Minneapolis Local Pulse

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, July eleventh. We wake up today to a hazy sky over the city, with a mix of sun and clouds and afternoon highs reaching the mid eighties. Humidity is sticking around, and by midafternoon, there’s a chance for scattered showers. So if you’re heading downtown, maybe for a stroll through Loring Park or to grab breakfast at Nicollet Diner, you might want an umbrella handy.

Let’s start with breaking news from City Hall. The Minneapolis City Council unanimously voted last night to raise the minimum price for all e-cigarettes to twenty five dollars. New rules also ban any new tobacco retailers within three hundred feet of K through twelve schools or in residential neighborhoods. Supporters say this move aims to keep tobacco away from our youngest residents and support adults looking to quit, though some local business owners are voicing concern over the impact on their shops.

In another big city decision, Minneapolis is set to install speed cameras throughout some of our busiest intersections. The council’s approval comes after years of debate about how to slow traffic and improve pedestrian safety. Expect to see those cameras go up in the coming months, with the city promising additional notice before any tickets are issued.

Turning to public safety, police report a quieter night overall, but there was an arrest related to a long-running investigation into a ten year old homicide. Thirty one year old Suleiman Ali pleaded guilty to second degree murder in a case from October twenty thirteen, bringing some closure for the victim’s family. Meanwhile, police continue to search for suspects involved in last week’s shooting at Lake Street and Hiawatha, urging neighbors to share any information.

On the jobs front, healthcare remains a hot topic. Union workers at HCMC held a news conference on Thursday, calling for a fresh investigation into workplace treatment and pushing for changes to benefit both staff and patients. Across the city, job postings remain steady, especially in tech, hospitality, and logistics as summer events ramp up.

Speaking of summer, Minneapolis is buzzing with activity. This weekend, the city hosts the Loring Park Art Festival, just steps from Walker Art Center. Expect arts and crafts, live music, and food trucks along Willow Street. Over at Lake Harriet Bandshell, Junior and The Jukes take the stage tonight. And for sports fans, the Twins are back at Target Field facing the Chicago Cubs with the ever-popular Dollar A Dog Night.

Real estate sees steady activity. The median home price in Minneapolis holds near four hundred and fifteen thousand, with new listings focused east of the river and in the Powderhorn neighborhood. Rentals are tight, especially near the University, with average one bedrooms now at around fifteen hundred.

A bittersweet note for local food lovers. Café and Bar Lurcat, a Loring Park staple for two decades, announced it will close at summer’s end. Owners

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, July 10th. We begin today with a developing story from city hall. Minneapolis has just awarded seven hundred thousand dollars in arts and culture grants, funding sixty-five projects across the city’s seven designated cultural districts. Mayor Jacob Frey says these projects highlight our city’s creativity and commitment to the arts, from public murals on Franklin Avenue to live performances on West Broadway. It’s a major boost for local artists and community organizers, and you’ll spot new exhibits and festivals popping up all summer in neighborhoods like East Lake Street and Cedar Avenue.

Speaking of summer, the Aquatennial is right around the corner, and the city is already buzzing. This week, families are gathering at Loring Park for movie nights and games, while the Twin Cities River Rats thrill spectators along the Mississippi with their waterski shows near Broadway and Plymouth Avenues. The big Aquatennial Torchlight Parade is just a couple of weeks away, and this year’s “We Are Water” exhibit on Nicollet Mall promises stories and interactive displays all about our deep connection to Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.

Our music scene is as busy as ever. Tonight at the Armory, fans can catch a high-energy set from Babymetal, Jinjer, and Bloodywood. Tomorrow, Christone Kingfish Ingram takes the stage at Pantages Theatre, and there’s indie rock at Zhora Darling on Friday. For those wanting something more laid-back, the Lake Street Art Drop and Shop happens tomorrow evening at Midtown Global Market—a great chance to support local makers.

