Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, May 29, 2025.

A bit of flight drama at Minneapolis Airport this week as a Delta flight to Madison was delayed by some unexpected passengers. Two pigeons managed to sneak aboard the plane on Saturday, causing a 56-minute delay as the aircraft had to return to the gate twice. According to a passenger who captured video of the incident, a fellow traveler eventually used his jacket to capture one of the birds, while ground crew handled the other. Delta apologized for the delay in a statement.

At City Hall, Mayor Jacob Frey is celebrating positive trends in public safety. In his recent State of the City address at the Abyssinia Event Center on West Lake Street, he highlighted decreases in violent crime, carjackings, and homicides. The mayor noted that MPD applications are up 135%, with the department on track to exceed 600 sworn officers this year - a staffing level not seen in years. The address also emphasized Minneapolis' commitment to community safety amid national political uncertainty.

In legal news, the Minneapolis Police Department is no longer under federal oversight after a judge dismissed a proposed consent decree on Tuesday. However, the department remains under a state consent decree, according to reports from WCCO. This marks a significant development in the ongoing police reform efforts in the city.

Our basketball dreams have ended for the season as the Timberwolves fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder last night, losing the Western Conference finals series 4-1. The Thunder dominated with a 124-94 victory, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 34 points. Despite the disappointing finish, the Wolves' playoff run brought tremendous excitement to downtown Minneapolis this spring.

On the transit front, Metro Transit Police have launched what they're calling a "never seen before" partnership to improve safety on the Green Line Light Rail.

Looking at today's weather, expect pleasant conditions for your Thursday activities around town, perfect for exploring our vibrant neighborhoods or enjoying the city's parks.

In community news, a chance meeting at George Floyd Square has blossomed into a chess program for kids in the Central neighborhood of south Minneapolis, creating new opportunities for youth engagement.

For those commuting near downtown, be aware that police are investigating a personal injury accident reported Tuesday at the intersection of North Fifth Street and West Main Street.

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 27, 2025.

Three people are in the hospital following a collision between an SUV and a Metro Transit bus last night in Minneapolis. Police are still investigating the cause of the crash that occurred Monday evening.

At City Hall, Mayor Jacob Frey is highlighting progress in community safety during his recent State of the City address delivered at the Abyssinia Event Center on West Lake Street. The Mayor reported decreases in violent crime, carjackings, gun violence, and homicides over the past several months. Police applications are up 135%, and for the first time in years, the city ended 2024 with more officers than it started with.

Today marks five years since George Floyd's murder by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The Minneapolis Police Department is receiving mixed reviews on reform efforts according to a recent evaluation by Effective Law Enforcement for All. The Trump administration has indicated it intends to cancel a consent decree that was established to enforce changes in the department.

In sports, the Minnesota Frost won their second straight PWHL Walter Cup with a 2-1 overtime victory over the Ottawa Charge last night. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves are now down 3-1 against the Thunder after a heartbreaking 128-126 loss and will head back on the road for game 5.

For those enjoying the Memorial Day holiday yesterday, we're now back to regular schedules today for most services. A reminder that many public buildings and services were closed yesterday for the holiday.

We're seeing development news in Anoka, where the city is breaking ground on a cannabis dispensary expected to open by the end of 2025.

For those concerned about outdoor activities, remember that May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Health officials remind residents to take precautions against tick bites when enjoying our many parks and outdoor spaces.

We'll see a warming trend starting this weekend with temperatures possibly reaching the low 80s. For today, expect mild conditions perfect for outdoor activities.

A Minneapolis teacher is making headlines for helping high school basketball players get additional exposure to college coaches, creating more opportunities for local student-athletes.

If you're looking for a unique day trip, consider visiting Blue Earth, Minnesota, which now features full-grown dinosaur fossils as part of its local business attractions.

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 24, 2025.

Today marks five years since the death of George Floyd, and several community events are being held across the metro area to honor his memory. A Day of Remembrance is taking place with a series of community gatherings in Minneapolis, bringing residents together for reflection and commemoration.

At City Hall, Mayor Jacob Frey addressed the recent developments regarding police reform. Despite the U.S. Department of Justice's motion to dismiss the federal consent decree with the Minneapolis Police Department, city officials have confirmed they will continue to adhere to the reform agreements. Former Police Chief Medaria Arradondo recalled the "absolutely gut-wrenching" moment when he first viewed the video of George Floyd, a reminder of how that event changed our city forever.

In business news, Target reported lower-than-expected first-quarter sales, with warnings of continued decline as consumers worry about the impact of tariffs. Meanwhile, Walgreens is planning to open a new fulfillment center in Brooklyn Park, bringing new jobs to the area. Union workers with Local UFCW 663 picketed outside the Cub Foods in Minnetonka yesterday, advocating for better wages and benefits for nearly 3,000 grocery workers across 38 metro stores.

