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  • Morning storms, safety concerns, and community events in Minneapolis

    Morning storms, safety concerns, and community events in Minneapolis
    2025/07/05
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, July 5th. We hope you had a safe and joyful Fourth of July. As we wake up this morning, storms are approaching the Twin Cities with showers expected through the afternoon. Temperatures will be in the upper 80s, but humidity and the risk of thunderstorms mean you’ll want to keep an umbrella handy and check for any weather delays for outdoor events.

    Let’s begin with breaking news: Early this morning, Minneapolis police responded to a fatal shooting on the north side. A man was shot while riding an electric scooter. The incident happened near the intersection of 21st Avenue North and Penn Avenue. Police continue their investigation; there is no suspect in custody at this time and anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities. In other safety news, first responders rescued eight people from the Crow River yesterday after their tubes flipped, a reminder to be vigilant when enjoying our area’s waterways.

    At City Hall, we’re seeing the impact of recent council decisions on everyday life. The Minneapolis City Council has enacted broader employee protections, making it illegal for employers within city limits to discriminate based on height, weight, housing status, or justice-impacted status, which includes a person’s criminal record. These changes aim to help more people find and keep jobs right here in Minneapolis.

    Now, on to the holiday weekend events. Downtown is buzzing with the Taste of Minnesota festival along Washington Avenue and Nicollet Mall today and tomorrow. Expect street closures on 3rd Street South and Marquette Avenue, but good news: Metro Transit is offering free rides for festival-goers. Cooling stations are set up to help you beat the heat. The Minneapolis Convention Center is hosting the USA Volleyball Junior National Championship through Sunday, drawing families and teams from across the country. Over at Target Center, the Minnesota Lynx continue their home stand, taking on the Golden State Valkyries tonight.

    If you’re a baseball fan, the Minnesota Twins are in the middle of a home series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Target Field. Last night, Harrison Bader hit a walk-off homer, sending fans home happy. In the community, the annual Red, White and Boom fireworks over the riverfront drew thousands last night. If you missed it, the city has several family-friendly events continuing this weekend.

    In Minneapolis real estate, housing demand remains strong, but new listings are lagging slightly behind last year by about eight percent. The average home price in the city is now just over $390,000. On the job front, hospitality and summer recreation positions are still hiring, with many local businesses offering signing bonuses to attract workers.

    One feel-good note: Abbey’s Hope, a local non-profit dedicated to water safety, is celebrating a major milestone this week, having educated more than 100,000 Minnesota children since its founding.

    That’s the news making waves here at home. This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 分
  • "Holiday Safety, City Hall Renovations, and Community Resilience in Minneapolis"

    "Holiday Safety, City Hall Renovations, and Community Resilience in Minneapolis"
    2025/07/03
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, July 3, 2025. We’re here to catch you up on what’s happening in our city as we head into a big holiday weekend.

    Breaking news from city hall is about safety and planning. Our city leaders are watching the calendar, and this weekend is shaping up to be one of the busiest of the year. With the Fourth of July just ahead, we’re seeing a huge wave of events that are sure to draw crowds. That means major changes on our streets downtown. Main Street, West River Parkway, and the 3rd Avenue Bridge are all closed for the Red, White and Boom festival and fireworks, and only one lane is open on Hennepin Avenue when crossing the Mississippi. The Stone Arch Bridge is closed to all walkers and bikers, and you can expect limited access on 2nd Street South. City hall is urging everyone to plan extra time and consider walking, biking, or rolling to events to keep traffic smooth. The Taste of Minnesota event will close even more streets—3rd Street South from 2nd Avenue South to Hennepin Avenue and Marquette Avenue South from 4th Street to 2nd Street South on Saturday and Sunday.

    Over at city hall, renovation is still on schedule. The historic building’s upgrade is set to wrap up by year’s end, with a price tag around 35 million dollars. Most of the work on the third floor, home to mayoral staff and the city council, should be done by spring. For now, council and staff are working out of the Public Service Center on South 4th Street.

