Thirty years after becoming the first Black man to walk in space, Dr. Bernard Harris Jr. is headed to the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. He continues to empower underserved youth through STEM education and outreach.
News
Timely national, state, and local articles, including profile stories from an African American perspective.
Posted inLocal & State
Somali-owned sambusa company “Hoyo” expands to Midtown Global Market
Hoyo triples its kitchen space at Midtown Global Market to expand sambusa production and uplift immigrant moms through food and employment.
Posted inLocal & State
New law will require boating permits for many Minnesotans starting July 1
Beginning July 1, 2025, Minnesotans born after June 30, 2004, must carry a watercraft operator’s permit to use motorized boats or jet skis. The law will expand to more age groups over the next three years.
Posted inLocal & State
Federal checks on children frighten immigrant families
Immigration attorneys report federal agents are showing up unannounced to interview unaccompanied minors in Minnesota. Families and advocates call it invasive, fear-inducing, and harmful.
Posted inLocal & State
For Black Collective Foundation, the new philanthropy is community-driven
The Black Collective Foundation MN celebrated Juneteenth with its Rooted & Radiant brunch—honoring Black joy, reflection, and leadership while advancing bold, community-led change.
Posted inLocal & State
MEDA’s successes celebrated in these ‘exhausting times’
At its 2025 Annual Meeting, MEDA celebrated BIPOC entrepreneurs and community builders with a night of awards, bold insights, and renewed vision for economic equity in Minnesota.
Posted inLocal & State
Hundreds grieve slain leaders at candlelight vigil
A candlelight vigil at the Capitol honored former Speaker Melissa Hortman and husband Mark after their tragic deaths. The event united mourners across party lines in a heartfelt tribute of music, reflection, and remembrance.
Posted inLocal & State
Lane Splitting and Filtering Become Legal July 1 in Minnesota
Starting July 1, 2025, Minnesota motorcyclists will legally be allowed to lane split and filter through traffic. The new law outlines specific speed and location rules to boost rider safety and ease congestion.
Posted inLocal & State
‘Banking while Black’ incident implicates Edina branch
Juan Coleman says Commerce Bank in Edina accused him of fraud while cashing a $182 paycheck — even after his employer confirmed it. Now he’s seeking legal accountability.
Posted inLocal & State
First ‘Madam Juneteenth’ crowned at 2025 Minnesota Pageant
The Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant crowned six new queens this year, including the first-ever Madam Juneteenth. Sannia Elzia now plans to use her platform to uplift the voices of Black women survivors.
Posted inEvents
Minnesota Humanities Center steps up with with weeks-long Juneteenth celebration
The Minnesota Humanities Center’s Juneteenth celebration includes four events featuring food historian Dr. Jessica B. Harris, civil rights attorney Sherrilyn Ifill, a new documentary, and a theatrical tribute to Black resilience.
Posted inLocal & State
Political assassinations shake Minnesota as thousands protest Trump
Just hours after Rep. Hortman’s assassination and Sen. Hoffman’s shooting, Minnesota’s “No Kings” protest moved forward. Chris Juhn reports from the historic day of mourning, resistance, and rising political tension.
Posted inLocal & State
Healing racial trauma one circle at a time
Coming to the Table’s national gathering comes to St. Paul this June, bringing together descendants of enslaved people and enslavers to heal generational trauma through circle process and truth-telling.
Posted inLocal & State
Tragedy in Minnesota: Former House Speaker Melissa Hortman Killed in Politically Motivated Attack
Melissa Hortman, former Speaker of the Minnesota House, and her husband were killed in a politically motivated shooting. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot. The suspect remains at large.
Posted inNews
Safe homes for LGBTQIA+ youth
In Minnesota, LGBTQIA+ youth face high rates of homelessness — but programs like Project Live Out Loud are offering hope through affirming housing and care shaped by those with lived experience.
Posted inLocal & State
Federal restaurant raid draws protests, demands
A large-scale federal raid at a Lake Street restaurant has triggered protests and renewed scrutiny of ICE’s role in local law enforcement operations.
Posted inFinance
Open Road Fund offers gifts, not grants
The Open Road Fund offers $50,000 direct gifts to Black descendants of enslaved people in MN, ND & SD — transforming lives and building Black generational wealth.
Posted inResources
SNAP Critical to Fighting Hunger and Strengthening Minnesota Communities
With food insecurity surging, SNAP helps 440,000 Minnesotans fight hunger and fuels local economies. Now more than ever, the program must be protected.
Posted inPolitics
US Presidency openly for sale
Donald Trump’s presidency is marked by unprecedented profiteering, as personal business ventures thrive under an administration with little oversight or accountability.
Posted inLocal & State
Federal judge dismisses MPD consent decree
A federal judge dismissed the MPD federal consent decree, halting federal oversight of police reforms. Minneapolis officials say they will continue with the full slate of reforms despite the ruling.