“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 […]
News
Timely national, state, and local articles, including profile stories from an African American perspective.
Posted inNews
A House of Dynamite
“Object remains inbound!” Those aren’t the words you want to hear when a nuclear missile is headed your way. By suggesting that if there was an impending nuclear attack, things might not go as planned. That the world’s strongest military force and most formidable super power might flounder. It’s feasible enough to be intriguing. The […]
Posted inNews
McCoy creating her own legacy
She might be the best kept secret in the state of Minnesota. There is a student athlete in St. Paul, part of a very accomplished family, who is quietly making a name for herself. Ma’Lon McCoy, a student athlete at St. Agnes High School in St. Paul, has not only developed into one of 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 inNews
Ceremony honors legacy of Harry and Clementine Robinson
“They were there at a time when protests were underway to push Black residents out of South Minneapolis.”
Posted inLocal & State
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.
Posted inLocal & State
Northern Star Scouting honors community leaders at 2025 Awards gala
Northern Star Scouting honored community leaders at its 2025 Community Builder Award & Spurgeon Awards gala in St. Paul. SVP Drinal Foster received the Community Builder Award; five Spurgeon Award recipients were recognized for leadership and service. Proceeds support Exploring, a hands-on career program for youth ages 14–21.
Posted inLocal & State
Family Seeks Justice After Eagan Man Dies From Untreated Stroke in Custody
The family of Kingsley Fifi Bimpong is suing Eagan, Dakota County, and multiple officers, alleging they ignored clear signs of a stroke while he was in custody. Attorneys say video shows hours of distress before EMS was called. Bimpong was declared brain dead on November 19, 2024.
Posted inPolitics
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.
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 inEducation
Educators and allies unite behind vision for public education
At the CBCF Annual Legislative Conference, educators and advocates called for urgent investment in schools, protection for vulnerable students, and teaching full American history. NEA leaders warned that disinformation, gun violence, and immigration raids are pushing students out of classrooms and urged policymakers to fund education and defend truth.
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 inPolitics
Government shutdown leaves millions in limbo
As the 2025 federal government shutdown continues, 900,000 workers are furloughed and core services are disrupted. Minnesota programs—WIC, Head Start, passports, small-business loans, and $645M in energy projects—are at risk as partisan gridlock persists.
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 inPolitics
Walz calls special session on gun laws after Annunciation shooting
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.
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.