Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced criminal charges against a second ICE agent for misconduct during Operation Metro Surge, as the Transparency and Accountability Project grows to 30 cases and becomes a flashpoint in the Hennepin County Attorney’s race.
Hennepin County
Posted inLocal & State
Minnesota Adds $59 Million in Opioid Settlement Funds as Gaps Remain
Minnesota will receive an additional $59 million in opioid settlement funding from Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, but community organizations serving Black Minnesotans say questions remain about whether funds are reaching the communities most impacted.
Posted inLocal & State
How redlining and systemic gaps leave communities vulnerable to disaster
Natural disasters hit low-income communities and communities of color hardest. MSR staff writer Damenica Ellis examines why, from the 2011 North Minneapolis tornado to the role of redlining in shaping disaster vulnerability today.
Posted inLocal & State
Bill targets cash bail’s racial disparity
Minnesota cash bail reform legislation would eliminate wealth-based detention in favor of an intentional release and detain approach as advocates say Black Minnesotans make up 36 percent of the pretrial jail population.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Hunger Strikers Confront Hennepin County Board Over HERC Closure, Sending Commissioners Into Recess
Zero Burn Coalition hunger strikers disrupted the Hennepin County Board meeting on day 12 of their strike demanding a vote to close HERC by December 2027 before ending the strike the following day.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Air and water disparities, and the fight to shut down HERC
HERC trash incinerator residents describe living next to a facility that sounds like an airport tarmac, causes respiratory illness and sits in a majority-Black community absorbing pollution from across Hennepin County.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Clinicians, Scientists Call for Closure of Hennepin Energy Recovery Center by 2027
Scientists and clinicians argue HERC’s outdated 30-year permit fails to protect North Minneapolis residents as hunger strikers demand a vote to close the trash incinerator by December 2027.
Posted inOpinion
An open letter to Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley
An open letter to Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley from a North Minneapolis resident who has lived near the HERC trash burner since 1999 and is calling her to honor her environmental justice promises.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Hunger strikers say Hennepin County commissioners won’t meet with them
Zero Burn Coalition hunger strikers say Hennepin County commissioners have refused to meet with them six days into their action demanding a vote to close the HERC trash incinerator by December 2027.
Posted inLocal & State
Tenant union wins more than $49,500 in court fines from building landlord
Brentwood Tenants Union wins more than $49,500 in Hennepin County court fines from Quadrel Realty in one of the largest tenant union victories in Housing Court history.
Posted inPolitics
Five Candidates Face Off Over ICE Prosecution, Criminal Justice Reform in Hennepin County Attorney Race
Hennepin County Attorney race 2026 forum at Sabathani Community Center featured five candidates debating ICE prosecution, criminal justice reform and the future of the office.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Hunger Strikers Give Hennepin County a Deadline on HERC
HERC incinerator North Minneapolis closure is being demanded by hunger strikers and residents as a former EPA scientist confirms significantly higher cancer risk near the facility.
Posted inBlack History
Handling and passing the baton: Kareem Murphy’s vision for equity and innovation
Kareem Murphy of Hennepin County leads health and human services strategy with a prevention-focused approach aimed at reducing disparities and strengthening community stability.
Posted inBlack History
Donnita Osborn: From Rondo roots to leading with heart
Donnita Osborn of Hennepin County is strengthening access and disability services through leadership rooted in community, authenticity and representation.
Posted inBlack History
Commissioner Angela Conley: Championing health, equity, and Black leadership
Angela Conley of Hennepin County is advancing heart health, maternal health equity and homeownership initiatives to address racial disparities.
Posted inBlack History
From parking booth to director: Bobby Jackson’s 47-year commitment to community and service
Director Bobby Jackson reflects on his 47-year career with Hennepin County, leading with equity, operational excellence and a commitment to service.
Posted inBlack History
Sheriff Dawanna Witt: Becoming what she once feared, defeating the odds
Sheriff Dawanna Witt’s journey from a childhood shaped by distrust of policing to becoming Hennepin County’s first Black woman sheriff reflects resilience and leadership.
Posted inBlack History
Leading through community: Sara Hollie’s Journey in Public Health
Sara Hollie Hennepin County Public Health director leads equity-driven initiatives focused on heart health, HIV prevention and systemic change.
Posted inLocal & State
Rising costs hit inmates, families priced out of phone calls at county jails
Rising Minnesota jail phone call costs are forcing families to limit communication with incarcerated loved ones, raising concerns about mental health, fairness, and rehabilitation.
Posted inLocal & State
State and local agencies denied access to investigate killing of Alex Pretti by ICE, file lawsuit to protect evidence
Local and state authorities say federal immigration agencies blocked access to a Minneapolis crime scene after ICE agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, prompting a lawsuit to preserve evidence.