Minneapolis Local Pulse

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, September 5.

We start today with a somber update from the intersection of Penn Avenue and Olson Memorial Highway. This morning, two women lost their lives and a child is hospitalized after a car fleeing police crashed into their vehicle. The chase began when a suspect carjacked another driver at gunpoint, firing shots and speeding through rush hour traffic. Chief O’Hara spoke with local reporters, emphasizing how tragic incidents like this demonstrate why the department maintains strict pursuit policies. The area between Theodore Wirth Parkway and North Morgan Avenue is still closed as emergency crews finish their work. City officials and the statewide police association are renewing calls for tougher penalties for violent crime and greater support for community safety.

Turning to recent events at Annunciation Catholic School, our city is still grieving the loss of two schoolchildren and the injuries of more than twenty others following last week’s shooting. Today at 10 a.m., there’s a citywide prayer effort led by the Archdiocese at Annunciation and streamed via social media, honoring victims and urging an end to violence against children. Security is under review at schools and parishes across Minneapolis, but officials say there are no current or specific threats. The community stands resilient, with acts of heroism and support seen across our schools and faith circles.

At City Hall, council members are debating high-profile issues. There’s continued tension over the permanent memorial at George Floyd Square. The city has spent over three million dollars on planning, but disagreement between council and residents is delaying a final decision. Council President Elliott Payne suggests the pedestrian mall plan needs more community input and technical analysis before this December’s deadline. Meanwhile, North Side council member Jeremiah Ellison is drawing attention for remote participation in city business while completing a Harvard fellowship. Some colleagues question his absence from committees, especially on issues critical to north Minneapolis.

The weather is mild with a cool breeze today, mid-seventies by afternoon and some late cloud cover. No rain expected, so it’s a pleasant day for outdoor events.

On the music and culture front, there’s buzz around upcoming concerts at The Cedar Cultural Center. Highlights include an electrifying night with Nordic folk group Symbio, Bruce Henry’s acoustic album release, and the acclaimed Kingfishr from Ireland. Dance and world music aficionados can plan ahead for next week’s blend of Irish melodies and step dancing at Hennepin Arts Pantages Theatre. Tonight kicks off the Minneapolis Taste of Greece Festival at Lake Street, with authentic food, live music, and games continuing all weekend.

The job market in Minneapolis remains steady in early September. Local job postings are up slightly from last month, especially in hospitality and healthca

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, September 4th, 2025.

We awake today as our city continues to process the tragedy at Annunciation Catholic Church. Just yesterday, Vice President JD Vance visited families and survivors of last week’s mass shooting during the first school Mass. The community is still mourning the loss of two young students, Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski. Twenty-one others were hurt in the violence. Vance met with loved ones inside the church sanctuary, laid flowers at the memorial, and firmly reminded us all that keeping kids safe in schools is on everyone’s heart. According to family accounts, one young survivor, Weston Halsne, underwent surgery to remove a bullet fragment and is expected to make a full recovery. We are sending all our thoughts to those impacted.

That shooting remains the focus of safety conversations across Minneapolis. Authorities confirm that the shooter, Robin Westman, acted alone and had purchased their firearms legally. In the aftermath, city leaders and parents debate new safety measures in schools and at places of worship, and a special session of the state legislature is likely on the way.

Turning to city hall, controversy continues as North Side council member Jeremiah Ellison begins his Harvard University fellowship. Ellison plans to attend meetings remotely, but city council rules don’t allow virtual voting. Since last month, he’s missed eight official meetings. The Committee of the Whole will formally address how to move forward when they gather again on Tuesday.

On the streets overnight, residents near Second Street Southeast and Sixth Avenue, close to the Stone Arch Bridge, are asking city leaders for solutions after another night of chaos sparked by large groups of young people gathering, some reportedly wearing masks and armed. Police and university patrols responded but took hours to restore order. Council Member Michael Rainville says the city is hiring culturally competent ambassadors and considering more cameras and road closures but admits patrol shortages make this difficult.

