Director Bobby Jackson reflects on his 47-year career with Hennepin County, leading with equity, operational excellence and a commitment to service.
Hennepin County
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.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Hunger strike escalates opposition to HERC pollution
The Zero Burn Coalition announced a hunger strike as part of an escalating push for HERC incinerator closure in North Minneapolis.
Posted inLocal & State
Hennepin County considers reparations for Blacks, Indigenous
Hennepin County commissioners are moving forward with a proposal to establish a Reparations Research Task Force to examine historical racial harms and recommend ways to address inequities impacting Black and Indigenous residents.
Supported
Posted inHelp Is Here
Finding peace in the struggle: one man’s journey through recovery
For Lamont B. Taylor, recovery is both a battle and a sanctuary. Born in Hennepin County and raised in Gary, Indiana, Lamont has lived a life marked by struggle, mistakes, and the long road to self-discovery. Today, he finds solace at Anything Helps, a Minneapolis-based organization that provides resources for people navigating addiction and life’s […]
Posted inLocal & State
Courtroom protesters demand ‘No More Stolen Lives’
Families, activists expose gaps in domestic violence protections Allison Lussier’s life ended in a North Loop apartment in February 2024, but questions surrounding her death continue to reverberate through Minneapolis. Family members and Indigenous activists say the system failed Lussier, a 29-year-old woman with a history of domestic abuse, and are calling for accountability as […]
Posted inLocal & State
MPD domestic violence unit understaffed
With no High Risk Team, more deaths likely Hennepin County District 2 Commissioner Irene Fernando said the city failed to assign an investigator to the domestic violence case of Mariah Samuels before her death, despite internal claims that one had been appointed. “The letter says that an investigator was assigned,” Fernando said at a press […]
Posted inLocal & State
Federal Shutdown Delays SNAP Food Benefits for November
Minnesota’s November SNAP and MFIP food benefits are paused during the federal shutdown, while October benefits remain available. Families can still apply, but no new funds will load in November until federal operations resume. Here’s what this means, who is affected, and where to find immediate food support across the state.
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Posted inHealth + Wellness
One woman’s fight to escape addiction
When Teresa Ludena Chavez walked into the Anything Helps organization for the first time earlier this year, it was a moment of both hardship and hope. Having been homeless since early May after being released from the hospital, Teresa was searching for basic resources: a shower, hygiene supplies, and a safe space to begin the […]
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Posted inHelp Is Here
MN House bill would allow patients to refuse opioids
HF 1379 would create a statewide non-opioid directive so patients can decline opioid prescriptions except in emergencies. Supporters call it a commonsense safeguard after years of rising overdose deaths. Clinicians and advocates urge a balanced rollout that preserves pain care and expands treatment and harm reduction.
Posted inPolitics
Trump administration sues Minnesota over immigration stance
The U.S. Department of Justice has sued Minnesota, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, and St. Paul over so-called sanctuary policies, alleging they obstruct federal immigration enforcement. Attorney General Keith Ellison and local leaders call the suit an overreach and say community trust and public safety come first.
Posted inNews
Hennepin County joins shift away from ‘pretextual’ enforcement
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced the county will stop prosecuting charges from pretextual traffic stops—expired tabs, window tint, and similar low-level violations—starting Oct. 15. Officials say the move reduces racial disparities and frees resources for violent crime; skeptics warn about losing an enforcement tool. The shift mirrors Ramsey County’s 2021 policy and Minneapolis’ consent-decree limits on stops.
Posted inLocal & State
Hennepin County expands ‘Red Flag’ orders to prevent crises
Hennepin County red flag orders are up in 2025. A specialized ERPO team and expanded mental health resources help families and police intervene before crises escalate.
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Posted inHelp Is Here
Twin Cities Recovery Project hosts overdose awareness event
At a West Broadway gathering on Aug. 31, Twin Cities Recovery Project observed International Overdose Awareness Day with peer support, grief and trauma resources, harm reduction services, and a clear message that recovery is possible.
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Posted inHelp Is Here
Park Avenue Center helps Black men get unstuck
Park Avenue Center in South Minneapolis offers a culturally specific program that helps Black men address mental health, addiction, and systemic barriers with trust and holistic recovery support.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Commissioners weigh Hennepin Healthcare Board changes
Hennepin Healthcare leaders warn that replacing their diverse, community-rooted board with political appointees risks patient care. Vote: August 12.
Posted inLocal & State
Northsiders decry Blue-Line disruption, displacement
Northside leaders demand $10M in anti-displacement funds as the Blue Line Extension threatens homes, businesses, and community stability.