Turning to the housing market, the City Council has greenlit plats for ten new homes as part of their Home Ownership Program for Equity, focused on keeping new housing affordable for those at eighty percent of the area median income. These small but important steps are aimed at making homeownership possible for more Minneapolis residents, especially in neighborhoods where prices have skyrocketed.

On the public safety front, there’s breaking news from federal authorities. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reports that eleven previously convicted sex offenders have been arrested in a recent operation, with arrests made across the city between June 6th and June 11th. Minneapolis police are also investigating last week’s mass shooting at a city park. A second man is now charged with murder; authorities say the violence was linked to an ongoing gang rivalry. Investigators recovered over a hundred shell casings from the scene and continue to call on the community for information to keep our parks safe.

In civic matters, city council meetings this week focused on affordable housing and public safety, with continued debates about how to balance growth with neighborhood concerns. In election news, state officials are reviewing a case involving fake voter registrations submitted earlier this year. Authorities assure us that measures are being put in place

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Wednesday, July 9th, 2025.

We start with breaking news out of city hall. Big changes are coming for Minneapolis employers after Mayor Jacob Frey signed a major update to the city’s discrimination ordinance. Starting August first, businesses are no longer allowed to discriminate based on justice-impacted status, which includes having a criminal record or time spent in prison. Housing status, as in whether you have a fixed address, and even height and weight are now protected categories. This means a wider range of residents will be protected when they apply for jobs, rent apartments, or seek public services in our city.

Looking at the weather, after last night’s patchy storms that passed just north of us, we’re expecting a mix of clouds and sunshine today with a high in the mid-80s. That warmth will have a big impact on outdoor plans, from commuting to summer camps and ball games. While the worst of the severe weather seems to have stayed farther north, the National Weather Service says we should keep an eye out for a quick shower or rumble of thunder this afternoon, but nothing major is forecast for now.

In local business news, Cafe & Bar Lurcat, a Minneapolis destination near Loring Park for over two decades, has announced it will close at the end of this summer. The owners said it was a hard decision and thanked the community for years of support. The closure marks another loss for the city’s dining scene, with several longtime establishments folding in the last year.

Real estate watchers are seeing moderate activity with home prices holding steady around the $350,000 mark for single-family homes in city neighborhoods. Rental vacancies remain low, especially in popular areas like Northeast and Uptown, so those on the hunt should move quickly.

If you’re on the job market, there’s more good news as local employers in hospitality, healthcare, and construction are advertising hundreds of open positions. And a reminder, changes to workplace discrimination laws mean more opportunities ahead for a diverse range of applicants, especially those with nontraditional backgrounds.

The Minnesota Twins are back at Target Field tonight for the first game in a three-game set against the Chicago Cubs. After taking two out of three against Tampa Bay last weekend, spirits are high. It should be a packed house, with Cubs fans always turning out strong in Minneapolis.

In music and culture, the city is buzzing with options. Over a thousand concerts are on the calendar for the weeks ahead, with major acts playing at The Armory, First Avenue, and the Parkway Theater. This week’s highlights include Grammy nominee Christone Kingfish Ingram at the Pantages Theater and local favorite Sinkane at Cedar Cultural Center. For visual arts, the Walker Art Center’s summer exhibitions continue to draw crowds, and sculpture fans are gathering at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

Turning to public safety, police report a quiet

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

We’re waking up to another muggy start here in the city. Expect clouds through mid-morning, with a chance of quick thunderstorms just before noon. Highs will be pushing the mid-80s, so keep water handy if you're heading out. Outdoor events should check the radar, especially if you’re planning to visit the Midtown Farmers Market or any neighborhood parks.

We begin with breaking news from South Minneapolis. Over the weekend, a man was killed in a stabbing on Sunday evening. Minneapolis police responded swiftly to the scene and have already arrested a suspect. The investigation is ongoing, and we’ll share updates as we learn more. Our thoughts go out to those affected by this tragedy.

