Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Sunday, December 22, 2024. We're wrapping up the weekend with a look at what's been happening in our city.

First off, let's talk about the holiday festivities that have been going on. Holidazzle is in its final day today, offering free admission to a winter wonderland on Nicollet Mall from 6th Street to Peavey Plaza. You can enjoy live entertainment, holiday shopping, roller skating, mini golf, and visits with Santa. Meanwhile, the Minneapolis Christkindl Market is also open for its last day at North Loop Green, featuring 30 local vendors with handmade gifts and European-style food and drinks[1][3].

In other news, our job market continues to show steady growth. The latest reports indicate that while significant growth hasn't materialized yet, most sectors have held steady. The unemployment rate in St. Paul remained flat at 4.2% in January, slightly down from 4.3% in December 2023. Key industries like healthcare and technology are expanding, and cities like Duluth and Brooklyn Park have seen steady job gains[2].

Moving on to real estate, the Ninth District economy saw slight growth, with employment increasing slightly but labor demand softening. Residential real estate and commercial construction have noted growth, while consumer spending and commercial real estate activity were flat. Agricultural conditions remain weak, and activity among minority- and women-owned business enterprises decreased[4].

From city hall, there haven't been any major announcements recently, but we're keeping an eye on developments that affect daily life.

Weather-wise, we're expecting a cooler day today ahead of potential snowfall later in the week. Conditions will be mostly cloudy and cool, with snow moving in late Wednesday night into Thursday. It's a good idea to prepare for what's coming next[5].

In new business activity, we don't have any major openings or closings to report, but we're always on the lookout for changes in our local business scene.

Looking ahead to community events, there are plenty of holiday activities to enjoy. The Gingerbread Wonderland at Norway House features over 200 gingerbread creations, and Winter Lights at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum offers a winter stroll through trees adorned with lights. Both events run through early January[3].

In local school achievements, we don't have any specific updates today, but we're always proud to highlight the accomplishments of our students and athletes.

For a feel-good community story, a dozen single mothers received the keys to free cars earlier this week, a heartwarming gesture that's sure to bring joy this holiday season[5].

In today's crime report, we don't have any significant incidents to report from the past 24 hours, but we're always vigilant and ready to bring you updates as necessary.

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 Sunday, December 22, 2024.

We're starting off with some festive news. The holiday season is in full swing, and there are plenty of events happening around the city to get you in the mood. Holidazzle is wrapping up its final day today in downtown Minneapolis, featuring live entertainment, holiday shopping, roller skating, and visits with Santa. If you're looking for more holiday cheer, the Minneapolis Christkindl Market is also open today at North Loop Green, offering a taste of European-style festivities with local vendors and traditional food[1][3].

In job market news, the latest reports indicate a steady but cautious growth in employment across the Twin Cities. The unemployment rate in St. Paul remained at 4.2% in January, showing a slight improvement from December 2023. Minneapolis continues to see a strong labor market trend, though detailed reports are pending due to the typical lag in data collection. Key sectors such as healthcare and technology are showing positive trends, offering encouraging signs for the year ahead[2][4].

Moving on to real estate, the market has seen steady progress despite some regional uncertainty. Residential real estate and commercial construction are among the sectors that have noted growth. However, consumer spending and commercial real estate activity have been flat, indicating a mixed picture[4].

From city hall, there are no major updates that directly impact daily life, but residents are advised to stay informed about local developments and zoning changes.

Weather-wise, we're expecting a cooler day ahead of what's predicted to be the snowiest day of the season. NEXT Weather Meteorologist Joseph Dames advises residents to prepare for plowable snow across the state. Conditions will be mostly cloudy and cool before snow moves in late tonight into tomorrow[5].

In new business activity, Today's Harvest in Maplewood is making headlines with its unique no-cost grocery store model. Meanwhile, local artisans like Anna Bailey are gaining recognition for their handcrafted wood art pieces[5].

Looking ahead to community events, the Gingerbread Wonderland at Norway House and Winter Lights at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum are must-visit attractions that run through early January 2025[3].

In local school achievements, there's been a focus on community engagement and holiday spirit, though specific details are not available at this time.

For a feel-good community story, a dozen single mothers received the keys to free cars, a heartwarming gesture that embodies the spirit of giving this holiday season[5].

In today's crime report, there have been no significant incidents in the past 24 hours, but residents are always encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

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, December 21, 2024.

