Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, November twenty-first.

Our top story today is the ongoing debate from City Hall over the future of George Floyd Square. After years without consensus, our city council yesterday once again postponed a decision about this crucial spot. The options being weighed include a flex-format street, which would allow traffic most days and close for events, or a permanent pedestrian mall with a lasting memorial. Mayor Jacob Frey says the delays are costing taxpayers, with construction now possibly pushed to two thousand twenty-seven and adding another half-million dollars to the tab. While frustration runs high among council members and neighbors, we’re reminded that more than fifty percent of local businesses would need to support a permanent pedestrian closure, and right now, the support simply isn’t there. For the immediate future, council will revisit options in their next meeting on December eleventh.

In other major news from city hall, the council yesterday voted to approve a four hundred seventy-five thousand dollar settlement for the family of Leneal Frazier, who was killed by a Minneapolis police officer during a pursuit in two thousand twenty-one. The unanimous ten-zero vote closes this painful chapter but leaves questions about department culture and police pursuits that the community wants addressed.

Turning to our weather, we’re starting the day under overcast skies, with light snow expected over the lunch hour. Temperatures hover in the mid-thirties, but gusty winds will make it feel colder, especially near the riverfront and along Hennepin Avenue. Roads around Lake Street and Franklin Avenue may get slick, so take it slow if you’re headed out. The forecast calls for clearing skies late in the day and a chilly weekend ahead, with overnight lows dipping down to the twenties.

On the jobs front, downtown continues a slow rebound. City hiring is up about six percent compared to last month, with several new postings in hospitality, retail, and healthcare. The Mill District and Uptown businesses are seeing a small uptick in restaurant openings, while a handful of tech startups along Washington Avenue announced plans to hire more web developers and analysts. If you’re looking for work, there are nearly fourteen hundred open jobs across the city right now.

In real estate, November has brought slightly lower listings, with the median home price in the city holding steady around three hundred sixty thousand dollars. Experts suggest buyers may see a small dip in prices through winter, especially for condos near Nicollet Mall and Whittier.

Some hopeful news for families and schools—Roosevelt High School’s robotics team took first place in the district meet this week, and the Washburn Millers soccer team advanced to state semifinals after an impressive win on Wednesday. Congratulations to our young athletes and scholars.

For music lovers, First Avenue hosts a “Winter Blend” showcase tonight, celebrating local jazz and indie bands. Tickets are still available, and it’s a good chance to enjoy some live tunes before the cold gets any deeper. The Walker Art Center kicks off its annual holiday crafts fair tomorrow, inviting neighbors to shop handmade gifts and mingle with artists from across the Twin Cities.

On the business beat, a new bakery opened yesterday on Lyndale Avenue South, drawing lines around the block with their sourdough and cinnamon rolls. Meanwhile, two longtime stores—one on Lake Street and another near St. Anthony Main—announced closings due to rising rents, reminding us of the ongoing challenges for our small businesses.

Crime-wise, it’s been an active twenty-four hours, but no major incidents reported other than an overnight burglary at a convenience store on East Franklin. Police responded quickly, and an arrest has been made. No injuries, and the suspect is in custody. The city reports the overall violent crime rate remains lower than last month, though we continue to watch for more patrols in Phillips and Powderhorn.

On a positive community note, volunteers from Frogtown and the Northside joined forces last night for a blanket and coat drive, collecting almost nine hundred items for neighbors in need. It’s a powerful reminder of what we can do together, especially as winter sets in.

That wraps up today’s local news and happenings across Minneapolis. Thank you for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update. This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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