Building on historic achievements and continuing work on housing, jobs, public safety, and education Senator Bobby Joe Champion announced today that he will seek re-election in Senate District 59, citing his desire to continue building on a strong record of improving the lives of children, families, and business owners in his district. Champion, the first […]
St Paul
Posted inObituaries
A Celebration of the Life of Wallace “Jack” O’Neal Jackman
Wallace “Jack” O’Neil Jackman leaves behind a legacy of leadership, humor, and deep community service. As co-publisher of the Minneapolis Spokesman and St. Paul Recorder, he uplifted truth and storytelling. His Celebration of Life will be held November 14 in Saint Paul.
Posted inSister Spokesman
Sister Spokesman honors the “Best of Black Businesses” across Minnesota
Sister Spokesman celebrated Black excellence on Nov. 1 with the 2025 Best of Black Businesses Awards. Honorees in five categories were recognized for their creativity, community impact, and leadership. From food and beauty to wellness and professional services, winners and nominees shared stories of purpose and progress that highlight the strength of Minnesota’s Black business community.
Posted inEvents
Brandon Blackwood and Tricia Hersey headline “The Collective Sum,” a first-of-its-kind equity gathering in Minneapolis
The Collective Sum will bring together 400 changemakers in Minneapolis Nov. 18–20 for a three-day multicultural convening centered on Black joy, creativity, and movement building. Presented by the Black Collective Foundation MN, the event features nationally recognized leaders Brandon Blackwood and Tricia Hersey. Workshops will focus on justice, collaboration, wellness, and community power.
Posted inOpinion
The ongoing abuse of strip searches in Minnesota prisons
Forced strip searches in Minnesota prisons continue despite zero tolerance claims. Advocates and survivors say the degrading practice must end and call for body scanners and accountability.
Posted inPolitics
Court orders Trump Administration to restore SNAP Benefits, but USDA halves November aid
A federal court has ordered the USDA to restore nutrition support for more than 42 million Americans after Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison led a lawsuit over suspended SNAP benefits. The ruling protects thousands of Minnesota families during the ongoing government shutdown, but partial payments raise new concerns.
Posted inCoaching while Black
St. Thomas boasts college hockey’s only Black assistant coach
St. Thomas assistant coach Leon Hayward reflects on his 20-year coaching journey and his status as the only Black assistant coach in college hockey, helping lead the Tommies through a successful DI transition.
Posted inDigital Editions
MSR Digital Edition for November 6 – November 12, 2025
The MSR Digital Edition for November 6 – November 12, 2025 is now live. Explore community news, sports, arts, and events. Edition 14, Volume 92.
Posted inEducation
Ta‑Nehisi Coates talks race, power, global justice
At St. Catherine University, author Ta-Nehisi Coates called for courage in confronting racism, authoritarian power, and global injustice. He challenged institutions that stay silent under pressure and urged communities to recognize connected struggles for freedom from the U.S. to Palestine.
Posted inEvents
Minnesota Children’s Museum Offers Free Admission to Families Impacted by Federal Shutdown
As thousands of Minnesota families face uncertainty over delayed federal benefits, the Minnesota Children’s Museum is stepping up to help. The museum announced it will offer free admission through November to families enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The decision comes as the ongoing federal government shutdown halts SNAP benefit distribution for November, […]
Posted inTracey’s Keepin' It Real
Strength & Strategy Series Episode 1: Business Planning and Strategy
Episode 1 of the Strength & Strategy Series with business planning, cash flow, and pricing
Posted inBusiness
St. Paul small businesses face uncertainty amid federal rule changes
Small businesses owned by women and people of color in St. Paul are bracing for tougher times after a recent federal rule quietly changed how equity programs operate. Earlier this month, The U.S. Department of Transportation ended the practice of automatically recognizing women and racial minorities as “socially disadvantaged” under the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise […]
Posted inDigital Editions
MSR Digital Edition for October 30 – November 5, 2025
The MSR Digital Edition for October 30 – November 5, 2025 is now live. Explore community news, sports, arts, and events. Edition 13, Volume 92.
Posted inOdds and Ends
New Tommies digs crowns DI status
St. Thomas opens its first Division I season with the debut of Lee & Penny Anderson Arena, a new 253,000-square-foot complex for basketball and hockey that also promises community access and renewed focus on diversity in athletics.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
Tommies victorious in Division I matchup
The Tommies rolled to a 55-17 win over Valparaiso behind quarterback Amari Powell’s three-touchdown performance and strong contributions from Cobb-Butler, Todd, Juette, and Sneed.
Posted inDigital Editions
MSR Digital Edition for October 23 – October 29, 2025
The MSR Digital Edition for October 23 – October 29, 2025 is now live. Explore community news, sports, arts, and events. Edition 12, Volume 92.
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 inDigital Editions
October 16 – October 22, 2025 -Edition 11 – Volume 92
The MSR Digital Edition for October 16 – October 22, 2025 is now live. Explore community news, sports, arts, and events. Edition 11, Volume 92.
Posted inObituaries
Remembering Gayle Earl Lee Anderson
Gayle Earl Lee Anderson, affectionately known as “Flashman,” passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, at the age of 81 at Regions Hospital in Saint Paul, MN.
Posted inEvents
#MNBlackLife Photo Exhibit Showcases the Beauty and Resilience of Black Minnesota
#MNBlackLife, a new photo exhibit by photographer Bianca Rhodes, centers Black joy, community, and everyday brilliance in Minnesota. The one-night event is Wednesday, Oct. 22, 6–9 p.m., at 943 Payne Ave., Saint Paul. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; refreshments by Epic Graze.