Minneapolis Local Pulse

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Sunday, November 16, 2025.

We're waking up to a breezy start, with temperatures in the upper 40s and light rain lingering after yesterday’s record-breaking warmth. Expect a cool-down this afternoon, with highs only reaching the mid-40s, so bundle up if you're heading out. Rain should taper off by late morning just in time for folks heading to weekend events across the city.

From city hall, Minneapolis is in transition after the hotly contested municipal election on Tuesday. Voters turned out at the highest rate in years, with 55 percent casting ballots and electing a more moderate city council, reversing the far-left surge we saw in 2023. Mayor Jacob Frey secured another term, with election analysis from Minneapolis Times noting his clear margin over runner-up Fateh. The city council now looks set to focus on practical, collaborative governance and major initiatives like finally rebuilding the Third Precinct, which has stood empty since 2020. Community leaders are urging unity after several divisive years, so we’ll be watching closely as council members settle in.

On the jobs front, UnitedHealth Group announced this week that last spring’s cyberattack will end up costing the company an estimated $1.6 billion by year-end, with nearly $900 million already spent on recovery and technology. The market continues to see steady demand in healthcare and tech, while retail positions are opening up ahead of the holiday rush. Local listings show around 1,900 new job openings citywide, with Mall of America kicking off hiring alongside early Black Friday events.

Real estate watchers note that Uptown's Proper boutique is closing after a decade on Hennepin Avenue, another sign of shifting retail landscape. New businesses are still arriving though, with bubble tea shops and several local pop-up cafes setting up just in time for the holiday crowd.

For arts and culture, our city is buzzing today. Minnesota Monthly highlights the Dakota Sacred Hoop Walk – a blend of augmented reality art and history at the Harrison Sculpture Garden, and the Children’s Theatre Company continues its run of The Enormous Crocodile Musical for families through next weekend. Nearby, the 2025 Autumn Festival wraps up today at Canterbury Park, and tonight First Avenue hosts The Last Revel with guest Walker Rider. Fleetwood Mac fans had a treat last night at Granada Theater, while Romanian Film Festival wraps up at Landmark Center today, bringing critically acclaimed foreign films to St. Paul.

On the sports scene, the Timberwolves host Native American Heritage Night this coming Tuesday at Target Center, as part of November’s Native American Heritage Month. The Gophers football team is gearing up for a tough matchup against Oregon, and local schools like Washburn High and North High are celebrating fall sports victories, with both boys' soccer and girls’ volleyball advancing in section play.

Turning to public safety, Minneapolis Police

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, November 15, 2025. The sun rises on an unusually mild November morning, with temperatures already pushing past the mid-60s by breakfast time. That’s a record high for this date, and we’ll see the warmth stick around all afternoon—great news if you’re heading to a fall market or just catching a walk along Lake Harriet. Clouds will drift in later, but rain is holding off until tomorrow, so let’s make the most of the sunshine.

Leading off today’s news, the city is abuzz about the future of the former Roof Depot site in East Phillips. The neighborhood group has just two days left to secure funding to purchase the long-vacant property for an ambitious eco-friendly urban farm. After years of negotiations and dashed hopes at the state legislature, city officials say they’re open to new ideas if the deal falls through. Residents nearby tell KSTP they’re eager for the site to finally become something positive, whether that’s a garden, a strip mall, or even just a community space.

There’s a fresh chapter unfolding on Hennepin Avenue South, as the road officially reopened after extensive reconstruction. This area is the city’s heartbeat for independent restaurants and live music, and neighbors celebrated with a ceremonial Hennepin Avenue Day earlier this week. From bustling Uptown to the North Loop, local businesses are hoping the improved corridor brings even more energy downtown as holiday shopping picks up.

In other business news, the beloved Proper boutique in Uptown is preparing to close its doors after ten years. The Fargo location will stay open, but for now local fans along Lake Street are stopping in to say goodbye and find a few last treasures.

