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  • 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
  • Juneteenth Celebrations Across Minneapolis, Summer Activities Ahead

    Juneteenth Celebrations Across Minneapolis, Summer Activities Ahead
    2025/06/19
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, June nineteenth.

    We start today with the Juneteenth holiday, and our city is alive with celebration. Many of us are off work, as city and federal offices, banks, and the post office are closed today. On West Broadway, from Lyndale to Emerson, the annual block party kicks off at noon. It is a vibrant celebration of Black culture, featuring live music, entertainment, dozens of Black-owned businesses, a kids' carnival, and more. Down on East Lake and Minnehaha, the Soul of the Southside festival takes over the neighborhood from noon to eight, blending music, galleries, food trucks, dance, and storytelling. And tonight at Orchestra Hall on Nicollet Mall, the Minnesota Orchestra highlights Black composers and artists in a special Juneteenth freedom concert. If you are near the Minneapolis Institute of Art on Third Avenue South, you can catch LAAMAR and other performers, starting at five.

    As we look ahead, the weekend brings even more Juneteenth festivities across the metro, including a family celebration at the State Capitol and a parade and youth talent show in Brooklyn Park. So, there is truly something for everyone this week.

    Weather-wise, we are waking up to mild temperatures, with highs expected in the upper seventies today. There is a small chance of scattered rain in the late afternoon, so keep an umbrella handy if you are out at any of these outdoor festivals. Tomorrow, we should see more sun and a touch warmer, so summer is definitely here.

    Turning to city hall, council activities remain mostly quiet this week, as many regular meetings are paused in recognition of the holiday. But city leaders are reminding residents that summer road maintenance is picking up, so watch for lane closures, especially along Hennepin Avenue and Washington Avenue as crews work through the weekend.

    In local news, our community continues to reflect on the shocking violence that recently targeted Minnesota lawmakers. There have been no new incidents overnight, but a visible police presence remains around key government buildings and in certain neighborhoods as investigations continue. Officials encourage anyone with information to reach out, and public vigilance is appreciated as we work toward healing and safety.

    On the business front, a couple of new café openings are drawing crowds. A bakery just opened near Bryant and Lake, with rave reviews on social media about their cardamom buns. Meanwhile, a popular vintage shop on Nicollet announced they will be relocating, making room for another new retail experience coming later this summer.

    In sports, our high school baseball teams wrapped up their season with Washburn narrowly edging out Southwest in a nail-biter at Parade Stadium. And in professional news, the Minnesota Lynx are back at Target Center tonight, facing Las Vegas. Tickets are still available.

    To end on a bright note, a group of North Minneapolis teens completed a mural over the weekend, transforming a once-vacant wall on Plymouth Avenue into a colorful celebration of Juneteenth and community pride.

    This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 分
  • "Attacks Shake MN Politics, Severe Storms Linger, Reforms Move Forward in Minneapolis"

    "Attacks Shake MN Politics, Severe Storms Linger, Reforms Move Forward in Minneapolis"
    2025/06/17
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Tuesday, June seventeenth, twenty twenty-five.

    We start today with the latest on the shocking attacks that have shaken Minnesota politics. Prosecutors say the suspect charged in the shooting death of one lawmaker and the injury of another had dozens of officials on his list of potential targets. Thanks to the urgent response by law enforcement, more potential tragedies were averted, including a near-miss at the home of Senator Ann Rest. The suspect was apprehended after a dramatic search that included abandoned vehicles and evidence left along Minneapolis highways. While the community is still processing these events, local leaders are urging calm and unity as investigations continue.

    Turning to our weather, Minneapolis faces another day of on-and-off severe storms. Forecasters warn that heavy rain, the chance for flash floods, and even tornadoes remain a risk through at least Wednesday. If you have outdoor plans, watch the skies and check alerts, especially this morning and late afternoon. Temperatures stay in the mid-seventies, though humidity will make it feel a bit warmer.

    At City Hall, Mayor Jacob Frey has confirmed that police reforms will move forward despite a federal court denying the city's proposed consent decree. The city pledges to implement new measures that aim to improve both public safety and trust between residents and the police. This follows the council’s recent expansion of local employment protections, now covering height, weight, housing status, and justice-impacted individuals.

    On the business front, local coffee favorite North Loop Brews is celebrating a grand reopening on Washington Avenue after renovations. Meanwhile, a longtime Lake Street bakery announced it will close at the end of June, citing rising costs and supply chain struggles.

    If you’re looking for community events, tonight Powderhorn Park hosts its summer music series opener with local jazz ensembles. The Walker Art Center is offering free admission tomorrow afternoon for residents wanting to escape the storms. And for families, the Midtown Farmers Market will be open Thursday morning with early summer produce.

    In education, congratulations go out to the Roosevelt High robotics team, which took home first place in last weekend’s regional competition. Shout out as well to the University of Minnesota Golden Gopher men’s hammer throwers—they posted a historic one-two finish at the NCAA Championships, making them the best in the nation this year.

    Crime-wise, aside from the high-profile shooting, Minneapolis police report a quieter night overall, though they do urge residents around Lake Nokomis to be alert after a rash of car break-ins reported late Monday.

    Let’s end with something uplifting—the Minnehaha Creek cleanup campaign saw over two hundred neighbors join hands on Sunday, gathering nearly two thousand pounds of litter. Volunteers said it was inspiring to see so many families, teens, and retirees working side by side to keep our city beautiful.

    This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 分
  • "Education Cuts, Police Reforms, and Community Highlights in Minneapolis"

    "Education Cuts, Police Reforms, and Community Highlights in Minneapolis"
    2025/06/14
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for June 14, 2025. We're starting with breaking news from the Minneapolis school district, which is facing a significant challenge. The district announced it will be cutting about 400 positions due to a $75 million shortfall. St. Paul Public Schools is also making budget cuts to address a $51.5 million deficit. This news comes as we see how these financial decisions affect our community's education system.

    In city hall updates, Mayor Jacob Frey recently issued an executive order aimed at implementing police reforms. Even though the federal court denied approval of the proposed consent decree, Minneapolis is moving forward with these reforms to enhance public safety and community trust.

    Looking at the weather, today's forecast shows highs in the upper 60s, with scattered rain and thunder possible. If you're planning outdoor activities, make sure to check the forecast before heading out.

    In new business activity, a vacant retail space in Brooklyn Center is getting a fresh start. O Pretty Events and Rentals will move into the space at Humboldt Square, offering services for weddings and corporate events. This addition should help address the area's shortage of event spaces.

    The cultural scene is buzzing with The Weeknd performing tonight at U.S. Bank Stadium. Get ready for an exciting evening of music.

    In sports, the Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for the season with a focus on head coach Kevin O'Connell, wide receiver Justin Jefferson, and quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Local sports fans are eager to see how the team performs this year.

    On the crime front, there was a significant incident in St. Paul recently where a motorist struck and injured three officers during a traffic stop. The suspect is now in custody. In Minneapolis, a judge ruled that the city's public schools can be added to a wrongful death lawsuit following a school bus accident.

    In real estate, Minneapolis continues to see changes with new developments and businesses moving in. On the job market, the city council's recent decision to broaden employee protections by adding new protected classes should positively impact hiring practices.

    Finally, in community news, we're celebrating the Golden Valley Rotary Citizen of the Year award. This recognition highlights the community's commitment to service and volunteerism.

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