This Thursday morning starts cloudy, with a chance of rain pushing in by midday. Highs will reach the mid 70s, with humidity lingering. For tonight and tomorrow, expect a brief cool-down, but sunshine should return for the weekend, just in time for outdoor plans.

In real estate, the Minneapolis 2040 Plan continues to draw criticism as recent reports show no housing boom and instead, a sharp decline in new construction. While over four thousand permits were issued in 2019, only around four hundred went through last year. Housing costs have climbed steadily, with rents up about fifteen percent since the plan's debut. City council is now exploring rent control, though experts warn that might further dampen housing starts.

Those looking for work may notice fewer help-wanted signs this week as Minneapolis continues to trail other Midwest cities in job growth. Still, new businesses are po

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Sunday, August thirty-first.

We’re waking up to a city still reeling from heartbreak after Wednesday’s shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church on West forty-seventh Street. Two children were lost, one eight and the other ten, and eighteen others including fourteen kids and three elderly parishioners were injured. The shooter, twenty-three-year-old Robin Westman, a former Annunciation student, died by suicide at the scene. Police say he legally bought the three guns recently and had left behind a disturbing online manifesto. We’re seeing an outpouring of support across our neighborhoods. Sidewalks on Lyndale, Xerxes, and Minnehaha now carry blue and green ribbons, and volunteers have tied nearly three thousand around trees and street poles to honor those lost, show love, and nurture healing. Families are gathering this weekend for Mass, leaning on each other and local resources for support, and kids have lost cherished traditions like Spirit Day and the butterfly release, but the city’s heart is with them.

City leaders and emergency officials held a press conference Friday at City Hall, emphasizing Minneapolis’ preparation and the ongoing support for affected families. Council members are also reconsidering how public input might shape future safety investments and capital projects, aiming for more transparency and collaboration in how decisions about core infrastructure and emergency response are made.

For those venturing out, today’s weather is mostly sunny, highs near seventy-eight, with breezes from the northwest that could pick up in the afternoon. It’s a beautiful day for the final Sunday of the Minnesota State Fair, which continues on Snelling Avenue in St. Paul until eleven tonight. You can savor summer treats, hear live music, or take the kids to the farm animal pavilion.

Music lovers will gather at the Lake Harriet Bandshell tonight for the ‘Music in the Park’ concert by Honey Please at seven thirty. Downtown’s Nicollet Diner stays open all day if you need a bite before events kick off. Over on Lyndale Avenue, the Uptown Saturday Makers Market showcases local crafts and food through the afternoon. The Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee is in full swing for Labor Day weekend, with themed activities and performances running rain or shine.

In sports, the Minnesota Twins host the Chicago White Sox at Target Field today at one ten and the Lynx take on the Dallas Wings at the Target Center at seven. Minneapolis schools are closed for the long weekend, but before classes paused, Washburn High debuted its new performing arts space and the robotics team was recognized for placing third statewide—congratulations to them.

In jobs and real estate, Minneapolis reports nearly four hundred new job listings in tech, hospitality, and healthcare this week, and about seventy new home listings entered the market, with median prices steady near four hundred twenty thousand dollars.

Finally, a

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, August 30. We wake up today reflecting on a week heavy with heartbreak, unity, and resolve. Our city is still reeling from Wednesday’s tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church near Diamond Lake Road, where two children, eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel and ten-year-old Harper Moyski, lost their lives and eighteen more were injured, nearly all of them children. Police say the shooter, a former student named Robin Westman, fired over one hundred rounds through the church’s stained-glass windows during morning mass. Grief has begun giving way to hope as community members gather nightly outside Hennepin County Medical Center, holding candlelight vigils for the eight victims who remain hospitalized and offering support to all affected families. In an inspiring moment shared by hospital staff, thirteen-year-old Endre, wounded in the attack, asked his doctor to pray with him before surgery, reminding us of the strength and compassion found in our city even in the darkest times.

