• New Year Chills, Lottery Wins, and Community Connections: Minneapolis Local Pulse
    Jan 5 2025
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Sunday, January 5, 2025. We're starting the new year with a mix of news, updates, and community stories that impact our daily lives.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. It's going to be a chilly day with highs barely breaking 20 degrees in the Twin Cities. WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says we can expect flurries tonight and temperatures topping out in the low 20s tomorrow. This cold snap might affect some of the outdoor activities planned for today, so make sure to bundle up if you're heading out.

    In local news, two Minnesotans are waking up a million dollars richer on New Year's Day after winning big in the lottery. Meanwhile, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara is addressing his force about a potential consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice. This development could have significant implications for policing in our city.

    On the job market front, a new law that went into effect on January 1 requires employers with 30 or more employees to include salary ranges and a general description of benefits in job postings. This change aims to promote pay transparency and could impact how local businesses recruit talent. We'll be keeping an eye on how this affects our local job market.

    In real estate, there haven't been any major property sales or development updates in the past few days. However, we're expecting some new projects to break ground in the coming months, which could impact our city's skyline and housing market.

    From city hall, we're looking at a busy legislative session ahead. The 2025 legislative session kicks off in two weeks, and with multiple special elections on the horizon, it's shaping up to be a complex and potentially gridlocked session.

    In business news, a new, highly nostalgic spot in St. Paul is bringing a modern twist for gamers young and old. Meanwhile, The 19 Bar, the oldest LGBTQ+ bar in Minnesota, was targeted by a burglar overnight Tuesday amid the push to rebuild it following a devastating fire.

    Looking ahead to community events, the Land O'Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show is happening at the St. Paul RiverCentre this weekend. You can meet a variety of dog and breed experts, attend various dog shows, or shop at more than a dozen booths at the Ringside Market.

    In local sports, the Vikings had a thrilling win over the Packers, with Darnold giving a career-high 377 yards in a 27-25 victory.

    On a more serious note, our crime report includes a few significant incidents. A security guard at a downtown Minneapolis bar is in custody following a stabbing early Saturday morning. Additionally, Wisconsin police are investigating the deaths of three people, including two juveniles, and are searching for a person of interest who is considered armed and dangerous.

    Finally, let's end on a positive note. Emily Roth, the president of the Minnesota Children of the American Revolution, chose to help homeless veterans as her state project. It's heartwarming to see our community coming together to support those in need.

    This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 mins
  • Minnesotans Win Big, New Laws Take Effect, Frey Wraps Historic Year - Minneapolis Local Pulse January 5, 2025
    Jan 5 2025
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for January 5, 2025.

    We're starting the new year with some big news: two Minnesotans are waking up a million dollars richer after winning the lottery on New Year's Day. Meanwhile, several new laws are now in effect, including one that requires insurers to cover the cost of wigs for anyone experiencing hair loss due to a medical condition[1].

    In job market news, Minnesota's job market lost momentum in the last quarter of 2024, with a net loss of 1,000 jobs in October. Seasonal retail and healthcare hires did not offset the loss of jobs in the professional services and construction sectors. A new survey by Enterprise Minnesota found that factories are slowing hiring for the rest of the year due to concerns about the economy and low confidence levels[2].

    A new law also went into effect on January 1, requiring employers with 30 or more employees to include the starting salary range, a general description of benefits, and details of other compensation in any job posting. This is part of a broader effort to promote pay transparency in Minnesota[5].

    In real estate news, the former UnitedHealth HQ building has gone into receivership as the loan deadline looms for the owner. This is a significant development in the local commercial property market[3].

    At city hall, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is wrapping up a "historic" year full of "significant progress." The city is also preparing for the 2025 legislative session, which kicks off in two weeks. The balance of power will be uncertain due to the death of a state senator and a court challenge that has set the stage for special elections[1][3].

    Weather-wise, it's going to be a chilly day in Minneapolis, with highs in the Twin Cities barely breaking 20 degrees. Flurries are expected tonight, and temperatures will top out in the low 20s tomorrow. This might impact outdoor activities and events, so be sure to bundle up[1].

    In new business activity, a highly nostalgic spot in St. Paul has opened, bringing a modern twist for gamers young and old. Meanwhile, the 19 Bar, the oldest LGBTQ+ bar in Minnesota, was targeted by a burglar overnight Tuesday amid the push to rebuild it following a devastating fire[1][3].

    Upcoming community events include the Land O'Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show at the St. Paul RiverCentre, which runs until today. You can meet a variety of dog and breed experts, attend dog shows, or shop at the Ringside Market[4].

