MCTC students speak out about fear, immigration enforcement, and why Black and Somali communities must stand together.
MSR News Online
Benjamin E. Mays school adopts Afrocentric focus
Benjamin E. Mays School will launch an Afrocentric education program in 2026, centering culture, identity, and the historic legacy of Saint Paul’s Rondo community.
Tulsa Race Massacre survivor Viola Ford Fletcher can finally rest
Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest known survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has died at 111. As a child she watched Black Wall Street burn, survived the terror that destroyed her community, and spent the next century demanding that the nation confront the truth. Her testimony before Congress helped push the Justice Department to publicly acknowledge the massacre as a coordinated attack that killed hundreds of Black residents. Fletcher’s legacy lives on in her courage, her memoir, and her unwavering call for justice.
Minneapolis South High Overpowers Cooper in Early Season Statement Win
South opened its season with authority, blowing past Cooper 91 to 41 behind an aggressive defense, fast paced offense, and standout performances from Jamair Wright and Laviance Gales. The Tigers looked deeper and more disciplined than last season, making an early statement in the Minneapolis City Conference.
Calling a woman “piggy:” The real damage a president can do
When the president of the United States publicly calls a woman “piggy” and the White House defends him, the message reaches far beyond politics. Domestic violence research shows that humiliation and verbal degradation are early indicators of abusive patterns. Advocates say this moment demands moral clarity, not excuses, and call on families, educators and community leaders to challenge behavior that normalizes disrespect and harm toward women.
High-profile names blacked out in Epstein files
As Congress moves to force the release of the Epstein files, insiders say the documents were scrubbed well before lawmakers took action. Survivors and lawmakers accuse federal agencies of redacting the names of high profile figures, including Donald Trump, while blocking transparency. With nearly one thousand federal employees involved in the review and internal disputes erupting, questions continue to grow over political pressure, secrecy and whether the truth will ever be made fully public.
Federal ‘POLICE’ raid on St. Paul business creates fear, confusion
Masked federal agents raided the Bro Tex facility in St. Paul without warning, detaining workers and frightening nearby families. City officials say they had no advance notice and stressed that St. Paul police were not involved. Advocates and civil rights groups condemned the use of unidentified agents and the use of force on protesters, warning that the raid eroded public trust and left immigrant and marginalized communities feeling unsafe.
MSR Digital Edition for November 27 – December 3, 2025
The MSR Digital Edition for November 27 – December 3, 2025 is now live. Explore community news, sports, arts, and events. Edition 17, Volume 92.
Benjamin E. Mays to Become Afrocentric School by Fall 2026
Saint Paul Public Schools will launch an Afrocentric program at Benjamin E. Mays in fall 2026, centering African American culture and improving student outcomes while keeping core academic instruction in place.
Strength & Strategy Series Episode 2: Business Planning and Strategy
Episode 2 of the Strength and Strategy Series explores how strong leadership, efficient operations, and solid infrastructure help entrepreneurs move from ideas to real growth. Tracey talks with Octavia “Tav” Treadway and Tommy McNeal about building systems, strengthening teams, and creating a reliable foundation for long-term success.
MSR Digital Edition for October 23 – October 29, 2025
The MSR Digital Edition for October 23 – October 29, 2025 is now live. Explore community news, sports, arts, and events. Edition 12, Volume 92.
Andrew Young Documentary Revisits the ‘Dirty Work’ Behind the Civil Rights Movement
A new MSNBC documentary, “Andrew Young: The Dirty Work,” highlights the hidden labor that held the civil rights movement together and the lessons the 93-year-old diplomat and former Atlanta mayor wants to pass on today.
Remembering Gayle Earl Lee Anderson
Gayle Earl Lee Anderson, affectionately known as “Flashman,” passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, at the age of 81 at Regions Hospital in Saint Paul, MN.
A Mayoral Forum for Minneapolis’ Future to Center Community Voices and Black Leadership
The African American Leadership Forum will host a community-driven mayoral forum on Oct. 15 at the Capri Theater, centering accountability, care, and collective leadership. Confirmed participants include Mayor Jacob Frey, State Sen. Omar Fateh, Brenda Short, and Rev. Dewayne Davis. Free; registration encouraged.
Community Action to Honor George Floyd and Demand Justice
Community members will gather Tuesday, Oct. 14, 5:30 p.m., at the Hennepin County Government Center to honor George Floyd and demand systemic change. The Twin Cities Coalition for Justice is also relaunching its campaign for a Civilian Police Accountability Commission to shift MPD oversight to a community-led body.
Trump administration sues Minnesota over immigration stance
The U.S. Department of Justice has sued Minnesota, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, and St. Paul over so-called sanctuary policies, alleging they obstruct federal immigration enforcement. Attorney General Keith Ellison and local leaders call the suit an overreach and say community trust and public safety come first.
October 9 – October 15, 2025 -Edition 10 – Volume 92
The MSR Digital Edition for October 9 – October 15, 2025 is now live. Explore community news, sports, arts, and events. Edition 10, Volume 92.
October 2 – October 8, 2025 -Edition 9 – Volume 92
The MSR Digital Edition for October 2 – October 8, 2025 is now live. Explore community news, sports, arts, and events. Edition 9, Volume 92.
Minneapolis Launches Traffic Safety Camera Pilot Program
Minneapolis launched a traffic safety camera pilot with five school-adjacent locations and plans to expand to 42 by 2029. Officials cite rising fatalities and equity concerns; fines start at $40, with a first-offense warning or free class option.
Hennepin County expands ‘Red Flag’ orders to prevent crises
Hennepin County red flag orders are up in 2025. A specialized ERPO team and expanded mental health resources help families and police intervene before crises escalate.
