Minneapolis Local Pulse

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.

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.

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 t

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

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, December 13, 2024.

We're starting with breaking news: the Minneapolis City Council has voted to drop the proposed 2025 property tax levy by 1.4%, which is a welcome relief for many homeowners in the city. This decision comes after significant community input and discussions about the financial burden on residents.

Moving on to the job market, we see a picture of cautious optimism. The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that while significant growth hasn't materialized yet, most sectors have held steady compared to previous months. 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.

In real estate news, there haven't been any major announcements in the past few days, but we're keeping an eye on new development projects and construction updates. The weekly median home prices and inventory levels have been stable, with no significant changes reported recently.

From City Hall, we have updates on decisions that affect daily life. The city is focusing on supporting law enforcement recruitment and training, with top state leaders announcing millions in funding to support these efforts across Minnesota.

Weather-wise, we're expecting a warm and wet start to the week, with today being mostly cloudy and a feels-like temperature of 31 degrees. The humidity is high at 92%, and there's a gentle wind of 1 mph from the south-southwest. An arctic blast is expected to arrive later in the week, so make sure to bundle up.

In business news, The Garage will no longer book shows next year, which is a significant change for the local music scene. On a more positive note, the Minnesota-born Mexican restaurant chain Chi-Chi's is making a comeback 20 years after ending its operations.

Looking ahead to community events, there are several activities planned for the next few days, including the transformation of the Minnesota Vikings practice field into a winter wonderland with over two million pounds of ice.

In local school news, parents of Minneapolis Public Schools students pushed back against the district's staffing decisions during a board meeting earlier this week. We also have reports of a homeless encampment fire that displaced eight people and a lawsuit alleging abuse by correctional officers at a central Minnesota jail.

On a more uplifting note, the family of Charlie Boike, who was killed in a car crash at age 17, is working to make his vision of expanding his Waite Park training gym a reality.

In crime news, we have reports of a fatal shooting in Brooklyn Park, and authorities in northern Minnesota rescued one man and found the body of another after they went through the ice on Blackwater Lake. We also have a tragic incident of a teen dying days after falling through thin ice in Woodbury.

This has been Min

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

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for December 8, 2024.

We start with breaking news from the past few days. A fatal shooting in Brooklyn Park is under investigation after police responded to a business parking lot on the 8000 block of Brooklyn Boulevard[1]. In Minneapolis, police are investigating a shooting that left a man with life-threatening injuries on the 2600 block of Cedar Avenue South[5].

Moving to the job market, recent reports indicate a cautious but slowly improving labor market in Minnesota. The January 2024 jobs report for St. Paul showed a flat unemployment rate at 4.2%, while Minneapolis continued its strong hiring trend. However, more recent data from November 2024 suggests that Minnesota's job market has lost momentum, with a net loss of 1,000 jobs due to declines in professional services and construction sectors[2][4].

In real estate news, there have been no major announcements in the past few days, but we note that the local market has seen steady progress amidst regional uncertainty, as seen in the December 2023 jobs report for Plymouth[2].

From city hall, there are discussions about a new proposal to set a $15 minimum price for a pack of cigarettes in Minneapolis, which is on its way to a city council vote[3].

Weather-wise, a winter storm watch has been issued in Minnesota, with up to 12 inches of snow possible. This could impact today's activities and events, so we advise checking the latest updates before heading out[3].

In new business activity, Under Pressure Brewing is encouraging patrons to give back through jousting tournaments for charity. Meanwhile, the bubble tea chain is moving into the former Caribou Coffee on St. Paul's Grand Avenue[3][5].

Upcoming community events include Janet Jackson's concert on June 18, 2024, and Vampire Weekend's added show on July 31, 2024, at The Armory[3].

In local school achievements, the Rosemount girls basketball team is making headlines with all three starting guard spots held by the Ramlall sisters[5].

For a feel-good community story, we highlight the connection between parents of babies Cooper and Raghu at the NICU at M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital[5].

In today's crime report, we note the ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting in Brooklyn Park and the shooting in Minneapolis that left a man with life-threatening injuries. Additionally, a Red Lake Department of Public Safety officer was one of two people killed in a crash in northern Minnesota[1][5].

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 December 8, 2024. We're starting off the week with a mix of news that affects our daily lives and community stories that inspire.

First off, let's talk about breaking news. Minneapolis police are investigating a shooting that left a man with life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred around 10:45 p.m. Monday on the 2600 block of Cedar Avenue South. Our thoughts are with the victim and his family as we await more information on this developing story.

Moving on to the job market, we have some updates to share. While there haven't been any major hiring announcements recently, we do know that the unemployment rate in St. Paul remained flat at 4.2% in January, inching down slightly from 4.3% in December 2023. However, it's worth noting that agribusiness giant Cargill is laying off thousands of its employees, which could have a ripple effect on our local economy.

In other business news, Under Pressure Brewing is making headlines for their creative approach to giving back. They're hosting jousting tournaments for charity, which is not only fun but also supports a good cause.