Looking at real estate, the resale market continues to boom in our area, with more people than ever shopping secondhand – a trend expected to grow throughout the year.

In crime news, authorities believe they've identified the person responsible for a January homicide south of the Twin Cities. Also, a Minneapolis woman has been sentenced to over four years in prison and ordered to pay $5 million in restitution for her role in what officials call the largest pandemic fraud case in the country.

In sports, Wayzata's Noah Filer is looking forward to another deep playoff run as his baseball team begins section 64A playoffs on Tuesday at home.

For those heading out today, expect busy theaters this Memorial Day weekend with blockbusters like "Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning" drawing crowds.

Weather-wise, we're looking at fairly pleasant conditions for your outdoor activities, perfect for attending any of the George Floyd memorial events or enjoying the long weekend festivities around town.

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 Friday, May 23, 2025.

Minneapolis officials are standing firm on police reforms despite a major shift at the federal level. The Justice Department moved this week to end its consent decree with Minneapolis Police Department, nearly five years to the day since George Floyd's murder. Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O'Hara addressed the situation Wednesday, confirming the city will continue adhering to reform measures regardless of federal oversight. Meanwhile, the state's agreement with MPD remains in place.

At City Hall, Mayor Frey recently delivered his State of the City address at Abyssinia Event Center on West Lake Street, highlighting Minneapolis' progress amid national uncertainty. The mayor emphasized the city's commitment to community safety, affordable housing, and climate action.

The Minnesota Legislature is preparing for a special session after Memorial Day as lawmakers continue working on unresolved bills for the state's next two-year budget. A bipartisan effort to establish a new watchdog agency for public program fraud won't advance this year, according to former House Speaker Melissa Hortman.

Today's weather brings much-needed relief from recent storms. The rain earlier this week has helped ease drought conditions, though about a quarter of Minnesota remains in moderate drought. After a week that saw seven confirmed tornadoes across Minnesota and Wisconsin, including an EF-2 in New Richmond, we're expecting calmer conditions today.

In business news, the city of Anoka broke ground yesterday on a cannabis dispensary expected to open by year's end.

Animal lovers will be happy to hear that the Animal Humane Society has rescued fifty-seven adult cats, four kittens, and a Great Dane. These animals are now receiving medical care, including spay and neuter surgeries.

For outdoor enthusiasts, fishing opener is just two days away. A father-daughter team in St. Cloud is working to ensure Minnesotans have successful catches this season.

In a heartwarming story, local artist Don Grandbois is finally showcasing his talents at an art show curated by his great-niece – fulfilling a dream 62 years in the making.

On a somber note, authorities report a tragic incident where a man allegedly left his girlfriend to die on a central Minnesota road after she jumped from his vehicle during an argument. The driver was reportedly intoxicated.

Looking ahead, community events will be plentiful as Memorial Day weekend approaches. Many neighborhoods are hosting block parties and festivals similar to the vibrant celebrations that filled our streets last weekend.

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 Thursday, May 22, 2025.

We begin today with developments from City Hall, where Mayor Jacob Frey recently delivered his State of the City address at the Abyssinia Event Center on West Lake Street. He emphasized Minneapolis is growing stronger, highlighting reductions in homeless encampments and a general decrease in crime around the city. The mayor called for steady and collaborative leadership, especially as national politics remain uncertain, and assured us the city is committed to strengthening public safety, affordable housing, and civil rights.

Speaking of progress on the job front, the Minneapolis City Council has just expanded employee protections in the city. Job seekers and employees are now protected from discrimination based on height, weight, housing status, and even criminal history. The idea is to help more of us access work and advancement, removing barriers for justice-impacted people and those facing housing challenges.

For those of us thinking about real estate, the market remains tight as expected for this time of year, but there’s optimism with new developments in the pipeline. Meanwhile, Target headquarters downtown is grappling with softer sales, with first quarter numbers down compared to last year. This reflects broader consumer caution and may affect job opportunities at the retail giant.

Turning now to the weather, grab a jacket if you’re heading out early. We’re starting with a chilly morning—frost alerts are up for areas north and east of the metro, though Minneapolis itself should see sunshine and a high in the upper 60s by midday. If you’re planning outdoor activities later, it’ll be a beautiful spring day, and the outlook into the holiday weekend calls for mild temperatures and dry skies—great news for Memorial Day plans.

Let’s look at the local scene. It’s an exciting week for music and culture—venues across downtown, including First Avenue, are welcoming both national touring acts and local spring showcases. In community business, Waabigwan Mashkiki, which means flower medicine in Ojibwe, is preparing to open cannabis shops in neighboring Moorhead and St. Cloud—the result of a new regulatory compact with the State of Minnesota. Here at home, the South Minneapolis food scene is buzzing as Chef Molly Krinhop of Molly’s in Saint Bonifacius navigates the challenges of restaurant entrepreneurship, determined to keep her dream alive despite recent setbacks.

