Public News Service

In the mid-1990s, news media from around the world descended upon Los Angeles for wall-to-wall coverage of the O.J. Simpson murder trial. (Adobe Stock)

Measuring long-term impact of Simpson trial on media literacy

O.J. Simpson's death has the nation looking back on the infamous murder trial that resulted in his acquittal. Experts say one of the lasting impacts …

Straw purchases for guns are already a felony under federal law, but Minnesota lawmakers are expressing the need to do the same under state law following the recent fatal shooting of three first responders in a Twin Cities suburb. (Adobe Stock)

Tragedy has MN lawmakers focused on straw purchases for guns

Minnesota lawmakers return this week following an Easter break. They're expected to resume talks on a gun-safety proposal seeing renewed urgency…

Organizations fighting wage theft said it harms affected workers and surrounding communities because the money withheld is not being circulated through the local economy. (Adobe Stock)

Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN

A mix of policy updates and staffing boosts has helped to put wage theft enforcement on the radar in Minnesota, and officials leading the efforts are …

In a newly filed civil lawsuit, the Minnesota Attorney General not only accuses Evergreen Acres Dairy of stealing workers' wages, but also unlawfully deducting rent from the paychecks of those living onsite. (Adobe Stock)

MN takes action against dairy company in major wage-theft case

Minnesota officials have announced what they call one of the largest wage-theft lawsuits in state history. The case involves a dairy operator …

Those demanding reforms within Minnesota's correctional facilities say incarcerated individuals in Stillwater have lacked access to such basics as showers and recreation time. (Adobe Stock)

MN Faces Calls to Investigate Prison Conditions

Prison reform advocates in Minnesota continue to speak out following a lockdown at the correctional facility in Stillwater. People incarcerated …

George Floyd's murder inspired a wave of global protests to fix 'broken' policing policies, and not just in Minneapolis. Activists and civic engagement leaders have long noted that citizen input is an important part of the process. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Probe of Mpls. Police Propels Talk of Civilian Input

The Minneapolis Police Department is one step closer to a consent decree after a scathing federal report was issued late last week. Around …

Four years ago, Minnesota approved what was described as one of the toughest wage-theft laws in the country. But some construction union leaders say the practice is still prevalent within the industry. (Adobe Stock)

MN Adds Extra Wage Theft Protection for Construction Workers

As the summer construction season ramps up, the industry is preparing for new requirements under a pending Minnesota law change. In recent years…

This spring, Minnesota joined the nearly two dozen other states that have legalized recreational marijuana use in some form. (Adobe Stock)

Newly Signed MN Marijuana Law to 'Wipe Away' Minor Offenses

Two months from today, Minnesota will begin the process of removing low-level marijuana convictions for those who have them on their criminal records…

Leaders with the Minnesota Freedom Fund say the criminal-justice system relies on a predatory cash bail system, suggesting prosecutors are ignoring constitutional protections which say a person cannot be given bail deemed 'excessive.' (Adobe Stock)

Group Works to Disrupt the Business of Cash Bail in MN

By Sonali Kolhatkar for Yes!Magazine.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

A 2021 study found in Minnesota, about 23% of the construction workforce is misclassified, or is paid off the books. It also found these workers earned 36% less in wages and benefits than others who were regularly employed. (Adobe Stock)<br />

MN's Wage-Theft Law Could See Changes for Construction Workers

Minnesota has what's been described as one of the toughest wage-theft laws in the country. But labor leaders say there still isn't much recourse for …

Kelley Blue Book says Americans bought almost 41 million used vehicles last year. But Minnesota lawmakers say some used cars that look fine can come with significant damage under previous ownership that wasn't reflected in the title. (Adobe Stock)

MN Closes Loophole on Damage Transparency for Used Cars

A new Minnesota law took effect January 1 designed to reduce risks for people buying used vehicles. It comes as more Americans lean on the market for …

Community Peace Builders and their mentor are beginning to carry out de-escalation and relationship building efforts in North Minneapolis. (Photo courtesy of EMERGE)

