State Senator Sandy Pappas, Senate District 65

October 1, 2025 Sandy Pappas 2 min read Columns, District Perspectives, Sandy Pappas

Common-Sense Legislation to Prevent More Gun Deaths

Minnesota will not forget the tragedy at Annunciation School on August 27, when a shooter opened fire on children, teachers and clergy as they prayed in church before class. Two children died and 21 people were injured that day — a horror no community should witness.

October 1, 2025 Damian Goebel 2 min read Columns, Community Reporter, Dear West End

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

Dear West End, It feels like a surreal time to be a journalist right now with what feels like a

October 1, 2025 Tim Johnson 3 min read Building Community, Columns

Woke at the Playground

When asked, the grandparent I met at Thompson Park in West St. Paul said he was from the West 7th Area of St. Paul. There are, of course, play grounds in the West 7th area and nearby that are much closer. Why make the trip across the river? Perhaps his grandkids lived close to the Park. Perhaps like my wife and me, he was in search of new playground options for those days when he was blessed with the care of his grandkids. Or, perhaps he came to the Thompson Park playground because the newly created playground was “Woke.”

October 1, 2025 Korinne Dennis 2 min read Columns, Community Connections

A Friendly Reminder to Take Care of Yourself

I don’t know about you, but 2025 came in hot, and somehow, it’s already almost over. We’ve made it through the State Fair (and all the fried foods that come with it), and now our focus is shifting to fall décor, football season (Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays) and those familiar questions: Will I fly home for Thanksgiving this year? Will I buy Christmas gifts or just give out hugs again?