Minneapolis police, alongside help from state agencies, have now set up round-the-clock patrols at schools, churches, and synagogues through at least September 5, urging all of us to stay vigilant and report anything suspicious. City leaders including our mayor are pushing for new gun safety measures and reviewing local options, with council and community voices echoing the urgency for action and support. As public schools prepare to open doors next week, extra security and mental health resources are rolling out to reassure students and parents.

Turning to weather, a warm front lingers. We expect mostly sunny skies today with a high in the low eighties—perfect for spending time outside or catching an event. The Minnesota State Fair is in full swing through Monday across the river in St Paul, drawing crowds with food, concerts, and the daily parade. Back in town, downtown offers live music tonight at Lake Harriet Bandshell starting at seven thirty, and the Market at Malcolm Yards is running a Chablis wine tasting this evening.

Looking at sports, the Minnesota Twins square off with the Chicago White Sox at Target Field tomorrow afternoon, and fans are also buzzing for the Lynx as they face the Dallas Wings tomorrow night at Target Center. On the high school scene, Armstrong High’s soccer team notched a big win last night, energizing their playoff hopes.

On the business front, local shops along Nicollet Mall report steady foot traffic, with the new bakery “Rise and Shine” celebrating its grand opening this morning near 10th Street. Over in real estate, median home prices have held steady into late summer, with just over four hundred homes currently listed across the downtown and southwest neighborhoods, according to market watchers.

Finally, our feel-good story comes from volunteers and neighbors building a growing memorial at Annunciation Church. Flowers, messages, and children’s drawings line the sidewalk, each

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, August 29, 2025.

We start today still reeling from the tragic mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School on West 54th Street earlier this week. The city mourns the loss of eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel and ten-year-old Harper Moyski, killed when a 23-year-old former student opened fire during the first school Mass of the year. While fifteen children and three adults, mostly parishioners in their eighties, were wounded, authorities say all survivors are recovering. Hospital officials confirm some are already back home. Memorials have appeared outside the church—flowers, candles, even a giant teddy bear with messages of love. Parents and local leaders, including Mayor Jacob Frey, are calling for urgent change, urging federal and statewide bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Police continue investigating the attack’s motive and have recovered records and videos that show it was meticulously planned, with references to other mass shootings and a troubling history of resentment. We want to recognize the incredible bravery shown by staff, parents, and first responders who saved lives, and the community support pouring in from all corners of the Twin Cities.

In city hall news, Mayor Frey’s push for gun law reform continues, with emotional statements this week and new calls for mental health resources in schools. City officials are also discussing measures to strengthen school security and crisis response.

Yesterday in West St. Paul, on Ottawa Avenue not far from our border, police confronted a man wanted for multiple felony warrants, resulting in an hours-long standoff and a fatal officer-involved shooting. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is reviewing the case. During the standoff, St. Joseph’s School was placed on lockdown. Minneapolis police remind us all to stay alert and report suspicious activity, especially near schools and public spaces.

Turning to the weather, we’re waking up to mild temperatures, highs near 82, with a spot of humidity, and just a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms. If you’re headed out for the weekend, especially for outdoor events, keep an umbrella handy just in case. The forecast holds steady through Saturday, with things drying out by Sunday.

On the cultural front, the SSF rooftop film and performance series kicks off tonight at the North Loop, with art installations and screenings at 7:30, weather permitting. Burrito bowls by T/aco are available for pre-order—it’s a lively way to support local artists and enjoy the end of summer. Don’t forget, the Minneapolis Rhythm and Blues Festival is just around the corner with national acts expected on our riverfront.

