Leaders at the Capitol say Minnesota has chance to ‘go really big’ on housing
A budget surplus, DFL control and high needs leave housing leaders at the State Capitol feeling optimistic.
Metro
Why some businesses that closed during COVID lockdown still have not fully reopened
Dozens of Twin Cities restaurants that closed during the pandemic promised on their websites or social media to reopen. But they haven’t yet.
Hennepin County suburbs, Minneapolis key in DFLer Ellison’s win over GOP’s Schultz for attorney general
The dream of a suburban revolt against DFL Attorney General Keith Ellison from voters concerned about public safety failed to materialize.
Native filmmaker seeks to bring attention to missing and murdered Indigenous women through provocative documentary
From 2010 to 2018, 8% of all murdered girls and women in Minnesota were Indigenous, making Indigenous women seven times more likely than white women to be murdered.
Abeler-Rehrauer contest northwest of Twin Cities among 10 legislative races to watch in suburbs
Urban voters are reliably Democratic and, increasingly, rural voters are safely Republican. But there are votes to be won and legislative seats to be claimed by both parties in suburban districts.
Minnesota sees an increase in help calls following lifeline number change
In the past months, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has received more calls, which can be attributed to the hotline phone number change in mid-July to a shorter three-digit number, 988. But advocates are concerned about frequent callers who might not have access to longer term mental health care.
The state of 2022 early voting in Minnesota: It’s not 2020 anymore
So far, 2022 is looking like a comparable – though slightly better – year for early and mail voting than 2018, the last midterm and governor election in Minnesota.
Minnesota adoption fight over White Earth child helped spur U.S. Supreme Court case
The case, known as Brackeen v. Haaland, has galvanized Indian County. Tribes are concerned the Supreme Court will nullify their right to oversee foster care placements in cases involving Native children, and they fear it could lead to further erosion of their federal rights.
Division of Indian Work bringing success to the urban Indigenous community
On Monday, it will hold its annual fundraiser at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley.
Wish you were riding Southwest light rail by now? Blame tunnel vision
The cursed part of the now-$2.74 billion extension of the current Green Line is a tunnel that makes up just 2,870 feet of the 14.5 mile route from Target Field to Eden Prairie.
Environmental justice advocates continue fight against East Phillips public works hub
While the city of Minneapolis moves forward with plans for a public works facility at the Roof Depot site in the East Phillips neighborhood, advocates who have opposed the plan say they are still fighting.
What’s new – and not new – in Southwest light rail auditor report
Rather than follow the normal pattern of findings and recommendations, the review by the Office of the Legislative Auditor was instead an explanation of a lot that was already known about how the project’s budget and timeline expanded.
Cedar-Riverside residents say they feel the effects of MPD officer shortage
Residents say people openly sell and use drugs, lamenting that when they call in the criminal activity, the dealers are gone by the time the officers arrive.
Minnesota no-knock searches decline, disparities remain following Locke killing
Black Minnesotans are subjects in the vast majority of the raids, at a level that is far disproportionate compared to state demographics.
How a Minneapolis pilot program aims to foster long-term safety of the city’s communities
The Minneapolis Community Safety Specialist pilot program is an effort to improve safety citywide while providing training and internship opportunities in fields like law enforcement, criminal justice and violence prevention.
How Cedric Alexander aims to tackle Minneapolis’ policing woes
Though Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and some community members have expressed hope in Alexander, some have questioned how quickly the role was filled, his qualifications and whether his salary is appropriate.
Embedded social workers help police in St. Paul, Coon Rapids and Blaine safely respond to mental health calls
The social workers have different training than police officers and help reinforce the notion that ‘mental health is not a crime.’
Will Minneapolis alternative policing pilots become permanent?
Activists are encouraged their ideas are being piloted but want to see long-term funding. City officials say some programs are moving in that direction.
Walz encounters opportunities, perils in being the incumbent during a crime wave
Walz’s official press conference touting state help for metro law enforcement efforts came a day before alarming state crime stats were released.
Hennepin voters give nods to Moriarty, Dimick in county attorney primary
Mary Moriarty received more than double the votes of her nearest competitor, while Martha Holton Dimick edged Ryan Winkler for the final spot on the November ballot.