Turning to city hall, the Minneapolis City Council continues to make headlines for their new employee protections. As of May, they’ve expanded discrimination protections, now including height, weight, housing status, and justice-impacted status. This means job seekers with a criminal record have more safeguards, and employers must consider these new factors fairly. Businesses citywide are reviewing their hiring practices in light of the changes, and it’s expected to open more doors for Minneapolis residents seeking new opportunities.

In real estate, the City Planning Commission just met yesterday about separating office and residential tracts at 350 and 360 North Fifth Street. Affordable family housing is a priority, with new bonds issued for projects on Franklin and Columbus Avenues. Families hoping for affordable rents may soon see additional options in those neighborhoods.

The local job market is holding steady. With the new anti-discrimination protections in place, we’re hearing from local employers that summer hiring is healthy, especially downtown and in the North Loop. Unemployment in the city remains low compared to the national average, with an estimated 8 thousand job listings open in Hennepin County this week.

Restaurants and cafes are making headlines too. Hard Times Cafe on Riverside Avenue has applied for a new street café license, which could add more outdoor seating if approved. River City Tavern on West Broadway is also seeking entertainment and liquor license expansions, promising more options for weekend nights.

On the cultural calendar, Bastille Day celebrations are popping up this weekend, especially around Nicollet Mall and Northeast. Look for French food, live music, and family activities. The Taste of Minnesota event faced some headaches, with frustrations as crowds exceeded expectations and many were turned away. Organizers are promising new plans for next year after this weekend’s challenges.

In sports, our own Minnesota Lynx continue to shine. The team’s standout, a former University of Minnesota star, celebrates her tenth season in the WNBA, inspiring young athletes across the city. Local high school teams are gearing up for summer tournaments, and results from

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, July 5th. We hope you had a safe and joyful Fourth of July. As we wake up this morning, storms are approaching the Twin Cities with showers expected through the afternoon. Temperatures will be in the upper 80s, but humidity and the risk of thunderstorms mean you’ll want to keep an umbrella handy and check for any weather delays for outdoor events.

Let’s begin with breaking news: Early this morning, Minneapolis police responded to a fatal shooting on the north side. A man was shot while riding an electric scooter. The incident happened near the intersection of 21st Avenue North and Penn Avenue. Police continue their investigation; there is no suspect in custody at this time and anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities. In other safety news, first responders rescued eight people from the Crow River yesterday after their tubes flipped, a reminder to be vigilant when enjoying our area’s waterways.

At City Hall, we’re seeing the impact of recent council decisions on everyday life. The Minneapolis City Council has enacted broader employee protections, making it illegal for employers within city limits to discriminate based on height, weight, housing status, or justice-impacted status, which includes a person’s criminal record. These changes aim to help more people find and keep jobs right here in Minneapolis.

Now, on to the holiday weekend events. Downtown is buzzing with the Taste of Minnesota festival along Washington Avenue and Nicollet Mall today and tomorrow. Expect street closures on 3rd Street South and Marquette Avenue, but good news: Metro Transit is offering free rides for festival-goers. Cooling stations are set up to help you beat the heat. The Minneapolis Convention Center is hosting the USA Volleyball Junior National Championship through Sunday, drawing families and teams from across the country. Over at Target Center, the Minnesota Lynx continue their home stand, taking on the Golden State Valkyries tonight.

If you’re a baseball fan, the Minnesota Twins are in the middle of a home series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Target Field. Last night, Harrison Bader hit a walk-off homer, sending fans home happy. In the community, the annual Red, White and Boom fireworks over the riverfront drew thousands last night. If you missed it, the city has several family-friendly events continuing this weekend.

In Minneapolis real estate, housing demand remains strong, but new listings are lagging slightly behind last year by about eight percent. The average home price in the city is now just over $390,000. On the job front, hospitality and summer recreation positions are still hiring, with many local businesses offering signing bonuses to attract workers.

One feel-good note: Abbey’s Hope, a local non-profit dedicated to water safety, is celebrating a major milestone this week, having educated more than 100,000 Minnesota children since its founding.

That’s the news making

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, July 3, 2025. We’re here to catch you up on what’s happening in our city as we head into a big holiday weekend.

