Minneapolis Local Pulse

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, August fifteenth. We’re waking up to summer warmth with a mix of sun and clouds across the city, highs climbing toward eighty-four, but keep an umbrella handy—local meteorologists say later today there’s a chance for thunderstorms, especially in the evening. A muggy Friday night could impact some outdoor performances, so double-check event plans if you’re heading out.

Let’s turn first to City Hall, where budget negotiations are heating up. Mayor Jacob Frey has proposed a budget just over two billion dollars for next year, with a 7.8...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, August 14, 2025.

We start with breaking news that hits close to home for many of us. Minneapolis continues to grapple with an ongoing surge in car break-ins. Police report that the number of vehicles targeted citywide since mid-July has now reached around 475, with another wave striking overnight in areas of northeast and south Minneapolis. Car owners in Linden Hills, among other neighborhoods, woke to broken glass and frustration. So far, police have not made arrests, but they are urging neighbors to check doorbell and security cameras and to report anything...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Sunday, August 10th. Thanks for joining us for the latest news and stories connecting our city.

We wake to an air quality alert that stretches over the entire Twin Cities metro this morning. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, wildfire smoke blowing in from Saskatchewan and Manitoba puts us in the orange air quality index, unhealthy for sensitive groups, so let’s keep outdoor time brief today, especially for kids, older adults, and anyone with heart or lung issues. Conditions should improve by Tuesday, but for now, let’s play...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, August 9, 2025.

We begin with an update on public safety in downtown. Late last night, two men were shot outside an apartment building near East 14th Street and Nicollet Avenue, just steps from Loring Park. Both victims are expected to recover after being hit by stray gunfire and running inside for help. Police say no arrests have been made yet, and this is the second such incident in a week. Officers report we've seen at least 159 people hurt by gunfire this year, though the police chief notes that overall gun...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, August 8th, 2025.

We start today with important public health updates. Eleven of our local beaches, including popular spots around Lake Nokomis and Bde Maka Ska, remain closed after routine water quality checks revealed unsafe bacteria levels. If you were planning to swim, it’s a good idea to check before heading out. And there’s an air quality alert in effect across the city through at least noon today, driven by lingering wildfire smoke from Canada. The haze could make outdoor activities tough, especially for kids, seniors, and anyone with...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, August 7th. We wake up to another day under some of the trickiest summer weather so far. WCCO meteorologists are warning us about spotty rain and isolated thunderstorms this morning, so grab that umbrella if you’re heading out. The air quality remains a concern with Minnesota ranking second worst in the world this week. Expect some relief by afternoon, but keep an eye on the skies as the chance of a midday downpour might change your plans for outdoor lunch or early errands.

Our top story today centers on...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Sunday, August 3rd, 2025. We begin today with breaking news that’s having a direct impact on our daily lives: Minneapolis is continuing to face hazardous air quality due to ongoing wildfire smoke from Canada. According to the Times of India and local weather reports, our city spent much of Friday with the second-worst air quality in the world, with an AQI in some neighborhoods topping 170. The state has extended its air quality alert through Monday at noon and health officials urge all of us to limit our outdoor activity, especially those with re...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, August 2nd, 2025.

We start with breaking news from downtown. On Thursday night, a 19-year-old employee at Lotus restaurant in Loring Park used his jiu-jitsu skills to defend himself after being attacked while taking out the trash. Minneapolis police, impressed by his composure and restraint, even suggested a career in law enforcement. But Jezarius Sheldon has his sights set on nursing, continuing his family's legacy at the University of Minnesota. The incident has prompted stepped-up police patrols in the area, though, unfortunately, no arrests have been made yet. Business owners...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, August 1, 2025. Starting off with breaking news, today a new Minnesota DWI law takes effect across the state. This change is inspired by last year’s tragic crash at Park Tavern in St. Louis Park, where a repeat drunk driver, with five prior convictions, killed two people and injured several others on a busy restaurant patio. The new law means longer ignition interlock requirements for repeat offenders, expands how long previous offenses can impact drivers, and aims to reduce financial barriers for those needing to get back on the road. Our lawmakers ho...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, July 31, 2025.

We start our day with breaking news at the airport, where a Delta Air Lines flight bound for Amsterdam had to make an emergency landing at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International after encountering severe turbulence last night. The Airbus A330, with 275 passengers and 13 crew members, arrived safely just before 8 p.m. Medical teams met the plane on the tarmac and transported 25 people to local hospitals. No details yet on the severity of the injuries, but Delta says their care team is directly supporting everyone impacted. For those traveling today, airport...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Sunday, July 27, 2025.

