Minneapolis Local Pulse

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

We're following several developing stories across the Twin Cities today. Three wildfires are burning across northeastern Minnesota, prompting Governor Walz to call in the National Guard. Smoke from these fires is now visible on radar and satellite imagery, so keep that in mind if you're traveling north today.

In city news, the Minneapolis City Council recently voted to broaden employee protections by adding three new protected classes: height and weight, housing status, and justice-impacted status. This change, approved on May 1, affects all businesses employing workers in Minneapolis, preventing discrimination based on these factors.

A concerning incident in Minneapolis has sent four people to the hospital after a pit bull attack. Police report two women, a man, and a 13-year-old required medical attention. We're monitoring this situation as details emerge.

For those interested in civic engagement, today features several special elections across Minnesota. If you're registered to vote, remember polling locations are open until 8 PM tonight.

Law enforcement in Marshall reports several incidents including a burglary investigation on Carlson Street and multiple traffic citations for speeding and license violations.

In other news, an alleged Minneapolis gang member has been sentenced to over 12 years in prison for involvement in what officials described as "an extensive fentanyl trafficking operation."

The Committee of the Whole is meeting today at City Hall. You can watch the proceedings on the city's YouTube channel for updates on current issues facing our community.

Weather-wise, we're keeping an eye on conditions after yesterday's severe weather alerts. Multiple tornado and thunderstorm warnings affected southern and central Minnesota yesterday afternoon, so we're monitoring for any lingering effects today.

Looking ahead, today's special elections include several ballot questions that could impact local services. MPR News reached out to candidates with a three-question survey to help voters make informed decisions.

In community news, a ban on pickleball at a Maple Grove park has united neighbors who are pushing to have the activity reinstated.

On a positive note, in education achievements, Alexandria Cardinals coach Kohler has reached her 1,000th win in her final coaching season – a remarkable milestone for local sports.

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

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, May 10th, 2025.

Waking up today, we’re catching our breath after an eventful week across our city. Let’s start with the weather, since that’s bound to shape our Saturday plans. It’s shaping up to be a beautiful one—expect warm, sunny skies, and temperatures climbing into the high seventies. Winds will pick up as we head into the evening, and all signs point to an even warmer Mother’s Day, which could bring us close to eighty degrees. With that heat, though, comes a word of caution: a wildfire watch kicks in across more than sixty Minnesota counties starting Sunday morning. If you’re heading outdoors, maybe for the fishing opener or a stroll by Lake Harriet, do exercise caution with anything that might spark a fire. Stay alert—those dry conditions and gusty winds present real risks[1][3][7].

At City Hall this week, Mayor Jacob Frey delivered his annual State of the City address, focusing on steady leadership, neighborhood rebuilding, and practical problem-solving—even as national tensions rise. Council members also approved several local projects, including new street resurfacing for the Fulton neighborhood and upgrades to flood mitigation on 35th Avenue North. Look for more community voices joining advisory boards along Eat Street and at 54th and Lindale, which could help revitalize those important commercial corridors[6][8].

Turning to safety, it’s been a difficult week. Minneapolis police are investigating a spike in gun violence, including a tragic loss—a 14-year-old boy fatally shot outside the Federal Reserve after a fight Monday night. There was another shooting near Elliot Park just an hour later, though the victim is expected to recover. In all, six shootings within twenty-four hours left five people dead and several others hurt. Police have made arrests in connection with these incidents and are urging us all to stay vigilant as investigations continue[5]. On another front, an alleged gang member has been sentenced to over twelve years for an extensive fentanyl trafficking operation that’s affected our neighborhoods[1][4].

On a brighter note, the Minnesota Frost are heating up the sports scene. Lee Stecklein scored two goals and had an assist to lead the Frost past Toronto in their first-round playoff series—plenty for local fans to cheer about[1]. In our schools, students at local high schools are celebrating achievements in robotics and debate, with teams ranked among the state’s best—proof that our youth are rising to the challenge.

In business news, real estate agents report a steady stream of inquiries with homes in South Minneapolis averaging around four hundred thousand dollars. There are new businesses popping up on Nicollet Avenue and in Northeast, while some longstanding shops are gearing up for seasonal sidewalk sales. As Memorial Day approaches, resorts and restaurants near Lake Nokomis are already seeing crowds, buoyed by the warm forecast[4].

As we look ahead

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, May 9, 2025.

Burnsville police found a man dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a standoff yesterday. The situation developed in the evening hours, with authorities asking residents to avoid the area before eventually confirming the tragic outcome.

