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.
Philando Castile
Posted inLocal & State
Philando’s Pantry’s free groceries draw a crowd
Philando’s Pantry in Brooklyn Park continues Philando Castile’s legacy by feeding hundreds of families, distributing 20 tons of food this month and working toward a permanent home to expand services.
Posted inArts + Culture
Journey of Louis Hunter: From rioting charges to owning a plant-based restaurant and a film
Louis Hunter, who was charged with rioting after the police killing of his cousin, Philando Castile, has overcome the charges and now owns a restaurant and has a film inspired by his life story.
Posted inBlack Business Spotlight, Business, Featured
Black Business Spotlight: TurnSignl
‘If the awareness is there and there’s not a solution yet, who’s going to build it? So, we took it upon ourselves to do that.’
Posted inOpinion
If you’re Black or Brown, Minnesota’s status quo is a killer
‘As Black and Brown people we find ourselves struggling nationally and locally between surging White nationalism and a cynical, indifferent Democratic political system.’
Posted inNational
Only one Black juror to serve on controversial Potter case
The trial of former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter, who shot and killed Daunte Wright, has raised concerns about racial bias and the defense’s use of peremptory strikes, while activists are calling for accountability and justice.
Posted inFeatured, Local & State, News
Philando Castile Memorial street signs to be installed in Falcon Heights on June 9
On June 9, the City of Falcon Heights is slated to implement an honorary name change to the section of Larpenteur Avenue where Philando Castile was killed.
Posted inOpinion
What the Chauvin murder trial revealed about the U.S. ‘justice’ system
The Chauvin murder trial further exposed to the world the fragility of American democracy and the lie of American exceptionalism.
Posted inFeatured, Women’s History Month
Valerie Castile: unbending, unbroken, unbowed
In the five years since her son Philando Castile’s death, Valerie Castile has worked as a change agent by advocating for police reform and other measures to create real change in the community.
Posted inFeatured, Local & State, National, News
Families victimized by police violence unite, call for higher charges for Daunte Wright’s killer
Family members of those killed by police gathered at a press conference on Friday in a show of unity with Daunte Wright’s mother Katie Wright and to press for police accountability.
Posted inArts + Culture, Movies
First of short film series reimagines Philando Castile police killing
Indie filmmaker Ryan Culver advances the premise ‘What if Philando Castile was white?’ in a new short film.
Posted inBulletin, News
Fourth of July happenings—#Blackout edition
Not a lot of fireworks this year, but plenty of opportunities to get out in the community and continue to call for social justice.
Posted inPhoto Galleries
Remembering Philando Castile [photos]
The Philando Castile Relief Foundation celebrated Restoration Day and Unity Day (July 6 and 7) to commemorate the shooting death of Philando Castile in 2016.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Valerie Castile keeps Philando’s legacy alive
The Philando Castile Foundation gifted $8,000 to Robbinsdale Cooper High School in New Hope to clear lunch debts for more than 300 seniors.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Falcon Heights honors Philando Castile with ‘Restoration’ & ‘Unity’ days
Today, July 6, marks the two-year anniversary of the shooting death of Philando Castile. Castile was killed during a routine traffic stop in Falcon Heights, MN. From vigils and protests to artwork and exhibits, the state continues to mourn and celebrate the memory of the late St. Paul Public Schools cafeteria supervisor. The City of Falcon […]
Posted inLocal & State, News
Castile exhibit at Mia intersects art and activism
Hundreds of people filled the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) main lobby on June 16 for the opening of a historic exhibit combining community, equity, and art. The exhibit, “Art and Healing: In the Moment,” pays homage to Philando Castile, who was fatally shot by police almost two years ago in Falcon Heights, Minn.
Posted inLocal & State, News
New report shows Russian trolls targeted Black Lives Matter response to Philando Castile death
According to a CNN investigation released last week, it turns out those bots had also posed as BLM Minneapolis after the police shooting of Philando Castile in July 2016.
Posted inArts + Culture
Philando Castile remembered in upcoming Mia art exhibit
Philando Castile will be honored in a new Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) exhibition entitled “Art and Healing: In the Moment” starting in June.
Posted inNews
Harteau’s exit cheered; mayor urged to do the same (photos & video)
Protesters rally, march, vow to keep up the pressure Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau’s resignation Friday at the request of Mayor Betsy Hodges marked a dramatic end to an intense week. In a released statement, the mayor said that she had “lost confidence” in Harteau’s leadership and “it is clear that she has lost the […]
Posted inPhoto Galleries
PHOTOS & VIDEO: Community honors the life of Philando Castile a year after his death
Around 250 people showed up Friday, June 7 outside of the Falcon Heights City Hall for a planned lantern release celebration to honor the life and memory of Philando Castile. The event was organized by the Castile family for community members who were unable to attend the Celebration of Life Anniversary gathering held at Gibbs […]