Minnesota History

Katie Thornton knows a lot about skyways
As Minneapolitans head back to work downtown, traffic in the skyways is picking up. Independent journalist Katie Thornton and host Cathy Wurzer take a closer look at this 60-year old system and how it has impacted equity and access in downtown Minneapolis.
Former West Side Flats residents have mixed memories about their old neighborhood
Some of the earliest immigrants to the city of St. Paul lived in areas that were eventually torn down — leaving residents to find new places to live. Many Mexican immigrants settled in areas like Swede Hollow and the West Side Flats.
Lawmakers push to redesign Minnesota state flag and seal
Minnesota lawmakers are resurrecting an effort to redesign the state's flag and seal, which proponents say are indistinct compared with other U.S. states and feature imagery that is offensive to Native Americans.
More than a half-century after construction of I-94 tore through the predominantly-Black Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul, various community members are pitching redesigns meant to repair harm. The aging highway infrastructure is now in need of upgrades.
History exhibit features the untold stories of Rochester's Black elders
An exhibit at the History Center of Olmsted County shines a light on the development of the Black community in Rochester in the 1960s and 1970s. Pastor Andre Crockett told host Cathy Wurzer about the powerful stories Rochester’s Black elders shared with him for “Community Connections: African Americans in Rochester.”
On this day in MN history: Landmark decision protects Ojibwe hunting, fishing treaty rights
On Jan. 25, 1983, the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals confirmed the treaty rights of Lake Superior Ojibwe to hunt, fish and gather on off-reservation lands. Professor Anton Treuer looked back at the historic ruling — and the turmoil and violence surrounding it — with host Cathy Wurzer.