Featured
War Broke Trump’s Youth Coalition
A wave of voter backlash and aggressive federal intervention has dismantled Donald Trump’s youth coalition. See how the 2026 midterms reshaped the political landscape.
The provided sources examine the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, highlighting a historic wave of Democratic victories and a significant voter backlash against President Donald Trump and the Republican party due to economic concerns and anger over the administration’s policies. Concurrently, records and reports detail controversial federal intervention tactics, including aggressive voter fraud investigations by ICE, data collection, and threats to deploy armed law enforcement to polling locations. Additionally, localized election developments in places like California demonstrate how voters weighed complex statewide propositions on issues such as voter ID and billionaire taxes amidst these broader national political tensions.
Featured
Congratulations to the Fall 2026 Citizens Academy graduates!
We’re proud to celebrate our Fall 2026 Citizens Academy graduates! Watch the highlights from their journey inside the St. Louis criminal justice system.
Congratulations to the Fall 2026 Citizens Academy graduates!
The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office celebrated the class yesterday at Carnahan Courthouse, marking the completion of a six week program that gave residents a firsthand look at the criminal justice system and the work of local prosecutors.
Participants explored the prosecution process, met with prosecutors and victim advocates, and toured law enforcement facilities.
Featured
The Conversation With Al McFarlane (11/05/2026)
The dialogue deepens as we sit down with Al McFarlane for an insightful look at the issues that matter most. Catch the full conversation here.
The conversation continues.
Featured
How Flava Cafe Turned a Coffee Shop Into Opportunity for Black Youth | MSR On the Radar
Discover how Flava Cafe is brewing change in St. Paul by empowering Black youth through professional development and meaningful community mentorship.
What if your neighborhood coffee shop was also building the next generation of Black leaders?
On this episode of MSR On the Radar, host Damenica Ellis sits down with Shaunie Grigsby, founder and owner of Flava Cafe in St. Paul. Grigsby opened Flava in 2022 as a social enterprise that combines great coffee with a mission: providing work experience, coaching and professional development for Black girls and gender-expansive youth.
Grigsby talks about the Atlanta coffee shop that first showed her what a Black third space could feel like, and how Queen Latifah’s Flavor magazine on “Living Single” inspired the cafe’s name. She shares how she made the leap from youth development to running a business, learning through apprenticeships at Sammy’s Avenue Eatery and Golden Thyme Cafe and accelerators through the Neighborhood Development Center.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
Building a menu that honors Black icons like MC Lyte, bell hooks and Megan Thee Stallion
Designing a space that feels like home, inspired by “Living Single” and “Moesha”
Partnering with Black-owned businesses like Black Garnet Books and Roots and Bloom Studio
Leading with transparency through financial challenges
Free resources for aspiring entrepreneurs through NEON, MEDA and the Neighborhood Development Center
Visit Flava Cafe in St. Paul and catch open mic night with True Art Speaks every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.
Subscribe for new episodes of MSR On the Radar every week, spotlighting the Minnesota businesses and entrepreneurs shaping our community.
Featured
Every Vote Counts – Close Races
Every vote matters in these tight races. Watch now to see why your voice is essential this election cycle.
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Featured
Every Vote Counts – Close Races
In tight elections, every single ballot matters. Watch now to see why your voice is the key to shaping our community’s future.
Visit Our Website
Read more stories by our team
https://defendernetwork.com/category/news/opinion/
Sign-up for the Top 5 newsletter
Donate/ Support Our Work
Featured
Every Vote Counts – Close Races
In tight races, every single ballot matters. Watch our latest video to see why your voice is essential this election cycle.
Visit Our Website
Read more stories by our team
https://defendernetwork.com/category/news/opinion/
Sign-up for the Top 5 newsletter
Donate/ Support Our Work
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