Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, August 28. Our city is coming together in the aftermath of a heartbreaking shooting at Annunciation Catholic School on West 54th Street. Two children, just 8 and 10 years old, lost their lives yesterday morning when a 23-year-old shooter fired through the windows of the church as families gathered to mark the first week of school. Seventeen others were wounded, including fourteen children between the ages of 6 and 15 and three parishioners in their 80s. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara says all those injured are expected to survive, and many have already been released from hospital. The shooter, identified as Robin Westman, died at the scene from a self-inflicted wound. Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime and act of domestic terrorism targeting Catholics, with the FBI actively involved. Mayor Jacob Frey and city council members have called for compassion and unity, urging us not to let this violence fuel hatred of any community.

With the school year just beginning, teachers and staff at Annunciation acted quickly and heroically, helping to shield children and evacuate the building safely. The principal described their efforts as critical to preventing a greater tragedy, and the city council released a joint statement supporting Annunciation’s educators and families. Extra police patrols will be out around schools for the rest of the week as a safety precaution.

On a lighter note, our community calendar remains full. The Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul is open through Labor Day, with music, food, and family fun planned from 7 am to 11 pm daily. Tonight at Lake Harriet Bandshell, local group Honey Please brings music in the park at 7:30. Extreme Noise, a Minneapolis punk institution, celebrates its 30th anniversary at The Cedar Cultural Center with special shows, while up-and-coming artist Kaitlin Cassady marks the launch of her new album, North Star, with a celebration at The Cedar. The Renaissance Festival continues in nearby Burnsville over the weekend, offering medieval entertainment, crafts, and themed weekends like Highland Fling and Woofstock.

Over at Target Field, the Twins host the Chicago White Sox Monday at 1:10 pm, hoping to keep their playoff push alive. The Lynx take on the Dallas Wings at Target Center Monday evening at 7 pm, with both teams looking to improve their prospects late in the season.

In real estate news, Minneapolis saw about 120 new listings go live this week, primarily in Northeast and South Minneapolis. The job market is steady, with nearly 900 active postings, including opportunities with Target, Fairview Health, and new restaurants opening along Hennepin and Lake Streets.

Several Minneapolis schools are celebrating strong summer academic performances and athletic achievements, with Southwest High’s soccer team winning Tuesday’s opener 2-1 over Washburn.

Turning to weather, we have mild temperatures today and scatte

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