Social Issues

Hockey makes progress in midst of awakening about racism
There's an awakening happening in hockey about systemic racism and its role in the majority white sport. Minnesota’s Matt Dumba recently became the first NHL player to kneel during the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Meanwhile, teams are taking tangible steps to address the issue in their communities, led by the Washington Capitals.
We also now capitalize Indigenous when referring to the original inhabitants of a place. These decisions align with our goal to use language that is inclusive and respectful in our reporting, and are also consistent with our style of capitalizing racial and ethnic identifiers such as Asian, Hispanic and Native American. 
Community rallies around Bloomington mosque after imam assaulted on the way to prayer
Bloomington police are investigating an attack on the imam, Mohamed Mukhtar, who was walking to the nightly prayer service around 10 p.m. Thursday when two people approached and assaulted him outside of the Dar Al Farooq center.
Meet Minnesota's Teacher of the Year, first Somali American to win honor
Qorsho Hassan was selected out of 134 nominees for her willingness to trust her students and let their own questions guide their learning. “They run the classroom with me,” she said. “I refuse for anyone to dim the light of my students.”
Minneapolis leaders push ahead with efforts to change police
A city commission on Wednesday blocked a November vote on the issue. So now, although political will for change may be on their side, city leaders face a more incremental and challenging path to rebuilding the oft-criticized department. But they're not giving up.
Remaining Powderhorn encampment residents told to 'transition' out
The Minneapolis park board is trying to get residents of a large homeless encampment in Powderhorn Park to move out. Even as officials cleared a camp from the park’s east side last month, they allowed one on the west side to remain. But neighbors, police and community groups say it has become a magnet for crime and is unsafe for those living there.
After taking tough measures, Fond du Lac band has first COVID-19 cases
After months of trying to keep the coronavirus at bay, the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has confirmed the first two positive COVID-19 cases on its reservation in northeastern Minnesota.