Recent content from Maya Rao
Bystander, key witness still reckoning with Floyd's death
The trauma of what Donald Williams saw one evening on May 25, 2020, has yet to recede. "I look somewhere else and it's like I'm always remembering," he said.
George Floyd's Texas friend seeks solace in Minneapolis
She hadn't wanted to come to Minnesota, but she needed to make peace with her friend's death.
Chauvin verdict seen as moment of victory in a history of injustice
It was far from a unanimous moment of elation, but many racial equality advocates took a moment to soak in what they saw as a rare instance of justice for Black Americans.
Outside courthouse, protesters press for a guilty verdict
Angel Smith-El admitted that she had some anxiety waiting for the jury to reach a verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin.Standing outside the Hennepin…
At Minneapolis shelter where George Floyd worked, pain runs deep
Frankie Powell still remembers how George Floyd would stop by the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center to joke and catch up with old friends.He cannot…
Retraumatized family of man killed in 2015 Brooklyn Center police encounter calls for change
Kevin Khottavongsa's father died in 2015 after Brooklyn Center police shot him in the back with a Taser.
Twin Cities business owners jolted, prepare again for unrest
Twin Cities business owners hurt during last summer's riots prepare again for unrest
Recovering clients see drug use stigmatized in Chauvin trial
For some men at Turning Point, where George Floyd attended a 90-day treatment program in 2017, the focus on his drug use is an example of how chemical dependency among African Americans can be disproportionately stigmatized and used to justify their mistreatment.
Activist turned Minnesota lawmaker 'unapologetic' about fighting racism in the shadow of Chauvin trial
Rep. John Thompson wants to use the legislative system to prevent another death in police custody.
Floyd's passenger emerges as complicated figure in Chauvin trial
Though Chauvin's attorney had told jurors that they would hear from passengers in the car who saw Floyd use drugs, Morries Lester Hall is avoiding testifying.
George Floyd's sister spends day volunteering, keeping her mind off trial
She gave away food at the Salvation Army food shelf on E. Lake Street. It was the type of service George Floyd knew well.
Trauma relived as Derek Chauvin's trial unfolds before the world
The world took a front-row seat to the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on Monday.
Jurors will consider George Floyd's death — not issue of race
In a case that has become a flashpoint for racial justice in America, the testimony and evidence will focus on a narrow set of facts about the evening that then-officer Derek Chauvin knelt on the neck of George Floyd.
Chauvin trial marks defining moment in U.S. racial history
What began 10 months ago at the corner of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue has transformed into nothing less than an American reckoning on justice, racial equity, the role of law enforcement and the historical wrongs perpetrated on Black people.
Police misconduct cases weigh on former jurors
The experiences of jurors offer a window into the complex decisions facing the jury in former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin's murder trial in George Floyd's death.
Mpls. pays $27M to settle suit with George Floyd's family
The civil case against the city is separate from the ongoing criminal trial of former officer Derek Chauvin. Attorneys for the family called it the "largest pretrial settlement in a civil rights wrongful death case in U.S. history."
30 years after Rodney King, friends of George Floyd see parallels in Chauvin trial
Video recorded by bystanders delivered images that shook the public then and now.
Next Step goes to the front lines of gun violence in Minneapolis, starting with the shooting victims
Advocate helps gunshot victims recover, avoid retaliation.
Lucky to land visas, family arrives in St. Paul at challenging time
As the pendulum swings back to a more open U.S. refugee policy, the trickle of families who arrived during the Trump era face unprecedented challenges finding work, schooling and assistance during a pandemic.
Biden acts to reverse immigration restrictions, open up new pathways to citizenship
The president acted to preserve DACA and reverse the travel ban from Muslim-majority countries.
Minnesota leaders on MLK Day call for 'bold social action'
The twin crises are opportunities for positive action, speakers said.
Veterans of George Floyd protests say police restraint is reserved for white people
Many Black activists recalled the tear gas and police projectiles fired at peaceful protests in Minneapolis.
![A protester was doused with milk after exposure to percussion grenades and tear gas at the Minneapolis 3rd Police Precinct. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ �](https://chorus.stimg.co/22221022/ows_2e5f7366_aa29_4567_a52d_7dfb79cc9499.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Veterans of George Floyd protests say police restraint is reserved for white people
Many Black activists recalled the tear gas and police projectiles fired at peaceful protests in Minneapolis.
