The decision by US Attorney General Jeff Sessions requiring federal prosecutors to pursue the most severe charges possible, regardless of whether they would expose low-level offenders to mandatory minimums, represents not only a threat to public safety, but exacerbates mass incarceration. This decision by DOJ to overturn previous previous Justice Department guidance will lead to […]
MSR News Online
Reach the MSR staff at msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com.
Posted inOpinion
NAACP statement on the ‘mythology of voter fraud’
NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks released the following statement regarding President Trump’s executive order creating a commission on voter fraud. The recent executive order establishing the Presidential Commission on Election Integrity represents yet another veiled attempt to disenfranchise people of color. Citing false and unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud, President Trump has […]
Posted inBulletin
MPHA and Family Housing Fund team up to explore housing vouchers in the Twin Cities
Possible partnership among metro housing authorities would mean greater mobility, opportunity, and choice for low-income families The Family Housing Fund has awarded $300,000 over two years to the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) to explore how the region’s public housing authorities can work together to provide metro-wide mobility for families with housing vouchers (also known […]
Posted inBulletin
Saint Thomas Christian University-TC Campus’ first commencement
Saturday, May 20, 2017 will be a historical day in Minnesota as it will mark the first Commencement for Twin Cities based Saint Thomas Christian University Twin Cities Campus (STCU-TC), established in 2013 with the inauguration of 12 local pastors as its’ Board of Regents. Judge LaJune Lange officiated the Oath to the Board of […]
Posted inGo Green
New partnership announced to weatherize historic Glendale Townhomes
Sustainable Resources Center, Inc. (SRC), CenterPoint Energy, and the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) are pleased to announce a partnership to pursue weatherization and energy-efficiency improvements to Glendale Townhomes. Glendale is a development of 184 family townhomes in the Prospect Park neighborhood of Minneapolis. It was built in 1952, making it the oldest major public […]
Posted inOpinion
The Violation of Theodore Wirth GC
No Club House on the Par 3 The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board was established in 1883, but the true beginning of the Minneapolis park system began when Theodore Wirth became superintendent in 1906, serving until 1938. Wirth is recognized as the dean of the local parks movement in America. At one time, the Theodore […]
Posted inOpinion
Enough is enough
Tenants at apartments owned by Steve Frenz and Spiros Zorbalas and managed by the Apartment Shop, have dealt with unsanitary and unsafe housing for years. On May 1, tenants representing the more than 1,200 apartments owned by Frenz protested to call for a rent freeze. Tenants at Apartment Shop have faced a myriad of poor […]
Posted inOpinion
Life after prison: overcoming the barriers
A biweekly column in which various contributors from both sides of prison walls explore common ground for effecting change. People ask me, “How does it feel to be finally coming home after spending so many years in prison?” Naturally, my response is, “It feels good,” and “I can’t wait to go home.” The reality of […]
Posted inOpinion
From factor to failure: What Black leaders can learn from the O’Reilly debacle
Former Fox News Channel anchor Bill O’Reilly, the man whose lofty ratings were responsible for the growth of the network, is no longer on the air. Revelations that $13 million had been paid, either by O’Reilly or the network, to women who said they had been sexually harassed, repelled millions, some of whom protested outside […]
Posted inNews
Students protest proposed transit cuts
At the end of 2016, more than 10,000 Metro Transit student passes were in use. Last Tuesday, May 2, several Minneapolis young people concerned about losing their primary means of transportation to school and other destinations publicly denounced the legislature’s proposed cuts to transit funding. Students gathered in the middle of 22nd and 23rd Avenues […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Nurture young Black men and boys to value relationships free of gender violence
The BeMore Campaign knows that Black M.E.N. C.A.N be the solution. BeMore has become the frontrunner in increasing healthy nonviolent relationships, decreasing teen dating violence, and engaging men and young men to end violence against women and girls inside of homes and in communities around the world. The BeMore pledge goes hand in hand with […]
Posted inOpinion
St. Cloud racism continues
Recently, a Black family with three foster children in Delano, Minnesota, was targeted by typical racist White “have-nots” like those associated with St. Cloud (“White Cloud”). “Have-nots” defined here are cultural, intellectual and psychological beggars desperately using racism for self-esteem. (“Racist graffiti found inside Delano family’s home;” WCCO-TV, March 16, 2017) Delano Mayor Dale Graunke […]
Posted inOpinion
Why we need the DOC ombudsman now more than ever
A biweekly column in which various contributors from both sides of prison walls explore common ground for effecting change In the summer of 1967, President Johnson’s administration made a nationwide call for the formation of urban coalitions to produce solutions to unstable race relations in America. Known for its progressive policies, Minnesota gained international and […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Take strides to better health during ‘Step to it challenge’
Hennepin County residents can now register for the county’s “Step to it challenge,” open to people of all ages and abilities who want to get moving while connecting with family, friends and neighbors. During the challenge May 1-28, participants track their steps for a chance to win Twins tickets or other prizes. Any activity counts Participants can […]
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Child abuse, neglect reports rise dramatically
The number of Minnesota children suspected of being abused or neglected grew significantly in 2016. More than 39,500 children were the subject of reports, a 25 percent increase from 2015. Of those children, 16,400 were part of child maltreatment investigations, a 43 percent increase over the previous year. Minnesota has adopted a range of strategies […]
Posted inGo Green
Protect the Earth all year long
A belated Happy Earth Day. Each year, on April 22, the United States recognizes the importance of environmental protections. Landfills are constantly being filled with harmful liquids and solids that should be disposed of properly. We can — and should — do more to improve recycling efforts. The biggest concern for landfills and earth clutter […]
Posted inOpinion
Peace in our time? Really?
Is the Trump Administration preparing for war in Syria and North Korea? By the time this column appears, the American naval task force, led by the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, will be in the Sea of Japan, on the Western side of Japan, yet within range of North Korea. We’ll know more about what […]
Posted inOpinion
Why cut transit budget when we have a surplus?
The transportation proposal passed by the Minnesota House of Representatives is going to have a serious impact on thousands of Minnesotans who depend on transit every day. The House Transportation Omnibus Bill contains cuts to Metro Transit that will balloon its budget deficit from $74 million over the next two years to $140 million. At […]
Posted inOpinion
A great city demands great leaders and government
Minneapolis is a great place to live, and I am proud to be a resident of this fantastic city. There is so much about our community that works well: Our economy is strong, unemployment is low, our children are educated, and Minneapolis is ripe with opportunity for those who want a better life for themselves […]
Posted inNews
Global health expert guides Medtronic philanthropy
Jacob Gayle, vice president of Medtronic’s philanthropy division and president of the Medtronic Foundation, is a global health expert who is passionate about access to good health care for the underserved, worldwide; who has compassion for people with HIV-AIDS and a commitment to help eradicate the disease; and who is implementing responsive corporate social responsibilities […]