In Minneapolis, police are investigating after a 14-year-old boy was fatally shot outside the Federal Reserve Bank on Monday night. The shooting occurred after a fight broke out near the building. Just an hour later, another shooting took place near Elliot Park, with a 29-year-old man injured but expected to survive. Police Chief O'Hara noted these incidents aren't believed to be connected to last week's violence when six shootings within 24 hours left five people dead and six others injured.

At City Hall, renovation work continues on schedule with completion expected by the end of 2025. The $35 million project is about halfway complete, with the third floor housing the mayor's office, city clerk, and City Council chambers expected to be finished by next month.

The City Council recognized International Workers Day at a recent meeting, with council members emphasizing the importance of protecting workers' rights and supporting immigrant communities amid federal policy concerns.

Weather-wise, we're experiencing what meteorologists are calling a powerful "Omega" block pattern, which has been keeping our weather stable, but changes are on the horizon according to WCCO's Chris Shaffer. Be sure to check the extended forecast if you have weekend plans.

In sports, the Minnesota Frost lost 3-2 to the Toronto Sceptres in Game 1 of the PWHL semifinal series on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry will miss at least a week with a hamstring strain suffered during Game 1 against our Minnesota Timberwolves.

On a positive note, a Minneapolis teacher is helping high school basketball players get noticed by college coaches, creating additional opportunities for local student-athletes.

Looking ahead, after days of deadly violence in the Native American community last week, cultural and community events are the focus in south Minneapolis this weekend, offering healing and connection.

The Cathedral of Saint Paul has seen attendance increase five to six times normal daily mass numbers, showing community resilience during challenging times.

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

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Minneapolis is waking up to some sobering news today as police have made an arrest in the last of six killings that occurred during a 20-hour span last week. Mickiah Latrell Jackson, 39, of Roseville was arrested Tuesday and charged with second-degree murder. This concludes the investigation into this tragic series of events that shocked our community.

At City Hall, the effects of last year's budget decisions continue to ripple through the city. The 6.9% property tax increase approved in December is funding various initiatives across Minneapolis, though Mayor Frey had expressed concerns about cuts to homelessness response and police recruitment in favor of what he called "pet projects."

Today marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, with President Trump designating May 8, 2025, as Victory Day for World War II in the United States. While this isn't a federal holiday, many local veterans groups will be holding small ceremonies throughout the city.

In weather news, we're heading back to the 80s by the end of the week, according to local meteorologists. Today brings plenty of sunshine – perfect for outdoor activities, but remember to apply sunscreen as the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has released its latest air quality forecast for the summer season.

The search continues for a 48-year-old woman reported missing in central Minnesota, with the Stearns County Sheriff's Office issuing an appeal for information. Anyone with knowledge of her whereabouts is urged to contact authorities immediately.

In education news, students at Visitation School gathered yesterday for what one teacher called their "Super Bowl" – watching the Vatican conclave proceedings as they unfold. The excitement among these young scholars shows how global events can captivate our local classrooms.

The Minnesota Senate unanimously passed new legislation to increase sentencing for multiple DWI offenses in a 67-0 vote. This comes as a 36-year-old Hastings man was recently accused of showing up to his shift as a bus driver more than three times the legal limit.

On a brighter note, there's hope for the revival of the Soo Line garden, a beloved space in our city. Details are still emerging, but community advocates have been pushing for its restoration for years.

A Minneapolis firefighter was hospitalized overnight Wednesday while crews battled a blaze at the former Whiskey Junction bar in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. Our thoughts are with the firefighter and their family today.

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

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Tuesday, May 6, 2025. We are waking up today under clear skies and unseasonably warm spring weather, perfect for outdoor plans from a stroll on Nicollet Mall to an afternoon at Lake of the Isles. The forecast holds steady with highs near seventy, and we should see the sun stick around for the rest of the week.

Top of mind this morning is the city’s response to a devastating string of violence last week. A Minneapolis man is facing a two million dollar bail after being charged with killing four people and injuring another in a shooting that rocked our city. Police have identified the victims, all members of Minneapolis' Native American community, and say the investigation is ongoing. Leaders urge calm and community support as families grieve, and city officials stress that resources are available for anyone affected by the tragedy. Just last night, police responded to a reported fight near Seventh Avenue North and a theft on 19th Avenue North. Officers also conducted welfare checks and responded to several juvenile issues across South and North Minneapolis. In a separate high-profile case, authorities continue searching for a missing 13-year-old girl, asking our community to remain vigilant and report any information to police.

In lighter news, real estate activity remains brisk, with new listings up nearly five percent compared to April. The average home price around the Chain of Lakes now approaches 415 thousand dollars, putting us on pace with last spring’s robust market. On the job front, Minneapolis adds roughly 400 positions in hospitality and retail as downtown ramps up for summer events, giving a boost to both recent grads and those seeking seasonal work.