Meet the immigrant-owned businesses coming back from the brink on Lake Street
Highland Plaza is home to several immigrant-owned businesses, all of whom plan to reopen.
George Floyd hoped moving to Minnesota would save him. What he faced here killed him.
A special report traces George Floyd's journey from his impoverished Houston neighborhood to a search for redemption in Minneapolis. Floyd didn't come here to change the world. He thought he was saving himself.
Enthusiasm for Kamala Harris is strong among Black women voters
Black women in the Twin Cities reflected on the historic nature of Harris' candidacy.
Interracial Twin Cities couple undertake own private reckoning with race in America
Married for six years, the Bengtsons live in "different worlds."
Election weighs heavily on Minnesota immigrants, refugees
The fates of thousands of immigrants and refugees hinge on the presidential election, as President Donald Trump looks to continue his rollback of programs that…
Riot-scarred business owners find sympathetic ear in Trump
Some Twin Cities entrepreneurs of color who suffered losses from the riots after George Floyd's death are wrestling with the political implications of Trump using their stories to blame Democrats for permitting the chaos.
Trump rally highlights tensions over race in Beltrami County
Discussions on race are happening against a backdrop of political divisions in a swing county that backed Obama and Trump.
Trump's 'good genes' comment at Bemidji rally draws backlash
Some heard echoes of language Nazis used to justify their genetic superiority and which led to the killing of 6 million Jews during the Holocaust.
Immigrants fight end to temporary legal protections
Those holding Temporary Protected Status could lose their legal standing.
Minority-owned firms seek leading role in rebuilding businesses damaged in riots
Yet obstacles still exist for contractors breaking into a white-dominated field.
Once-bustling downtown Minneapolis is casualty of pandemic, looting
Nearly six months into the pandemic, downtown remains largely empty, with at least 85% of the area's workforce still at home.
Local activists head to Kenosha with lessons to share
Kenosha shooting leads some to Wisconsin, others to Hennepin Government Center
Mayor Frey asks Black community for help after Floyd killing, unrest
Aides pushed for him to have a more visible presence out in the community, and the mayor has vowed to expand his connections.
'They want to talk to somebody': Black therapists try to regroup after riots
Several Black therapists lost offices in riots as their clients needed them most.
With COVID-19 surging, 'cultural broker' seeks to bridge the divide for Karen refugees
Such navigators are hired as trusted members of their communities who understand the cultural complexities that affect public health.
Mixed feelings about Kamala Harris from Minnesota progressives
Minnesota progressives tepid, but other Dems applaud historic ticket.
With half of losses not covered, gutted businesses plead for help
In the 5-mile stretch of Minneapolis that sustained the heaviest destruction, uninsured losses among local small-business owners are at least $200 million, according to the Lake Street Council.
After Lake Calhoun, what about other Minn. place names with racist roots?
Numerous places are named in honor of Minnesota's first two governors, both of whom have complicated legacies.
Virus devastates Hmong, Somali and Latino malls in Twin Cities
The state Department of Employment and Economic Development is sorting through applications for $2.5 million in grants for operators of cultural malls, much of which could go toward forgiving rent for tenants.
Hundreds living in Powderhorn Park, neighbors seek answers
The efforts by those living in the encampments to forge more hospitable surroundings come as public officials and homeless advocates raise alarms that the growing settlement is neither safe nor sustainable.
Kandace Montgomery, who challenged Mayor Jacob Frey, has pushed for police defunding for years
Growing up as one of the few black people in rural Maine, Kandace Montgomery longed to escape.Kids picked on her. She had no black teachers…
As N. Mpls. gun violence rises, neighbors wage a lonely fight
Neighbors, activists and community leaders are reckoning with how to ensure public safety at a time when many feel their security is shaken as much by police as it is by criminals.
Some Mpls. Black leaders speak out against council's moves to defund police
While the movement to defund the police has been driven by Black activists, others say that city politicians rushed the process and failed to include a police chief who has the backing of many Black residents.
Albert Lea, Minn., considers ties to its Confederate namesake
Albert Lea, a Tennessean who served as a Confederate lieutenant colonel, surveyed parts of what became southern Minnesota in the 1830s. Many residents don't know about his past, but some activists are hoping to start a conversation about the city's name.
On the North Side, residents question calls to defund police
"I'm scared if you defund the police … Is it going to turn into World War III over here?"
