Pillsbury United Communities’ North News was recently selected as one of 13 organizations to receive an inaugural grant from Press Forward Minnesota. The funding will support North News’ efforts to champion grassroots community journalism and youth training in North Minneapolis while expanding digital content to make news more accessible on mobile platforms.

Press Forward Minnesota is a collaborative initiative that brings together funders, media organizations, and community partners and will award a total of $520,000 to the 13 organizations. These grants support smaller news organizations that provide hyperlocal, original reporting to communities across the state, focusing on meeting the needs of communities of color, linguistically diverse communities, low-wealth rural communities, and others not adequately served, reached,​ or represented.

Selected through a rigorous process, the chosen organizations represent diverse media outlets that serve communities across the state, from the Iron Range to the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Each grantee will receive a one-year, $40,000 grant.

The other grantees are:
Access Press, Ltd.: Growing capacity and strategy to expand perspectives and geographic coverage to serve Minnesota’s disability community.
BLCK Press: Launching digital reporting to amplify and serve the voices of Black Minnesotans.
Eden Prairie Local News: Expanding coverage of economic developments, business dynamics, and their impact on Eden Prairie’s diverse communities, including Somali and South Asian residents.
Hmong Broadcasting Company LLC: Expanding Uncover More Good on 3HmongTV, a program fostering awareness, civic engagement, and cultural pride through conversations on critical issues affecting Hmong and Southeast Asian communities.
Iron Range Today: Laying the groundwork to fill regional news gaps in northern​ Minnesota by funding a part-time position, freelance reporters, training, and essential equipment to thrive in the digital news landscape.
Lakeland News: Strengthening connections across its 7,500-square-mile viewing area and ensuring robust infrastructure to uphold its values of excellence, innovation, integrity, and respect to serve residents of north central Minnesota.
Minnesota Women’s Press: Expanding Greater Minnesota outreach and accelerating content development with a new membership model and director while continuing award-winning journalism on gender-based violence, systemic inequities, and solutions-driven storytelling.
Mshale Communications, Inc.: Amplifying the voices of African immigrant communities in Minnesota through data-driven journalism to highlight the critical issues, trends, and disparities affecting these communities, ensuring that their perspectives are fully represented in local media.
Project Optimist (in partnership with St. Cloud Somali Community Radio): Collaborating with St. Cloud Somali Community Radio to share solutions-focused stories about the Somali community in Central Minnesota.
Root River Current, Inc.: Strengthening operations, resources, and storytelling capacity to expand coverage, enhance audience engagement, and fulfill its commitment to “Building Community Through Storytelling.” in southeast Minnesota.
Steele County Times: Hiring a full-time reporter to address underserved coverage areas in southern Minnesota and meet growing community demand to ensure fair representation of underrepresented groups.
ThreeSixty Journalism at the University of St. Thomas: Empowering diverse high school students through training and workshops in journalism and multimedia storytelling.

“We are incredibly excited to support these outstanding organizations that are vital to the health​ and well-being of their communities,” said May Yang, senior manager of policy and partnerships​ at the Minnesota Council on Foundations, who serves as the staff lead for Press Forward​ Minnesota. “These grants will help them expand their reach, innovate their reporting, and better​ serve their audiences.”

“McKnight is thrilled to see 13 innovative newsrooms from across the state included in the first round of Press Forward Minnesota funding, ” said Tim Murphy, program officer at the McKnight​ Foundation. “These organizations are providing a vital service, helping to inform and connect​ diverse communities that have been affected by the local news crisis. At the same time, we​ know local journalism needs more support from more funders, businesses, and readers alike, to​ match the scale of the challenge. We look forward to building on this important first step to​ strengthen a local news ecosystem that serves all Minnesotans”.

Press Forward Minnesota is one of the inaugural chapters of Press Forward, a national movement to strengthen communities by reinvigorating local news. This grant program represents one of the many ways the initiative supports local journalism and ensures that all Minnesotans can access the information they need to be informed and engaged citizens.

Join three best friends Doña Pepa, Sid Sity and Old Man Zimmer as they perform stories, songs and dance together in an interactive program for children and caretakers.

Get ready for a storytime like no other! As part of their 2025 Maker’s Series, Pillsbury House + Theatre is thrilled to present “Love Rising,” three new storytime adventures brought to life by the fabulous Drag Story Hour MN team. With songs, books, and puppets galore, they’ll whisk you away to the Boundary Waters, sparking curiosity and wonder along the way. Each episode is packed with tales of friendship, catchy tunes, and a dash of puppet magic—all celebrating the beauty of nature and the joy of discovery. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Pillsbury House + Theatre Performance dates:

• Episode 1: February 22, 2025
• Episode 2: April 26, 2025
• Episode 3: May 31, 2025

Program Schedule:

10:00 AM – Art Activities in the Lobby
11:00 AM – Interactive Show with Doña Pepa, Sid Sity, Old Man Zimmer, and their puppet friends

“Love Rising” brings the fun of Drag Story Hour together with the magic of theatrical storytelling to create an unforgettable adventure for early learners (ages birth to 10). Bursting with nature, friendship, and a touch of enchantment, each episode takes the audience to the Boundary Waters for a journey of discovery, growth, and connection—with the environment and each other. Need a breather? Sensory toys will be ready and waiting. Best of all, this event is free and open to everyone, so come join the excitement!

In Episode 1, the trio sets off on an important mission to help animals in the wilderness, only to stumble upon an incredible discovery that changes everything. In Episode 2, the magic begins to grow, and the trio welcomes a new friend into their adventure. By Episode 3, it’s time to celebrate the power of friendship as their magical companion takes flight, spreading wonder far and wide.

The performers bring their own unique flair to the story. Doña Pepa, a Caribbean diva, lights up the stage with her love for dancing, nature, and sparkles. Old Man Zimmer adds warmth and wisdom as a thoughtful storyteller with a passion for books, gardening, and puppetry. Meanwhile, Sid Sity brings a creative spark with their love of music, sequins, and uplifting their friends. Together, they create a delightful, immersive experience for everyone to enjoy!

Drag Story Hour MN celebrates diverse, creative, and healthy gender expressions for children and their caring adults. Through storytelling, song, and art, the program fosters empathy, imagination, and community connection. For more information follow us on Instagram @dragstoryhourmn and Facebook @dragstoryhour.

Acknowledgements:

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund – and by the generous support of Pillsbury House + Theatre and our community partners.

About Pillsbury House + House

From the Makers Series to Chicago Avenue Project and Naked Stages, PILLSBURY HOUSE + THEATRE brings audiences closer—to the edge, to the actors, to affordable adventurous theatre, to fellow audience members, and to a strong, vibrant community. Now in its 33rd year, the theatre continues to inspire enduring change towards a just society. An integral part of Pillsbury United Communities, one of the largest human services organizations in the state, Pillsbury House + Theatre demonstrates that the highest quality art is an integral part of all healthy communities, winning community trust, accolades and awards across the metro and nationally. Learn more about our programs at opportunities at www.pillsburyhouseandtheatre.org.