Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Tuesday, June seventeenth, twenty twenty-five.

We start today with the latest on the shocking attacks that have shaken Minnesota politics. Prosecutors say the suspect charged in the shooting death of one lawmaker and the injury of another had dozens of officials on his list of potential targets. Thanks to the urgent response by law enforcement, more potential tragedies were averted, including a near-miss at the home of Senator Ann Rest. The suspect was apprehended after a dramatic search that included abandoned vehicles and evidence left along Minneapolis highways. While the community is still processing these events, local leaders are urging calm and unity as investigations continue.

Turning to our weather, Minneapolis faces another day of on-and-off severe storms. Forecasters warn that heavy rain, the chance for flash floods, and even tornadoes remain a risk through at least Wednesday. If you have outdoor plans, watch the skies and check alerts, especially this morning and late afternoon. Temperatures stay in the mid-seventies, though humidity will make it feel a bit warmer.

At City Hall, Mayor Jacob Frey has confirmed that police reforms will move forward despite a federal court denying the city's proposed consent decree. The city pledges to implement new measures that aim to improve both public safety and trust between residents and the police. This follows the council’s recent expansion of local employment protections, now covering height, weight, housing status, and justice-impacted individuals.

On the business front, local coffee favorite North Loop Brews is celebrating a grand reopening on Washington Avenue after renovations. Meanwhile, a longtime Lake Street bakery announced it will close at the end of June, citing rising costs and supply chain struggles.

If you’re looking for community events, tonight Powderhorn Park hosts its summer music series opener with local jazz ensembles. The Walker Art Center is offering free admission tomorrow afternoon for residents wanting to escape the storms. And for families, the Midtown Farmers Market will be open Thursday morning with early summer produce.

In education, congratulations go out to the Roosevelt High robotics team, which took home first place in last weekend’s regional competition. Shout out as well to the University of Minnesota Golden Gopher men’s hammer throwers—they posted a historic one-two finish at the NCAA Championships, making them the best in the nation this year.

Crime-wise, aside from the high-profile shooting, Minneapolis police report a quieter night overall, though they do urge residents around Lake Nokomis to be alert after a rash of car break-ins reported late Monday.

Let’s end with something uplifting—the Minnehaha Creek cleanup campaign saw over two hundred neighbors join hands on Sunday, gathering nearly two thousand pounds of litter. Volunteers said it was inspiring to see so many families, teens, and retirees working side by side to keep our city beautiful.

This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for June 14, 2025. We're starting with breaking news from the Minneapolis school district, which is facing a significant challenge. The district announced it will be cutting about 400 positions due to a $75 million shortfall. St. Paul Public Schools is also making budget cuts to address a $51.5 million deficit. This news comes as we see how these financial decisions affect our community's education system.

In city hall updates, Mayor Jacob Frey recently issued an executive order aimed at implementing police reforms. Even though the federal court denied approval of the proposed consent decree, Minneapolis is moving forward with these reforms to enhance public safety and community trust.

Looking at the weather, today's forecast shows highs in the upper 60s, with scattered rain and thunder possible. If you're planning outdoor activities, make sure to check the forecast before heading out.

In new business activity, a vacant retail space in Brooklyn Center is getting a fresh start. O Pretty Events and Rentals will move into the space at Humboldt Square, offering services for weddings and corporate events. This addition should help address the area's shortage of event spaces.

The cultural scene is buzzing with The Weeknd performing tonight at U.S. Bank Stadium. Get ready for an exciting evening of music.

In sports, the Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for the season with a focus on head coach Kevin O'Connell, wide receiver Justin Jefferson, and quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Local sports fans are eager to see how the team performs this year.

On the crime front, there was a significant incident in St. Paul recently where a motorist struck and injured three officers during a traffic stop. The suspect is now in custody. In Minneapolis, a judge ruled that the city's public schools can be added to a wrongful death lawsuit following a school bus accident.

In real estate, Minneapolis continues to see changes with new developments and businesses moving in. On the job market, the city council's recent decision to broaden employee protections by adding new protected classes should positively impact hiring practices.

Finally, in community news, we're celebrating the Golden Valley Rotary Citizen of the Year award. This recognition highlights the community's commitment to service and volunteerism.

This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, June 12th, 2025.

We start today with a big move out of City Hall. Mayor Jacob Frey just issued a new executive order on police reforms, even after a federal court dismissed the proposed consent decree last month. The city says it’s pushing ahead with all those negotiated reforms anyway, aiming for more effective and constitutional policing, with continued focus on community trust and officer well-being. These reforms are already showing up in the way safety services operate citywide, and we’ll be watching how this shapes daily life in each neighborhood.

