The East Side Community Investment Cooperative (ESCIC) is creating a way for ordinary residents and community supporters to collectively invest in real estate on St. Paul’s East Side. Rather than relying exclusively on outside developers or wealthy individual investors, the cooperative allows community members to pool resources, share the risks and potentially share in the benefits of property ownership.

Nearly two dozen residents came to speak against the city’s Flock camera contract and Skydio drones. The council ultimately closed comments unrelated to the agenda, with the issue expected to continue at next week’s Public Safety Committee meeting.

This Saturday, Aug. 22, Black Garnet Books will host the inaugural Midwest Black Book Fair at the University of Minnesota’s Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center in North Minneapolis. The free, one-day gathering will bring together Black authors, booksellers, literary organizations and readers from across the Midwest.

With Napheesa Collier back in the lineup and rookie Olivia Miles emerging as one of the WNBA’s most exciting young players, the Minnesota Lynx are entering the season’s final stretch with championship expectations firmly in sight.

DejaJoelle created an immersive experience named The Ceremony which will take place Aug. 14-16 followed by two weekends of The Sanctuary, an interactive public art installation, at the Public Functionary in Minneapolis. Photo: Binta Kanteh For St. Paul-raised cultural healing curator DejaJoelle, The Ceremony and The Sanctuary are more than an art performance and installation—they are an invitation to reflect on the everyday traditions, wisdom and acts of care that have h