
Posted inLocal & State, News
Arradondo makes history as first African American Mpls police chief (video)
This morning by a unanimous vote, the Minneapolis City Council confirmed Medaria Arradondo as Minneapolis police chief. Arradondo, a 28-year veteran, becomes the city’s first African American police chief after serving as interim chief for the last month following the resignation of Chief Janee Harteau. In a released statement, Mayor Hodges called the confirmation of […]
Posted inGo Green
A strong recycling program is a resource to the community
In the small town of Vergas, Minnesota, behind Hanson’s Plumbing and Heating is a pile of discarded cardboard boxes awaiting the trash hauler. Cardboard, a common byproduct of doing business, can be recycled. However, in many rural areas like Vergas, this commodity is seldom recycled due to lack of access to commercial recycling. Otter Tail […]
Posted inBulletin
C.O.P.E Project recognizing young people with financial support
This year, C.O.P.E’s 12th Annual Scholarship Program/Gala and Fundraiser will be held on Sunday, August 13, 2017 at the Airport Hilton Hotel-Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota from 4 to 7:30 pm. The Gala includes a silent auction, dinner, and a presentation by Miss Ayana Imari Anderson, a C.O.P.E Scholar. Also, the guest speakers for […]
Posted inGo Green
Managing yard waste
Yard waste — such as grass clippings, leaves and branches — is a valuable resource that can add nutrients into your yard or be recycled into compost. It is illegal to put this kind of waste in your household garbage. Options for managing yard waste: To find more information about drop-off sites nearest you, go […]
Posted inGo Green
Trees need an inch of water every week
Now that the rain has slowed down, remember that trees — especially young trees — need watering any time it doesn’t rain an inch in a week. Yard and boulevard trees need water Minneapolis yard and boulevard trees need an inch of water every week all through the summer-fall season. Lack of water can make […]
Posted inBooks
BOOK REVIEW: ‘Regarding Megan Marie’
One can read all the stats on record about Black women and suicide without receiving the benefit that comes with Regarding Megan Marie: Conquering Depression & Acquiring the Skill of Happiness – Surviving Suicide (One Dragonfly Publishing). Megan Bussen’s exhaustively detailed, first-hand account of how she came to grips with mental illness goes beyond numbers and charts to put […]
Posted inOpinion
City in Turmoil
Fall-out from the death of an innocent woman July 2017 will live in infamy when future historians review key points: The Mayor’s explanation for asking for Chief Harteau’s resignation was a “loss of confidence due to the shooting,” as if she believes the nonsense of those who claim this shooting, combined with those of Terrance […]
Posted inOpinion
Obamacare not a Black thing, Whites primary beneficiaries
Donald Trump’s obsession with Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, major media, his ego and election fraud is interfering with his ability to govern as president of the United States and the leader of the free world. His current passion is repealing Obamacare. Barack Obama Surrounded by children ages seven to 18, Trump unleashed a blistering critique […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
PTSD sufferers can now get help from medical cannabis
Patches, balms and lotions available soon to registered patients As of July 1, Minnesota patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can register to receive medical cannabis through the State’s medical cannabis program. Last December, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced plans to add PTSD to the program’s list of qualifying conditions. Patients certified by […]
Posted inOpinion
Two voices: Our liberation is bound together
A biweekly column in which various contributors from both sides of prison walls explore common ground for effecting change. By Vina Kay and Kevin Reese Vina: Kevin’s warm laugh reached me through our phone connection. “You’re reading my mind again!” he said. “How does that happen?” It was one of our many exchanges over the […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Measles outbreak not yet over
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has confirmed an additional case of measles associated with an outbreak that has been occurring primarily in Hennepin County since late March. The newest case is an unvaccinated, White adult who lives in Hennepin County and was likely exposed to measles at locations frequented by the last identified case. […]
Posted inBulletin
Technology is the future for children
The Geek Squad conducts a hands-on, two-day training for teens. The project is in its 11th successful year. The first local Geek Squad Academy was held on June 28 and 29 of 2017 at the Best Buy headquarters in Richfield. Andrea Riehl, program manager for Geek Squad Academy Camp, told MSR, “[Our camps] are technology […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
African Americans most at risk for brain aging
Stressful events and living conditions increase risk of dementia as we age Studies at the 2017 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, held in London, highlight racial disparities in dementia risk and incidence. They confirm racial inequities in numbers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias — even after age 90 — and also point to […]
Posted inGo Green
Going on summer vacation?
Try some simple ways to save energy at home while you’re away While on summer vacation, you don’t need to pay for energy at home that you won’t use. Whether you are leaving town for one week, two weeks or more, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce energy use in your […]
Posted inGo Green
Beat the heat: Be cool, stay safe and save energy during heat wave
With much of Minnesota experiencing high heat and humidity over the last several days, Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman urges Minnesotans to take some basic steps to stay safe and cool while also conserving energy. “As the heat index rises to extreme levels, you want to make sure you are doing all you can to […]