Looking at the weather, it’s a pleasant start to Thursday. We’re dry through today, but keep an umbrella handy—rain looks likely by tomorrow afternoon and could stick around into the night. Temperatures hold steady in the low seventies, perfect for squeezing in those outdoor lunch plans or a stroll around Lake Harriet before the showers arrive.

On the job front, Minneapolis continues to lead with progressive workplace protections. The City Council has broadened anti-discrimination rules for local workers, adding height, weight, housing status, and justice-impacted status as new protected classes. That means more fair hiring practices and a boost for hundreds of job seekers, especially those turning a new page after past legal troubles.

If you’re in the market for a home, steady demand means prices haven’t cooled much, with the median home in Minneapolis now hovering just below four hundred thousand dollars. That’s kept the real estate scene competitive, especially around popular spots like Linden Hills and Longfellow.

In business news, the North Loop sees another new face: Sweet Sable Bakery opens its doors on Washington Avenue today, joining a wave of small business launches headed into summer. Meanwhile, a few downtown office towers are adjusting as more organizations shift permanently to hybrid work, making way for new coworking and creative spaces.

There’s plenty to do in the coming days. Tonight from six to seven thirty, the African Development Center on South 5th Street hosts a Jumping into June community event—always a good spot to connect over local art and food. Next week, dog lovers won’t want to miss the East Bank Dog Parade, starting Friday at Main Street Park and winding down Hennepin Avenue. And of course, mark your calendars for the Minneapolis People’s Pride event at Powderhorn Park on Saturday, June 28th, bringing music, food trucks, and a parade for all.

Some inspiring local achievements to share: South High’s robotics team just clinched first place at the regional competition, and Southwest High’s girls softball team celebrates a doubleheader sweep. It’s worth cheering these young talents as they make Minneapolis proud.

Turning to public safety, police responded to several property crime reports overnight in the Uptown area, with arrests made after a string of car break-ins along Fremont Avenue. The department urges folks to lock vehicles and avoid leaving valuables in sight, especially over the next few days with summer events drawing crowds.

Before we go, a feel-good story. Several local artists gathered this week to restore murals on Lake Street, preserving the protest art born from the George Floyd movement. Their work reminds us of the power of art and unity in our community.

This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, June 7, 2025.

We begin today with some major news from the Hennepin County Courthouse. Derrick Thompson has been found guilty on all counts in the tragic south Minneapolis crash that killed five young women nearly two years ago. Emotions ran high as the families of the victims finally saw justice served. This case has touched many in our city, and we’re keeping the friends and loved ones of those lost in our thoughts.

In other developing news, a shooting last night outside Northtown Mall in Blaine left one person dead and another in custody. Authorities responded quickly, and while the incident happened north of Minneapolis, it’s a stark reminder to stay vigilant, especially in crowded public spaces this weekend. Closer to home, park police are stepping up patrols in popular areas like Boom Island through June 22 after a recent shooting there.

From City Hall, we’re keeping an eye on Tuesday's upcoming Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee meeting. Big decisions include bond approvals for affordable housing projects on Franklin and Columbus Avenues and another round of Minneapolis Homes financing. These efforts directly impact housing availability and affordability in our neighborhoods. Discussions will also continue about expanding sauna licensing, which could provide a boost to local wellness businesses.

Weatherwise, we’re starting this Saturday with mild temperatures in the mid-60s, warming up to the low 80s by afternoon. It’s expected to be mostly sunny, perfect for the Stone Arch Bridge Festival and the Mill City Farmers Market. A chance of scattered showers could roll in late, so you might want to pack an umbrella just in case.

On the job front, Minneapolis is adjusting to new city council amendments that broaden employee protections. As of last month, employers can no longer discriminate based on height, weight, housing status, or justice-impacted status. This change is designed to open doors for more job seekers and create fairer workplaces for everyone.

In real estate, inventory remains tight across the city, with homes in neighborhoods like Nokomis and Northeast averaging just two weeks on the market. Median home prices are holding steady around four hundred twenty thousand dollars. Renters can expect continued demand for apartments, especially in Uptown and Dinkytown.