Real estate this week continues its brisk pace in the southwest neighborhoods. Around 60 new home listings went live, and median sale prices hover just above six hundred thousand. Several commercial leases have closed in Uptown, with a new vegan bakery and a co-working

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, August 28. Our city is coming together in the aftermath of a heartbreaking shooting at Annunciation Catholic School on West 54th Street. Two children, just 8 and 10 years old, lost their lives yesterday morning when a 23-year-old shooter fired through the windows of the church as families gathered to mark the first week of school. Seventeen others were wounded, including fourteen children between the ages of 6 and 15 and three parishioners in their 80s. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara says all those injured are expected to survive, and many have already been released from hospital. The shooter, identified as Robin Westman, died at the scene from a self-inflicted wound. Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime and act of domestic terrorism targeting Catholics, with the FBI actively involved. Mayor Jacob Frey and city council members have called for compassion and unity, urging us not to let this violence fuel hatred of any community.

With the school year just beginning, teachers and staff at Annunciation acted quickly and heroically, helping to shield children and evacuate the building safely. The principal described their efforts as critical to preventing a greater tragedy, and the city council released a joint statement supporting Annunciation’s educators and families. Extra police patrols will be out around schools for the rest of the week as a safety precaution.

On a lighter note, our community calendar remains full. The Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul is open through Labor Day, with music, food, and family fun planned from 7 am to 11 pm daily. Tonight at Lake Harriet Bandshell, local group Honey Please brings music in the park at 7:30. Extreme Noise, a Minneapolis punk institution, celebrates its 30th anniversary at The Cedar Cultural Center with special shows, while up-and-coming artist Kaitlin Cassady marks the launch of her new album, North Star, with a celebration at The Cedar. The Renaissance Festival continues in nearby Burnsville over the weekend, offering medieval entertainment, crafts, and themed weekends like Highland Fling and Woofstock.

Over at Target Field, the Twins host the Chicago White Sox Monday at 1:10 pm, hoping to keep their playoff push alive. The Lynx take on the Dallas Wings at Target Center Monday evening at 7 pm, with both teams looking to improve their prospects late in the season.

In real estate news, Minneapolis saw about 120 new listings go live this week, primarily in Northeast and South Minneapolis. The job market is steady, with nearly 900 active postings, including opportunities with Target, Fairview Health, and new restaurants opening along Hennepin and Lake Streets.

Several Minneapolis schools are celebrating strong summer academic performances and athletic achievements, with Southwest High’s soccer team winning Tuesday’s opener 2-1 over Washburn.

Turning to weather, we have mild temperatures today and scatte

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Sunday, August 24th, 2025.

We start with breaking news from East Lake Street, where Minneapolis police are addressing what they call a public health nuisance related to a growing homeless encampment on private property. Mayor Jacob Frey has called for a special meeting this coming week as city officials search for solutions and support for those affected in the neighborhood. Meanwhile, housing continues to be front and center in city politics as Minnesota DFL leaders made headlines by revoking their endorsement of mayoral candidate Omar Fateh, prompting swift reactions across the community.

Turning to crime and public safety, there are a few incidents we want to bring to your attention. Three men were injured in a shooting on Lake Street just yesterday, and in a separate, deeply concerning event, a 79-year-old woman was struck by a stray bullet inside her home this weekend. Thankfully, two suspects have already been charged in connection to her injury, which sharpens our city’s focus on safety in residential neighborhoods. In positive news for law enforcement, police have arrested three juveniles linked to recent smash-and-grab thefts, putting a temporary halt to a wave of vehicle vandalism that has affected over 500 cars across Minneapolis so far this year. City leaders are working urgently to confront what Police Chief Brian O’Hara describes as a troubling trend in property crime.

On a more uplifting note, we want to highlight tremendous community spirit on display this weekend. The Minnesota State Fair kicked off with nearly 140,000 people attending on opening day. Although we just missed breaking last year’s record, the turnout is strong and the fairgrounds are in full swing. Over on Malcolm Avenue, the Surly Brewing Festival Field welcomed Texas blues artist Charley Crockett, drawing music lovers from across the metro. If you are looking for more cultural flavor, Heritage Fest in Maple Grove continues today, celebrating the vibrant backgrounds and traditions that make our region unique. Or perhaps you want to catch the Highland Fling in Shakopee for the second day of athletic competitions and crafts, ideal for families.