From City Hall, we’re following two big developments: First, the city council is facing hours of public testimony over a proposed hike in gas and electric franchise fees. Neighbors are voicing concerns as officials debate how to balance the city budget with rising utility costs. Second, a new proposal could see cigarette prices in Minneapolis set at a fifteen dollar minimum per pack, aiming to curb smoking rates and fund local health programs.

Turning to schools, Washburn High’s girls’ cross country team is still riding high after last week’s state championship win. Coaches say it’s a special victory considering several key runners were sidelined, making the triumph all the sweeter for the seniors on the squad.

Tonight in the arts, the Dudley Riggs Theatre hosts The Chaos of the Bells, and music fans can head to First Avenue to catch Khruangbin’s much anticipated show. Don’t forget the Minneapolis Vintage Market at Quincy Hall tomorrow from noon to four—a perfect way to support our local makers as the holiday season kicks off.

Sports fans, the Wild are giving us something to cheer about with a shutout win last night as goalie Jesper Wallstedt helped lift the team back to five hundred on the season. Vikings also have a morale boost, keeping B

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, November 14th, 2025.

We wake up to brisk November temperatures, hovering near 39 degrees at sunrise, with clouds lingering and a gentle breeze blowing out of the northwest. Forecasters say to expect a spot of drizzle before lunchtime, but skies should brighten by afternoon, with highs around 44. For anyone flying out today, MSP Airport is operating smoothly after last week’s historic federal government shutdown ended, though the FAA still limits flight capacity slightly, so check your airline’s updates before heading out.

Our top story circles City Hall, where Mayor Jacob Frey has secured a second term. Election officials report more than 147,000 ballots cast, with over half of registered voters turning out — a record for our city. Residents voice both relief and frustration as Frey’s support rests on steady housing efforts and programs like Group Residential Housing, praised for keeping hundreds sheltered. But community voices, especially along Lake Street, still demand more from redevelopment and safety initiatives, showing we’re a city rebuilding but not yet whole.

In a tense development near the Midtown Greenway, city leaders have fined local developer Hamoudi Sabri thirteen thousand dollars after a judge rejected his efforts to keep a homeless encampment open on his vacant lot. The decision draws attention to ongoing debates about shelter and public health as the colder weather sets in. Some criticize city policies for chasing encampments from one block to another, while others call for lasting solutions and compassion, with advocacy groups saying the heart of the issue is finding warm, safe places for over four hundred people without permanent housing.

Turning to crime in our neighborhoods, Minneapolis Police report a relatively calm night. However, a notable arrest followed a string of thefts near Hennepin Avenue early Thursday morning. Officers credit quick citizen tips for the search and say increased patrols will continue downtown as holiday events pick up.

For sports, our Vikings gear up for a home showdown against the Bears this Sunday at noon at US Bank Stadium. Up at the University, Gopher football travels to Oregon to take on the number six Ducks tonight, a tough test broadcast live from Autzen Stadium. On the high school front, the South High Tigers basketball team clinched a narrow victory over Washburn and celebrate moving to four and one for the season.

Minneapolis is buzzing with culture this weekend. The Guthrie Theatre’s staging of A Christmas Carol begins its run at South Second Street. For music lovers, the Cedar Cultural Center hosts East Forest tonight, while a Dueling Pianos Night promises an energetic show downtown near Marquette Avenue. Our first holiday markets pop up next Friday at North Loop Green, with local artisans, food stalls, and kids’ crafts. The Old St. Anthony Holiday Bazaar returns on Sunday, welcoming families into the Machine Shop on Second

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, November 13. We start the day with mild fall weather blanketing the city. Sunny skies are on tap throughout the morning, with temperatures reaching the mid-50s this afternoon. Gusty winds might pick up near the river, so if you’re heading out for a bike ride or walk around Minnehaha Falls, bundle up. Tonight, stargazers may get another shot at the northern lights, which amazed us across the city just two nights ago.

In breaking news, Minneapolis police have arrested two teens on Tuesday after a string of carjackings, including one targeting City Council Member Jamal Osman near Lake Street. The department has added extra patrols downtown and along major transit corridors. Authorities urge caution but stress that the suspects are now in custody.