For music lovers, First Avenue is hosting a weekend festival celebrating local bands, and the Guthrie Theater kicks off its summer Shakespeare series tonight. Sports-wise, the Twins dropped a close one yesterday to the Blue Jays, but the mood is still high, with the team holding second place in their division. High school sports are wrapping up with Eastview making their first state tournament appearance in boys volleyball, a milestone for the program.

A few new businesses have opened recently, including a locally-owned bakery on Nicollet Avenue and a boutique fitness studio in the North Loop. Meanwhile, we congratulate the graduating class of 2025—several city schools reported record scholarship totals and impressive performances in state tournaments.

On a positive community note, we spotlight Sharif Willis, who, after years away, is now leading youth mentorship programs in south Minneapolis. His dedication offers hope and real change in our neighborhoods.

This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, June 6, 2025.

Minneapolis is under an air quality alert today due to wildfire smoke drifting down from Canada. The alert covers northern Minnesota through Friday, so if you're heading outdoors, especially those with respiratory conditions, take necessary precautions.

At City Hall, the council recently voted to lower street food cart license fees in hopes of encouraging fruit sellers to operate legally throughout the city. This follows May's broadening of employee protections, which now include height, weight, housing status, and justice-impacted status as protected classes for workers.

In public safety news, authorities are continuing their search for a missing person known as "Manny," with the investigation now approaching the one-month mark. Forensic work is ongoing as officials pursue leads in the case.

A significant development for boaters – Minnesota will soon require adults to obtain permits to operate boats or personal watercraft on state waters. If you're planning summer activities on our lakes, make sure you're aware of these new regulations.

The sports scene is active with Minnetonka High School baseball advancing to state after a dramatic walk-off win against Chanhassen. Meanwhile, the Twins had a tough outing yesterday, falling to the Athletics 14-3 as Soderstrom hit both a grand slam and a two-run homer for Oakland.

In business news, Black Sheep Pizza is facing legal challenges with a $200,000 lawsuit for back rent at their now-closed south Minneapolis location. Several childcare centers in neighboring St. Paul are closing, affecting many families who now need to find alternative arrangements.

Looking at community events, the Eagan park is showcasing a unique blend of nature and art that's worth visiting this weekend. The Great Northfield Book Fair is also happening if you're looking for literary treasures.

In a heartwarming development, the new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum is under construction near Camp Ripley in Little Falls. When completed in late 2026, it will be eight times larger than the existing facility and will honor both service members and the refugee experience.

Weather today calls for possible thunderstorms with temperatures reaching the mid-70s, so keep an umbrella handy if you're heading to any outdoor events.

This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

Our city is reeling after a tragic shooting at Boom Island Park late Sunday night that left one 23-year-old woman dead and five men injured. Witnesses described the scene as a "war zone" with what sounded like continuous gunfire. Minneapolis Police are investigating, with hundreds of pieces of evidence found at the scene. This comes as authorities continue their investigation into another recent shooting at Mariucci Arena following a high school graduation ceremony that injured two people. A 20-year-old Coon Rapids man now faces charges in connection with that incident.

The Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed two additional measles cases, bringing the total to four in 2025. One case involves an unvaccinated child who was infectious while at the Mall of America.

At City Hall, the Minneapolis City Council recently expanded employee protections by adding three new protected classes: height and weight, housing status, and justice-impacted status. These changes, approved on May 1, prohibit employers from using these factors in hiring and firing decisions.

Looking ahead, the City Planning Commission meets this evening at 4:30 to review an application for a 6-story, 60-unit residential development on Washburn Avenue North. Speaking of housing, rental prices continue to climb across Minnesota, so prepare for sticker shock if you're apartment hunting.

In weather news, we're facing smoky skies today with an air quality alert extended through Wednesday. Northwestern Minnesota is expected to reach "hazardous for all" levels. The forecast calls for hot temperatures with strong thunderstorms possible this evening.

Some good news for our community: Hennepin County maintains its "effective end" to veteran homelessness, as Minnesota nears a statewide milestone in addressing this important issue.

In sports, the Minnesota Lynx defeated the expansion Golden State Valkyries 86-75 on Sunday night, with Napheesa Collier delivering an impressive 24 points and 11 rebounds.

State lawmakers have reached a K-12 education funding agreement, though a special session hasn't been called yet. Meanwhile, thousands of state workers are receiving layoff notices as the budget standoff continues. If no agreement is reached by month's end, Minnesota faces its first government shutdown since 2011 on July 1.

Local theaters expect packed houses for summer blockbusters including "Lilo and Stitch" and "Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning." Perfect entertainment options as we head into the summer season.

This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, May 31, 2025.

