In the Echoes of Unity Special Edition, the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation highlights the Facing Race Awards and leaders advancing equity across Minnesota.
St Paul
Posted inBusiness
Yolanda Pierson named president, CEO of Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce
Yolanda Pierson has been named president and CEO of the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce, bringing decades of leadership and a focus on community connection.
Posted inBlacklight On Sports
Blacklight On Sports Explores Art, Mentorship, and Legacy With Roosevelt Mansfield
Blacklight On Sports features photographer Roosevelt Mansfield, highlighting creativity, mentorship, and community storytelling.
Posted inSpecial Edition - Echoes of Unity
Cliff Johnson: From Jacksonville Juke Joints to West Point’s First African American Bandsman
In the Echoes of Unity Special Edition, Cliff Johnson reflects on music, perseverance, and breaking barriers as the first Black member of the West Point Band.
Posted inDigital Editions
MSR Digital Edition for January 15 – January 21, 2026
The MSR Digital Edition for January 15 – January 21, 2026 is now live. Explore community news, sports, arts, and events. Edition 24, Volume 92.
Posted inSpecial Edition - Echoes of Unity
Carrying the dream forward: How Black Men Teach is shaping Minnesota’s classrooms
In the Echoes of Unity Special Edition, Black Men Teach reflects Dr. King’s vision by strengthening representation, belonging, and equity in Minnesota classrooms.
Posted inSpecial Edition - Echoes of Unity
Dr. King’s work lives in the cases Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison litigates
In an Echoes of Unity interview, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison explains how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy lives on through civil rights enforcement, economic justice, and accountability under the rule of law.
Posted inEvents
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday 2026: Events Across Minnesota Honor 40 Years of Legacy and Action
Minnesota marks 40 years of the MLK holiday with statewide events honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Posted inLocal & State
AG Ellison sues USDA over threatened SNAP cuts
Minnesota could lose SNAP benefits under new USDA recertification demands, prompting a lawsuit from Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Posted inEducation
In search of opportunity, young Black Minnesotans are leaving the state
Young Black Minnesotans are leaving the state for college and careers, seeking cultural access, professional growth, and creative opportunity they say is limited at home.
Posted inTracey’s Keepin' It Real
Equity and Legacy During Minnesota’s 40th MLK Holiday Anniversary
Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real marks Minnesota’s 40th MLK holiday anniversary with a conversation on equity, legacy, and collective responsibility featuring Ashley Oolman.
Posted inPolitics
St. Paul’s new mayor pledges to stand up to Trump
Kaohly Her was sworn in as St. Paul’s first woman and Asian American mayor, outlining priorities on transparency, infrastructure planning, and resistance to federal overreach in her inaugural address.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
Best photos of 2025
The Prep Scene’s Significant Six features some of the best prep sports photos captured in 2025.
Posted inPolitics
Walz ends re-election bid, citing political climate and fraud concerns
Gov. Tim Walz announced he will not seek reelection, citing the political climate and his desire to focus on governing Minnesota. His decision reshapes the 2026 governor’s race and raises new questions about Democratic leadership in the state.
Posted inDigital Editions
MSR Digital Edition for January 8 – January 14, 2026
The MSR Digital Edition for January 8 – January 14, 2026 is now live. Explore community news, sports, arts, and events. Edition 23, Volume 92.
Posted inSports
From Minnesota Gyms to the Global Game
Minnesota high schools continue to shape professional basketball, with 17 alumni competing in the NBA, NBA-affiliated systems, and overseas leagues during the 2025–26 season.
Posted inSister Spokesman
Sister Spokesman opens 2026 celebrating togetherness
Sister Spokesman opened the new year with its “Stronger Together” gathering, centering community connection, philanthropy, and shared responsibility for sustaining Black institutions.
Posted inLocal & State
These new laws take effect in Minnesota as 2026 arrives
Minnesota enters 2026 with major new laws in effect, including paid family and medical leave, clearer worker break requirements, a minimum wage increase, new protections for vulnerable adults, and changes to voting, water use, boating fees, and hunting rules.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
Former and current metro area players representing
Minnesota basketball came full circle this week as former Twin Cities prep stars faced the Timberwolves at Target Center, while four high school players continued to make their mark across the metro. From NBA matchups to prep gyms, the state’s basketball pipeline remains strong.
Posted inLocal & State
Our Most-Read, Most-Shared, Most-Impactful Stories of 2025
s we enter 2026, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder reflects on the 15 stories that defined 2025, from urgent breaking news to culture, community, and accountability reporting.