Turning to city hall, today the Business Housing and Zoning Committee takes up a long-awaited update to our city’s historic designation ordinance. The changes aim to make it easier to protect properties and neighborhoods, especially those significant to underrepresented groups. The proposal also adjusts application fees to better match today’s costs, potentially easing the process for local investors and residents.

The job market continues to tighten, with the latest Minneapolis Fed report showing home affordability slipping again since 2021. The median home price in the city now sits near 420,000 dollars, and apartment rents have ticked up, even as a North Dakota firm sold several multifamily properties to a Denver-based buyer this week. On the commercial side, One Liberty Properties just purchased the massive 4Front Industrial Park in Oakdale, signaling fresh job openings in logistics and warehousing for us.

On the real estate front, a new 91-unit apartment building has broken ground in Rogers. For anyone considering a move or just curious, citywide listings remain competitive, with homes often selling in less than two weeks.

We have new business news to share. After a years-long wait, Krispy Kreme is back in Minnesota, reopening its doors in Fridley yesterday. The line stretched out the door for hours, bringing warm smiles and fresh doughnuts to our morning routines. It’s a reminder that even a simple treat can spark joy and community, especially near University Avenue.

Community events are buzzing this weekend, with the Northeast Farmer’s Market wrapping up its fall season on Saturday, and Orchestra Hall hosting Katseye, the global K-pop supergroup, Friday night. Expect crowds and excitement downtown. And for music lovers, watch for the indie-folk band Bad Bad Hats at the Cedar on Sunday.

Turning to schools, Southwest High School’s girls soccer team clinched their third straight state title last night, defeating Edina in a thrilling overtime finish at Allianz Field. On the academic side, Washburn High School’s robotics club earned second place at the regional tech challenge—congrats to our young innovators.

In other news, prosecutors ha

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Sunday, November 9th, 2025.

We start today with breaking news from City Hall, where Jacob Frey has been re-elected for a third term as Minneapolis mayor after a dramatic runoff with state senator Omar Fateh. Mayor Frey, who delivered his victory speech partly in Somali, is facing some pushback from conservative voices online, but many community members are welcoming the moment as a symbol of the city’s diversity. Frey emphasized that Minneapolis is a home for all, no matter where we’re from. Meanwhile, the City Council will see a shift, as groups supporting Fateh have secured a majority, setting the stage for some spirited debates at City Hall in the coming months.

Turning to education, there’s relief and hope across local schools. Minneapolis educators and the school district reached a tentative agreement late last night, averting a strike that would have started Tuesday. The union says this new deal promises smaller class sizes, better pay, and stronger support for students and staff. Both sides are optimistic, though the contract still needs to be ratified. Over four thousand educators were prepared to walk off their jobs, so this development is major for students, parents, and teachers alike.

On the economic front, we’re seeing encouraging signals for families in need. SNAP benefits have been restored for Minnesotans as of this weekend, bringing critical food support ahead of the holiday season. This is an important boost, especially as food insecurity has been rising in several neighborhoods.

Let’s check in on the weather. It’s a cool morning across Minneapolis, with temperatures hovering just below forty. We’ll see partly cloudy skies today with highs reaching into the mid-forties. If you’re heading to Lake Harriet or Minnehaha Falls, grab a jacket. Winds are light, so it’s a perfect day for a brisk walk or trip to the farmers market. Looking ahead, expect a bit of rain Monday but mostly mild conditions this week.

Travelers at MSP Airport should be aware that flight cancellations have now stretched into a third day due to nationwide disruptions. If you have friends or loved ones flying in or out, be sure to double-check schedules, especially for midday flights.

For those following the real estate market, recent reports show prospective homebuyers in Minneapolis are finding it tougher to close the deal. First-time buyers are being squeezed out at record levels as high prices and interest rates persist. If you’re house-hunting, patience and flexibility seem to be more important than ever.

Business-wise, there is a flurry of activity near North Loop and on Hennepin Avenue this week. A new women-owned bakery is opening near Loring Park, and a local bike shop in Uptown announced it will expand to the Seward neighborhood next spring, adding a handful of jobs.