We begin with breaking news from last night on the University of Minnesota campus. Police responded to a shooting just after 8 p.m. outside 3M Arena at Mariucci, right after the Wayzata High School graduation ceremony. Two people were injured and taken to the hospital, and police have a suspect in custody. Authorities say there is no ongoing threat to the area, but the investigation continues, with support from the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. We’ll bring updates as more information becomes available. This incident comes during a period when city leaders are seeing progress on public safety, with Mayor Jacob Frey highlighting declines in violent crime and carjackings citywide. Still, as we saw last night, the city’s focus remains on strong response and prevention.

Turning to today’s weather, there’s an air quality alert in effect due to smoke drifting in from wildfires in Canada. The alert runs through Sunday evening for much of central and northern Minnesota, and while Minneapolis may see hazy skies and some impact, sensitive groups should limit time outdoors if smoke becomes noticeable. Today’s temperatures hover in the upper seventies with a slight breeze, and it should stay dry—good news for those heading out to weekend events.

It’s a busy stretch around town. The Uptown Art Fair returns along Hennepin Avenue, drawing artists and visitors from across the region. Over in Northeast, prepare for road closures as businesses set up for summer block parties on Central Avenue. On the South Side, local food trucks will gather at Powderhorn Park for the Saturday Eats festival, running through the afternoon.

In City Hall, council members continue to debate budget priorities after last December’s override of the mayor’s budget veto. Focus has shifted to affordable housing and public safety funding, and several long-serving council members have announced they won’t seek reelection this fall. If you live in Wards Five, Eight, or Eleven, you’ll see new names on the ballot as the council race heats up over the summer.

For those in the job market, Minneapolis hiring has picked up, especially in health care and tech. Job postings in the metro area are up about eight percent from this time last year, with hospitals along Hiawatha Avenue and tech offices downtown leading the way.

In real estate, average home sale prices have climbed to just above four hundred fifty thousand dollars, reflecting strong demand in neighborhoods like Nokomis and Linden Hills.

A quick note for drivers: Interstate 494 is closed between Highway 77 and Highway 100 through early Monday morning. Expect detours and plan ahead if you’re heading out of town or to the airport.

Sports fans have plenty to cheer for this weekend. The Twins are back at Target Field for a home stand, while the Lynx travel for a key matchup. Local high school teams continue their playoff runs, with Washburn’s baseball squad advancing to the state semifinals.

And in a feel-good highlight, two Minneapolis men are helping area kids discover chess, hosting free lessons at North Commons Park and inspiring a new wave of young players.

That wraps up our headlines. This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, May 30th, 2025.

We start our day with cloudy skies, steady rain in the city, and temperatures hovering right around 70 degrees. Rain may linger through midday, so if you’re headed out, keep that umbrella handy. Looking ahead, we’ll see a slight break in the rain this weekend, though storms could return early next week.

Our biggest headline this morning is the opening statements in the high-profile trial of Derrick Thompson, accused of killing five young women in a high-speed crash back in 2023. The prosecutor described the fatal incident as an explosion. This case has reset conversations citywide about road safety and accountability in our neighborhoods.

At City Hall, we’re starting to see momentum ahead of the November city council elections. Several longtime council members, including Emily Koski and Andrea Jenkins, are retiring, opening up room for new leadership and ideas. The budget tug-of-war from last winter is also still making waves. The council overrode Mayor Frey’s first-ever veto to approve a $1.9 billion budget with a nearly seven percent property tax increase. That means higher bills for most homeowners, but also expanded spending on housing and public safety reforms, which will shape Minneapolis for years to come.

In local business news, there’s a flurry of restaurant activity near the North Loop, with two new coffee shops opening along Washington Avenue and a beloved bakery on Hennepin Avenue announcing it will close its doors next month due to rising rents. Meanwhile, the job market continues to trend positive. Minneapolis’ unemployment rate sits around three percent, thanks to steady hiring in health care, tech, and hospitality.

For real estate, home prices in Minneapolis remain strong, averaging just above $370,000 this spring. However, rising insurance costs and property taxes are adding pressure, particularly for first-time buyers. Experts warn these trends could continue through the summer.

On the crime front, police responded overnight to a break-in near Lake Street and Nicollet. No injuries were reported, and one arrest was made on site. Elsewhere, the city is watching closely as the trial of violence interruption leader Bishop Harding Smith unfolds. He has pled not guilty to charges of wage theft and fraud.