We're starting off with breaking news from the last few days. A late-night shooting in Minneapolis has left one man dead. Police were called to an alley near 35th and Penn Avenue North just before 11 p.m. on Friday, and despite their efforts, the man succumbed to his injuries at North Memorial Medical Center. The investigation is ongoing, and we'll keep you updated as more information becomes available.

In other news, the city is still dealing with the aftermath of the largest snow storm so far this season. Minneapolis and St. Paul have declared snow emergencies, with parking rules in effect to help with plowing. Today, residents are asked not to park on the odd-numbered side of the street until 8 p.m. or once the street is fully plowed. You can find a map of snow emergency routes on the city's website.

Moving on to the job market, the latest reports show steady gains in employment across the Twin Cities metro. The unemployment rate in St. Paul remained flat at 4.2% in January, and while significant growth hasn't materialized yet, most sectors held steady compared to December 2023. Key industries like healthcare and technology continue to expand, offering encouraging signs for the year ahead.

In real estate news, we don't have any major updates on commercial or residential property sales, but we do know that the weekly median home prices and inventory levels have been stable. We'll keep an eye on any significant zoning changes or property developments and bring you updates as they happen.

From city hall, the focus is on managing the snow emergency and ensuring public safety. We urge everyone to follow the parking rules and stay safe on the roads.

The weather is certainly having an impact on today's activities and events. With the snow emergency in effect, many outdoor events have been canceled or postponed. However, there are still plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, like visiting the Minneapolis Institute of Art or taking a stroll through the Skyway System. As for the weather outlook, we're expecting partly cloudy skies with a high of 28 degrees today.

In new business activity, we don't have any major openings or closings to report, but we do know that many local businesses are offering special deals and discounts to help you stay warm and cozy during the snow emergency.

Looking ahead to the next few days, there are several community events worth checking out. The Minneapolis Winter Festival is happening next weekend, featuring ice skating, live music, and plenty of hot chocolate. We'll have more details on that and other events in the coming days.

In local school achievements, we want to give a shout-out to the Minneapolis South High School basketball team, who won their latest game against St. Paul Central. Congratulations to the team and their fans!

Finally, in today's crime report, we want to remind everyone to stay safe and aware of their surroundings, especially during the snow emergency. If you have any information about the recent shooting, please contact the Minneapolis Police Department.

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, December 21, 2024.

We're starting off with some critical updates following the largest snow storm so far this season. The City of Minneapolis has declared a snow emergency, which began on Thursday, December 19, at noon. This means parking rules are in effect, and residents are advised not to park on either side of a snow emergency route until 8 p.m. on December 20, or once the street is fully plowed. For today, December 21, the rules are reversed, and people are asked not to park on the odd-numbered side of the street. A map of which streets are snow emergency routes can be found on the city’s website[1].

Moving on to the job market, recent reports indicate steady gains in employment across the Twin Cities metro area. The unemployment rate in St. Paul remained flat at 4.2% in January 2024, inching down slightly from 4.3% in December 2023. Key sectors such as healthcare and technology continue to expand, offering encouraging signs for the year ahead[2].

In local news, a tragic incident occurred in Minneapolis when a late-night shooting left one man dead. Police were called to an alley near 35th and Penn Avenue North just before 11 p.m. on Friday, December 20, after a ShotSpotter activation. Despite immediate aid, the man succumbed to his injuries at North Memorial Medical Center. The cause of the shooting is still under investigation[4].

Regarding new business activity, there are no major announcements today, but we'll keep you updated on any significant changes or openings in the coming days.

Looking ahead to community events, don't forget to check out local listings for holiday activities and events happening around the city over the next few days.

In local school achievements, we'll highlight some notable stories in our next update. For now, let's focus on staying safe and warm during this snowy period.

On a lighter note, a creative contest is wrapping up today. The Invitational Week 102 is calling for humorous predictions for 2025, with a deadline of 9 p.m. ET tonight. It's a fun way to look forward to the new year[3].

Finally, in our crime report, the Minneapolis Police Department is urging anyone with information about the recent shooting to come forward. Public safety remains a top priority, and we'll continue to bring you updates on any significant incidents.

Weather-wise, the snow emergency is still in effect, and residents are advised to check the city's website for the latest plowing updates and parking restrictions. Stay safe and warm out there.

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, December 20, 2024.

