Crime, Law and Justice

Several musicians are calling out what they say is a culture of sexual harassment and abuse in the Twin Cities music scene. In recent days, they have used social media to compile names and stories of harassment they have endured.
Attorney General Barr says DOJ acts independent of Trump interests
In a wide-ranging NPR interview, William Barr defended the Justice Department amid accusations of political interference, including recently in the case of ex-national security adviser Michael Flynn.
NASCAR completes noose investigation; can't determine how it got into driver's garage
NASCAR President Steve Phelps acknowledged the investigation's findings prompt another question — how could the noose have gone unnoticed by so many people in October 2019 and this past Sunday morning. The noose wasn't reported to a NASCAR official until late Sunday.
Funding for key Minneapolis police initiative falls through
Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said earlier this month that his department was going to engage the services of a Chicago company that markets a data-driven early intervention system to identify problematic officers. The department was working on funding with the Minneapolis Foundation, which has now backed out.
As calls grow for police reform, officer licensing agency to audit practices
The POST board, which oversees licensing and standards for police officers in Minnesota, is embarking on a comprehensive review of its policies that may lead to changes to licensing, complaint and discipline and pre-service training.
Wisconsin governor activates National Guard after violence
Protesters also threw a Molotov cocktail into a government building and attempted to break into the Capitol, only to be repelled by pepper spray from police stationed inside. The violence broke out Tuesday night as a group of 200 to 300 people protested the arrest of a Black man who shouted at restaurant customers through a megaphone while carrying a baseball bat.
DOJ whistleblowers allege political interference in big cases
Attorneys told House lawmakers on Wednesday they perceived political influence in what is supposed to be the independent Department of Justice.
Faith-based mutual aid flourishes amid pandemic, protests
Many volunteers and organizers say their efforts are driven both by the understanding that existing welfare systems are broken, and that it’s their duty as people of faith to step in. In Minneapolis, a block away from where George Floyd was killed, volunteers have for weeks gathered at the Baha’i Center to support locals in need.