    On the job front, our city continues to expand protections for workers. As of May, three new protected classes are in place: height and weight, housing status, and justice-impacted status. That means employers can’t make hiring or firing decisions based on these factors, except when someone’s size actually prevents doing the job. It’s a big win for inclusivity in Minneapolis workplaces.

    For real estate, the market remains steady but neighborhoods near downtown are seeing more interest as new events and the upcoming Taste of Minnesota draw visitors and new residents. Median home prices are holding around 350,000 dollars, with pockets near the riverfront and North Loop especially active.

    When it comes to the weather, today is shaping up to be the nicest of the week. We’re enjoying mostly clear skies and temperatures near 78 degrees. Tomorrow is expected to be hotter and more humid, but skies should stay clear for all the fireworks and festivities.

    Sports fans have a packed weekend. The Minnesota Lynx tip off a three-game stretch at Target Center starting today, while the Twins host games at Target Field from tomorrow through Sunday. Youth volleyball is also in town, with the USA Volleyball Junior National Championship at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

    In local achievements, high school teams across the city are wrapping up summer leagues with strong finishes, and we’ll see more results as the tournaments continue.

    For public safety, police are stepping up patrols in downtown and along the riverfront for the holiday weekend. After several years of Fourth of July violence, our city is determined to make this year safer for everyone.

    Just a quick feel-good note: North Minneapolis residents are coming together with prayer and community action to stand up against violence and reclaim their streets with peace and solidarity.

    This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 分
  • Minneapolis Pride, Workplace Protections, and Community Spirit: Your Local Pulse Update

    Minneapolis Pride, Workplace Protections, and Community Spirit: Your Local Pulse Update
    2025/06/28
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, June 28, 2025.

    We start our day with some important city updates. This weekend, downtown is buzzing as the Twin Cities Pride Festival brings thousands to our streets. If you are planning to head downtown, expect major road closures. Southbound Hennepin Avenue is closed from Laurel Avenue West to Lyndale Avenue South until early afternoon. There are also closures on 16th Street North, Spruce Street to Yale Place, and sections of Third Street and 2nd Avenue South. If you are driving from outside the city, be aware that both directions of I-494 are closed all weekend between Highway 100 and Highway 77, and eastbound I-94 is shut down from Highway 280 to I-35E. Metro Transit is offering free ride passes for Pride, and the event’s big parade steps off tomorrow morning with festivities rolling into Loring Park. Allow extra time, consider light rail, and check 511 for real-time travel info.

    Our weather today in Minneapolis is shaping up to be classic summer: highs are expected in the low 80s, with some humidity lingering from last night’s passing storms. Skies will be mostly clear, great for outdoor events. The tornado season has been active statewide but the metro area is in the clear for the weekend. Expect a slight breeze, perfect for enjoying lakeside activities or the festivities at Loring Park.

    From City Hall, we have a noteworthy policy development. The Minneapolis City Council recently expanded employee protections by adding height, weight, housing status, and justice-impacted status—meaning criminal history—to its anti-discrimination rules. This change impacts anyone working or hiring in the city, aiming to foster fairer workplaces.

    Turning to public safety, there’s been a major breakthrough. Minneapolis police have made an arrest in the mass shooting at Boom Island Park earlier this month that left one woman dead and six others injured. The suspect, a 23-year-old man, was apprehended in Spring Lake Park on Thursday. Police hope this brings some comfort to those affected as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, citywide motorcycle fatalities are down this season—fifteen so far compared to twenty-eight at this time last year. Safety officials are urging caution as July and August typically see increased accidents.

    Looking at real estate and jobs, Minneapolis continues steady growth. The local job market is holding strong, with summer positions still available in hospitality and event staffing, especially around Nicollet Mall and the North Loop. In the housing market, inventory remains tight, but listings in neighborhoods like Powderhorn and Northeast are going quickly, with median sale prices hovering near five hundred thousand for single-family homes.

