After the Annunciation Catholic School shooting, Gov. Tim Walz is calling a special session to advance tougher gun laws, including an assault-style weapons ban, safe-storage requirements, and an expanded red-flag law. Supporters call it urgent; GOP leaders vow resistance.
News
Timely national, state, and local articles, including profile stories from an African American perspective.
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 inNational
Immigrant journalist stays jailed without cause
Despite dropped charges and a judge granting bond, Atlanta journalist Mario Guevera remains in immigration detention. ICE cites public safety while the BIA’s actions move him closer to removal—raising urgent questions about press freedoms and due process.
Posted inLocal & State
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.
Posted inLocal & State
New McKnight headquarters reflects foundation’s mission
McKnight Foundation’s new HQ is mission made visible: LEED Gold, adaptive reuse, and an ice-based thermal energy system replacing fossil fuels—plus inclusive wellness spaces, EV chargers, and a public mural wall. The result is a people-centered, climate-smart hub for community impact in Minneapolis.
Posted inMSR In the News
City nominates Spokesman-Recorder for national historic recognition
After a year-long study, Minneapolis is advancing National Register nominations for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, and the former home of Harry Davis Sr. The effort recognizes Black history, secures access to preservation funding, and lays groundwork for future listings.
Posted inCommunity Voices
Ujamaa Place helps Black men achieve holistic wellness
Ujamaa Place guides young African American men through a culturally grounded Theory of Transformation. Participants receive individualized coaching, mental health support, fitness and nutrition, and access to 37+ services that lead to housing, education, work, strong family ties, and no justice-system involvement. A digital music program with Walker West Music deepens healing and connection.
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
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.
Posted inMSR In the News
Minneapolis Seeks Historic Recognition for MSR and Other African American Landmarks
The MSR National Register nomination places Minnesota’s oldest Black-owned newspaper on a path to national recognition, alongside the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center and the former home of Harry Davis Sr. A year-long city study underpins the effort and could unlock preservation grants and tax credits.
Posted inLocal & State
Breast cancer survivor ensures others need not suffer alone
Breast cancer survivor Pamela Weems built Pink Ladies MN into a 14 year support network that centers early detection and care for women of color. She will receive the Legacy of Light Award at Sister Spokesman’s Live. Laugh. Learn. 2025.
Posted inLocal & State
Activists demand Frey end Israeli surveillance contract
Dozens rallied at City Hall to oppose the Minneapolis Zencity contract, delivering 2,000 signatures and pressing Mayor Jacob Frey to cancel the 500,000 dollar MPD survey deal by Dec. 1.
Posted inLocal & State
Twin Cities Salvation Army Launches Annual “Coats for Kids” Drive
The Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids Minnesota drive runs through Oct. 11, collecting winter gear for Twin Cities youth. Donate at local centers or give 25 dollars at GiveCoats.org.
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 inLocal & State
Minnesotans can now buy recreational cannabis from state’s medical dispensaries
Minnesota recreational cannabis sales began at RISE and Green Goods, the first non-tribal dispensaries serving adults 21+. New licenses allow limited supply conversion and wholesaling as the market scales.
Posted inEvents
Ignite Lab Gala supports inclusive, diverse marketing
The BrandLab Ignite Gala Minneapolis gathers students, alumni, and industry leaders on Sept. 25 to fund paid internships, scholarships, mentorship, and career coaching that diversify marketing.
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.