Culturally, we have no shortage of ways to celebrate our city this week. Tonight, the Fillmore Minneapolis hosts the FLO Access All Areas tour, bringing big-name music and crowds to the North Loop. And set your calendars for Saturday when the Minneapolis Music Summit takes over the Green Room on Girard Avenue, offering panels and performances for everyone invested in our city’s thriving music scene. Look ahead to late May for the Music of Hans Zimmer concert at the Orpheum and Valerie June’s show at the State Theatre.

In education, congratulations go out to Minneapolis South High girls’ softball, who clinched a dramatic extra-inning win over Washburn last night. Meanwhile, our local schools continue to shine, with Roosevelt High’s robotics team earning top marks in last weekend’s state competition.

A quick feel-good update this morning: the Whittier neighborhood banded together for a park cleanup Sunday, collecting more than fifty bags of litter and planting new trees—a true testament to our city’s spirit of collaboration.

As we move through our Tuesday, remember that while challenges can shake us, it is our daily actions and support for one another that keep Minneapolis strong. This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you to

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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 tea

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, May 2nd, 2025.

Breaking news this morning as Minneapolis police have arrested a suspect in connection with Tuesday night's deadly shooting that left three people dead and two others injured. Around 3:30 yesterday afternoon, U.S. Marshals executed a search warrant on the 1600 block of South Fourth Street, taking a 34-year-old man into custody. Police Chief Brian O'Hara has indicated the violence may be gang-related, a troubling development after the city had been experiencing a significant 67% decrease in homicides prior to this incident.

At City Hall, renovations continue on schedule with the project expected to be completed by the end of this year at a cost of approximately $35 million. Mayor Jacob Frey and the City Council continue operating out of the Public Service Center on 4th Street during the work. Speaking of the mayor, Frey recently outlined his 2025 priorities focusing on safety, affordable housing, economic opportunities, climate action, and governance. These initiatives are expected to shape policy and budget decisions following last December's adoption of the $1.9 billion city budget.

Our weather today brings some rain chances to the Twin Cities, but looking ahead, we can expect a warmer, drier stretch beginning this weekend – perfect timing for the launch of Anoka's new Social District "sip and stroll" initiative that begins today. Local restaurants are preparing for patio season to be in full swing.

In sports news, the Minnesota Frost kept their playoff hopes alive with a 3-0 win over the Ottawa Charge on Wednesday night, with Lee Stecklein scoring twice. Meanwhile, the Twins fell to Cleveland 4-2 as the Guardians' Luis Ortiz kept Minnesota's hitters off-balance through more than six innings.

A reminder that tick season has returned to Minnesota, so take precautions when enjoying outdoor activities in wooded areas around the city.

In a positive community update, Minnesota recently commemorated its rich history of welcoming refugees on the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Our state was among the top ten in the nation for refugee resettlement following April 30, 1975.

For those concerned about public safety, police have successfully located a previously missing girl who has been found safe, canceling the missing person alert.

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

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, May 1, 2025.

Minneapolis is reeling this morning after a violent night in the city. Police are investigating multiple shootings that occurred late Tuesday into Wednesday, leaving five people dead and at least three injured across the city. Two shootings just three blocks apart near 25th Street and Bloomington Avenue claimed four lives, including a 17-year-old boy, a 20-year-old woman, and a 27-year-old man. Police Chief O'Hara noted these incidents may have gang connections and come just weeks after the city had celebrated a two-month period without homicides.

At City Hall, tensions continue between Mayor Frey and the City Council following their override of his veto on the 2025 budget last December. The $1.9 billion spending plan expanded the behavioral crisis response team and added five civilian investigators for nonviolent cases. Mayor Frey recently announced his 2025 priorities focusing on safety, affordable housing, and economic opportunities.

In development news, construction is underway on the new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum outside Camp Ripley in Little Falls. The $40 million facility, set to open in late 2026, will be eight times larger than the current museum and will honor both service members and refugee experiences.

For cannabis entrepreneurs, Minnesota's CanGrow grant program is now offering up to $2 million in aid to help farmers enter the recreational cannabis industry.

Some good news from Stillwater, where a new lifesaving gift has been installed just steps from the high school football field, potentially benefiting student athletes and the community.

Entertainment options are growing, with the Minnesota State Fair announcing Hank Williams Jr. and Meghan Trainor as performers for this year's Grandstand lineup. Minneapolis music fans will be thrilled to hear that after lengthy delays, the musical adaptation of Prince's "Purple Rain" will make its world debut downtown this fall.

In housing concerns, residents at Brandondale Estates are worried about potential rent increases, with some lot rents already skyrocketing nearly 70 percent.