    In business news, you might notice some changes at local favorites. Thunderbirds Doughnut Company in Golden Valley is revamping its menu and hours to attract more families this summer, and several Minneapolis firms have received national recognition for being exceptional workplaces.

    On the lighter side, congratulations go out to Prep Network in Plymouth—recently named one of the best places to work in Minnesota, spotlighting their support for student athletes. And a big shout-out to Roosevelt High School’s baseball team for making it to the state semifinals—our youth are making us proud.

    We round out with a feel-good story: neighbors along Minnehaha Creek have launched a volunteer effort to clean up debris from last week’s storms. Dozens turned out to help, showing once again that Minneapolis comes together in tough times.

    That does it for today’s Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 分
  • Weekend Weather, Pride Prep, and Local Happenings: Your Minneapolis Pulse for June 27

    Weekend Weather, Pride Prep, and Local Happenings: Your Minneapolis Pulse for June 27
    2025/06/27
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, June 27, 2025.

    Today, we wake to severe weather watches across the metro. After overnight storms and heavy rain, the National Weather Service reports more rounds of rain and possible thunderstorms pushing through the Twin Cities. If you are headed out, keep your umbrella handy and check for flash flood advisories, especially near the Mississippi and Minnehaha Creek. Roads are slick, and several block closures are in place downtown and around Loring Park as we gear up for Twin Cities Pride this weekend. Metro Transit is offering free rides, so consider leaving the car at home if you are heading to events around Hennepin Avenue or the Sculpture Garden.

    Turning to City Hall, the Minneapolis City Council continues to push progressive policies. This week, they broadened anti-discrimination protections for workers, now including height, weight, housing status, and even past interactions with the justice system, as protected categories. Employers will need to carefully review hiring practices under these new rules, aiming to make our workforce more inclusive and fair for all backgrounds.

    In breaking news, federal agents have indicted nine people in connection with a fentanyl trafficking ring operating within city limits. Meanwhile, police have arrested a suspect linked to the recent Boom Island Park shooting. The city continues to address rising gun violence, with local groups rallying for change after another surge of incidents, especially in North Minneapolis and along West Broadway. In a separate case, a St. Paul woman died after being shot while traveling on I-394 through Minneapolis earlier this week—a somber reminder of our community’s ongoing public safety challenges.

    On the business front, UnitedHealth is calling more hybrid workers back to the office, signaling a shifting job market. Meanwhile, North Memorial Health is preparing to close its downtown Minneapolis clinic next month, impacting healthcare access for residents near Nicollet Avenue and the North Loop. On the real estate side, while home sales have cooled slightly after last year’s frenzy, new listings in Northeast and Uptown remain brisk, with median prices hovering just above four hundred thousand.

    Looking ahead to the weekend, all eyes turn to Twin Cities Pride, drawing crowds to Loring Park and Hennepin Avenue. Remember to check for detours and parking restrictions if you are joining the festivities. The weather may dampen some outdoor plans, but the energy will be strong with family-friendly entertainment and local music throughout the day. Also, fans of live music can catch big acts at First Avenue and the Armory.

    In sports, the Timberwolves shook up their draft strategy and welcomed Australian center Rocco Zikarsky. The Twins delivered a resounding ten to one win over the Mariners, putting them on track for a promising homestand. Local high school teams are wrapping up the summer league, with big wins for Southwest and Edison.

    Finally, on a bright note, a Minnesota Children’s hospital team took young heart patients out for a day of golf at Highland National—reminding us how community spirit shines in every corner of our city.