Sports fans have plenty to cheer about. The Minnesota Lynx continue a strong start to their season, and the community filled Target Center this week to welcome home Paige Bueckers, now playing for the Dallas Wings. The Loons advanced to the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals, and Twins’ fans saw Carlos Correa return to action following concussion protocols.

A quick note on public safety: Minneapolis police responded to several overnight incidents, but officials report no major injuries and say most calls were resolved quickly. City leaders are optimistic recent reforms and community initiatives are contributing to a safer environment.

And for a feel-good finish, a father-daughter duo in St. Cloud is helping fellow Minnesotans gear up for the fishing opener, passing on tips and brightening spirits as we head into summer traditions.

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, May 20. We begin today with breaking news from the past few days. Minneapolis police have upgraded an earlier shooting investigation to a homicide after a man in his late forties died at Hennepin Healthcare. He approached an ambulance on Thursday night with critical gunshot wounds following what police say was an altercation in a vehicle. The suspect fled the scene, and, as of this morning, no arrests have been made. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family as the investigation continues.

Turning to city hall, Mayor Jacob Frey recently delivered his State of the City address at the Abyssinia Event Center on West Lake Street, highlighting a strong and improving Minneapolis. Frey emphasized that while national leadership may be uncertain, the city is doubling down on safety, affordable housing, and reducing homelessness. He pointed to fewer homeless encampments across the city and renewed trust building in neighborhoods that were heavily impacted in recent years.

On the jobs front, the Minneapolis Workforce Development Board is meeting this morning at the North Minneapolis CareerForce Center. This signals growing opportunities, especially for local jobseekers in need of support or training. The city remains focused on workforce growth and ensuring residents have access to good jobs.

Weather is making itself known this morning. After a stretch of rain that drenched the state, we can expect cloudy skies around Minneapolis, with temperatures in the mid-sixties by the afternoon. While it should stay dry for most of today, keep a light jacket handy and expect cooler breezes around the lakes. Looking ahead, we could see more showers midweek, so plan your outdoor activities accordingly.

In real estate, the local market remains active. Median home prices hover around the four hundred thousand dollar mark, with demand steady in neighborhoods like Nokomis and Northeast. Renters are still facing tight supply, but new multi-family construction is underway along Hiawatha Avenue, aiming to ease some of that pressure.

There is new business activity to report too. The city of Anoka, just to our north, will break ground this Thursday on a municipal cannabis dispensary along East River Road. While it’s not in Minneapolis proper, this could set a precedent for our city and neighboring communities as cannabis retail continues to evolve.

In the cultural scene, Minneapolis is buzzing with events. The Walker Art Center is hosting its annual Open Field festival this weekend, inviting families for art activities and live music. Over at First Avenue, local band Hippo Campus returns for a sold-out show, highlighting our vibrant music scene.

Sports fans can celebrate a strong finish by Southwest High’s baseball team, who clinched a spot in the city finals last night at Parade Stadium. In a feel-good story, volunteers with the Phillips Community Center have launched a free bike repair clinic for kids on Chicago Avenue, helping young riders get rolling for summer.

This wraps up our Minneapolis Local Pulse for today, May 20. 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, May 17, 2025.

The cleanup efforts continue across the Midwest after severe storms swept through the region earlier this week. While Minneapolis escaped the worst of it, our neighboring communities in Wisconsin saw significant tornado damage, particularly in Juneau and Mayville. Governor Walz, along with Senators Klobuchar and Smith, toured the affected areas yesterday, offering support to those impacted.

At City Hall, the Minneapolis City Council recently voted to expand employee protections by adding three new protected classes: height and weight, housing status, and justice-impacted status. These changes, which passed on May 1, will affect all businesses operating within city limits and prevent discrimination based on these characteristics.

Weather-wise, we're looking at a cloudy day ahead after yesterday's rain. WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer tells us the precipitation has moved out, but we'll still be dealing with cloud cover throughout the day.

The Twins are on fire, extending their winning streak to 12 games after defeating the Brewers yesterday. Joe Ryan's stellar pitching performance was key to the victory. In basketball news, Minnesota native Paige Bueckers made her WNBA debut last night, though her Dallas Wings fell to our Minnesota Lynx. Despite the loss, Bueckers called it "a starting point" for her professional career.

For those looking for weekend activities, the Michael J. Fox Foundation is hosting a free educational event today for people with Parkinson's and their loved ones at the DoubleTree Hilton in Bloomington. The "Parkinson's IQ + You" event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes informational sessions and resources.

On the political front, Minnesota's budget deal has hit a snag over plans to undo health care for undocumented adults. Protesters gathered outside the Minnesota House chamber yesterday as DFL and GOP leaders work to finalize the agreement. The deal also includes an increase in the cannabis tax from 10% to 15% before the legal market launches.