Looking at weather, we are starting our Sunday at a warm and cloudy 75 degrees. Overcast skies may linger well into the day, with a slight chance for some scattered showers this afternoon. Bring an umbrella if you are heading out to any festival or park today, but temperatures should remain pleasant, staying in the upper seventies. Tomorrow promises similar conditions.

On the business front, a significant infrastructure update is happening near Hennepin and Franklin Avenue—workers are now redesigning the narrow, much-complained-about strip of sidewalk. The goal is better safety and accessibility for all who travel through this busy intersection.

For sports, the Minnesota Lynx face the Indiana Fever at Target Center this evening. With a fantastic 29 and 7 season record so

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, August twenty-third, twenty twenty-five.

As we start today, the weather offers a classic late-August feel, with morning temperatures in the high sixties rising to the low eighties by afternoon. Expect partly sunny skies with a light breeze, perfect for the State Fair crowds or a stroll by the Stone Arch Bridge. There’s only a slim chance of a passing shower this evening, so outdoor events are a safe bet.

Turning to breaking news, Minneapolis City Hall is dealing with a major public health concern along East Lake Street. Mayor Jacob Frey has called a special meeting this coming Wednesday to address a tent encampment on private property, declared a public health nuisance. City inspectors have cited the property owner, Hamoudi Sabri, with over five thousand dollars in fines after finding drug paraphernalia and human waste near a school. If the site isn’t cleaned by Monday, city crews may step in, with more legal action possibly on the way. This story is sparking passionate debate about how our city handles housing instability, public health, and safety concerns.

At the same time, the local political scene is buzzing. The State DFL Party has voided its recent mayoral and park board candidate endorsements after several violations were reported at last month’s city convention. The Minneapolis Democrats have been put on probation, meaning no more mayoral endorsement conventions for the rest of this year. The main focus now is restoring public trust and rebuilding the endorsement process for future elections.

In business news, Target is shifting strategies again, deciding to scale back online fulfillment at some local stores to bring shoppers back for that in-store experience. For local jobs, employment postings across healthcare, tech, and the food industry are all slightly up this week. If you’re job-hunting, Minneapolis employers are advertising around three thousand positions right now, with many companies getting ready for fall hiring.

In the real estate market, the Twin Cities area remains steady. The spotlight this weekend is on a creaky-chic 1883 farmhouse in Northfield, lovingly remodeled and listed for just under seven hundred fifty thousand dollars—nothing quite like old charm with modern updates.

The music and cultural scene is in full swing. Tonight you can catch Aloe Blacc’s We Stand Together tour at the Dakota on Nicollet. For a more laid-back evening, High and Mighty play at Bunkers Music Bar, and the Minnehaha Bandshell has Lili Horizon taking the stage at seven. Downtown, the Minneapolis Institute of Art is offering guided tours, and the Weisman Art Museum is hosting the special Imagining Future Cities exhibit.

Minnesota sports fans got some great news last night as the Twins snapped their losing streak against the White Sox, thanks to a grand slam from Royce Lewis. On the courts, Jessica Shepard led the Lynx to an impressive win, closing out a two-game skid. Meanwhile,

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, August 22, 2025.

We begin our day with breaking political news. The Minnesota DFL has just revoked its endorsement of State Senator Omar Fateh for Minneapolis mayor after major flaws were found in the DFL convention’s voting process last month. State party leaders say a significant error led to the mistaken elimination of another candidate. Mayor Jacob Frey’s campaign, which raised concerns about the process, says this was the right move and now looks forward to a wide-open debate about the city’s future. Meanwhile, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and several city council members are calling the DFL’s decision undemocratic, and warn it could leave Minneapolis voters feeling frustrated and misrepresented. This tension highlights deeper divides among Minneapolis Democrats as we head deeper into campaign season.

Turning to City Hall, the council is assessing responses to recent residents’ complaints about street maintenance and traffic signals — watch for potential proposals next week aiming to speed up crosswalk repairs near Lake Street and improve bus routes on Hennepin Avenue.