We wake up today with heavy hearts following fatal gun violence near 24th Street East and 18th Avenue South. Early Saturday morning, police responded to a shooting that resulted in the death of a man in his twenties. Authorities say an argument escalated to gunfire, and the suspected shooter remains at large. Police Chief Brian O’Hara is urging anyone with information to come forward so we can help bring healing to the affected family and our neighborhood.

Turning to city hall, the upcoming November mayoral el...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, July 26. We hope everyone is enjoying Aquatennial week as our city bursts with summer spirit. Right now, downtown is gearing up for the big Target Fireworks show tonight at ten by the Stone Arch Bridge. That’s the grand finale of the Minneapolis Aquatennial, and it’s one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the country. Leading up to it, West River Parkway will be packed with live music, food trucks, vintage markets, and a buzzing kids zone, all kicking off at four this afternoon. This is one of those nigh...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, July 25th. Our top story today is out of North Minneapolis, where a community is in mourning and calling for change after the tragic shooting death of 11-year-old Amir Atkins. Police say the 16-year-old arrested in the case faces charges for possessing a firearm as a minor, but prosecutors did not file a murder charge, citing evidence of self-defense. Local voices, including mothers and peace activists like KG Wilson, are urging families to look out for their children and for the whole city to come together—a sentiment echoed by Mayor Ja...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, July 24th. We have a full slate of stories from across our city today, so let’s dive in.

Overnight, city police continue to investigate a series of car break-ins that have frustrated residents from the North Loop down to Hennepin Avenue and throughout northeast neighborhoods. With hundreds of cars targeted in recent weeks, neighbors say they’re still waiting for concrete results as police add more patrols but arrests remain scarce. If your car is usually parked on the street, keep doors locked and valuables out of sight.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Sunday, July 20th, 2025.

We start with breaking political news. After a highly charged convention at Target Center, Minneapolis DFL delegates have endorsed State Senator Omar Fateh for mayor over incumbent Jacob Frey. This is the first time since 2009 that the party has united behind a mayoral candidate. City DFL leaders view this as a turning point, with Fateh representing the progressive wing aiming to reshape Minneapolis politics. Frey’s campaign says they plan to challenge the endorsement process, setting up a heated race all summer long.

On the ci...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, July nineteenth, two thousand twenty-five.

We start our morning with the news that Minneapolis police are investigating a citywide spree of car break-ins and vandalism, especially concentrated around Loring Park and nearby neighborhoods. Windows were smashed and valuables stolen from dozens of vehicles overnight. Police urge us to keep cars locked and not leave any items inside as this investigation unfolds.

Looking at our weather, we face another day of smoky skies as heavy surface smoke from Canadian wildfires moves south into the Twin Cities. The Minnesota...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, July 18th, 2025.

We start today with a significant update on public safety. Two more men have been charged in connection with the Boom Island Park mass shooting that occurred last month. Davion Lazarick Gaines and Dechelen Chavez Mastin-Wilson face charges related to illegal firearm possession. This comes after a June 1st incident that left one woman dead and five men injured, shaking the Willard-Hay and North Loop neighborhoods. Gaines, a Minneapolis resident, is barred from owning firearms due to prior convictions, and Mastin-Wilson is reported to have been involved...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, July 17, 2025.

We start today with breaking news that has city leaders and residents talking. Federal agents have launched a major investigation into alleged widespread fraud in Minnesota’s Housing Stabilization Services program. According to FOX 9, homes and businesses around Minneapolis were raided yesterday. Authorities allege that several providers billed Medicaid for services they never actually gave, taking advantage of a program meant to help our most vulnerable neighbors secure stable housing. This story is still developing, and we’ll be following any new updates as they come in.

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Sunday, July 13, 2025.

We start our morning with a look at the headlines and breaking news in our city. Overnight, Minneapolis police made an arrest in connection with a shooting late Friday. One man is in critical condition after being found seriously injured in an alley in South Minneapolis. Police are investigating whether this incident is tied to ongoing disputes in the area. Public safety officials remind us to stay alert, especially during the busy summer event season. In a related story out of St. Paul, a chaotic scene left two...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, July 12, 2025.

We are waking up to a comfortable start today. Expect mild temperatures this morning, with afternoon highs reaching the upper seventies. A gentle breeze should keep things pleasant for any plans around the city. There is just a slight chance of showers later, but most of our outdoor events look safe from weather interruptions.