On the real estate front, we don't have any significant updates on commercial or residential property sales, but we do know that the Hotel Ivy is facing a lawsuit alleging they failed to protect teen girls who were sex trafficked by Lazzaro at his condo on the 19th floor. This is a serious issue that we'll continue to follow.

From city hall, we're keeping an eye on decisions that affect our daily lives. Recently, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and Minnesota OSHA fined a scuba diving weed removal company over $730,000 for violations that led to the death of an 18-year-old in May. This is a stark reminder of the importance of workplace safety.

Weather-wise, it's a chilly morning out there. Currently, it's cloudy with a feels-like temperature of 5 degrees and a wind speed of 16 mph WNW. If you're planning on heading out today, make sure to bundle up.

In new business activity, we're excited to see a first-of-its-kind treatment center aimed at helping those living with or at risk of HIV now open in Minneapolis. This is a significant development for our community's health and well-being.

Looking ahead to community events, we have a few things to highlight. The Union Gospel Mission is welcoming 10,000 families through their meal kit pick-up, helping to lighten the load for those in need this holiday season. Additionally, Nate Bargatze, one of the hottest stand-up comedians in the U.S., will make three stops each in Minnesota and Wisconsin next year on his "Big Dumb Eyes" tour.

In local school achievements, a Twin Cities high school hockey team hit the ice for the first time Friday night since losing a teammate to a long battle with cancer. Our hearts go out to the team and the family of Max Akerson.

On a lighter note, the Battis-Bohen bowl tradition is alive and well after 91 consecutive Thanksgivings. This i

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

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, December 7, 2024.

We're starting with some breaking news from the past few days. A man in his 20s was shot and carjacked in south Minneapolis on Thursday night. The incident happened in an alley in the 3900 block of 11th Avenue South around 11:30 p.m. Police are still searching for multiple suspects who fled the scene in the victim's car and possibly another vehicle. The victim's injuries are described as potentially life-threatening.

In other news, investigators are trying to piece together the events surrounding the targeted shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO earlier this week. Police are looking for a man wanted for questioning in connection with the incident.

Moving on to the job market, the latest data shows a cautious but slowly improving labor market in Minneapolis. The unemployment rate in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area remains low, with most sectors holding steady compared to previous months. While significant growth hasn't materialized yet, key industries like healthcare and technology continue to expand.

In real estate news, we don't have any major updates on notable property sales or new development projects today. However, it's worth noting that the median home prices and inventory levels have been stable in recent weeks.

From city hall, there's been a focus on addressing homelessness in the city. Local physicians, surgeons, and lawyers gathered at the Catholic Charities St. Paul Opportunity Center to support people experiencing homelessness.

Weather-wise, it's going to be a chilly day today with temperatures in the mid-30s. We're expecting partly cloudy skies with a slight chance of snow flurries later in the day.

In business news, the Minnesota-born Mexican restaurant chain Chi-Chi's is making a comeback 20 years after ending its operations. The chain is expected to open new locations in the Twin Cities area.

Looking ahead to community events, fans of Timothée Chalamet gathered in Minneapolis on Thursday night to discuss his new Bob Dylan biopic. The event was held at a local theater and drew a large crowd.

In local school achievements, a Twin Cities high school hockey team hit the ice for the first time on Friday night since losing a teammate to a long battle with cancer.

Unfortunately, we have to report on some crime incidents from the past 24 hours. A man was shot during a possible drug deal in Minneapolis' Dinkytown neighborhood on Thursday morning. Police are still investigating the incident.

On a more positive note, a group of young adults is working to raise awareness about homelessness in the city. They're sharing their experiences and stories to help others understand what it's like to live in the heart of the city without a stable place to call home.

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 Saturday, December 7, 2024.

We're starting with breaking news from the past few days. A man in his 20s was shot and carjacked in an alley in the 3900 block of 11th Avenue South on Thursday night. The victim's injuries are described as potentially life-threatening, and police are searching for up to five suspects who fled the scene in the victim's car and possibly another vehicle[1].

In other news, investigators are still trying to piece together the events surrounding the targeted shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO. Police are looking for a man wanted for questioning in connection with the incident[4].

Moving on to the job market, the latest data shows a cautious but slowly improving labor market in the Twin Cities. The unemployment rate in St. Paul remained flat at 4.2% in January, and most sectors held steady compared to December 2023. Key industries like healthcare and technology continued to expand, adding jobs at a steady pace[2].

In real estate news, there haven't been any major commercial or residential property sales reported in the past few days. However, we're seeing a steady pace of new development projects and construction updates across the city.

From city hall, there haven't been any significant decisions affecting daily life in the past few days. However, the city council did discuss a proposal to address homelessness in the city, with local physicians, surgeons, and lawyers gathering to support people experiencing homelessness at the Catholic Charities St. Paul Opportunity Center[4].

Weather-wise, it's going to be a chilly day today with temperatures in the mid-20s. We're expecting partly cloudy skies with a high of 28 degrees. If you're planning on heading out, make sure to bundle up.