We’re waking up to pleasant weather, with sunshine across most neighborhoods and highs in the upper 70s today. There’s only a slight chance of a late afternoon shower, so it’s a perfect day for outdoor plans. Into the weekend, expect more warm, clear skies, perfect for those heading out to the State Fair or neighborhood events.

Downtown, the real estate scene remains competitive with median home prices hovering just above 370 thousand dollars and rental demand strong in Uptown and Northeast. Over 250 new rental units are coming to market near the Mississippi riverfront by September, which could ease some pressure for renters searching late in the season. On the jobs front, local career boards show about 3100 open positions, especially in healthcare, tech, and hospitality. Several hotels along Nicollet Mall are holding walk-in interviews today, so that’s a great lead for anyone job hunting.

In community and culture, the Minnesota State Fair is wide open and drawing record crowds. This year’s buzz includes dozens of new food vendors and a packed schedule at the International Bazaar. For music tonight, Aloe Blacc is headlining at the Dakota on Nicollet Mall and the Minnehaha Bandshell features Lili Horizon at 7 pm. Families might enjoy the Weisman Art Museum’s exhibit or start the day with breakfast at the Nicollet Diner, open until midnight. Local arts venues like The Cedar are also gearing up for international music nights, so keep an eye out next week for Alma Andina and Brass Solidarity.

On the sports front, St. Thomas football is celebrating a new milestone as they become postseason eligible in Division I for the first time. Meanwhile, Minneapolis high school soccer teams are gearing up for their fall openers, and last night, Washburn High clinched a big win in girls volleyball, bringing pride to Southwest.

Traffic

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, August 21st.

We start with breaking news out of City Hall. City planners have just unveiled a new design for a pedestrian-only plaza at George Floyd Square. This marks a major milestone after years of community input, aiming to create a more peaceful, accessible space at the intersection of 38th and Chicago. On the legal front, yesterday the Minnesota Court of Appeals gave the green light for a public housing civil rights case to proceed against the city, raising big questions about how public housing residents experience city policies.

In state politics, Representative Kristin Robbins has announced her run for governor, saying she’ll focus on public safety, education, and lower taxes. Meanwhile, a new state law will soon require all public institutions to report cyberattacks within 72 hours and notify anyone affected, a move welcomed after some recent high-profile cyber incidents, including the ongoing fallout in neighboring St. Paul.

Let’s talk weather. It’s a bright, sunshiny morning across Minneapolis, with temperatures headed for the mid 70s by late afternoon. The fair weather continues into the evening, so expect perfect conditions if you’re heading outdoors or making plans to catch the sunset along the riverfront.

We’ve got big news for job seekers and real estate watchers. Minneapolis has just expanded fair housing protections as of August 1st. This change aims to boost access and curb discrimination in the housing market citywide. On the commercial side, while some downtown office spaces are sitting empty, new businesses are popping up in neighborhoods like Northeast and North Loop. Despite national concerns about a shaky dining scene, a beloved northeast Minneapolis bar and restaurant has been saved from closure related to nearby construction, proving local support makes a difference.

For community events, tonight’s highlights include the Riverfront History self-guided tour, open all day for those looking to explore local stories firsthand. Later at the Dakota, soul artist Aloe Blacc takes the stage at nine, and the Minnehaha Bandshell hosts rising local act Lili Horizon at seven. Looking forward, the Minnesota State Fair kicks off tomorrow at the Fairgrounds on Snelling Avenue in neighboring St. Paul—it’s expected to draw huge crowds, so plan ahead for parking and transit. Also, don’t miss the Mni House Picnic this Saturday at Loring Park, offering music and family-friendly activities.

On the school front, local organizations are again handing out free backpacks and haircuts to families gearing up for next week’s back-to-school. Last night, several Minneapolis high school teams celebrated pre-season wins, building momentum as fall sports kick off.

Turning to public safety, authorities have just confirmed the last suspect in a Twin Cities armed robbery spree that triggered a countywide alert last weekend is now in custody. Police and emergency officials urge us to remain

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