From a late-blooming role player at Park Center to a 51-point farewell in the Canary Islands, Joshua Brown joins Blacklight on Sports to talk about five years at Duluth, his first pro season, and life as a Minnesota Lynx practice player.
featured
Posted inLocal & State
Community pushes back on Minneapolis drone pilot program
Forty community members spoke out against a proposed MPD drone pilot at a July 8 committee meeting, none in favor. Contributing writer Ella Stern breaks down the surveillance, data and Skydio-Israel concerns headed to a full council vote July 16.
Posted inOpinion
A Metro car photo became a portrait of Trump’s America
A Reuters photo of a Black woman surrounded by masked Patriot Front members on the D.C. Metro became the defining image of America’s 250th birthday. In an op-ed, Joseph Williams traces the moment back through a century of organized white intimidation.
Posted inPolitics
Trump Administration Shelves Harriet Tubman $20 Bill Plan
The Trump administration has shelved plans to put Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill while pushing forward a $250 bill featuring Trump himself. The contrast drew swift criticism from lawmakers who’ve pushed the Tubman redesign since 2015.
Posted inLocal & State
West Side St. Paul residents asked to give input on César Chávez Street renaming
As St. Paul moves to rename César Chávez Street, the West Side Community Organization is hosting three input sessions to gather community voices before the process moves forward.
Posted inLocal & State
Free locks and peace of mind being handed out in St. Paul after missing autistic teen is found
Sheletta Brundidge is giving away 100 free interior combination locks to help protect autistic children from wandering during what she calls “drowning season.” Contributing writer Sheletta Brundidge has the story behind the Saturday giveaway.
Posted inEvents
Minneapolis non-profit to Host Revolutionary Teach-In During Black August
Blackbird Revolt is hosting a Revolutionary Teach-In during Black August, bringing Black and brown artists, educators and organizers together for a day of political education and community building in Minneapolis.
Posted inEvents
Free cooking classes to teach Black traditional plant-based dishes in Minneapolis
Edible Boulevards is hosting free Roots cooking classes this summer, teaching traditional Ethiopian and plant-based dishes rooted in Black and African American culinary culture. Digital Editor Aaliyah Demry has the schedule.
Posted inTracey’s Keepin' It Real
Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real: Frank Brown and Tina Schlief on Customer Service, Communication, and the Dos and Don’ts of Doing Business
“The customer is always right” is a myth, says Minuteman Press Uptown owner Frank Brown. On this episode of Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real, Brown and consumer Tina Schlief join host Tracey Williams-Dillard for a candid conversation about customer service, communication and why Black-owned businesses need to stop offering discounts on request.
Posted inFood
3 Black-owned food vendors bringing rich flavors to 2026 Minnesota State Fair
Three Black-owned food vendors are bringing bold new flavors to the 2026 Minnesota State Fair, from a Crack-n-Cheese Bowl to a Peri-Peri Bowl. Digital Editor Aaliyah Demry breaks down the menus.
Posted inNational
Black Business Pioneer, Creator of Popular Cosmetics Products, Johnson Dies at 99
George E. Johnson, whose Johnson Products Company became the first Black-owned business listed on the American Stock Exchange, has died at 99. David Snelling reports on a life that reshaped the Black hair care industry.
Posted inFinance
Student loan changes leave Black borrowers bracing for higher payments
Sweeping student loan changes took effect July 1, eliminating key repayment plans and leaving Black borrowers, who carry a disproportionate share of national debt, bracing for higher payments. Contributing writer Clint Combs reports on what advocates say borrowers need to know now.
Posted inEvents
Young changemakers to celebrate Legislative wins at community gathering
Catalyst for Systems Change invites the community to its Legislative Recap & Changemakers Program Celebration, highlighting the young people who helped shape policy at the State Capitol this session. Digital Editor Aaliyah Demry has the details.
Posted inNews
Battle Creek Waterpark to offer a free admission day during opening week
Battle Creek Waterpark reopens in Maplewood after a $5 million renovation, with free admission Thursday, July 9, to celebrate. Digital Editor Aaliyah Demry breaks down what’s new.
Posted inLocal & State
Minnesota Paid Leave approves thousands of applicants six months into program
Six months into Minnesota’s Paid Leave program, nearly $600 million has gone to approved applicants, with about 75,000 Minnesotans receiving benefits. Digital Editor Aaliyah Demry breaks down the numbers.
Posted inLocal & State
Minneapolis community members speak out against proposed trial on “first responder” drones
Minneapolis City Council heard testimony on a proposed 75-day Skydio drone trial for MPD in the 4th precinct, with over 30 residents pushing back on surveillance concerns and Skydio’s ties to Israel and DHS. Izzy Canizares reports.
Posted inYouth Financial Education
Goal setting: Mapping your short and long-term financial future
Joel Carrasquillo didn’t wait for a full-time salary to learn how money works. As he prepares to start his career with Vanguard, he talks about building financial habits early, and why financial literacy is bigger than any one person’s bank account.
Posted inWhat's Hot
What’s Hot: Twin Cities Weekend Events, July 10-12
From a paint-and-plant self-care night to a weekend-long arts festival, here’s what’s happening across the Twin Cities July 10-12.
Posted inBlack College Sports Report
Big changes ahead for HBCU hoops
From an expanded NCAA tournament to a growing HBCUAC, sports columnist Charles Hallman rounds up five points shaping the future of Black college athletics.
Posted inParent Power
Why parent voice is Minnesota’s most underutilized education resource
Khulia F. Pringle launches a new monthly column, Parent Power, arguing that Minnesota schools treat parents as an afterthought instead of the education system’s most underused resource.