A 36-year-old Superior, Wisconsin native was charged with second-degree murder with intent for allegedly killing Balsimo.

Jury Convicts Robert West for his Role in Dismembering Ricky Balsimo

Grand Marais, MN – For the grisly murder of Ricky Balsimo, Robert Thomas West was found guilty on Feb. 8, 2023, of Accomplice After the Fact to Felony Murder in the 2nd degree and aiding an offender in dismembering and disposing of Balsimo’s dead body…

This is a lithograph of the hanging of the 38 Dakota at Mankato which appeared in the February 17, 1863 issue of the Mankato Weekly Record. It was drawn by W. H. Childs and copies were offered for sale for 15 cents each. It was originally published by Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper on January 24, 1863.

Dakota 38+2 Run Commemorates Hanging of Dakota Ancestors

St. Paul, MN – On Dec. 25, 2022, organizers of the Dakota 38+2 run gathered around a “pétu wakȟaŋ, sacred fire” at Fort Snelling to start the 71-mile relay non-stop run to Mankato.

The Dakota 38+2 Run is a way for Indigenous Nations in Minnesota…

Jordan Peterson’s Visit to Minneapolis Draws Criticism

Minneapolis, MN – Canadian psychologist and celebrated right-wing author Jordan B. Peterson is set to be in Minneapolis speaking at the State Theatre on Feb. 7 and 8 for performances on a book tour. While his broader white male audience may call Peterson a motivational…

Pershlie Ami, Hopi, shared her experience attending Indian boarding school in Phoenix, Arizona at the Dept. of Interior's "Road to Healing" tour on the Gila River Indian Reservation on January 20, 2023. Photo taken by Darren Thompson.

US Department of Interior Halfway through “Road to Healing” Tour

Gila River Indian Reservation, Arizona — On Friday, Jan. 20, the United States Department of Interior hosted a fourth community listening session on its year-long “Road to Healing” tour. The tour is a result of the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative launched by U.S. Secretary…

Jackson Heights NYC Drag Story Hour Draws Defenders, Homophobes

Queens, NY – On Dec. 29, 2022, hundreds of New Yorkers gathered outside the Jackson Heights Public Library in Queens, where a drag story hour was taking place. On one side were roughly 40 people protesting the event, including Proud Boys, neo-Nazis, anti-vaccine activists, and…

Opponents of Philly FDR Park Development Speak Out

Philadelphia, PA – The FDR Park in South Philly is in the midst of a new redevelopment plan supported by the city and private groups like Fairmount Park Conservancy. Opponents of the plan have dubbed their cause “Save the Meadows,” referencing a wild area that…

Bolsonarist Extremists Attack Brazilian Government a Week After Lula Inauguration

Dissatisfied with the results obtained in the recent Brazilian presidential election, extremist Bolsonaro supporters invaded the National Congress, the Planalto Palace and the headquarters of the Federal Supreme Court (STF) located in “Praça dos Três Poderes” (Three Powers Square), in the Federal District in Brasília…

Quarry Encampment Faces Eviction in Minneapolis

Minneapolis, MN – With life-threatening cold this winter season, the City of Minneapolis continues to evict encampments, displacing unsheltered people and throwing away their personal belongings, including propane tanks they rely on for warmth. The longstanding Quarry encampment in Northeast Minneapolis is the latest under…

Family Hosts Press Conference/Vigil to Find Alexis Whitehawk-Ruiz

Minneapolis, MN – The mother of Alexis Whitehawk-Ruiz says her daughter has been missing for over a month and the family fears the worst. In an attempt to bring awareness to Whitehawk-Ruiz’ disappearance, her family held a press conference and vigil on Dec. 21 at…

Supporting Victims and Reinvestigating Police Crimes: Communities United Against Police Brutality

Since its founding, CUAPB has acted as a clearinghouse for scrutiny of Minnesota law enforcement. The nonprofit has organized police oversight pushes, streets copwatch programs, a 24-hour hotline, and an online database of police officer complaints, among dozens of other projects. And their efforts are ever-expanding – the group recently formed the Stolen Lives Justice Fund, a new Reinvestigations Workgroup and a Data Practices Workgroup. 

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Queer Colorado Community Responds to Club Q Shooting

Colorado Springs, CO – In the days since the Nov. 19 shooting at Club Q that left five dead and 25 more injured, the local queer community and their allies have been commemorating the lives lost and comforting those affected. Billed as an all-inclusive nightclub,…

Nicholas Kraus Gets 20 Years for Ramming Protest, Killing Deona Marie

Minneapolis, MN – Nicholas Kraus was given a 20 year prison sentence after pleading guilty to second degree murder for killing Deona Marie Erickson, who also went by Knajdek, and injuring others during a protest for Winston Smith in 2021. Driving a Jeep, Kraus purposely…

Protesters Call Attention to Development and Gentrification in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA – A number of groups are rallying and marching on Saturday afternoon around concerns regarding how space and development in the city are controlled, the day’s call is about “democratizing development.” The group is gathering at FDR Park in South Philly.

Follow our…

Another Summer of Protests, Gathering and Healing for Impacted Families

Saint Paul, MN – As police killings continue to increase in numbers while decreasing in attention, impacted families in the Twin Cities held numerous events during the summer of 2022, keeping the movement alive against what many families call “police terror.” From weekends of intentional…