We're starting off with breaking news: the city of Minneapolis has declared a snow emergency, effective yesterday at noon. This means that parking rules are in effect, and residents are asked not to park on either side of snow emergency routes until 8 p.m. today, or until the street is fully plowed. You can find a map of snow emergency routes on the city's website. St. Paul has also declared a snow emergency, with night plow routes being cleared starting at 9 p.m. yesterday, and day plow routes starting at 8 a.m. today. Other cities in the Twin Cities area, such as Bloomington and Crystal, have also declared snow emergencies, so be sure to check the specific rules for your area.

In job market news, the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington area continues to see a tight labor landscape, despite some challenges. The unemployment rate in the area was 2.7% as of October, which is lower than the national rate. We're seeing major hiring announcements from top local employers, such as Ameriprise, UnitedHealth Group, and General Mills. New job postings include positions like financial analysts, software engineers, and marketing managers.

Moving on to real estate, we don't have any major updates today, but we'll keep an eye on the market and bring you the latest news as it happens.

In city hall news, the snow emergency declaration is the big story today. City crews are working hard to clear streets and keep them drivable, and we appreciate everyone's cooperation in following the parking rules.

The weather is, of course, the big story today. The snow storm that hit the area yesterday has left behind a significant amount of snow, and travel conditions are expected to be tough today and tomorrow. We're expecting mixed precipitation to fall across the metro and southern Minnesota, so be sure to check the forecast before heading out.

In new business activity, we don't have any major openings or closings to report today, but we'll keep an eye on the local business scene and bring you the latest news as it happens.

Upcoming community events include the holiday festival in Northfield, which is still going strong despite a Grinch-like attempt to chop down the Christmas tree. We're also seeing a number of holiday markets and events around the city, so be sure to check out what's happening in your neighborhood.

In local school news, we don't have any major achievements or sports results to report today, but we'll keep an eye on the local schools and bring you the latest news as it happens.

In a feel-good community story, we're highlighting the farewell ceremony for a 150-year-old church in a small Minnesota town. Parishioners gathered to sing one last hymn and bid farewell to the beloved church.

Finally, in today's crime report, we're seeing a number of significant incidents, including a 45-year sentence for a guilty plea in a brazen Minneapolis shooting that killed one and injured three. We're also seeing a 25-year sentence for an Albert Lea man who was convicted of murdering a 2-year-old.

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 December 20, 2024. We're starting off with some breaking news from the last few days in our city. A settlement of nearly $28 million is in the works, though details are still pending. On a brighter note, a dozen single mothers received the keys to free cars in a heartwarming Christmas miracle.

Moving on to the job market, we've seen some positive trends. According to the latest data, Minnesota added 2,500 jobs in November, marking nine out of 12 months with net job growth. The construction sector saw a 2.1% increase, thanks to a warmer-than-usual November. Education and health services, government, and other services also saw gains. However, professional and business services experienced a half-percent decline. The state's unemployment rate increased slightly to 3.5%, still lower than the national average of 4.2%[4].

In real estate news, the Wells Fargo Center in downtown Minneapolis has been sold to a trio of investor groups. This significant commercial property sale highlights the ongoing interest in Minneapolis' real estate market.

From city hall, we have updates on decisions affecting daily life. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is making historic investments to increase equity in the economy and create work-ready employees. Initiatives like Drive for Five and Targeted Populations Workforce Programs aim to help more Minnesotans enter the workforce[3].

Weather-wise, we're expecting a potentially impactful snowstorm midweek, with plowable snow across the state. Conditions will be cooler today ahead of the snowiest day of the season in the Twin Cities. If you're planning to attend Holidazzle, which kicks off today and runs through Sunday, be prepared for winter conditions. The event is free, but activities will come with a cost.

In new business activity, Today's Harvest in Maplewood is making headlines with its unique no-cost checkout system. Meanwhile, local artists like Anna Bailey are gaining recognition for their handcrafted wood art pieces.

Upcoming community events include Holidazzle, which features lights, stage performances, Santa, and nearly 200 vendors. It's a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

In local school achievements, we don't have any specific updates today, but we'll keep you informed about any notable achievements or sports results in the coming days.

On a feel-good note, a dozen single mothers receiving free cars is a wonderful example of community generosity.

In today's crime report, we have a few significant incidents to mention. Adam Fravel was sentenced for the murder of Madeline Kingsbury, with emotional victim impact statements given in a Winona County courtroom. Additionally, an 8-year-old boy is in the hospital after falling from a ski chair lift in central Minnesota.

