The Minneapolis Police Department is working to rebuild community trust and implement new policies to reduce harmful interactions with residents, as part of a consent decree with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, while facing skepticism from community leaders and ongoing issues with crime and policing trends.
George Floyd
Posted inDr. Martin Luther King Jr.
King’s fight for justice is a universal struggle
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence” has taken on renewed urgency in Minnesota, as Black Minnesotans speak out against the ongoing violence in Gaza and the killing of Black Americans by police, highlighting the interconnectedness of struggles across borders and communities.
Posted inLocal & State
City, DOJ agree to police reforms
The Minneapolis City Council voted unanimously to enter into a sweeping agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to overhaul racist policing practices, with the final terms resulting from a DOJ investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department.
Posted inLocal & State
Minneapolis reaches tentative agreement with DOJ for federal oversight of police department
Minneapolis has reached a tentative agreement with the Department of Justice to implement a federal consent decree to address systemic misconduct within the Minneapolis Police Department, which will require sweeping reforms and federal oversight to dismantle patterns of civil rights violations and racial discrimination.
Posted inNews
Kroll’s Bid for U.S. Marshal Stirs Deep Divisions in Minnesota
Former Minneapolis police union head Bob Kroll is seeking to become Minnesota’s next U.S. Marshal, sparking debates about race, justice, and the future of law enforcement in the state.
Posted inLocal & State
Minneapolis moves forward with plans to transform former police building into democracy center
Minneapolis officials are seeking a partner to transform the former Third Precinct police building into a democracy center, offering elections and voter services, as well as space for community use and programming, to promote civic engagement and serve the needs of the community.
Posted inBusiness
Du Nord Social Spirits: A Legacy of Resilience and Community
Chris and Shanelle Montana founded Du Nord Social Spirits in 2013, which has since become one of the first Black-owned distilleries in the country, and recently opened a new cocktail room and Lagniappe, a New Orleans-inspired kitchen and bar, in the Twin Cities.
Posted inNews
MSR wraps up a milestone year with thanks to our readers
The MSR, the oldest Black-owned newspaper in Minnesota and one of the longest-running family-owned newspapers in the United States, celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2024, reflecting the rich tapestry of Black life and advocating for equality and opportunity for all.
Posted inLocal & State
Andrea Jenkins offers encouraging words for ‘challenging times’
Council Member Andrea Jenkins is working to ensure opportunities for economic growth, healing, and wellness in Ward 8, including expanding Pillsbury House Theatre to Pillsbury Community Commons, moving KRSM radio station to the new location, and creating a pocket park at the site of the George Floyd memorial.
Posted inLocal & State
Controversial ruling: Chauvin granted permission to re-examine Floyd’s autopsy samples
Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted for the murder of George Floyd, has been granted permission to re-examine heart tissue and fluid samples from Floyd’s autopsy, in an effort to explore whether Floyd may have died due to a pre-existing heart condition.
Posted inOpinion
Black Lives Mattered. Then America Moved On
A New York jury acquitted a white man who fatally choked a Black homeless man on a subway car, despite the victim having committed no crime, marking a return to the status quo of systemic racism and violence.
Posted inEvents
Brass Solidarity Hosts Final 2024 Monday Night Music at George Floyd Square
On December 16th, a Pop-Up Holiday Party will take place at Bichota Coffee in George Floyd Square, featuring live music, warm drinks, and a clothing drive for those in need, with proceeds going to The People’s Closet and Rise and Remember.
Posted inLocal & State
Ellison will not seek another council term
Minneapolis City Council member Jeremiah Ellison, who has represented Ward 5 for nearly a decade, has announced he will not be seeking reelection in 2025.
Posted inGeorge Floyd Square
Council nixes city plan for George Floyd Square
The City Council voted to refer back to committee the city’s recommended proposal for George Floyd Square, opting for a pedestrian plaza open only to emergency vehicles and local traffic, in order to address community concerns.
Posted inLocal & State
Lawsuit Claims $30 Million in Damages for Businesses Impacted by George Floyd Square
Business owners near George Floyd Square are suing the City of Minneapolis for $30 million in damages due to the city’s failure to address the growing crime and deterioration in the area, which has devastated their businesses.
Posted inOdds and Ends
‘Force of Blue’ captures North High’s 2020 season
Jeffrey Williams’ documentary “Force of Blue” follows the North High Polars football team during the 2020 season, highlighting the unique relationship between the predominantly Black players and their Black coaches who are policemen.
Posted inArts + Culture
Reviving Roots Therapy and Wellness celebrates new location with All About Joy block party
Reviving Roots Therapy and Wellness is hosting its first All About Joy Block Party on August 16 to celebrate its new location in Loring Park.
Posted inNews
10 years after Ferguson, do Black lives still matter?
The Ferguson protests of 2014 sparked a national conversation on systemic racism and police violence, resulting in reforms in the Ferguson police department and the election of the city’s first Black mayor.
Posted inNews
It’s official: Kamala Harris selects Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as 2024 VP running mate
Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice-presidential running mate, citing his background as a two-term governor and his commitment to middle-class families.
Posted inOpinion
Lawmakers must champion George Floyd Policing Act in honor of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee
The George Floyd Policing Act, which failed to pass in 2021, has a strong chance of changing what we now accept and expect,