A Lutheran church in Minneapolis is taking practical steps to help its largely Latino immigrant congregation navigate the uncertainty of immigration policies. The church has been providing resources and support during this challenging time.

In retail news, resale shopping is booming across the Twin Cities, with more people than ever turning to secondhand stores. Local businesses are also feeling the pressure from increased import taxes on Chinese goods, which have risen to as much as 145%.

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, May 16, 2025.

We begin today with breaking news on the weather. Tornado sirens echoed across Minneapolis yesterday afternoon as a powerful storm system swept through the city and surrounding counties. The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings for much of the metro area, and many of us took shelter as winds gusted and the rain came down hard. Thankfully, early reports indicate minimal major damage inside city limits, but we could see lingering wet roads and scattered power outages as crews continue cleanup efforts into today. The current outlook shows a cooler day with occasional showers, but conditions should gradually improve by the weekend.

Turning to city hall, Mayor Jacob Frey delivered his State of the City address just last week at the Abyssinia Event Center on West Lake Street. Mayor Frey emphasized Minneapolis’s commitment to steady, collaborative leadership even as political winds swirl in Washington. He highlighted the city’s ongoing investments in affordable housing, public safety, and rebuilding neighborhoods with both brick-and-mortar improvements and renewed trust between residents and local government. The mayor reaffirmed that Minneapolis is growing stronger each day and spotlighted a weekend packed with festivals and community events as a sign of that vibrancy.

In statewide developments, lawmakers and Governor Walz have reached a major budget deal, totaling about sixty-six billion dollars to fund government services for the next biennium. That includes new investments in education and housing. Meanwhile, the state’s plan to close the Stillwater prison and move inmates to other facilities is facing pushback from employee unions and community advocates.

On the job and business front, the spring hiring season is in full gear, with hundreds of openings in health care, tech, and logistics now posted around the metro. In real estate, the number of homes on the market has ticked up, but prices remain steady, with median values in Minneapolis hovering near four hundred thousand dollars. Several new local eateries and two retail shops are celebrating grand openings this weekend near Nicollet Avenue and the North Loop.

Sports are shining bright for the city. The Minnesota Timberwolves have punched their ticket to the Western Conference finals for the second consecutive year, an unprecedented feat for the franchise. Over at Target Field, the Twins extended their winning streak to eleven games, but are dealing with injuries as Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton enter concussion protocols following a collision in the outfield.

On the public safety front, police responded to several weather-related accidents yesterday during the storm. There were no major injuries reported, and first responders praised residents for staying off the roads during the worst of the weather.

As we look ahead, community events are in full swing this weekend, with the Uptown Art Fair kicking off tomorrow, and farmers markets returning to Mill City and Northeast. In education, a local high school teacher has been recognized for helping student-athletes secure college scholarships, a point of pride as graduation season approaches.

We leave you with a feel-good story: a Minneapolis artist in her seventies has finally gained long-overdue recognition, reminding us all it’s never too late to pursue our dreams.

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 Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Tragic news to start our day as Minneapolis continues to face a surge in violence. A man was found shot in an alley, marking the 11th homicide in the city in just the past two and a half weeks. Police are investigating and urge anyone with information to come forward.

At City Hall, the Minneapolis City Council is meeting today, continuing important discussions that affect our community. Earlier this month, on May 1st, the council voted to broaden employee protections by adding three protected classes to the city's anti-discrimination ordinance: height and weight, housing status, and justice-impacted status. These changes will impact how businesses make hiring decisions for positions within Minneapolis.

In sports, the Timberwolves are celebrating after eliminating the Golden State Warriors with a 121-110 victory in Game 5. Julius Randle led the way with 29 points, sending the Wolves to the Western Conference finals for the second straight year. The team will now prepare for their next challenge as they continue their playoff run.

The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management has announced dates for the cannabis license application lotteries, which will determine who receives permits to operate in this newly regulated industry.

Some good news for families - a 13-year-old girl who was reported missing over the weekend in Minneapolis has been found safe, according to police.

In transportation news, the Minnesota State Fair has changed street parking rules for this year's 12-day event. Parking will cost $25 per day, with residents receiving a single permit.

On the weather front, we're monitoring potential severe conditions today, particularly in the eastern metro area. There's a moderate risk for severe weather, including the possibility of hail, damaging winds, and even tornadoes. Chief meteorologists recommend staying alert and having emergency plans in place, especially during the afternoon hours.

In local crime reports, Marshall Police cited a 31-year-old man for driving after suspension following a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of North Fifth Street and West Main Street. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The Minnesota Fishing Museum continues to draw visitors with its collection of over 20,000 artifacts, including vintage fishing equipment donated by enthusiasts across the state.

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, 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.

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