    In local school achievements, Jack Taylor is returning to the court, coaching kids on the high school team he once played for. And in sports, the Gophers concluded a winning season with a 24-10 victory over Virginia Tech in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl[3].

    For a feel-good community story, Emily Roth, the president of the Minnesota Children of the American Revolution, chose to help homeless veterans as her state project. This is a great example of local youth making a positive impact[1].

    In today's crime report, a man and a woman are dead after a head-on crash near Taylors Falls on Monday afternoon. Charges have also been filed against a drunk driver who hit and killed a mother one day before her birthday in St. Louis Park. Additionally, Wisconsin police are investigating the deaths of three people, including two juveniles, and are searching for a person of interest who is considered armed and dangerous[1][3].

    This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 mins
  • "New Year, New Hopes: Minneapolis Updates Outlook, Job Growth, and Community Events"
    Jan 4 2025
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for January 4, 2025. We're starting the new year with a mix of news, updates, and events that shape our city.

    First off, breaking news from the past few days includes a tragic incident in New Orleans, but closer to home, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is reflecting on the city's progress and outlining concerns for 2025. He describes the past year as "historic" with significant progress, setting the stage for what's to come[1].

    In job market news, while we don't have recent major hiring announcements, it's worth noting that Minnesota is projected to gain 56,225 jobs over the next two years, marking a 1.8% growth rate. This growth is expected to be more measured, with various sectors contributing to the increase[5].

    Moving to real estate, there haven't been any notable commercial or residential property sales announced recently. However, it's a good time to remind ourselves that new development projects and construction updates are always on the horizon, though specific details are not available today.

    From City Hall, Mayor Frey's reflections on the past year and his concerns for 2025 are top of mind. Additionally, the Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara is addressing his force about a potential consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice, indicating ongoing efforts to improve policing in the city[1].

    Weather-wise, we're expecting colder air to move into Minnesota, with highs in the Twin Cities barely breaking 20 degrees. This might impact outdoor activities, but there's still plenty to enjoy. For instance, the Ice Castles at the State Fairgrounds and the Winter Lights at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska are great places to visit[4].

    In new business activity, a highly nostalgic spot in St. Paul has opened, offering a modern twist for gamers young and old. On the other hand, the 19 Bar, the oldest LGBTQ+ bar in Minnesota, was targeted by a burglar, highlighting the need for community support[1].

    Looking ahead to community events, this weekend offers a variety of activities. The Ice Fest at Breezy Point Resort, Miracle at Big Rock in St. Croix Falls, WI, and the GLOW Holiday Festival at CHS Field are just a few highlights. Additionally, Theater Latté Da’s “Cinderella” in Minneapolis is a great option for theater enthusiasts[4].

    In local school achievements, while there aren't any specific updates today, it's worth mentioning that Jack Taylor, at 34, is returning to the court, coaching kids on the high school team he once played for, inspiring the next generation[1].

    For a feel-good community story, Emily Roth, the president of the Minnesota Children of the American Revolution, chose to help homeless veterans as her state project, demonstrating the impact of individual efforts[1].

    In today's crime report, a security guard at a downtown Minneapolis bar is in custody following a stabbing early Saturday morning. Also, charges have been filed against a drunk driver who hit and killed a mother one day before her birthday in St. Louis Park. These incidents remind us of the importance of public safety and responsible behavior[1].

    This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 mins
  • "New Year, New Challenges: Job Losses, Real Estate, and Community Resilience in Minneapolis"
    Jan 4 2025
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for January 4, 2025.

    We're starting the new year with a mix of news and updates from around our city. First, let's talk about the job market. According to recent reports, Minnesota's job market lost momentum in the latter part of 2024, with a net loss of 1,000 jobs in October. This was largely due to losses in professional services and construction sectors, which were not offset by gains in retail and healthcare[2].

    Moving on to real estate, we have some notable updates. The former UnitedHealth HQ building has gone into receivership as the loan deadline looms for its owner. This significant commercial property development is something we'll be keeping an eye on[3].

    In city hall news, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey recently highlighted the city's progress in 2024, calling it a "historic" year. However, he also outlined concerns for 2025, including the potential impact of new laws and regulations[1].

    Weather-wise, it's going to be a chilly day today, with highs in the Twin Cities barely breaking 20 degrees. This cold snap is expected to continue, so make sure to bundle up if you're heading out[1].

    On the business front, we have some new openings to report. A highly nostalgic gaming spot has opened in St. Paul, offering a modern twist for gamers of all ages. Additionally, the Pizza Man in Columbia Heights is offering free rides, a nice gesture to start the new year[1].