Turning to city news, we have a few key updates from city hall this week that will shape daily life. The Minneapolis City Council has approved a four-year contract for a new...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, July eleventh. We wake up today to a hazy sky over the city, with a mix of sun and clouds and afternoon highs reaching the mid eighties. Humidity is sticking around, and by midafternoon, there’s a chance for scattered showers. So if you’re heading downtown, maybe for a stroll through Loring Park or to grab breakfast at Nicollet Diner, you might want an umbrella handy.

Let’s start with breaking news from City Hall. The Minneapolis City Council unanimously voted last night to raise the minimum price for al...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, July 10th. We begin today with a developing story from city hall. Minneapolis has just awarded seven hundred thousand dollars in arts and culture grants, funding sixty-five projects across the city’s seven designated cultural districts. Mayor Jacob Frey says these projects highlight our city’s creativity and commitment to the arts, from public murals on Franklin Avenue to live performances on West Broadway. It’s a major boost for local artists and community organizers, and you’ll spot new exhibits and festivals popping up all summer in neighborhoods like East Lake Str...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Wednesday, July 9th, 2025.

We start with breaking news out of city hall. Big changes are coming for Minneapolis employers after Mayor Jacob Frey signed a major update to the city’s discrimination ordinance. Starting August first, businesses are no longer allowed to discriminate based on justice-impacted status, which includes having a criminal record or time spent in prison. Housing status, as in whether you have a fixed address, and even height and weight are now protected categories. This means a wider range of residents will be protected when they apply fo...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

We’re waking up to another muggy start here in the city. Expect clouds through mid-morning, with a chance of quick thunderstorms just before noon. Highs will be pushing the mid-80s, so keep water handy if you're heading out. Outdoor events should check the radar, especially if you’re planning to visit the Midtown Farmers Market or any neighborhood parks.

We begin with breaking news from South Minneapolis. Over the weekend, a man was killed in a stabbing on Sunday evening. Minneapolis police responded swiftly to t...

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 e...

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 th...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Tuesday, July 1st, 2025.

We wake up to some big changes across Minneapolis and Minnesota today as several new state laws go into effect. The most talked about is the new rule for young boaters. Anyone under 21, specifically those born after June 30, 2004, now needs a watercraft operator’s permit to drive a boat or jet ski on Minnesota waters. This move is meant to boost safety on our lakes, especially with so many summer weekends ahead. Officials are focusing on raising awareness right now, so don’t expect tickets just yet, but...

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...

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...

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 ke...

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 le...

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.

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...

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...

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...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, June 12th, 2025.

We start today with a big move out of City Hall. Mayor Jacob Frey just issued a new executive order on police reforms, even after a federal court dismissed the proposed consent decree last month. The city says it’s pushing ahead with all those negotiated reforms anyway, aiming for more effective and constitutional policing, with continued focus on community trust and officer well-being. These reforms are already showing up in the way safety services operate citywide, and we’ll be watching how this shapes daily life in e...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, June 7, 2025.

We begin today with some major news from the Hennepin County Courthouse. Derrick Thompson has been found guilty on all counts in the tragic south Minneapolis crash that killed five young women nearly two years ago. Emotions ran high as the families of the victims finally saw justice served. This case has touched many in our city, and we’re keeping the friends and loved ones of those lost in our thoughts.

In other developing news, a shooting last night outside Northtown Mall in Blaine left on...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, June 6, 2025.

Minneapolis is under an air quality alert today due to wildfire smoke drifting down from Canada. The alert covers northern Minnesota through Friday, so if you're heading outdoors, especially those with respiratory conditions, take necessary precautions.

At City Hall, the council recently voted to lower street food cart license fees in hopes of encouraging fruit sellers to operate legally throughout the city. This follows May's broadening of employee protections, which now include height, weight, housing status, and justice-impacted status as protected classes for workers.

...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

Our city is reeling after a tragic shooting at Boom Island Park late Sunday night that left one 23-year-old woman dead and five men injured. Witnesses described the scene as a "war zone" with what sounded like continuous gunfire. Minneapolis Police are investigating, with hundreds of pieces of evidence found at the scene. This comes as authorities continue their investigation into another recent shooting at Mariucci Arena following a high school graduation ceremony that injured two people. A 20-year-old Coon Rapids man now faces charges in connection with...

Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, May 31, 2025.

We begin with breaking news from last night on the University of Minnesota campus. Police responded to a shooting just after 8 p.m. outside 3M Arena at Mariucci, right after the Wayzata High School graduation ceremony. Two people were injured and taken to the hospital, and police have a suspect in custody. Authorities say there is no ongoing threat to the area, but the investigation continues, with support from the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. We’ll bring updates as more information becomes available. This incident comes during a pe...