No more no-knock warrants! Due to a new policy, in effect tomorrow, Minneapolis police can no longer apply or carry out a no-knock warrant. Now, MPD must announce their presence and wait 20 seconds (during the day and 30 seconds at night) before entering a home. The push for this policy comes after the murder of Amir Locke, who was killed in February by MPD. The policy is overdue. Especially since, in 2020, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said that MPD would "restrict the use of no-knock warrants," a comment that did not change police activity. However, we can hope that this new policy holds MPD accountable and ensures the safety of all in their own home.

One of four public meetings to offer information about Saint Paul's Community Reparations Commission begins tonight. The city voted to create this new commission to provide financial assistance to descendants of American slavery. According to the committee website, the commission was created as a response/resolution to "[Saint Paul's] role in the institutional and structural racism experienced by its residents." The public meetings are a space for the committee to share their findings. In June, the committee will present a report to the City Council. The commission will make recommendations for addressing "the creation of generational wealth for the American Descendants of Chattel Slavery and boost economic mobility and opportunity in the Black community".

Minneapolis and Hennepin County officials aim to re-house 1,000 homeless households by the end of 2022. On Friday, Mayor Jacob Frey announced he would join the federal initiative, House America, to combat homelessness. In 2019, at least 1 in 262 Minnesotans experienced homelessness, with 42% of the homeless population being a person of color. Through the initiative, cities across the country are emphasizing affordable housing. Minneapolis has totaled 194 affordable housing units since last September. 

A federal jury deemed Melina Abdullah's suspicious arrest a-okay despite solid evidence. Abdullah, a co-founder of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, was arrested in 2018 for allegedly grabbing a police officer's arm. The charges were dropped, but Abdullah filed a wrongful arrest suit against the city and argued that she was arrested for her prominence in the Black Lives Matter movement. Witness testimony from other officers on the scene states that they did not see Melina grab or harm anyone. Footage of an officer calling out, "Detain Melina" and "Melina needs to be in custody", was also presented to the jury. Yet, the jury still concluded that there was "probable cause" for the arrest. 

Melina Abdullah says it best:
"The jury allowed themselves to be distracted. It just reminds us justice doesn't come from systems that were meant to harm us. We have to constantly usher in justice for ourselves."

Denver protesters were awarded $14 million in a case against police during the George Floyd protests. After George Floyd was murdered in 2020, protests overflowed city streets. Twelve Colorado protesters say that Denver police used excessive and aimless force against peaceful protesters and those recording the protests. Lawyers of the protesters argued that the police did this because they "did not like their message critical of law enforcement". The federal jury agreed that the police violated their constitutional right to protest and free speech. There are several similar cases across the country from protesters who were treated wrongfully during the protests, all aiming to keep police accountable.

Hanging out in the Twin Cities is a great way to spend the day! Here are some upcoming events that you may want to check out! We're here to put some cool events on your radar no matter what you're looking to do. 

Is there an event you want us to share?
Reach out here: newprensa@newpublica.com

• We want to find out how we can better provide financial services and assistance to communities living in Minnesota! It takes less than 10 minutes to fill out this Affinity Plus Community Assessment Research Survey. At the end of the survey, you'll be asked if you would like to participate in a paid focus group session!
  
  Click to take the survey: https://forms.gle/116s4VBAGxD8cy3q7
   
• Middle and High schoolers can win up to $1,000 in an awesome Youth Social Media Contest! The Coalition to Increase Teachers of Color in Minnesota is offering 26 awards (between $500 and $1,000) to youth who help get the word out about the need for more teachers of color in Minnesota! Participants can win by posting on social media, talking with family and friends about the act, or sending a simple email to a legislator!
  
  Click here to learn more! 
   
• Small Business Easter Pop-Up Shop: On April 16th, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Southdale mall, you'll be able to shop from a variety of local businesses, participate in a raffle, and overall have a great day! This event is free to the public!

"The Minneapolis Foundation launched a new grant opportunity on Thursday in partnership with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Twin Cities and Propel Nonprofits, according to a news release from the foundation. The $18 million in funds comes from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development's Main Street economic revitalization program.Grants will go to business owners, developers and nonprofits advancing renovation or new construction projects along Lake Street, 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in south Minneapolis and on West Broadway in north Minneapolis.” Read the full article here!

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3xeOOqJ

A 52-year-old video was recently rediscovered by WCCO of Minnesota native and international music icon, Prince, when he was just an 11-year-old student in Minneapolis.