St. Paul’s mayoral candidates clashed over gun policy during a public debate. Mayor Melvin Carter outlined a proposal to restrict assault-style weapons, while Rep. Kaohly Her and Yan Chen questioned its legality and effectiveness. The exchange highlighted sharp differences on public safety, housing, and riverfront development ahead of the November 5 election.
Minneapolis
Posted inCommunity Voices
The simple solution parents need to keep up with new apps
City Councilor LaTrisha Vetaw says the App Store Accountability Act would make it easier for parents to stay involved in their children’s digital lives by requiring approval before teens download new apps.
Posted inArts + Culture
For teen artist, creativity is emotional expression
At 17, Patience “Pizel” Epps turns emotion into mixed-media art and brings her voice to the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Her journey shows how creativity can become language, purpose, and a path forward.
Posted inNews
Federal shutdown pushes single mothers in Minnesota to the brink
One single mother of three children, ages 4, 10, and 20 have recently become homeless. She felt compelled to leave an unsafe apartment building where drug dealers were actively selling drugs around her children.
Posted inLocal & State
Minnesotans show up en masse to declare “No Kings”
Thousands gathered outside U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis on Saturday for the “No Kings” protest, where demonstrators voiced opposition to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, the deployment of federal troops in U.S. cities, and the use of the justice system against political opponents. The crowd filled the Commons area near 425 Portland Ave., stretching […]
Posted inEvents
Sweet Potato Comfort Pie Bakes for Healing After Tragedy
Sweet Potato Comfort Pie will lead a multi-site community bake to deliver nearly 300 pies to families, first responders, and partners after the Annunciation tragedy—turning shared grief into comfort, connection, and hope.
Posted inEvents
Eliza Winston Exhibit Honors Minnesota’s Hidden History of Courage and Resistance
The Hennepin History Museum’s new exhibit, “Winston: A Woman’s Fight for Freedom in Minnesota,” spotlights Eliza Winston—the enslaved woman who won her freedom in an 1860 Minneapolis courtroom. Rare documents, artifacts, and new art reveal Minnesota’s hidden history of courage and resistance.
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.
Posted inTicket Giveway
Win Tickets to See Herbie Hancock Live at the Orpheum Theatre!
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder is giving readers an unforgettable opportunity to see Herbie Hancock, one of the most influential musicians of our time, live in concert on Wednesday, October 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis.
Posted inTicket Giveway
Win Tickets to See Katt Williams Live at Target Center!
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder is giving readers the chance to see one of comedy’s most legendary performers, Katt Williams, live in Minneapolis!
Posted inLocal & State
Foundation honors five MN leaders for advancing race equity
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation named five 2025 Facing Race Award honorees—Alexs Pate, Nate Smith, Kathy Sublett, Sai Thao, and Patricia Torres Ray—recognizing statewide leadership that challenges harmful narratives on race and builds inclusive solutions. Livestream Oct 16; details inside.
Posted inNews
Mankato volleyball standout now a winning Ph.D. coach
It’s been nearly a decade since Jennifer Jacobs left her native St. Paul for her first collegiate head volleyball coaching opportunity. “Can you believe I’m in my ninth season?” asked the Augustana (S.D.) University coach after her Vikings played at Concordia-St. Paul on the first Friday evening of October. “I moved there in ’17; ’18 […]
Posted inLocal & State
Tensions flared at St. Paul mayoral forum over proposed bike trail
“All of our streets need to be redone,” State Rep. Kaohly Her said to a round of applause during the St. Paul mayoral forum on October 6 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. “Such a bulls**t answer,” muttered engineer and mayoral candidate Adam Dullinger off-mic, but within earshot of Her. The tense moment came during the […]
Posted inEducation
Constructing bridges: What educators wish parents knew at the start of a new school year
The first day of preschool or kindergarten is a milestone for both children and parents, a moment filled with excitement, nervous energy, and lots of questions. While families pack backpacks and label water bottles to ensure their children return home with their belongings, early childhood educators quietly wish to share a few heart-to-heart truths with […]
Posted inPolitics
AG Ellison’s pushback pays off for Minnesotans
But how long can he and other AGs resist Trump’s overreach? In every corner of Minnesota, Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office has become a bulwark in what he casts as a constitutional struggle, one state-led lawsuit at a time. Across rural counties and in the halls of state agencies, his team is quietly but persistently […]
Posted inNews
McCoy creating her own legacy
She might be the best kept secret in the state of Minnesota. There is a student athlete in St. Paul, part of a very accomplished family, who is quietly making a name for herself. Ma’Lon McCoy, a student athlete at St. Agnes High School in St. Paul, has not only developed into one of the […]
Supported
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 […]
Posted inBusiness
New Habitat ReStore opens in Brooklyn Park
A new Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore has officially opened its doors in Brooklyn Park, offering affordable home improvement items, including donated, new, and gently used home goods. This marks the third ReStore in the Twin Cities and the first in the northwest metro area. Beyond budget-friendly furniture and appliances, proceeds from ReStore sales […]
Posted inLocal & State
Mpls renters want first rights to buy
Minneapolis renter coalitions want a Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), giving tenants the first right to buy when buildings go up for sale. Advocates say TOPA would fight displacement and expand ownership for renters of color, while opponents warn of added complexity. The City Council will weigh the proposal this month.
Posted inSports
What we lost with the Negro Leagues
MLBbro.com, founded by veteran journalist and NABJ HOF Rob Parker, regularly spotlights Black and brown pro baseball players. The MSR does its best to keep pace with a similar emphasis on U.S.-born Black players at Minnesota Twins home games. The Twins this season had four Black players — position players Byron Buxton and Royce Lewis, […]