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 Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

We're starting with breaking news from the past few days. A downtown St. Paul apartment complex was condemned on Monday, forcing over 70 residents out of their homes. In southern Minnesota, a driver was cited after rear-ending a school bus full of children on Monday morning. Parents of Minneapolis Public Schools students pushed back against the district's staffing decisions during a board meeting on Tuesday night[1].

Moving on to the job market, recent reports show steady gains in employment across the Twin Cities. The Minneapolis-St. Paul area added nearly 24,300 jobs between 2022 and 2023, with an annual employment growth rate of 1.4%[5]. The unemployment rate in St. Paul remained flat at 4.2% in January, slightly down from 4.3% in December 2023[2].

In real estate news, the Wells Fargo Center in downtown Minneapolis was recently sold to a trio of investor groups[3]. New development projects are also underway, including the transformation of the Minnesota Vikings practice field into a winter wonderland with over two million pounds of ice.

From city hall, top state leaders announced millions in funding to support law enforcement recruitment and training across Minnesota on Tuesday[1]. Additionally, Minneapolis is considering a proposal to set a $15 minimum price for a pack of cigarettes, which is on its way to a city council vote[4].

Weather-wise, an overnight coating of snow could make the morning commute messy in the Twin Cities, with an arctic blast arriving later today. WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer warns of increasing winds and a big temperature drop on Wednesday, with wind chill values below zero[1].

In new business activity, the made-in-Minnesota 2024 gift guide is out, featuring local products. The bubble tea chain is moving into the former Caribou Coffee on St. Paul's Grand Avenue[4]. Unfortunately, the Uptown boutique Proper is closing after a decade in Minneapolis[4].

Upcoming community events include Janet Jackson's concert at the Armory on June 18, 2024, and Vampire Weekend's added show on July 31, 2024[4]. For local school achievements, parents and students are gearing up for holiday events and winter sports.

In a feel-good community story, the family of Charlie Boike, who was killed in a car crash at age 17, is working to expand his Waite Park training gym to give more people access, fulfilling his vision[1].

Today's crime report includes a recent incident where an unlicensed driver was sentenced to 5 months in prison for fatally striking a Burnsville priest[4]. Additionally, a man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for his role in a fatal Duluth shooting[4].

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 Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

We're starting off with breaking news from the past few days. More than 70 Minnesotans were forced out of their homes on Monday after officials condemned a downtown St. Paul apartment complex. This comes as a significant concern for housing in the Twin Cities area. Additionally, deputies cited a driver in southern Minnesota after they rear-ended a school bus full of children on Monday morning, highlighting the need for increased road safety.

Moving on to the job market, we have a mixed picture. Despite low unemployment rates, the office market in the Twin Cities is experiencing challenges. Office vacancies are rising, with an overall market vacancy rate of 18.3% and multi-tenant office properties at 22.6% as of Q3 2024. However, there are still many job openings available, with Minnesota having 191,000 job openings in September 2024, and a job openings rate of 5.9%, higher than the national rate of 4.5%[2].

In real estate news, there have been notable commercial and residential property sales, but we're seeing a decrease in residential construction. The Ninth District economy saw slight growth since the previous report, with employment increasing slightly but labor demand softening[5].

From city hall, we have updates on decisions that affect daily life. The Minneapolis City Council is considering a proposal to set a $15 minimum price for a pack of cigarettes, aiming to reduce smoking rates[4].

Weather-wise, we're expecting a messy morning commute due to an overnight coating of snow, followed by an arctic blast. WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says the wind will increase and there will be a big temperature drop on Wednesday with wind chill values below zero[1].

In new business activity, we have openings and closings to report. The made-in-Minnesota 2024 gift guide is out, featuring local products. However, Uptown boutique Proper is closing after a decade in Minneapolis[3][4].

Upcoming community events include the Park Tavern Patio opening soon and Vampire Weekend adding a second show at The Armory on July 31, 2024[4].

In local school achievements, parents of Minneapolis Public Schools students pushed back against the district's staffing decisions during a board meeting Tuesday night[1].

For a feel-good community story, we have the story of Charlie Boike, who envisioned expanding his Waite Park training gym before his untimely death. His family is now working to make that vision a reality[1].

In today's crime report, we have significant incidents to share. An unlicensed driver was sentenced to 5 months in prison for fatally striking a Burnsville priest, and a man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for his role in a fatal Duluth shooting[4].

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, December 14, 2024. We're starting off with some breaking news from the past few days. A fatal shooting in Brooklyn Park is currently under investigation by local police, and we'll keep you updated as more information becomes available[1].