Community Peace Builders Instill Hope in Minneapolis

The summer season and violent crime can fuel narratives by the public and the media about safety in urban settings. But in Minnesota's largest city…

There's a wide range of religious beliefs about abortion in the U.S., but many in the Jewish faith have expressed support for reproductive rights. (Adobe Stock)

Post Roe: MN Jewish Groups Voice Support for Reproductive Rights

In mid-July, several groups will hold an abortion access rally in Minnesota. They include Jewish-led organizations, who say much of their community …

Surveys show a third of households with children have a gun, and nearly half of gun-owning households with children do not store all of their firearms safely. (Adobe Stock)

'Public Health Emergency': Protecting Youth from Gun Violence

Congress continues to debate possible changes to the nation's gun laws after the recent school shooting in Texas. In the meantime, efforts move …

Instead of arming teachers, young labor leaders in Minnesota say fostering a more welcoming environments in schools with adequate support staff can help with creating safe buildings and campuses. (Adobe Stock)

Uvalde Tragedy Spurs Calls for Collective Action on Safe Workplaces

The recent mass shootings in Texas and New York intersect with the organized labor movement among younger workers. Some in Minnesota say a safer …

Nearly two years after George Floyd's murder, the State of Minnesota says Minneapolis police officers have long carried out discriminatory practices, such as using higher rates of force against against Black people. (Adobe Stock)

Mpls. Police Report Adds Another Layer to MN Reform Efforts

As the Minnesota Legislature considers new police-reform proposals, the discussions coincide with results from a state investigation of the …

A report issued this year by the University of California Berkeley Labor Center says 31% of construction workers lack health insurance coverage, compared to 10% of workers overall. (Adobe Stock)">

Research: Construction Worker Exploitation Costly in Many Ways

With summer approaching, construction sounds will be heard across Minnesota. But a regional labor group says on some sites, there's likely to be more …

Even with the overall number of crashes trending downward, Minnesota is seeing more road fatalities, including those caused by speeding. (Adobe Stock)

Speed Cameras Suggested Amid MN's Road Safety Woes

Authorities and lawmakers say Minnesota has a problem with reckless drivers - and it creates deadly consequences for others on the road. Legislation …

While a trio of Minneapolis police officers stand trial for federal charges related to George Floyd's murder, the city faces renewed scrutiny after a Black man was fatally shot during a controversial search warrant. (Adobe Stock)

Mpls. and MN Under Pressure Again Over Fatal Police Shooting

Protesters walked the streets of Minneapolis over the weekend calling for justice for Amir Locke, who was fatally shot by police last Wednesday…

In the mid 1990s, federal law was changed that paved the way for more deportations based on criminal convictions. But immigrant advocates say many defendants are unaware of the consequences when they seek plea deals. (Adobe Stock)

MN Deportation Case Seen as Major Victory in Pursuit of Reforms

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Refugee advocates are cheering a decision by an immigration judge to terminate deportation orders for a Minnesota man, who had …

Accountability groups say larger police departments, such as the one in Minneapolis, are beholden to their unions and often slow to implement reforms. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Mpls. Vote, Views on MN Police Reforms Keep Evolving

MINNEAPOLIS - Nearly 18 months after the murder of George Floyd, efforts for police accountability and best practices continue to take shape in …

Roseville is among the Minnesota cities that will no longer enforce vehicle equipment violations, expired registrations, or other non-moving violations that do not create a public safety concern. Reform advocates hope the change helps end racial disparities in traffic stops. (Adobe Stock)

Laying the Groundwork for Equitable Traffic-Stop Policies

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Law enforcement agencies are reassessing traffic-stop policies amid concerns from racial-justice advocates. In Minnesota…

Police department parking lots and their video surveillance often are used as safe trading spots for people completing a transaction that began online. (Adobe Stock)

More "Safe Trading" Spots Pop Up for Online Transactions

WEST FARGO, N.D. - Minnesota and neighboring states are seeing more police departments offer "safe" trading spaces for online transactions. While not …