In new business activity, the Minnesota-born Mexican restaurant chain Chi-Chi's is making a comeback 20 years after ending its "celebration of food." The chain is expected to open new locations in the Twin Cities area[4].

Looking ahead to community events, the Battis-Bohen bowl tradition is alive and well after 91 consecutive Thanksgivings. The annual event brings together local families and friends for a fun day of football and community bonding.

In local school achievements, a Twin Cities high school hockey team hit the ice for the first time on Friday night since losing a teammate to a long battle with cancer. The team is showing resilience and dedication to their sport[4].

Finally, in today's crime report, police are investigating a possible drug deal gone wrong in the Dinkytown neighborhood. A man was shot on Thursday morning, but he's expected to survive[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.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, December 6, 2024. We're starting off with some breaking news from the past few days. The Minneapolis City Council has voted to explore the idea of a pedestrian mall at George Floyd Square, a significant development that could reshape the future of this iconic location. This decision comes as the council also upheld the veto on the creation of a labor standards board, a move that has sparked debate among council members and local business leaders[4].

Moving on to the job market, we have some positive news. The City of Minneapolis has seen a significant improvement in hiring figures for the first quarter of 2024. The number of hires increased by 26% compared to the same time last year, with a notable 101% increase in applicants for open positions. This is a testament to the city's efforts to bolster recruitment and retention initiatives, making it an attractive employer for diverse talent[2].

In real estate news, the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority has announced a $65 million renovation project to preserve 221 units in two buildings in northeast Minneapolis. This project will also include the construction of 15 new units in a new four-story building, providing much-needed affordable housing options for residents[3].

From city hall, we have updates on decisions that affect daily life. The city council's decision to uphold the veto on the labor standards board has been met with mixed reactions. Mayor Jacob Frey emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that considers both business and labor interests. Meanwhile, council members like Jason Chavez and Aurin Chowdhury express concerns about the impact on workers[4].

Looking at the weather, it's a cloudy day with a feels-like temperature of 5 degrees and a wind speed of 16 mph. This might affect outdoor activities and events, so be sure to bundle up. The forecast for today is expected to remain chilly, with no significant changes in the next few days.

In new business activity, we have some exciting developments. Metro Transit is expanding its services with the launch of two new zones in December 2024: the Rosedale Area and the Woodbury Area zones. This will provide more frequent and reliable trips for commuters, enhancing connectivity across the city[5].

Upcoming community events include the continuation of holiday festivities over the weekend, with 11 events planned across the city. From holiday markets to festive parades, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

In local sports, the Vikings' Jordan Addison is looking to build off his massive game on Sunday, and the Timberwolves are facing criticism from Ant, who described them as "soft - just a bunch of little kids."

On a more positive note, we have a feel-good community story. The 91-year Turkey Bowl tradition between two St. Paul families is going strong, showcasing the spirit of community and tradition in our neighboring city.

In today's crime report, we have some significant

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

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for December 6, 2024.

We're starting with some breaking news from the past few days. A tragic crash in northern Minnesota has left two people dead, including an on-duty Red Lake tribal police officer. Our thoughts are with the families and communities affected by this incident.

Moving on to the job market, we have some positive news. The City of Minneapolis has seen significant improvements in hiring figures for this year. According to recent data, the number of hires increased by 26% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same time last year, with a notable 101% increase in applicants for open positions. This is a testament to the city's efforts to bolster recruitment and retention initiatives. The city is actively participating in job fairs and community events to reach diverse audiences, resulting in a measurable increase in diversity among new hires.

In real estate news, a $71 million project in northeast Minneapolis is making waves. The Canvas Apartments, located at 2301 California Street, are nearly fully occupied just five months after completion. This 100% affordable housing project offers homes at levels ranging from 30% to 80% of the Area Median Income, addressing the high demand for housing in the area.

From City Hall, we have updates on decisions affecting daily life. Metro Transit has been working to improve services, with changes to light rail and bus schedules. Starting in August, trains on the METRO Blue Line and METRO Green Line began running every 12 minutes between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day, and several bus routes have seen trip and schedule adjustments to accommodate new school end times for Minneapolis Public Schools.

Looking at the weather, it's a cloudy day with a feels-like temperature of 5 degrees and a wind speed of 16 mph. This might impact outdoor activities and events, so be sure to bundle up if you're heading out.

In new business activity, we have some exciting openings and expansions. However, due to time constraints, we'll focus on community events for the next few days. The holiday season is in full swing, with 11 holiday events happening over Thanksgiving weekend. From festive parades to cozy marketplaces, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

In local sports, the Vikings' Jordan Addison is looking to build off his massive game last Sunday. And in a feel-good community story, two St. Paul families are keeping a 91-year Turkey Bowl tradition alive, showcasing the spirit of friendly competition and community bonding.

On a more serious note, our crime report includes a significant incident from the past 24 hours. 21 protesters were arrested at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, highlighting the need for public safety measures during large events.

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

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