Sports fans have plenty to celebrate this weekend. The Gophers clinched a decisive win in their final home football game at Huntingt

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, November 8th, 2025.

We start our day with a promising update from the city on our traffic safety. Minneapolis officials say the new safety cameras, installed last month at five high-risk intersections, have already cut dangerous speeding by thirty percent. Starting this weekend, real citations roll out for those caught going ten miles per hour or more over the limit. First-time offenders will receive a warning but repeat offenses could mean a forty-dollar fine, or double that for higher speeds. The city is also offering traffic safety classes instead of paying up, in hopes of making our streets safer for everyone.

Looking at major decisions from City Hall this week, the council has extended the city attorney’s authority to file or join federal lawsuits through January 2029. At the same time, the city is responding to calls for a stronger approach on homelessness. The mayor’s proposed one million dollar budget will go toward helping fund Hennepin County’s winter shelter, aiming to keep an extra 150 beds open for vulnerable families this coming season. Advocates are hopeful we’ll see more from city leaders to tackle this urgent need.

If you’re heading out today, plan for chilly autumn sunshine, with highs just below forty and a breeze making it feel colder. Expect more clouds late afternoon and a chance of a dusting of snow overnight. Bundle up, especially if you’re catching any of the evening’s events around the Chain of Lakes or heading to a high school football playoff.

In real estate, the Minneapolis housing market remains hot. Home prices are up eight percent since last year, with the median now at about three hundred fifty thousand dollars. Most houses get multiple offers and go pending in around three weeks, so if you’re searching for a new place, be ready to move fast.

On the job front, the local unemployment rate is low at a little over four percent, but finding new work is tougher than it looks. Recent research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis shows many job seekers have been searching for six months or longer. Job offers are sparse, and those newly out of work are facing longer waits as local companies pull back on hiring. If you’re in the hunt, experts suggest widening your search and brushing up on tech skills to stay competitive.

In the community this weekend, neighbors are gathering at Minnehaha Park for the annual Fall Harvest Festival, with live music, crafts, and family-friendly events running through Sunday afternoon. Local food banks are also hosting pop-up produce giveaways as SNAP benefits finally arrive for November, following a federal court ruling and a whirlwind week of uncertainty for over four hundred thousand Minnesotans relying on food assistance.

Crime reports for the past day show overall calm, with no major incidents inside city limits, but police continue to monitor high-traffic areas after last week’s uptick in vehicle thefts around Hen

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, November 8th, 2025.

Our city wakes up under cloudy skies and chilly air, with temperatures hovering just above freezing. We might see some sunshine breaking through later this afternoon, and highs should reach the mid-40s. It's a good day for a cozy indoor event or grabbing a hot drink with friends as autumn settles in.

In our breaking news, downtown Minneapolis saw a shooting overnight, leaving one person injured. Police are investigating and asking anyone with information to come forward, especially if you were near Hennepin Avenue and 6th Street last night. The area remains safe this morning, but increased patrols continue throughout downtown to ease concerns after recent incidents.

Travelers at MSP Airport are facing some disruptions. Due to a federal government mandate, at least 18 flights were canceled Friday, with more possible today. If you're flying out, double-check your flight status before leaving and expect longer lines at security.

City Hall made a significant move this week. The City Council adopted a new paid parental leave policy that now includes foster placement, helping more families access paid time off. Meanwhile, a debate continues over compliance with the city charter, prompting a legislative directive for closer legal review.

On the streets, new speed cameras installed at five high-risk intersections have led to a remarkable 30 percent drop in dangerous speeding. Citations began yesterday for those driving more than ten miles over the limit. First-time offenders will get a warning, but repeat ones will face fines or can opt for a free safety class. These cameras are active at Broadway and Fremont, Lowry and Penn, Cedar and Franklin, Lake and Hiawatha, and Washington and Plymouth.

Jobs remain a challenge for many Minnesotans. The Twin Cities unemployment rate is still low, below 5 percent, but job seekers say hiring is sluggish. Economists call it a jobless boom, where employers are reluctant to fill new positions. The slow pace means more folks searching for work for six months or longer. Healthcare, retail, and logistics are hiring, but white-collar and tech roles show especially tight competition.