A missing person alert was canceled after a girl reported missing has been safely located, according to police. Additionally, the remains of a woman who disappeared nearly nine years ago have been found in St. Cloud.

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.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

We start today with severe weather headlines. After a tense 24 hours of tornado watches and warnings across the Twin Cities, our metro largely escaped the worst, but the impact to our south and across the region has been significant. Thousands of Minnesotans are still recovering from last night’s damaging winds, large hail, and power outages. Some neighborhoods in southern and central parts of the state saw downed trees and scattered property damage. This morning, the city urges us to stay weather aware as another line of storms could develop later today. Temperatures will climb near 60, with a high around 67 expected tomorrow, so we can look forward to some relief as the week continues.

On to breaking news from city hall. In response to Monday’s storms, many city buildings closed early and after-school programs were canceled. City officials are reminding us to check for updates on public facilities and transit schedules, especially if the weather turns again this afternoon.

Turning to public safety, Minneapolis police are investigating the shooting death of a man in south Minneapolis late Sunday night. Officers responded to a call near Hennepin Healthcare, where the victim was pronounced dead. No arrests have been made, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact MPD. Across the metro, officers also broke up two large gatherings involving hundreds of cars in Brooklyn Center over the weekend, and fire crews rescued residents from a third-floor fire in nearby Richfield.

Switching gears, there’s excitement on the cultural front. After a long delay, tickets go on sale May 9 for the world premiere of Purple Rain: The Musical, set to open at the State Theatre in October. The show celebrates Prince’s legacy right here in his hometown, and music fans are buzzing about the return of his bandmates as musical advisers. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese Community of Minnesota gathered at the State Capitol for a moving event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

In local business news, we are hearing buzz about new restaurants planning to open this summer around Nicollet Mall and in Northeast Minneapolis, even as a few longtime establishments consider closing their doors due to ongoing staffing and supply challenges. On the real estate front, inventory remains tight with median home prices hovering just under 370 thousand dollars, a slight uptick from last month.

School news brings us a recent highlight: local students from Southwest High School took home top honors in the regional robotics competition, drawing praise from educators citywide. In sports, the Twins are riding high after an 11-to-1 rout of the Guardians, and fans are hopeful as key players are returning from injury.

Finally, a feel-good story this morning. Volunteers at Powderhorn Park spent their weekend planting more than 200 new trees, part of a citywide effort to rebuild our green

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Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Tuesday, April 22nd.

We wake up today with rain showers moving back in overnight, though lighter than yesterday. The good news is, by this afternoon, forecasters say we’ll reclaim some sunshine, so if you’re planning to be out and about, keep an umbrella handy for the morning and look forward to drier weather later.

Let’s start with some breaking news out of the North Side. North Commons Park is set for a major transformation, as the Minneapolis Parks Foundation has launched a community-driven campaign aiming to raise twenty million dollars. The vision is to reimagine the park, which means better amenities, new gathering spaces, and more opportunities for all of us to connect in the heart of our city.

Turning to City Hall, spring also marks the kickoff of Minneapolis’s ambitious 2025 construction season. Crews will be working on over two hundred million dollars' worth of projects, including resurfacing nine miles of streets, rebuilding two Greenway bridges, and replacing more than eight hundred lead water lines. We’re reminded to take it slow around worksites, use the city’s new construction dashboard for real-time updates, and stay patient as these upgrades bring safer streets and cleaner water across our neighborhoods.

In local government, there’s ongoing debate over proposed limits to homeowner association powers, aiming for more transparency. And at the Capitol, a bipartisan effort is unfolding to secure federal funding for domestic violence services, a crucial need as budget cuts loom.

The job market remains lively. Minneapolis is cementing its status as a national tech hub, generating thirty-one billion dollars annually with major expansions from Medtronic, Target, and emerging clean technology startups. Nearly forty thousand new tech jobs are projected over the next five years, especially in healthcare and green energy. It’s a hot time for anyone in IT and innovation, with starting salaries climbing into six figures.

In real estate, new homes are breaking ground as part of the Housing for Heroes initiative, including one near Lake Street, supporting veterans with affordable housing.

We have a few quick notes on community achievements. The University of Minnesota dance team has been selected to represent Team USA at the international ICU World Championships, an impressive honor after claiming their twenty-third national title. In high school sports, it’s been a competitive spring, with several city teams advancing in soccer and track.

Crime in the city has remained relatively quiet, though police are seeking help in locating thirty-five-year-old Shalene Ball, believed to be endangered. Over the weekend, a fatal shooting on the north side marked the city’s first homicide in two months, a sobering reminder to stay vigilant and support one another.

On the cultural front, fans gathered at Paisley Park yesterday to celebrate nine years since Prince’s passing, with music, memories, and pu

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