    This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 分
  • Stormy Commutes, Gun Violence Woes, and Job Bias Reforms: Minneapolis Local Pulse Update

    Stormy Commutes, Gun Violence Woes, and Job Bias Reforms: Minneapolis Local Pulse Update
    2025/06/26
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, June 26, 2025. Today we wake up to another round of storms moving through the metro, with heavy rain making the morning commute slow in spots. The weather overnight gave us a brief break, but rain showers are expected throughout the day, and there’s still an increased risk of flash flooding in low-lying areas. Stay cautious near the Mississippi, Minnehaha Creek, and other flood-prone routes. Reed Timmer, the well-known storm chaser, was spotted yesterday on Hennepin Avenue, which tells us the severe weather threat is serious, and the tornado watch last night kept south Minneapolis on edge.

    Turning to city news, recent gun violence has shaken our community. Surgeons at Hennepin Healthcare report a troubling spike in shootings in June compared to last year. This matches what many in our neighborhoods are feeling: calls for action and prevention are growing. In the past 24 hours, a 35-year-old man convicted of theft and gun possession managed to flee sentencing at the Hennepin County Government Center, prompting a citywide search. On top of that, a local woman was sentenced to over 23 years after a tragic crash last year on Nicollet Mall that claimed a teenager’s life and injured several others.

    At City Hall, Mayor Jacob Frey has reaffirmed Minneapolis’ commitment to police reforms, despite a federal court’s decision to block a proposed consent decree. The city will move ahead with changes designed to build trust and improve public safety, focusing on both constitutional rights and effective emergency response.

    For those hunting jobs, Minneapolis employers now face broader anti-discrimination rules. The new city ordinance bans bias based on height, weight, housing status, or criminal record, except when directly related to job duties. This could open doors for more people, especially those with justice-impacted backgrounds, offering a fairer shot in the labor market.

    In real estate, steady demand is keeping home prices high, with the average single-family home listing just above four hundred thousand. New rental developments are moving forward in North Loop and along West Lake Street, showing continued confidence in the city’s growth, especially as more people look for walkable neighborhoods.

    Downtown, a few recent business openings have grabbed our attention. A new farm-to-table restaurant just opened near Gold Medal Park, and a popular local coffee chain has expanded to Broadway Avenue. There are also some reports of delays in grocery shipments to stores like Cub Foods and Whole Foods due to a cyberattack at a national food distributor, so expect some empty shelves for a few days.

    Looking ahead, the weekend brings the Stone Arch Bridge Festival and free music at Loring Park. Local high schoolers celebrated success at state golf, and a group of young heart patients from M Health Fairview hit the greens for a special day at Highland National.

    Before we go, a feel-good story. Volunteers from Whittier neighborhood worked overnight to clear storm debris from seniors’ yards, all to ensure safe walkways and driveways for those who need it most.

    That’s all for today. This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 分
  • "Minneapolis Heatwave, Police Reforms, and Community Resilience: Your Local News Roundup"

    "Minneapolis Heatwave, Police Reforms, and Community Resilience: Your Local News Roundup"
    2025/06/21
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, June 21, 2025. We’re starting our day under a NEXT Weather Alert as dangerous heat and humidity settle in, with temperatures pushing near 90 by midday and heat indices reaching the upper 90s. Meteorologists are urging folks to take extra care if spending time outside, especially at events or parks today. This heat is expected to last through the weekend, so stay hydrated and check in on neighbors and family.

    Looking at city hall, the city continues to move forward on police reforms even after a recent federal court setback. Minneapolis leadership has committed to implementing all provisions negotiated in the consent decree, reinforcing a focus on constitutional policing and community partnerships to keep us safe and build trust in public safety.

    Turning to breaking news and public safety, the city is still reeling after the tragic targeted shooting of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark earlier this week at their home. The suspect, identified as Vance Boelter, remains in custody, and the case is being investigated as politically motivated. Last night, hundreds gathered at Champlin Park High School for a unity event, coming together in grief and hope, choosing healing and community over fear. No other major incidents have been reported in Minneapolis in the past 24 hours.

    On the lighter side, Minneapolis adds to its culinary reputation as two local chefs brought home James Beard Awards this week, with our food scene receiving national recognition. In business news, several new coffee shops and small eateries are opening across the North Loop and Uptown, bringing fresh flavors to local storefronts, while a few longtime retailers on Hennepin Avenue have announced summer closures due to rising rents, underscoring the city’s changing retail landscape.