    Looking ahead to community events, several Minnesota state parks will be part of an organized hike as part of a nationwide effort. This is a great opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy our beautiful parks[4].

    In local school news, Jack Taylor is returning to the court, coaching kids on the high school team he once played for. This is a wonderful story of giving back to the community[1].

    On a more serious note, our crime report includes a tragic incident where a drunk driver hit and killed a mother one day before her birthday in St. Louis Park. This is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of impaired driving[1].

    Finally, let's end with a feel-good story. Emily Roth, the president of the Minnesota Children of the American Revolution, chose to help homeless veterans as her state project. This is a wonderful example of community service and compassion[1].

    This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • Crimes, Jobs, and Community: Minneapolis Local Pulse - Jan 3, 2025
    Jan 3 2025
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for January 3, 2025.

    We're starting off the new year with some breaking news. Authorities in western Wisconsin are investigating the deaths of three people, including two juveniles, and are searching for a person of interest who is considered armed and dangerous[1]. Closer to home, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is touting the city's progress and outlining concerns for 2025, emphasizing significant strides made in the past year[1].

    In the job market, we're seeing a robust start to the year. Indeed.com lists over 1,500 job openings in Minneapolis, with positions ranging from customer service to registered nurses and inventory analysts[2]. Notably, a new pay transparency law went into effect on January 1, requiring employers with more than 30 employees to disclose salary ranges and benefits in job postings[5].

    Moving to real estate, while there are no major property sales or development updates to report today, we're keeping an eye on the market for any significant changes. Weekly median home prices and inventory levels remain steady, but we'll provide updates as new data becomes available.

    From City Hall, the Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara is addressing his force about a potential consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice, a development that could impact policing practices in the city[1].

    Weather-wise, it's going to be a chilly day with highs barely breaking 20 degrees in the Twin Cities. This cold snap might affect outdoor activities, but there are plenty of indoor events to enjoy. For instance, the Land O'Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show is happening at the St. Paul RiverCentre from January 2 to 5, offering a fun outing for families[4].

    In new business activity, a highly nostalgic gaming spot has opened in St. Paul, bringing a modern twist for gamers of all ages[1]. On the other hand, The 19 Bar, the oldest LGBTQ+ bar in Minnesota, was targeted by a burglar, highlighting the need for community support in rebuilding efforts[1].

    Looking ahead to community events, this weekend offers a variety of activities, including ice fishing and candlelight walks[4]. Local schools are back in session, and we'll be keeping an eye on any notable achievements or sports results.

    On a positive note, Emily Roth, president of the Minnesota Children of the American Revolution, has chosen to help homeless veterans as her state project, demonstrating the impact of community service[1].

    In today's crime report, a security guard at a downtown Minneapolis bar is in custody following a stabbing early Saturday morning[1]. Additionally, charges have been filed against a drunk driver who hit and killed a mother one day before her birthday in St. Louis Park[1].

    This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • New Year, New Laws: A Minneapolis Local Pulse Update
    Jan 1 2025
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for January 1, 2025. We're starting the new year with a look at some of the major developments in our city.

    First off, several new laws are taking effect today in Minnesota. These include protections for concert ticket buyers, salary ranges required in job postings, and additional rights for renters. One notable law caps the price of some life-saving prescription drugs, limiting insulin, asthma inhalers, and EpiPens to just $25 a month, and medical supplies to $50 a month for health plans regulated by the state[1][5].

    In employment news, employers with more than 30 employees in Minnesota must now disclose a salary range and a general description of benefits and other compensation in their job postings. This new pay transparency law aims to provide more clarity for job seekers. Additionally, a new provision of the Earned Sick and Safe Time law goes into effect, ensuring that employers who provide paid time off or other paid leave must comply with specific requirements[2].

    Moving to real estate, while there are no major updates on property sales or new development projects today, we do note that foreclosures are down in Minnesota, but mortgage scams are on the rise. The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office has issued a warning about an uptick in complaints from homeowners regarding mortgage-assistance frauds[4].

    From city hall, the Minneapolis city council recently discussed and passed the 2025 budget, which includes various initiatives to address aging infrastructure and other local needs[3].

    Looking at the weather, today is expected to be chilly, with temperatures in the mid-20s. This might impact outdoor activities and events, so be sure to check the latest forecasts before heading out.

    In new business activity, while there are no major openings or closings to report today, we do note that a company with clean energy ambitions in Minnesota has put its solar cell factory on hold ahead of a power shift in Washington[4].

