Three Black-owned food vendors are bringing bold new flavors to the 2026 Minnesota State Fair, from a Crack-n-Cheese Bowl to a Peri-Peri Bowl. Digital Editor Aaliyah Demry breaks down the menus.
Minnesota
Posted inEvents
Young changemakers to celebrate Legislative wins at community gathering
Catalyst for Systems Change invites the community to its Legislative Recap & Changemakers Program Celebration, highlighting the young people who helped shape policy at the State Capitol this session. Digital Editor Aaliyah Demry has the details.
Posted inNews
Battle Creek Waterpark to offer a free admission day during opening week
Battle Creek Waterpark reopens in Maplewood after a $5 million renovation, with free admission Thursday, July 9, to celebrate. Digital Editor Aaliyah Demry breaks down what’s new.
Posted inLocal & State
Minnesota Paid Leave approves thousands of applicants six months into program
Six months into Minnesota’s Paid Leave program, nearly $600 million has gone to approved applicants, with about 75,000 Minnesotans receiving benefits. Digital Editor Aaliyah Demry breaks down the numbers.
Posted inLocal & State
Minneapolis community members speak out against proposed trial on “first responder” drones
Minneapolis City Council heard testimony on a proposed 75-day Skydio drone trial for MPD in the 4th precinct, with over 30 residents pushing back on surveillance concerns and Skydio’s ties to Israel and DHS. Izzy Canizares reports.
Posted inWhat's Hot
What’s Hot: Twin Cities Weekend Events, July 10-12
From a paint-and-plant self-care night to a weekend-long arts festival, here’s what’s happening across the Twin Cities July 10-12.
Posted inLocal & State
TRAFFIC ALERT: Franklin Avenue Construction Impacts
Franklin Avenue construction shifts to the south side between Fourth and Chicago starting July 8, closing several intersections and rerouting traffic. Here’s what drivers and pedestrians need to know.
Posted inDigital Editions
MSR Digital Edition 49 for July 9 – July 15, 2026
The MSR Digital Edition 49 for July 9 – July 15, 2026 is now live. Explore community news, sports, arts, and events. Edition 49, Volume 92.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight
Roots & Bloom turns plant care into self-care
Ciera Curtis turned her love of plants into Roots & Bloom, a mobile plant shop bringing greenery, workshops and wellness conversations to communities across the Twin Cities. Contributing writer Lizzy Nyoike has the story.
Posted inLocal & State
TRAFFIC ALERT: I-394 construction impacts and updates
E-ZPass lanes on I-394 and I-94 will be unavailable in both directions through November as construction continues on 34 bridges and ramps. Here’s what drivers need to know.
Posted inLocal & State
ICE detentions surge to 2,000 a day to meet new agency quota
ICE detained over 10,000 people nationwide in a five-day span, doubling its daily quota to 2,000 detentions, according to new reporting. Contributing writer Ella Stern breaks down what’s driving the surge, and why it’s happening more quietly than past operations.
Posted inBlacklight On Sports
Blacklight on Sports: Timberwolves Executive Terrell Battle on Coach Gaines, Stephen A. Smith, and Raising Two Pro Basketball Players
A phone call from Coach “Big House” Gaines sent Terrell Battle to Minnesota in 1992. Three decades, a Timberwolves career and two professional-athlete kids later, he joins Blacklight on Sports to talk about his journey, his friendship with Stephen A. Smith, and raising pros without ever forcing it.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Parker, Reeve reflect on Lynx-Sparks rivalry for the age
Ten years after the Lynx-Sparks rivalry reshaped the WNBA playoff format, Candace Parker and Cheryl Reeve looked back at Knoxville on the two Finals series that stacked their rosters with future Hall of Famers. Sports columnist Charles Hallman has their reflections.
Posted inFirst Educator
Representation matters: Why diverse books keep children engaged
Books can act as mirrors or windows for children, and columnist Dr. Artika R. Tyner argues that culturally relevant stories matter more than most parents realize. She breaks down how to build a home library that does both.
Posted inBusiness
Governor’s office recognizes Dr. Sharhonda York Chea for transforming justice through research
A conversation with a parole officer as a teenager set Dr. Sharhonda York Chea on a path from watching her father’s reentry to earning a PhD and building a research firm dedicated to reducing recidivism. Contributing writer Lizzy Nyoike has her story.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
Five making their mark
Five former Twin Cities prep stars are now leading the next generation, moving from standout players to head coaches and community leaders across Minnesota high school sports. Sports columnist Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald has the roundup.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
Extreme heat, rising risk: What it means for Black Twin Cities hearts
Extreme heat is putting real strain on the heart this summer, and in the Twin Cities, that risk falls hardest on communities of color. Associate Editor Jasmine McBride breaks down the racial gap, the warning signs and how to stay safe.
Posted inTheater
Rose McGee’s ‘Kumbayah’ marks 30 years of telling freedom’s story
Rose McGee’s “Kumbayah The Juneteenth Story” marked 30 years at St. Paul’s The O’Shaughnessy, with cast members drawing direct lines from the play’s history to Operation Metro Surge and police brutality today. Ella Stern reports.
Posted inEducation
Black Teens Lead in AI Use for Schoolwork. But at What Cost?
Black teens use AI chatbots for schoolwork at three times the rate of white teens, according to new Pew data. Contributing writer Anya Armentrout reports on what that means for learning, cheating and emotional support.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
North Connections: Past and Present
From a Hall of Fame coach to two NFL players giving back, sports columnist Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald rounds up five of the strongest athletic connections tied to Minneapolis North.