Breaking news from city hall is about safety and planning. Our city leaders are watching the calendar, and this weekend is shaping up to be one of the busiest of the year. With the Fourth of July just ahead, we’re seeing a huge wave of events that are sure to draw crowds. That means major changes on our streets downtown. Main Street, West River Parkway, and the 3rd Avenue Bridge are all closed for the Red, White and Boom festival and fireworks, and only one lane is open on Hennepin Avenue when crossing the Mississippi. The Stone Arch Bridge is closed to all walkers and bikers, and you can expect limited access on 2nd Street South. City hall is urging everyone to plan extra time and consider walking, biking, or rolling to events to keep traffic smooth. The Taste of Minnesota event will close even more streets—3rd Street South from 2nd Avenue South to Hennepin Avenue and Marquette Avenue South from 4th Street to 2nd Street South on Saturday and Sunday.

Over at city hall, renovation is still on schedule. The historic building’s upgrade is set to wrap up by year’s end, with a price tag around 35 million dollars. Most of the work on the third floor, home to mayoral staff and the city council, should be done by spring. For now, council and staff are working out of the Public Service Center on South 4th Street.

On the job front, our city continues to expand protections for workers. As of May, three new protected classes are in place: height and weight, housing status, and justice-impacted status. That means employers can’t make hiring or firing decisions based on these factors, except when someone’s size actually prevents doing the job. It’s a big win for inclusivity in Minneapolis workplaces.

For real estate, the market remains steady but neighborhoods near downtown are seeing more interest as new events and the upcoming Taste of Minnesota draw visitors and new residents. Median home prices are holding around 350,000 dollars, with pockets near the riverfront and North Loop especially active.

When it comes to the weather, today is shaping up to be the nicest of the week. We’re enjoying mostly clear skies and temperatures near 78 degrees. Tomorrow is expected to be hotter and more humid, but skies should stay clear for all the fireworks and festivities.

Sports fans have a packed weekend. The Minnesota Lynx tip off a three-game stretch at Target Center starting today, while the Twins host games at Target Field from tomorrow through Sunday. Youth volleyball is also in town, with the USA Volleyball Junior National Championship at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

In local achievements, high school teams across the city are wrapping up summer leagues with strong finishes, and we’ll see more results as the tournaments continue.

For public safety, police are stepping up patrols in d

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Tuesday, July 1st, 2025.

We wake up to some big changes across Minneapolis and Minnesota today as several new state laws go into effect. The most talked about is the new rule for young boaters. Anyone under 21, specifically those born after June 30, 2004, now needs a watercraft operator’s permit to drive a boat or jet ski on Minnesota waters. This move is meant to boost safety on our lakes, especially with so many summer weekends ahead. Officials are focusing on raising awareness right now, so don’t expect tickets just yet, but make sure to get your permit if you need one. Another big shift for anyone on two wheels: motorcycle lane splitting is now legal in Minnesota, meaning riders can maneuver between cars in certain situations when traffic is stopped or crawling. Strict guidelines are in place, and safety is key as this major change unfolds right on our city’s busiest roads.

Switching to city hall, the Minneapolis City Council recently broadened local employee protections. Employers here can no longer make decisions based on height, weight, housing status, or criminal history, unless those factors truly affect job performance. This is a big step in making the job market fairer for everyone in our community, and the changes apply to any business with employees working even partly within city limits.

Now to real estate news. Minneapolis continues to feel the effects of last year’s budget, with property taxes rising around 7 percent after the council’s latest override of the mayor’s veto. This has some homebuyers and renters weighing their next move as we head into July, and local realtors say there’s been a steady flow of listings but not quite a summer surge.

On the cultural front, the city is buzzing with anticipation for the Taste of Minnesota festival this weekend along Nicollet Mall, with food trucks, music, and art from all over the region. For music lovers, First Avenue hosts a sold-out show tonight featuring up-and-coming indie acts, so downtown will definitely be lively. Sports fans can cheer on the Twins at Target Field this evening as they take on the White Sox in a series that’s crucial for their playoff hopes. High school summer leagues also kick off today at Minneapolis South, drawing teams from across the metro.