Kandace Montgomery, who challenged Mayor Jacob Frey, has pushed for police defunding for years
Growing up as one of the few black people in rural Maine, Kandace Montgomery longed to escape. Kids picked on her. She had no black…
After rioting, Midtown area, Mercado Central anchor hopes for Lake Street's future
Between Interstate 35W and Cedar Avenue, Minneapolis had one of the most thriving hubs for new immigrant communities.
Communities of color step up fight for justice in wake of George Floyd's killing
During George Floyd’s memorial service, Somali-Americans erected a large portrait of him down the street and offered passersby markers to write messages in his honor.…
Riots, arson leave Minnesota communities of color devastated
Now, ethnically diverse neighborhoods are grappling with the loss of jobs, services and investments.
A Minneapolis neighborhood expresses sadness, fear, resolve
They saw the stores they relied on for groceries and supplies smashed and burned. They saw fires that had smoldered for hours.
Sherbune County jail detainees plan hunger strike for release because of COVID-19
A federal judge recently rejected a petition for their emergency release during the pandemic.
A large percentage of Minnesota COVID-19 patients don't speak English
More than a fifth of COVID-19 patients interviewed by Health Department needed interpreters, heightening the need for interpreters.
Andover DACA recipient fearfully awaits Supreme Court decision in a time of coronavirus
Jessica Aguilar awaits a ruling that could cause hundreds of thousands of immigrants like her to lose legal protections.
Group rescued from Cloquet River after canoe capsizes
They were part of a larger group with three kayaks.
Rich Herman, a gentle giant who worked in aviation, dies of COVID-19 at 66
He died soon after returning to his Rosemount home on April 8.
Undocumented and struggling amid pandemic: 'This is a horrible situation'
Nonprofits are raising money to help Minnesota's more than 90,000 undocumented immigrants who don't qualify for government assistance during the pandemic.
Twin Cities' African immigrant community rallies to overcome quarantine hardships
Some worry they won't qualify for small-business loans meant to keep them afloat and help them recover.
Amid anti-Asian bias because of COVID-19, Minnesota launches discrimination helpline
'Viruses don't discriminate, and neither do we,' Gov. Tim Walz said.
Minnesota seeks to help immigrant residents cope with COVID-19
Some fear seeking help will jeopardize their immigration status because of new "public charge" rule.
Asian-Americans in Minnesota face insults, hostility during virus outbreak
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights says it has started to hear about bias incidents targeting Asian-Americans.
Twin Cities refugees feel 'panic' for families to reunite after flights canceled
Refugee flights have been suspended, leaving their families in Minnesota distraught.
Diversity workshops gaining popularity in Minnesota: 'The demand is growing'
As minority groups grow in number, government, business and schools seek better inclusion training.
Stigma adds to coronavirus anxiety for Asian-Americans in Minnesota
Some Asian-Americans fear loss of business, change travel plans
Members of Congress move to delay deportations of Hmong, Lao residents
Several members of Congress are moving to delay the Trump administration’s efforts to deport more than 4,700 people back to Laos. On Friday, they…
Hmong editor's Facebook post spurs backlash from Minnesota GOP
The editor of Hmong Today criticized supporters of President Donald Trump, with references to Nazi Germany.
Gov. Tim Walz creates job for immigrant and refugee affairs
The new position will work to ease economic barriers for immigrants and refugees.
McCollum plans bill to stop Hmong, Lao deportations
In a letter to the Minnesota Democrat, the State Department confirms that the Trump administration is negotiating with Laos to accept them.
Fear, anxiety in Minnesota over plans to deport some Hmong residents
Advocates say many of those targeted have no ties to Laos after decades in America.
Minnesota bill would ban bias based on hair textures, styles
The proposal addresses the burden on African-American women who go through expensive straightening treatments to conform to Eurocentric standards.
Folk tales, vaccines and veggies: U tries audio tips to reach immigrant moms
Somali-American mothers get health, wellness advice in audio messages
Minnesotans raise concerns about order restricting immigration from Myanmar, Eritrea
Minnesotans with ties to Myanmar and Eritrea raised concerns on Friday that President Donald Trump’s new executive order restricting immigration from those countries could interfere…
Advocates prepare for new wave of confusion over 'public charge' rule for immigrants
High court OKs Trump law on those who use public assistance programs.
