Social Issues

Conversations aim for criminal justice reform, Black healing
Joi Lewis and Brittany Lewis are leading an effort called “Time of Reckoning,” a series of community engagement sessions about the criminal justice system that aims to center Black voices and solve problems.
Minneapolis to reopen George Floyd intersection after Chauvin trial
Minneapolis leaders said Friday the city will work closely with residents and businesses to maintain a memorial for Floyd at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, but emphasized that the streets must be reopened and cannot remain an “autonomous zone.”
Appeals court dismisses prosecutors’ request to postpone Chauvin trial
In a setback for prosecutors, a state appeals court has declined to reconsider a lower court's decision to separate the case of former officer Derek Chauvin from the three other former officers charged in George Floyd's killing and delay the trial. Chauvin’s trial is set to begin March 8 as scheduled.
Mori is gone but gender issues remain for Tokyo Olympics
Yoshiro Mori resigned as the president of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee on Friday after sexist comments made last week in which he said women "talk too much."
Biden administration to allow 25,000 asylum-seekers into U.S.
The Biden administration on Friday announced plans for tens of thousands of asylum-seekers waiting in Mexico for their next immigration court hearings to be allowed into the United States while their cases proceed.
Politicians encouraged to learn Spanish, not just fake it during campaigns
The advocacy group Voto Latino is stressing the need for year-round, bilingual engagement with Latino constituents. They're also calling out feeble attempts many candidates make to speak Spanish.
Officials: Chauvin was ready to plead to 3rd-degree murder
Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was prepared to plead guilty to third-degree murder in George Floyd's death before then-Attorney General William Barr personally blocked the plea deal last year, officials said.
Black-owned businesses find lifeline in small banks as they scramble for survival
Black-owned businesses were often at the back of the line when the first coronavirus relief loans were doled out. Now, some are turning to banks that specialize in minority firms for help.