Let’s turn to sports. The Minnesota Lynx are still undefeated this season, with Napheesa Collier leading the charge. Our high school lacrosse playoffs are underway, and both Washburn and South High have advanced to the section finals. The Twins saw their Thursday night game at Target Field rained out, adding to a long list of weather-related postponements.

In the arts, the Minnesota Orchestra welcomes piano soloist Conrad Tao this weekend at Orchestra Hall. And if you’re making weekend plans, don’t miss the paddleboard and water adventure festival along Lake Nokomis or the community food truck night on Minnehaha Avenue Saturday.

Finally, a feel-good story: A local boy from Edison High took top honors at the State Spelling Bee, making the whole northeast neighborhood proud.

This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, May 29, 2025.

A bit of flight drama at Minneapolis Airport this week as a Delta flight to Madison was delayed by some unexpected passengers. Two pigeons managed to sneak aboard the plane on Saturday, causing a 56-minute delay as the aircraft had to return to the gate twice. According to a passenger who captured video of the incident, a fellow traveler eventually used his jacket to capture one of the birds, while ground crew handled the other. Delta apologized for the delay in a statement.

At City Hall, Mayor Jacob Frey is celebrating positive trends in public safety. In his recent State of the City address at the Abyssinia Event Center on West Lake Street, he highlighted decreases in violent crime, carjackings, and homicides. The mayor noted that MPD applications are up 135%, with the department on track to exceed 600 sworn officers this year - a staffing level not seen in years. The address also emphasized Minneapolis' commitment to community safety amid national political uncertainty.

In legal news, the Minneapolis Police Department is no longer under federal oversight after a judge dismissed a proposed consent decree on Tuesday. However, the department remains under a state consent decree, according to reports from WCCO. This marks a significant development in the ongoing police reform efforts in the city.

Our basketball dreams have ended for the season as the Timberwolves fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder last night, losing the Western Conference finals series 4-1. The Thunder dominated with a 124-94 victory, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 34 points. Despite the disappointing finish, the Wolves' playoff run brought tremendous excitement to downtown Minneapolis this spring.

On the transit front, Metro Transit Police have launched what they're calling a "never seen before" partnership to improve safety on the Green Line Light Rail.

Looking at today's weather, expect pleasant conditions for your Thursday activities around town, perfect for exploring our vibrant neighborhoods or enjoying the city's parks.

In community news, a chance meeting at George Floyd Square has blossomed into a chess program for kids in the Central neighborhood of south Minneapolis, creating new opportunities for youth engagement.

For those commuting near downtown, be aware that police are investigating a personal injury accident reported Tuesday at the intersection of North Fifth Street and West Main Street.

This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Three people are in the hospital following a collision between an SUV and a Metro Transit bus last night in Minneapolis. Police are still investigating the cause of the crash that occurred Monday evening.

At City Hall, Mayor Jacob Frey is highlighting progress in community safety during his recent State of the City address delivered at the Abyssinia Event Center on West Lake Street. The Mayor reported decreases in violent crime, carjackings, gun violence, and homicides over the past several months. Police applications are up 135%, and for the first time in years, the city ended 2024 with more officers than it started with.

Today marks five years since George Floyd's murder by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The Minneapolis Police Department is receiving mixed reviews on reform efforts according to a recent evaluation by Effective Law Enforcement for All. The Trump administration has indicated it intends to cancel a consent decree that was established to enforce changes in the department.

In sports, the Minnesota Frost won their second straight PWHL Walter Cup with a 2-1 overtime victory over the Ottawa Charge last night. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves are now down 3-1 against the Thunder after a heartbreaking 128-126 loss and will head back on the road for game 5.

For those enjoying the Memorial Day holiday yesterday, we're now back to regular schedules today for most services. A reminder that many public buildings and services were closed yesterday for the holiday.

We're seeing development news in Anoka, where the city is breaking ground on a cannabis dispensary expected to open by the end of 2025.

For those concerned about outdoor activities, remember that May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Health officials remind residents to take precautions against tick bites when enjoying our many parks and outdoor spaces.

We'll see a warming trend starting this weekend with temperatures possibly reaching the low 80s. For today, expect mild conditions perfect for outdoor activities.

A Minneapolis teacher is making headlines for helping high school basketball players get additional exposure to college coaches, creating more opportunities for local student-athletes.

If you're looking for a unique day trip, consider visiting Blue Earth, Minnesota, which now features full-grown dinosaur fossils as part of its local business attractions.

This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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

This episode includes AI-generated content.