Weatherwise, we start with a mix of clouds and sun, highs hovering near 79, and just a slight breeze off Lake Harriet. There’s a chance of a quick afternoon shower, but nothing that should ruin outdoor plans. The rest of the week looks seasonably warm with more sun than rain.

A quick check on safety: overnight, police responded to a pair of car break-ins along Hennepin Avenue near the Walker Art Center. No injuries were reported, and investigators remind everyone to keep valuables hidden and vehicles locked. No major arrests overnight and an overall quiet start to July on the crime front.

On a feel-good note, we’re giving a shoutout to the volunteers who spent yester

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, June 28, 2025.

We start our day with some important city updates. This weekend, downtown is buzzing as the Twin Cities Pride Festival brings thousands to our streets. If you are planning to head downtown, expect major road closures. Southbound Hennepin Avenue is closed from Laurel Avenue West to Lyndale Avenue South until early afternoon. There are also closures on 16th Street North, Spruce Street to Yale Place, and sections of Third Street and 2nd Avenue South. If you are driving from outside the city, be aware that both directions of I-494 are closed all weekend between Highway 100 and Highway 77, and eastbound I-94 is shut down from Highway 280 to I-35E. Metro Transit is offering free ride passes for Pride, and the event’s big parade steps off tomorrow morning with festivities rolling into Loring Park. Allow extra time, consider light rail, and check 511 for real-time travel info.

Our weather today in Minneapolis is shaping up to be classic summer: highs are expected in the low 80s, with some humidity lingering from last night’s passing storms. Skies will be mostly clear, great for outdoor events. The tornado season has been active statewide but the metro area is in the clear for the weekend. Expect a slight breeze, perfect for enjoying lakeside activities or the festivities at Loring Park.

From City Hall, we have a noteworthy policy development. The Minneapolis City Council recently expanded employee protections by adding height, weight, housing status, and justice-impacted status—meaning criminal history—to its anti-discrimination rules. This change impacts anyone working or hiring in the city, aiming to foster fairer workplaces.

Turning to public safety, there’s been a major breakthrough. Minneapolis police have made an arrest in the mass shooting at Boom Island Park earlier this month that left one woman dead and six others injured. The suspect, a 23-year-old man, was apprehended in Spring Lake Park on Thursday. Police hope this brings some comfort to those affected as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, citywide motorcycle fatalities are down this season—fifteen so far compared to twenty-eight at this time last year. Safety officials are urging caution as July and August typically see increased accidents.

Looking at real estate and jobs, Minneapolis continues steady growth. The local job market is holding strong, with summer positions still available in hospitality and event staffing, especially around Nicollet Mall and the North Loop. In the housing market, inventory remains tight, but listings in neighborhoods like Powderhorn and Northeast are going quickly, with median sale prices hovering near five hundred thousand for single-family homes.

In business news, you might notice some changes at local favorites. Thunderbirds Doughnut Company in Golden Valley is revamping its menu and hours to attract more families this summer, and several Minneapolis firms have received n

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, June 27, 2025.

Today, we wake to severe weather watches across the metro. After overnight storms and heavy rain, the National Weather Service reports more rounds of rain and possible thunderstorms pushing through the Twin Cities. If you are headed out, keep your umbrella handy and check for flash flood advisories, especially near the Mississippi and Minnehaha Creek. Roads are slick, and several block closures are in place downtown and around Loring Park as we gear up for Twin Cities Pride this weekend. Metro Transit is offering free rides, so consider leaving the car at home if you are heading to events around Hennepin Avenue or the Sculpture Garden.

Turning to City Hall, the Minneapolis City Council continues to push progressive policies. This week, they broadened anti-discrimination protections for workers, now including height, weight, housing status, and even past interactions with the justice system, as protected categories. Employers will need to carefully review hiring practices under these new rules, aiming to make our workforce more inclusive and fair for all backgrounds.