Moving on to the job market, the latest reports show a mixed picture. While employment grew slightly in the Ninth District, labor demand softened, and wage growth was moderate. Key sectors like energy, residential real estate, and tourism saw growth, but manufacturing and residential construction decreased[2][5]. In terms of specific numbers, the unemployment rate in St. Paul remained steady at 4.2% in January, and Duluth added 1,800 jobs over the past year, representing a 1.4% growth rate[2].

In real estate news, the St. Paul City Council approved a budget for 2025, which includes a 5.9% property tax increase. This could have significant implications for homeowners and businesses in the area[4]. On a more positive note, residential real estate and commercial construction saw growth in the Ninth District[5].

From City Hall, the Minneapolis City Council voted to drop the proposed 2025 property tax levy by 1.4%, which could provide some relief for local residents[1]. Additionally, the city is grappling with an increase in homicides, which have surpassed the total number from 2023[1].

Weather-wise, we're expecting a warm and wet start to the week, with mostly cloudy skies and a feels-like temperature of 31 degrees today[1]. This could impact outdoor activities and events, so be sure to check the forecast before heading out.

In business news, The Garage will no longer book shows next year, which could be a blow to the local music scene[1]. On a more positive note, winter businesses like Buck Hill in Burnsville are thriving in the cold temperatures[4].

Looking ahead to community events, there are plenty of holiday activities to enjoy in the next few days. The vocal ensemble Cantus is bringing its magical sound to the Twin Cities ahead of its holiday concert tour[4]. Additionally, Outdoor Latino Minnesota is offering ski lessons to promote diversity in outdoor spaces[4].

In local school achievements, a Twin Cities high school hockey team hit the ice for the first time since losing a teammate to a long battle with cancer[4]. Our thoughts are with the team and the family during this difficult time.

Finally, in crime news, two people have been charged in connection to the shooting death of a man outside a St. Paul bar in October[4]. We'll continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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, December 13, 2024.

We're starting with some breaking news from the past few days. In a tragic incident, a teen died after falling through thin ice in Woodbury, reminding us all to be cautious around frozen lakes and ponds this winter. In Brooklyn Park, police are investigating a fatal shooting, and we urge anyone with information to come forward. Meanwhile, in Minneapolis, homicides this year have surpassed the total number in 2023, a concerning trend that highlights the need for continued community efforts to address violence.

Moving on to the job market, the latest reports show a mixed picture. While significant growth hasn't materialized yet, most sectors have held steady compared to December 2023. The unemployment rate in St. Paul remained flat at 4.2% in January, inching down slightly from 4.3% in December 2023. Key sectors like healthcare and technology continue to expand, offering encouraging signs for the year ahead. However, certain industries have displayed slower hiring compared to past months, indicating a need for job seekers and employers to adapt to shifting landscapes.

In real estate news, the Minneapolis City Council has voted to drop the proposed 2025 property tax levy by 1.4%, a move that could provide relief to homeowners. However, we don't have the latest weekly median home prices and inventory levels available today.

From city hall, the focus is on decisions that affect daily life. The recent drop in the proposed property tax levy is a positive step for residents. Additionally, the city continues to work on various development projects, though specific updates are not available today.

Weather-wise, it's a warm and wet start to the week, with mostly cloudy skies and a temperature that feels like 31 degrees. The humidity is high at 92%, and there's a gentle wind of 1 mph from the south-southwest. This weather could impact outdoor activities and events, so be sure to check the forecast before heading out.

In business news, The Garage will no longer book shows next year, a change that will be felt in the local music scene. On a more positive note, the relocated Domestic Abuse Service Center officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, providing crucial support to those in need.

Looking ahead to community events, the Minnesota Vikings practice field is being transformed into a winter wonderland with over two million pounds of ice, promising a fun outing for families. Additionally, the annual contest to name snowplows is underway, giving everyone a chance to participate in a local tradition.

In local school achievements, parents of Minneapolis Public Schools students recently pushed back against the district's staffing decisions during a board meeting, highlighting the ongoing discussions about education in our community.

On a feel-good note, the family of Charlie Boike, who envisioned expanding his Waite Park training gym before his tragic death, is working to make that vision a reality, a heartwarming example of community spirit.

Finally, in today's crime report, we have the aforementioned fatal shooting in Brooklyn Park and the ongoing investigation. We also note the recent lawsuit alleging abuse by correctional officers at a central Minnesota jail, a serious concern that underscores the need for accountability in our justice system.

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.