Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, May 3rd, 2025.
We start today with updates from city hall. After a heated debate, the Minneapolis City Council has overridden Mayor Frey’s veto, locking in the city’s 2025 budget. The nearly two billion dollar plan focuses on expanded behavioral crisis response and additional resources for the homeless. Council members call it historic and equitable, while Mayor Frey has voiced concerns about unvetted spending. He emphasized the city's ongoing dedication to public safety, affordable housing, and economic opportunity as major priorities for the year ahead.
In breaking news, the city is reeling from a tragic week. Police have arrested a suspect, James Ortley, in connection with Tuesday night’s mass shooting near Bloomington Avenue and East 25th Street. Three people lost their lives and two others were seriously injured in what investigators believe may be a gang-related incident. One victim, seventeen-year-old Joey Goodwin, was a student at Augsburg Fairview Academy, and his school community is grieving deeply. Police have increased patrols in affected neighborhoods and are asking anyone with information to come forward to help ensure safety in South Minneapolis. In a related note, some community-led events, including American Indian Month celebrations, have been canceled out of respect for the victims and in response to safety concerns.
Shifting to weather, we’re entering a milder, drier stretch, perfect for spring activities. Expect a comfortable day with highs in the low seventies and just a light breeze from the west. Rain chances taper off after last night’s showers, so neighborhoods can look forward to a crisp and pleasant Saturday—just in time for Neighborhood Day.
Speaking of which, today is Neighborhood Day across Minneapolis. Dozens of local groups are hosting gatherings, from board elections to family-friendly events, bringing residents together at parks and community centers citywide. If you’re near Powderhorn, Loring Park, or the North Loop, look for food trucks, music, and art pop-ups to celebrate community spirit.
On the streets, business news brings a mix of optimism and change. Despite a tight labor market with steady unemployment rates around three percent, several small businesses are opening in the Lyn-Lake and Uptown areas, adding jobs and energy to the local scene. However, some long-time establishments are closing, reflecting ongoing shifts in retail and dining post-pandemic.
In real estate, home prices continue to rise, with the median sale price for Minneapolis homes now hovering just below four hundred thousand dollars. Demand remains strong, especially for starter homes in Nokomis and Longfellow, even as interest rates hold steady.
Turning to sports, the Minnesota Twins dropped a close one to Cleveland last night, but all eyes are on the Minnesota Frost, who beat Ottawa 3-0, keeping their playoff hopes alive. And hats off to the South High girls’ track team, who clinched their regional title for the third year in a row.
Finally, a feel-good story as we start the weekend—students and staff at Augsburg Fairview Academy are coming together to knit a scarf in memory of Joey Goodwin, a small but heartfelt gesture showing the power of community and compassion during tough times.
This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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This episode includes AI-generated content.