North News on Gun Violence, the Media, and Solutions

North News journalists Azhae’la Hanson, Melody Hoffmann, and Muhamed Ali join us to share reporting from their upcoming special issue on gun violence. North News is a monthly newspaper focusing on North Minneapolis that is dedicated to narrative justice. We talked about the local media ecosystem, including how to cover gun violence with depth (and how not to) and the specific dynamics of reporting over North. We also talked about the human and community impacts, and the importance of trust and consistency in creating programs that prevent violence.

Our guests:

• Azhae'la Hanson, North News reporter and youth program coordinator
• Melody Hoffmann, reporter and internship leader for North News, as well as reporter and editor for Southwest Voices
• Muhamed Ali, student journalist and intern for North News

Recorded 8/19/26.

Alert

Though the massive ICE activity dwindled in the Spring, we still face a determined wannabe-fascist regime. Mill City Hall asks you to plug in and take action:

• Donate to rent support and mutual aid funds
• Defend 612 is an entry-point to local neighborhood organizing
• Monarca continues to provide trainings for regular folks who want to help, and offers a hotline to report ICE activity: 612-441-2881

Don't forget to check out:

• Our Instagram account for clips that are easy to browse and share
• Cam's writings in the 2nd Ward Blog
• Ask Robin to do a portrait of your favorite tree

Read and Support North News

• Read North News - look forward to the special issue on Gun Violence on Aug 28, on the website or in-person at drop locations over North
• Become a monthly donor to support North News' mission
• Learn more about Pillsbury United Communities, which backs North News and other justice-oriented initiatives in Minneapolis

Further Reading on Topics From Our Discussion

• Straw purchasing of guns
  • MPR: Fleet Farm ignored employee alerts for straw purchases
  • AG Ellison: $1m settlement from Fleet Farm stemming from 2022 lawsuit
  • MPR: 2024: tougher penalties on straw purchasing
• Copaganda by Alec Karakatsanis was the book/author that Jesse mentioned and could not remember, re: how media covers instances of crime over and over again, but tends to only cover "thematic" issues once or twice a year.