In breaking news, federal agents have indicted nine people in connection with a fentanyl trafficking ring operating within city limits. Meanwhile, police have arrested a suspect linked to the recent Boom Island Park shooting. The city continues to address rising gun violence, with local groups rallying for change after another surge of incidents, especially in North Minneapolis and along West Broadway. In a separate case, a St. Paul woman died after being shot while traveling on I-394 through Minneapolis earlier this week—a somber reminder of our community’s ongoing public safety challenges.

On the business front, UnitedHealth is calling more hybrid workers back to the office, signaling a shifting job market. Meanwhile, North Memorial Health is preparing to close its downtown Minneapolis clinic next month, impacting healthcare access for residents near Nicollet Avenue and the North Loop. On the real estate side, while home sales have cooled slightly after last year’s frenzy, new listings in Northeast and Uptown remain brisk, with median prices hovering just above four hundred thousand.

Looking ahead to the weekend, all eyes turn to Twin Cities Pride, drawing crowds to Loring Park and Hennepin Avenue. Remember to check for detours and parking restrictions if you are joining the festivities. The weather may dampen some outdoor plans, but the energy will be strong with family-friendly entertainment and local music throughout the day. Also, fans of live music can catch big acts at First Avenue and the Armory.

In sports, the Timberwolves shook up their draft strategy and welcomed Australian center Rocco Zikarsky. The Twins delivered a resounding ten to one win over the Mariners, putting them on track for a promising homestand. Local high school teams are wrapping up the summer league, with big wins for Southwest

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, June 26, 2025. Today we wake up to another round of storms moving through the metro, with heavy rain making the morning commute slow in spots. The weather overnight gave us a brief break, but rain showers are expected throughout the day, and there’s still an increased risk of flash flooding in low-lying areas. Stay cautious near the Mississippi, Minnehaha Creek, and other flood-prone routes. Reed Timmer, the well-known storm chaser, was spotted yesterday on Hennepin Avenue, which tells us the severe weather threat is serious, and the tornado watch last night kept south Minneapolis on edge.

Turning to city news, recent gun violence has shaken our community. Surgeons at Hennepin Healthcare report a troubling spike in shootings in June compared to last year. This matches what many in our neighborhoods are feeling: calls for action and prevention are growing. In the past 24 hours, a 35-year-old man convicted of theft and gun possession managed to flee sentencing at the Hennepin County Government Center, prompting a citywide search. On top of that, a local woman was sentenced to over 23 years after a tragic crash last year on Nicollet Mall that claimed a teenager’s life and injured several others.

At City Hall, Mayor Jacob Frey has reaffirmed Minneapolis’ commitment to police reforms, despite a federal court’s decision to block a proposed consent decree. The city will move ahead with changes designed to build trust and improve public safety, focusing on both constitutional rights and effective emergency response.

For those hunting jobs, Minneapolis employers now face broader anti-discrimination rules. The new city ordinance bans bias based on height, weight, housing status, or criminal record, except when directly related to job duties. This could open doors for more people, especially those with justice-impacted backgrounds, offering a fairer shot in the labor market.

In real estate, steady demand is keeping home prices high, with the average single-family home listing just above four hundred thousand. New rental developments are moving forward in North Loop and along West Lake Street, showing continued confidence in the city’s growth, especially as more people look for walkable neighborhoods.

Downtown, a few recent business openings have grabbed our attention. A new farm-to-table restaurant just opened near Gold Medal Park, and a popular local coffee chain has expanded to Broadway Avenue. There are also some reports of delays in grocery shipments to stores like Cub Foods and Whole Foods due to a cyberattack at a national food distributor, so expect some empty shelves for a few days.

Looking ahead, the weekend brings the Stone Arch Bridge Festival and free music at Loring Park. Local high schoolers celebrated success at state golf, and a group of young heart patients from M Health Fairview hit the greens for a special day at Highland National.

Before we go, a feel-good story. Voluntee

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