Immigration law experts say a significant percentage of U-visas go to victims of domestic violence. (Adobe Stock)

MN Enhances Efforts to Protect Immigrant Survivors of Crime

ST PAUL, Minn. - For an immigrant who is a victim of a crime, seeking justice can be especially difficult. Minnesota lawmakers are making that …

Police accountability has become a sticking point as a special legislative session in Minnesota winds down this week. (Adobe Stock)

Latest Police Accountability Plans in MN Legislature Criticized

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Gov. Tim Walz has signed orders related to police accountability in Minnesota, coinciding with provisions in a last-minute budget …

Supporters of a Minnesota plan to end driver's license suspensions for minor violations say not only does losing a license disproportionately harm low-income residents, it also puts a strain on public resources. (Adobe Stock)

MN Moves to End Driver's License Suspensions for Unpaid Fines

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. -- If a Minnesotan fails to pay a traffic fine or appear in court for a low-level violation, they could lose their driver's …

A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

SAINT PAUL, Minn. -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by …

Because Minnesota's constitution doesn't provide for statewide ballot initiatives, issues like marijuana legalization have to go through the Legislature. (Adobe Stock)

Despite Obstacles, Legal Pot Bill Seen As Justice Reform Tool

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- A marijuana legalization bill in the Minnesota Legislature faces an uncertain future, despite winning House approval last week…

Despite action taken last year, police accountability groups in Minnesota say the state has much more work to do in this area. (Adobe Stock)

MN Faith Leaders Demand Action on Police-Accountability Bills

ST. CLOUD, Minn. -- The Derek Chauvin verdict and the death of Daunte Wright have renewed calls for Minnesota lawmakers to adopt the latest proposals …

Activists await the Derek Chauvin verdict outside the Hennepin County Government Center. (Public News Service/Mike Moen)

MN Group: Chauvin Verdict Doesn't Mean Healing Is Over

MINNEAPOLIS - Ground-level community groups in Minneapolis say the Derek Chauvin verdict still is being processed on an emotional level, but they see …

Dr. TaLisa Carter is an assistant professor in the Department of Justice, Law and Criminology at American University. (Photo courtesy of Carter)

Expert: Chauvin Trial Requires Deeper Reflection for Social Change

MINNEAPOLIS -- Testimony resumes this morning in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged with killing George Floyd…

Groups holding demonstrations outside the Derek Chauvin trial say they don't just want a conviction over the killing of George Floyd. They say city and state leaders have yet to adopt meaningful police reforms. (Adobe Stock)

Police Reform Groups Don't Just Want Guilty Verdict

MINNEAPOLIS -- The first witnesses have testified in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged with killing George …

Hennepin County, where the Derek Chauvin trial is taking place, has a nearly 75% white population, but criminal justice advocates said they're encouraged that the jury chosen for the trial is diverse. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Chauvin Trial, Advocates See Hope for Jury Diversity

MINNEAPOLIS -- The trial of Derek Chauvin enters a new phase today, as opening statements are scheduled in the case of the former Minneapolis police …

The May 2020 police killing of George Floyd sparked worldwide protests over police treatment of Black communities. (Mike Moen)

As Police Trial Begins, Healing and Social-Justice Work Evolve in MN

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Barring last-minute changes, court proceedings begin today in the trial of the former Minneapolis police officer charged in the …

Co-chairs of a new reparations commission in St. Paul say the eyes of the world are on Minnesota in light of George Floyd's death, and what role the region can play in addressing social and racial inequities. (Adobe Stock)

MN Capital City Moves Forward with Reparations Plan

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The movement for reparations for Black Americans has seen greater urgency since the police killing of George Floyd last year…

It's been nearly five months since the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, but debate on a variety of issues tied to the incident continues. (Mike Moen)

