Why a paper? Why now? The past few years have been turbulent, not simply for the Twin Cities but for the planet. The fire sparked in Ferguson spread to Minneapolis last November as insurgent youth laid siege to the 4th Precinct on the Northside, but the police continue to kill with impunity. A blatant neo-fascist has been nominated for president of the United States. The current president continues to deport friends and loved ones while assassinating whole families with drones overseas. Every week brings chilling new reports from climate scientists that pretty much assure us that we are all doomed.

In the face of this a newspaper seems quite insignificant. However, in order to adequately confront these problems we need to reevaluate our approach. We are sick of remaining silent while politicians and activists monopolize resistance, incessantly assuring us that the structures of power will listen to our complaints so long as we stay passive. Please please don’t try to take things into your own hands. Fuck that. If we want something done we need to do it ourselves.

So expect perspectives from rebellions near and far. Expect takedowns of the myriad ways that people are kept isolated and afraid, from overt repression to more subtle forms of social management. Expect dives into the vibrant if often-supressed history of resistance right here in the land of ten thousand lakes. Expect jokes, if we can work up the nerve.

Until next time, stay free.