Real estate shows signs of cooling off; rental prices have stabilized and inventory is up slightly for both apartments and homes. Nearly three hundred homes are listed inside city limits this week, with starter homes around Powderhorn averaging about four hundred thousand dollars. Some landlords are offering winter concessions, hoping to fill units before the holidays.

Weekend events will keep our spirits high. The Minneapolis Gift and Art Expo opens this morning at the Convention Center, featuring hundreds of local makers. The Prairie Fire Choir and Barbara Cohen hit the Cedar Cultural Center tonight, and the Plug and Play Hip Hop Theater Showcase arrives Friday at the Capri on West Broadway, promising bold new performances.

Schools had a great week—Minneapo

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, November 7th, 2025.

We start our day with breaking news out of south Minneapolis, where a dramatic police chase ended near West 29th Street and Aldrich Avenue South yesterday afternoon. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office reports four people were arrested after a stolen Jeep, suspected in several dangerous driving and gun-related incidents, was stopped with police deploying tire-deflating sticks. The driver tried to flee on foot, only for a passenger to take the wheel before the vehicle came to a halt. Two of the arrested were taken to the hospital, but all are now in custody, making our neighborhoods a little safer.

At city hall, the big story is the mayoral election. Jacob Frey has secured a third term as mayor, edging past Omar Fateh—who’d hoped to make history as the city’s first Somali American mayor. Frey, a mainstream Democrat, won with just over 50 percent of the vote, promising to continue his work making Minneapolis a place where anyone can thrive in an affordable, safe community. Meanwhile, the City Council is seeing a strong progressive wave, with Democratic Socialist-aligned members holding their majority, signaling likely shifts in housing and public safety policy.

Looking at the job market, there’s cautious optimism. After months of layoffs and hiring freezes, the Minneapolis area saw a modest uptick in jobs last month—about 42,000 new positions nationwide, according to ADP, and sectors like healthcare and manufacturing here are recruiting. Still, companies like Target trimmed nearly 1,800 jobs locally, and business leaders remain worried about rising taxes, tariffs, and new family leave laws, saying small manufacturers are feeling squeezed. Wage growth is tempering, but job seekers are finding opportunities in health care, IT, and manufacturing.

For those traveling today, expect delays. Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the FAA is reducing about ten percent of flights at major airports, including our own Minneapolis-St. Paul International. That could mean up to 75 fewer departures today, with ripple effects likely for both local and connecting flights. If you’re heading out, check your flight status before leaving for the airport.

Weather today is cool and mostly cloudy, with highs in the upper 40s. No major precipitation is expected, but pack an extra layer for outdoor events, especially as a chilly breeze is expected over the Mississippi by late afternoon.

In real estate, movement keeps coming. The market’s been stable with around 250 new listings in the last week and buyers remain active after the election. Rental prices ticked up slightly, averaging just over $1,500 per month for a two-bedroom near Uptown.

Several new businesses have opened this week, most notably a bakery on East Lake Street and a tech startup incubator near the North Loop. A popular Northeast restaurant closed its doors, citing rising costs, but a Mediterranean café is taking its

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, November 6, 2025.

We wake up to the news that Jacob Frey has secured a third term as mayor after a very closely watched ranked-choice race. Frey edged out challenger Omar Fateh by a narrow margin, winning just over fifty percent of the vote when all the counting rounds wrapped up late last night. In his victory statement, Frey highlighted his commitment to making Minneapolis affordable, inclusive, and safe for everyone. This marks his third consecutive term, keeping the city’s leadership stable as we head into a period of change.

Switching to City Hall, we see big shifts in the City Council landscape. Progressives have retained their majority, holding at least seven seats, but not quite enough to override a mayoral veto going forward. Pearll Warren clinched a steady lead in Ward 5, one of the key areas covering North Loop and Jordan-Hawthorne. City Council elections also saw a handful of new faces, while most incumbents held on to their seats, setting the tone for important policy debates this winter.