    In real estate, the average home price in Minneapolis now sits at just under four hundred twenty thousand dollars, with inventory remaining tight but new listings ticking up as summer heats up. On the job front, the city unemployment rate is holding steady near four percent, with major employers in healthcare and tech hosting job fairs downtown this week, offering dozens of new openings for local workers.

    There’s no shortage of summer fun this weekend, from Juneteenth celebrations in Powderhorn Park to the ever-popular Cat Tour, which has drawn national attention and is expected to see record turnout. For music lovers, the Stone Arch Bridge Festival is in full swing with local bands performing all afternoon.

    In school news, Minneapolis South High’s basketball team made it to the regional finals, and coach Eric Rolland of Augsburg University is heading to a national golf tournament, bringing local pride to the greens.

    Before we go, a quick feel-good note: a Minneapolis teacher has been helping high school basketball players get noticed by college coaches, opening doors for the next generation of local athletes.

    This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 分
  • Severe storms, police reform, and community resilience - Minneapolis Local Pulse for June 20, 2025.

    Severe storms, police reform, and community resilience - Minneapolis Local Pulse for June 20, 2025.
    2025/06/20
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, June 20, 2025. Our city is starting the day under the shadow of some intense weather. Meteorologists are warning us of two rounds of severe storms moving across Minnesota today. This means our morning commute could be messy, with high winds, heavy rain, and plenty of lightning. The afternoon and evening may bring even more storms, so if you’re making plans for later, keep an eye on the sky. Highs are expected in the 80s with sticky humidity, and it looks like this sultry weather will stick around into the weekend.

    Turning to breaking news, community safety remains top of mind. The city continues its work on police reform, with Mayor Jacob Frey recently issuing an executive order to ensure the reforms outlined in the federal consent decree are implemented locally. This effort underscores our commitment to both constitutional and effective policing, even as federal approval was denied. These changes are meant to rebuild trust and strengthen partnerships between law enforcement and our neighborhoods.

    On the crime front, there’s still a somber mood in North Minneapolis after the tragic shooting of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark inside their Brooklyn Park home last weekend. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office says state charges against the accused, Vance Boelter, will move forward. In response to the shooting, neighbors on Broadway and Penn are banding together to boost security and support one another. It’s a powerful show of community resilience.

    Meanwhile, Minneapolis police responded quickly to a planned “takeover” event at the largest playground in Crystal, where concerns rose after hundreds of teens intended to gather. That area is now off-limits for the moment as authorities assess how to ensure safety for everyone. It’s a reminder of how we all need to stay vigilant and look out for each other.

    Shifting to City Hall, there’s been a positive development for the job market. The City Council voted to broaden anti-discrimination policies, now protecting job seekers and workers from bias based on height, weight, housing status, or even criminal history. This means more Minneapolis residents can pursue job opportunities on a fair, level playing field.

    Real estate continues to sizzle. Downtown and the North Loop are seeing strong interest, with home prices up slightly from last year and rental vacancies tightening. Employers are also hiring, with more than a thousand new jobs posted this past week, especially in hospitality, health care, and green energy.

    Culturally, we’re still feeling the energy from lively Juneteenth celebrations at Powderhorn Park and in North Minneapolis, with music and dancing bringing folks together from across the city. Tonight, First Avenue hosts a sold-out show from local band Poliça, and the Stone Arch Bridge Festival returns tomorrow along the riverfront.

    A quick shoutout to the Washburn High School baseball team, which clinched a spot in the state semifinals yesterday—a great boost for school spirit as summer break kicks off.

    And to end on a feel-good note, the Hortman family’s last service dog trainee, Gilbert, found his forever home with them after proving just a bit too friendly for K9 duty. Stories like this remind us of the bonds—and hope—that keep our city strong.

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