News

Panel looks at fragile nations

Tuesday, 26 March 2013 10:51

Jina Moore, a Pulitzer Center journalist who specializes in post-conflict and human rights reporting headlines a panel discussion themed "Fragile Nations and the Minnesota Connection" from 7 p.m. until 8:30 on Tuesday, March 19 at University Center, Saint Mary's University, Twin Cities Campus, 2540 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404. This event is free.

Minimum wage earners must work 89 hours per week to afford modest apartment in Minnesota

Tuesday, 26 March 2013 10:09

According to a national report released today, a minimum wage earner in Minnesota would have to work 89 hours per week – or hold 2.2 full time jobs -- to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment. Of the twelve states in the Midwest, Minnesota has ranked the worst for affordability for minimum wage workers for three consecutive years.

Klobuchar, Tester introduce legislation to make voting easier for all Americans

Tuesday, 26 March 2013 10:02

Bill requires states to allow people to register to vote on the same day as the election

President Obama designates five new National Monuments

Tuesday, 26 March 2013 09:47

WASHINGTON, DC – President Obama today signed proclamations establishing five new national monuments, using his authority under the Antiquities Act, which celebrate our nation's rich history and natural heritage. The monuments, located in Delaware, Maryland, New Mexico, Ohio and Washington, help tell the story of significant people and extraordinary events in American history, as well as protect unique natural resources for the benefit of all Americans. The designations were made with bi-partisan support from congressional, state and local officials, local businesses and other stakeholders and are expected to promote economic growth in the local communities through tourism and outdoor recreation.

Black Press continues to serve special role

Tuesday, 26 March 2013 09:38 Freddie Allen NNPA Washington Correspondent

WASHINGTON (NNPA) – Like its White counterpart, Black newspapers must adjust to a rapidly changing digital age. But unlike White newspapers, the Black Press continues to play a valuable and unique role in the African American community, panelists said at a panel last week at the National Press Club.

Publishers discuss role of the Black Press

Monday, 25 March 2013 15:14 Eleska Aubespin Special to the NNPA from The Houston Defender

March 16 marked the 186th anniversary of the founding of Freedom's Journal, the country's first Black newspaper. Its editors, Rev. Samuel Cornish and John B. Russwurm, proclaimed in the first edition, "Too long have others spoken for us...We wish to plead our own cause."

African-Americans took to the Capitol to be heard

Thursday, 21 March 2013 19:19 Harry Colbert, Jr.

African-Americans from throughout the state gathered inside the Capitol rotunda to let legislators know their voices will be heard.

The gathering was a part of the Council on Black Minnesotans (CBM) Day at the Capitol, designed to bring issues of importance in African-American communities directly to the state's policy makers. The Council presented the rally, that took place on Mar. 19, as a part of its mandated obligation to fulfill civic engagement.

IRS has $917 million for people who have not filed a 2009 Income Tax Return

Wednesday, 20 March 2013 16:27

WASHINGTON — Refunds totaling just over $917 million may be waiting for an estimated 984,400 taxpayers who did not file a federal income tax return for 2009, the Internal Revenue Service announced. However, to collect the money, a return for 2009 must be filed with the IRS no later than Monday, April 15, 2013.

Over 60 percent decline in sexual violence against females from 1995 to 2010

Wednesday, 20 March 2013 16:11

WASHINGTON – From 1995 to 2005, sexual violence against U.S. female residents age 12 or older declined 64 percent from 5.0 per 1,000 females to 1.8, and remained unchanged through 2010, according to a report, Female Victims of Sexual Violence, 1994-2010, released today by the Justice Department's Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS).

Middle class Minnesotans to feel impact of GOP sequester

Wednesday, 20 March 2013 16:07

The choice Republicans have made to not end this sequestration will have a huge impact on middle class Minnesotans in the coming weeks and months. Rather than eliminate tax loopholes for the wealthiest Americans to reduce the deficit, Republicans chose cuts in vital services important to seniors, men and women in uniform, and children and schools.

Prayer vigil lifts up 'Homeowners' Bill of Rights'

Wednesday, 20 March 2013 16:00

Clergy, faith leaders and concerned community members gathered outside the office of Sen. James Metzen in St. Paul to call on him to hear the 'Homeowners Bill of Rights' in the Senate Commerce Committee; a committee he chairs.