July 15, 2008 - A federal grand jury has indicted a Minneapolis police officer on corruption charges. Officer Michael David Roberts is scheduled to make a first appearance tomorrow morning on charges he used his position as a cop to acquire and sell information for $200.
July 23, 2008 - Later this week, Minneapolis city officials will discuss the progress of a discrimination lawsuit brought against the city by five African American police officers. The officers filed the suit late last year, alleging they'd been denied promotions and unfairly disciplined because of their race. Police officials deny claims of bias. Mayoral spokesman Jeremy Hanson says the council and mayor will hold a closed door discussion, but may not take any action on the lawsuit.
July 23, 2008 - This week, the Minneapolis city council and mayor will get a progress report on a lawsuit involving the city's police department. The suit alleges that five African American police officers were denied advancement and unfairly disciplined because of their race. Police officials dispute the allegations. And they say the department is making strides toward a more diverse police force.
July 23, 2008 - The racial discrimination lawsuit involving five black Minneapolis police officers maybe getting close to some sort of resolution.
July 25, 2008 - Minneapolis city officials discussed the lawsuit involving five black police officers today, but took no action.
July 26, 2008 - Minneapolis city officials got an update about the progress of settlement talks today involving a lawsuit filed by five African American police officers. The officers filed the suit late last year claiming they were denied promotions and unfairly disciplined because of their race. Police officials deny claims of bias. City council president Barb Johnson read a statement following the closed-door discussion.
August 14, 2008 - St. Paul police have identified 60 individuals they think are responsible for most of the gang-related violence in the city. With the help of a new federal grant, officers plan on watching the gang members closely over the next year. Police are also teaming up with a group of crime-fighting ministers to help the young men get off the street. But the new program has been controversial in the city's black community. All 60 men on the list are African-American.
August 28, 2008 - St. Paul police are asking a group of protesters who have set up camp at Harriet Island to leave the park when it closes at 11 tonight. About 20 protesters with the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign hauled in a generator and mattresses into the park this afternoon. They're calling the encampment "Bushville." Organizer Tim Dowlin says he drove through the night from his home in Philadelphia to protest next week's Republican National Convention. And he says many more people are coming.
August 29, 2008 - St. Paul police cleared out an outdoor encampment on Harriet Island late last night that was organized by advocates for the poor and homeless. Two people were arrested and taken to Ramsey County Jail. Senior Commander Joe Neuberger says the night provided a first glimpse of how police might respond to civil disobedience next week during the Republican National Convention.
August 29, 2008 - Two anti-poverty protesters who organized an outdoor encampment on Harriet Island in St. Paul were arrested last night, after they refused to clear the park by the 11 pm closing time. The arrests were peaceful, but the situation drew a strong police response. About 60 officers arrived in the park late last night by bike and on foot. Many were part of a crowd-control team that will be sent out to trouble spots during next week's Republican National Convention. Protester Shamako Noble of San Jose, California, is a member of the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign. He thinks the police reaction was overkill.