MN Group Gathers Residents' Thoughts on Police Accountaility

MINNEAPOLIS -- Feelings still are strong in Minneapolis about the police killing of George Floyd and how the city responded to the incident and the ci…

After several attempts, supporters of a bipartisan bill, aimed at ending violence toward Native American women, won approval in Congress. (Adobe Stock)

Bill Drafted After Greywind Murder Moves Forward

MOORHEAD, Minn. -- Native American groups hope the president will sign a measure designed to help law enforcement get a handle on a public safety …

The police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May ignited calls across the globe to re-examine police tactics and the structure of departments. (Adobe Stock)

Accountability Group: MN Taking Minimal Action on Police Reform

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The Minnesota Legislature has approved a series of law enforcement accountability measures, two months after the police killing of …

Since March, many states have done a good job in keeping teens from entering juvenile detention centers. But getting teens already in custody released is an area still lagging. (Adobe Stock)

Juvenile Justice Efforts: Ups and Downs During Pandemic

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Positive trends in populations at youth detention centers in the U.S. have hit a snag, according a new report from The Annie E…

A new Monmouth University poll found 77% of respondents believe that activists calling for police overhauls don't actually mean getting rid of law enforcement altogether. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Misinformation Clouds Discussion to Overhaul Police

MINNEAPOLIS - In the weeks following the police killing of George Floyd, cities like Minneapolis are taking a long look at how their police …

One of the many images and messages supporting calls for police reform and other systemic change that were written around the band shell in Hudson, Wis., over the weekend. (Mike Moen)

Peaceful Protests Demanding Racial Justice Take Center Stage in MN

PLYMOUTH, Minn. -- It's been nearly two weeks since Minneapolis and St. Paul saw waves of unrest - some destructive - in response to the police …

The prison discharge order of Max Mason, a black man whom many say was wrongly convicted of raping a white woman in Duluth in 1920. (Minnesota Historical Society)

Posthumous Pardon Considered in MN Case that Fueled Racial Tension

DULUTH, Minn. - The police killing of George Floyd has pushed deep-seated racial tensions to the forefront in Minnesota. Many cite a horrific event …

In addition to calls for dismantling its current structure, the Minneapolis Police Department is the subject of a civil rights investigation following the death of George Floyd. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: Don't Recycle Government Power in Overhauling Police Agenices

MINNEAPOLIS -- A majority of the Minneapolis City Council recently vowed to dismantle the city's police department amid the civil unrest over the kill…

The police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis has resulted in global protests over the treatment of African-Americans by police. (Adobe Stock)

Justice Advocates Express Relief Over New Charges in Floyd Case

MINNEAPOLIS -- All four former Minneapolis police officers involved in the death of George Floyd now face criminal charges. Justice advocates say …

A working group in Minnesota, co-led by the state attorney general, recently issued a list of recommendations to reduce deadly police encounters. However, those involved say the state's need to respond to COVID-19 has prevented any legislative follow-up so far. (Adobe Stock)

How Hard Is It to Change Police Culture? Ask Seattle

MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota officials have launched a civil-rights investigation into the entire Minneapolis Police Department following the killing of G…

Black residents of Minneapolis say, aside from trust issues with police, many neighborhoods are perceived by the rest of the state as too violent, but the need to build stronger communities has been ignored. (Adobe Stock)

Mpls. Black Community: Voices Have Been Ignored on Many Levels

MINNEAPOLIS - Beneath the protests against Minneapolis police sit layers of fear and frustration from the city's black community. Residents say these …

Protests erupted in Minneapolis and St. Paul this week following the police killing of George Floyd. (Adobe Stock)

Officer Charged in Floyd Case; Groups Demand More Justice

MINNEAPOLIS - Following days of protests and chaos in the Twin Cities, authorities announced on Friday that one of the officers involved in the death …

ACLU: Mpls. Incident Should Renew Calls for Humanity in Policing

MINNEAPOLIS -- Four Minneapolis police officers have been fired following the death of a black man Monday night. The American Civil Liberties Union …

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MN: Criminal Justice