Social Issues

Historic, all-woman St. Paul City Council sworn in and ready to work
The group of seven elected officials is majority women of color, and all the women on the council are under the age of 40, making them the city’s most racially diverse and youngest council ever.
Small land transfer may be a big deal in tribal lands debate
In what could become a blueprint for similar Minnesota communities, Lake City, southeast of the Twin Cities, has returned ownership of Dakota burial mounds back to their modern-day relatives at Prairie Island Indian Community. Two communities historically at odds now may be ushering in a period of understanding.
Here's who could oversee MPD's court-enforced settlement agreement
The city of Minneapolis is hosting meetings this week featuring the three finalists that want to oversee the city’s court-enforced settlement agreement with the state over Minneapolis police. It’s an important step to ensure the city meets obligations required by the state agreement and an expected federal consent decree on Minneapolis police.
Vatican finds former Minnesota archbishop acted imprudently but committed no crimes
A lengthy Vatican investigation into misconduct allegations against Archbishop John Nienstedt, the former leader of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, concluded that he took “imprudent” actions but did not violate church law, the archdiocese announced Friday.
Two Minnesota children's book authors on getting and giving a sense of belonging
Growing up is tough, but even more so when you feel like you don’t fit in. Hear two Minnesotan children’s authors of color talk about their paths to knowing and loving themselves — and how to teach that to children.
Minneapolis clears Camp Nenookaasi, an encampment of unhoused, mostly Native people
The city of Minneapolis began clearing Camp Nenookaasi, a large encampment of unsheltered people, just before noon Thursday. People living at the encampment in south Minneapolis are removing their belongings from the area. More than 100 people have been living in tents and other temporary structures at Camp Nenookaasi for months.
As mental health worries rise for Black Minnesotans, focus shifts to strengthening kids, caregivers
The well-being of young children and their caregivers is closely connected, and children struggle when adults struggle. For Black Minnesota kids and their families, poverty and racism compound those problems. Charting a path forward includes preparing kids for a “harsh world,” one expert says.