Now, as we look outside, November’s first full Thursday is shaping up to be cold and crisp. Morning temperatures are hovering around 38, with a light breeze off the river. We’ll see highs reaching up around 44 this afternoon before clouds roll in late and some light drizzle is possible. If you’re planning lunch on Eat Street or a stroll around Lake Harriet, layers are definitely a good idea.

In local business, downtown welcomes the opening of a new coworking space at Washington Avenue and Hennepin. Meanwhile, the iconic Riverside Café is closing its doors after fifty years. Owners cite rising rents and changing traffic as the main reasons, but they plan a farewell block party next weekend. Retailers are busy, with holiday storefronts popping up all along Nicollet Mall, and Uptown is seeing two new boutiques open their doors just in time for early shoppers.

Music lovers have a special treat, as the American Musicological Society’s annual meeting kicks off today at the Hyatt Regency. This major event brings together hundreds of musicians, scholars, and music fans for a weekend of talks, performances, and celebrations. Over at Orchestra Hall, Alex Newell joins the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus this Saturday for their highly anticipated Jingle Bells and Jazz Noels concert. If theater is more your thing, the Children’s Theatre Company continues its run of The Enormous Crocodile, attracting families from across the city.

On the sports front, Washburn High boys soccer brought home the section title last night, and several Minneapolis swimmers set new personal bests at the state qualifier. Congratulations to all our student athletes—keep making us proud.

Crime is front of mind for many. Minneapolis Police are reporting a quieter 24 hours compared to earlier in the week, though officers made two arrests following a break-in on 26th Avenue South overnight. Public safety alerts remind us to keep

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Sunday, November 2nd, 2025. It’s a crisp start to the day here in the Twin Cities, with temperatures hovering in the high 30s and expecting only a slight warmup this afternoon, so if you’re heading to one of our outdoor events, keep a jacket handy. Skies are mostly cloudy and a few sprinkles could hit by late afternoon, but nothing that should slow us down.

We start with breaking news and a somber morning after a deadly shooting in Dinkytown early yesterday. Around 2:30 a.m., automatic gunfire broke out at 13th Avenue and Southeast Fifth Street, just steps from the University of Minnesota campus. One teenage male was killed at the scene, and two others—including a University student—were rushed to the hospital and are expected to recover. According to Chief Brian O’Hara, three guns were recovered and the shooter is still at large. Police presence is visibly heightened near campus as the investigation continues. Chief O’Hara assures that the safety of our students remains the department’s top priority after the chaos of Halloween night.

Looking to city hall, all eyes are on Tuesday’s mayoral election. Voters will choose between fifteen candidates, with Jacob Frey seeking a third term, as well as State Senator Omar Fateh, Reverend DeWayne Davis, and attorney Jazz Hampton rising as the current front runners. The debate is intense—issues like public safety, homelessness, and the future of our downtown shape every conversation. Fateh recently faced the revocation of his Minneapolis DFL endorsement after campaign finance violations, but all the major candidates are promising new approaches to downtown revival and safer streets. If you’re heading to the polls, check your polling location as several have changed this year.

The job market remains steady, with unemployment holding just under five percent citywide. New real estate numbers show about 400 new listings across Minneapolis since last week, with median single-family prices near the $330,000 mark. Downtown office space continues its slow pivot, as local leaders look to attract more small businesses and turn empty storefronts into housing or pop-up markets.

On the cultural front, there’s no shortage of creativity. The Hi-Lake mural by Daniela Bianchini and Pablo Kalaka is now complete, and the official celebration is set for Saturday at the Lake Street underpass. Artists and neighbors will gather with music and refreshments to mark the event. For theater lovers, zAmya Theater Project stages Living in America: The Waiting List is Full this Thursday at the Central Library. There’s also the Full Moon Puppet Show starting November 13 at Open Eye Theatre, and Pillsbury House’s Naked Stages fellowship performances launching later next week.

If music’s on your mind, the Cedar Cultural Center hosts David Huckfelt and The Unarmed Forces tonight, followed by East Forest on November 14. Sports fans, we celebrate Edison High’s girls soccer team, who just a

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.