From braiding studios to a youth barber training program, University Avenue’s beauty and grooming businesses are building more than haircuts. This piece, sponsored by Neighborhood Development Center, spotlights the owners behind the corridor’s Hidden GEMS.
St Paul
Posted inDigital Editions
MSR Digital Edition 50 for July 16 – July 22, 2026
The MSR Digital Edition 50 for July 16 – July 22, 2026 is now live. Explore community news, sports, arts, and events. Edition 50, Volume 92.
Posted inLocal & State
For this foundation CEO, leadership starts with “clarity is kind”Â
Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation President and CEO Chanda Smith Baker is opening up about leadership beyond the resume in her new series, “Power of Possible: Leadership Edition.” Contributing writer Destiny Kromah has the story.
Posted inHealth + Wellness
How four Black women bosses define wellness
Four Black women leaders across ministry, disability care, water healing and the arts share what wellness means to them, and how they’ve built leadership around it. Contributing writer Tiffany Johnson has their stories.
Posted inEvents
Get help clearing cannabis-related records through state expungement event
The Minnesota Cannabis Expungement Board is reviewing about 98,000 marijuana-related cases and hosting a public event July 15 to help residents clear past convictions. Digital Editor Aaliyah Demry breaks down how the process works.
Posted inLocal & State
West Side St. Paul residents asked to give input on César Chávez Street renaming
As St. Paul moves to rename César Chávez Street, the West Side Community Organization is hosting three input sessions to gather community voices before the process moves forward.
Posted inLocal & State
Free locks and peace of mind being handed out in St. Paul after missing autistic teen is found
Sheletta Brundidge is giving away 100 free interior combination locks to help protect autistic children from wandering during what she calls “drowning season.” Contributing writer Sheletta Brundidge has the story behind the Saturday giveaway.
Posted inFood
3 Black-owned food vendors bringing rich flavors to 2026 Minnesota State Fair
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.
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 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 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 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 inWhat's Hot
What’s Hot: Fourth of July Weekend Events Across the Twin Cities
From Taste of Minnesota to a hands-on Ethiopian pottery workshop, here’s what’s happening across the Twin Cities this Fourth of July weekend.
Posted inDigital Editions
MSR Digital Edition 48 for July 2 – July 8, 2026
The MSR Digital Edition 48 for July 2 – July 8, 2026 is now live. Explore community news, sports, arts, and events. Edition 48, Volume 92.
Posted inCoaching while Black
Eight teams, one Juneteenth
Eight Twin Cities high school boys’ basketball teams gathered at Hoop Habits in Eden Prairie for a Juneteenth showcase of unity and competition, and all eight programs share one thing in common: every head coach is Black.
Posted inPolitics
Sens. Smith, Klobuchar Urge Trump to Sign Landmark Housing Bill at Twin Cities Press Conference
U.S. Sens. Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar joined housing advocates in Edina to call on President Trump to sign the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the most significant federal housing legislation in more than 30 years, which he declined to sign despite its 85-5 Senate passage.