When white supremacist Jake Lang brought his hate speech to Minneapolis City Hall, over 100 community members and one local ‘Spider-Man’, made sure he knew he wasn’t welcome. But as MPD shielded the far-right group, residents were left asking who the city actually protects.
News
Timely national, state, and local articles, including profile stories from an African American perspective.
Posted inNews
Rally urges Target, Cargill, Best Buy to condemn federal surveillance of activists
When federal agents infiltrated churches, libraries, and community centers, Minnesota activists didn’t just fight back in court, they took the fight to corporate headquarters, demanding local business giants take a stand.
Posted inLocal & State
Ellison, Choi win court orders keeping gang members from State Fair
State and county officials are taking a civil approach to keep the Minnesota State Fair peaceful. Here is how focused deterrence is being put to the test.
Posted inNews
What’s Hot: Twin Cities Weekend Events, August 21 to 23
From premium spirits to old school R&B to a celebration of Black authors, here’s what’s happening across the Twin Cities August 21-23.
Posted inLocal & State
Frey unveils $2.3 billion budget with job cuts, 11.3% tax hike and more police overtime funding
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has unveiled a $2.3 billion proposed budget aimed at closing a projected $60 million shortfall through job cuts, tax hikes, and consolidated services, sparking immediate debate over police overtime spending and park funding.
Posted inPolitics
Frazier, Folk advance to November as Hennepin County weighs future of criminal justice reform
State Rep. Cedrick Frazier and former U.S. Attorney Anders Folk will face off in November to succeed Mary Moriarty as Hennepin County Attorney, in a race centered on continuing criminal justice reform and prosecuting ICE agents. Contributing writer Clint Combs breaks down the primary results.
Posted inLocal & State
How Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” affects SNAP
Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” is reshaping SNAP eligibility, kicking asylees and refugees off benefits and adding new work requirements, while shifting billions in costs onto states starting in 2026. Contributing writer Ella Stern breaks down the impact on Minnesota, where over a quarter of SNAP recipients are Black.
Posted inMSR In the News
MSR marks 92 years of telling our own story
As MSR marks 92 years, longtime contributors Jerry Freeman and Charles Hallman reflect on decades in the Black Press and the truths only it can tell. Editor Jasmine McBride has their story.
Posted inNational
Pope Leo finally addresses his black ancestry and slavery
Leo acknowledges a family history that spans slavery, immigration and America’s enduring debate over race and identity.
Posted inLocal & State
Study shows St. Paul’s Project PEACE shows promise in gun violence prevention
A two-year evaluation of St. Paul’s Project PEACE confirms that community-centered violence prevention works, providing a blueprint for how trusted life coaches can protect young Black men and disrupt cycles of gun violence.
Posted inEvents
Black business pioneers inducted into inaugural Minnesota Black Business Hall of Fame
“History can’t wait.” The Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce inducted its inaugural class into the Minnesota Black Business Hall of Fame, honoring trailblazers who built the foundation for local economic power.
Posted inLocal & State
Sabathani Community Center’s block party celebrates 60 years of service
South Minneapolis’ Sabathani Community Center celebrated 60 years of community care with a block party headlined by Sounds of Blackness. Neighbors and leaders reflected on six decades of serving as a vital lifeline for Black Minnesota.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Clare Northeast Apartments unveils $7 million renovation as Clare Housing marks nearly 40 years
Clare Housing just finished a $7 million renovation of 32 HIV supportive housing apartments in northeast Minneapolis. Next up: housing for aging residents.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Restriction of medical care among incarcerated people keeps treatment from those who need it
While Minnesota prisons have daily medical staff, county jails rely on a patchy network of private providers. The newly enacted Larry R. Hill Medical Reform Act aims to mandate prescription access, if county jails actually enforce it.
Posted inLocal & State
Following policing and surveillance concerns, Minneapolis to receive audit of ShotSpotter technology
Minneapolis is the only city in Minnesota using ShotSpotter’s gunshot detection microphones. With a city audit dropping next month, community members and council members question whether the tech reduces violence or drives discriminatory policing.
Posted inEducation
Young Hearts Open Minds names Arielle Handevidt as CEO, plans to expand early childhood equity work
Former NAZ leader Arielle Handevidt is stepping into the CEO role at Young Hearts Open Minds to expand early childhood equity work, helping educators use “windows and mirrors” to combat bias before age five.
Posted inNews
Dr. Josie Johnson reflects on Cecil Newman, the Black press and a life of advocacy
As the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder marks 92 years, civil rights icon Dr. Josie Johnson shares why controlling our own narratives remains the ultimate form of advocacy.
Posted inNational
A month later, Nolan Wells’ death still defies answers
A month after 19-year-old Nolan Wells vanished during a boat trip with white friends, three federal arrests and two autopsies have deepened the mystery, leaving his family demanding basic transparency.
Posted inNews
Black Entrepreneur State Fair returns to Lake Street
What began as a grassroots response to grief and pandemic hardship has grown into a major South Minneapolis tradition. The Black Entrepreneur State Fair returns for its seventh year with live music, food, and local vendors.
Posted inLocal & State
Police, protesters clash as St. Paul begins clearing Pig’s Eye encampment
Tensions flared in St. Paul as law enforcement and protesters clashed during phase one of clearing the Pig’s Eye encampment, raising urgent questions about city housing resources and community safety.