David Billingsley III, music director at DeLaSalle High School, has been named a 2026 GRAMMY Music Educator Award quarterfinalist. He’s one of just 200 educators honored nationwide for inspiring students through music and equity-driven education.
Minneapolis
Posted inOpinion
Aunt Lottie’s memory and Juneteenth 2025
Juneteenth is both personal and historic for Steven Rogers, whose ancestors Richard and Susan Duty were freed from slavery in 1865 and helped build a thriving Black community in Louisiana. Their legacy lives on.
Posted inLocal & State
Hundreds grieve slain leaders at candlelight vigil
A candlelight vigil at the Capitol honored former Speaker Melissa Hortman and husband Mark after their tragic deaths. The event united mourners across party lines in a heartfelt tribute of music, reflection, and remembrance.
Posted inBlacklight On Sports
Brianna Edwards on Trusting the Process: From Athlete to Coach
Brianna Edwards joins Blacklight On Sports to talk about her journey from pro athlete to head coach and consultant—building athletes into leaders for life.
Posted inEvents
Line-Ups & Legacy event centers Black fatherhood, health, and community stories
2nd Chance Outreach presents Line-Ups & Legacy, a June 29 stage event and community fair honoring Black fatherhood, health, and generational legacy at North Central University.
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Posted inHelp Is Here
‘Meeting people where they’re at’: Broadway Family Medicine offers hope amid Opioid crisis
Broadway Family Medicine in North Minneapolis offers a stigma-free, culturally responsive approach to treating opioid use disorder. Their holistic model centers dignity, outreach, and support — and it’s saving lives in one of the hardest-hit communities in Minnesota.
Posted inEvents
Stages Theatre’s ‘Madagascar’ brings wild adventure to life
Stages Theatre Company presents “Madagascar – A Musical Adventure” through Aug. 3, starring 13-year-old Takelle Lee as Alex the Lion. With choreography from Threads Dance Project and direction by Sandy Boren-Barrett, the youth-centered musical explores friendship, freedom, and self-discovery.
Posted inLocal & State
Lane Splitting and Filtering Become Legal July 1 in Minnesota
Starting July 1, 2025, Minnesota motorcyclists will legally be allowed to lane split and filter through traffic. The new law outlines specific speed and location rules to boost rider safety and ease congestion.
Posted inSports
Talking games and cookies
MLB pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson is blending baseball and business with his cookie brand The Cozy Cookie, now available at Target Field. The 24-year-old shares how sports, family, and sweet tooth moments inspired the launch.
Posted inArtists
“Greetings From” celebrates Minnesota’s iconic signage at Augsburg University
Augsburg University’s “Greetings From” exhibit, curated by designer Kelsi Sharp, celebrates Minnesota’s hand-painted signage tradition and local visual history. On view through June 30.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Hoopster Hall of Fame inducts three more Black women
WNBA greats Sylvia Fowles, Alana Beard, and Cappie Pondexter entered the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame on June 8, 2025. MSR was the only Minnesota media present, continuing its leadership in women’s sports coverage.
Posted inLocal & State
‘Banking while Black’ incident implicates Edina branch
Juan Coleman says Commerce Bank in Edina accused him of fraud while cashing a $182 paycheck — even after his employer confirmed it. Now he’s seeking legal accountability.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
36 Lyn Refuel Station
36 Lyn Refuel Station marked its 20th anniversary with a celebration of local culture, clean energy, and community. Under Lonnie McQuirter’s leadership, the store has become a national model for socially conscious retail.
Posted inLocal & State
First ‘Madam Juneteenth’ crowned at 2025 Minnesota Pageant
The Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant crowned six new queens this year, including the first-ever Madam Juneteenth. Sannia Elzia now plans to use her platform to uplift the voices of Black women survivors.
Posted inArtists
Roosevelt Mansfield honored as June Artist of the Month
Saint Paul artist Roosevelt Mansfield is being honored as Artist of the Month by 825 Arts. His new exhibit Giving Flowers showcases photographic portraits of Rondo community elders, with a public opening on June 22.
Posted inEvents
Juneteenth at the Capitol offers something for everyone
This year’s Juneteenth celebration at the Capitol is a vibrant mix of music, opportunity, and purpose featuring a career fair, credit union launch, and free community resources.
Posted inEvents
Minnesota Humanities Center steps up with with weeks-long Juneteenth celebration
The Minnesota Humanities Center’s Juneteenth celebration includes four events featuring food historian Dr. Jessica B. Harris, civil rights attorney Sherrilyn Ifill, a new documentary, and a theatrical tribute to Black resilience.
Posted inLocal & State
Political assassinations shake Minnesota as thousands protest Trump
Just hours after Rep. Hortman’s assassination and Sen. Hoffman’s shooting, Minnesota’s “No Kings” protest moved forward. Chris Juhn reports from the historic day of mourning, resistance, and rising political tension.
Posted inOpinion
Call It What It Is-This Was Domestic Terrorism
Nekima Levy Armstrong says that the killing of Rep. Melissa Hortman and attempted assassination of Sen. John Hoffman was domestic terrorism. She demands transparency from law enforcement, a federal terrorism designation, and an end to the double standard in how white mass murderers are treated compared to Black victims of police violence.
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Posted inHelp Is Here
Anything Helps builds trust through simple acts of care
At Anything Helps in North Minneapolis, recovery starts with radical care: food, showers, and no judgment. Peer-led support and trust are the focus.