    Upcoming community events include various New Year's celebrations across the city. Check local listings for more details.

    In local school achievements, we don't have any specific updates today, but we do note that a new law providing free school meals for students is now in effect, benefiting many families across the state[1].

    For a feel-good community story, residents in Tonka Bay are working together to find a solution after crews dug up soil sacred to the Dakota people during infrastructure repairs[4].

    In today's crime report, there are no significant incidents or public safety alerts from the past 24 hours to report.

    This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • New Year 2025: Drug Prices Cap, Wage Hike, and Local Updates in Minneapolis
    Jan 1 2025
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for January 1, 2025. We're starting the new year with a look at some of the major developments and updates in our city.

    First off, several new laws are taking effect today in Minnesota, including a cap on prescription drug prices. This means that for certain life-saving medications like insulin, asthma inhalers, and EpiPens, copays will be limited to $25 a month, and medical supplies to $50 a month. This change could help many families save thousands of dollars a year[1][5].

    In employment news, two new laws are also going into effect. Employers with more than 30 employees must now disclose salary ranges and benefits in job postings, and there are updates to the Earned Sick and Safe Time law. Additionally, the statewide minimum wage is increasing to $11.13 an hour, which will be a significant boost for many workers[2][5].

    Moving on to real estate, while there aren't any major property sales or development projects to report today, it's worth noting that foreclosures are down in Minnesota, but mortgage scams are on the rise. Homeowners are advised to be cautious of unsolicited mailings asking for up-front payments[4].

    From city hall, the Minneapolis city council recently discussed and passed the 2025 budget, which includes various allocations for infrastructure and community projects[3].

    Looking at the weather, today is expected to be chilly, so make sure to bundle up if you're planning on heading out. There are no significant weather alerts for today, but we'll keep you updated if anything changes.

    In business news, there are no major openings or closings to report today, but we do have some upcoming community events. Over the next few days, you can catch various New Year's celebrations around the city, including at the U.S. Bank Stadium.

    In local school achievements, Red Lake elementary students have been excelling in college-level Ojibwe language classes, which is a great story about preserving cultural heritage[4].

    On a more serious note, in our crime report, there was a recent incident involving a fight at a YMCA in Edina that left a teen with brain injuries. Police are investigating and seeking video footage of the incident[4].

    Finally, in a feel-good community story, a local dealer in Minnesota is collecting stories while selling snowmobiles, highlighting the resilience of the Arctic Cat brand[4].

    This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • Tech Boom, Junk Fee Ban, and Midwest Chef Honored in Minneapolis Update
    Dec 30 2024
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for December 30, 2024.

    We're starting with breaking news from the past few days. A teenager was shot outside the Minneapolis Police Department's Fourth Precinct. Police officers heard gunfire coming from outside the station and immediately responded. The incident is under investigation. Additionally, an 18-year-old man is facing a second-degree murder charge after a fatal shooting in Mankato on Saturday.

    Moving on to the job market, Minneapolis is experiencing a tech boom with a 12% job growth expected, creating over 15,000 new positions. Software developers are in high demand, with major companies like UnitedHealth and Target hiring. The average tech salary in Minneapolis is nearly $100,000, making it an attractive destination for tech careers[2].

    In real estate news, the Ninth District economy saw slight growth since the last report, with employment increasing slightly but labor demand softening. Residential real estate and commercial construction showed growth, while manufacturing and residential construction decreased. Agricultural conditions remained weak[4].

    From city hall, a new law taking effect on New Year's Day will eliminate so-called junk fees in Minnesota. This change aims to protect consumers from unnecessary charges.

    Weather-wise, it's been a year of extremes in Minnesota, with a warm winter, floods, and a drought. Today, we're expecting foggy and cloudy conditions to stay for most of the day, with high temperatures in the 30s.

    In business news, several Twin Cities restaurants are making changes in response to the new law. Jason Rantala has more on how these changes will affect dining experiences in the area.

    Looking ahead to community events, St. Paul Public Schools' Project REACH is collecting coats and blankets for children and families experiencing homelessness. You can donate at various locations across the city.

    In local sports, Jordan Ode, a standout senior on Maple Grove High School's girls' basketball team, is averaging 26 points a game this year and has already committed to a DI Big 10 college next year.

    For a feel-good story, Minneapolis Chef Christina Nguyen brought home high honors after being named Best Chef in the Midwest at the James Beard Awards. Her restaurant, Hai Hai, is a testament to her culinary excellence[5].

    In today's crime report, police are investigating the shooting outside the Fourth Precinct and the fatal shooting in Mankato. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is also searching for Breana Sandoval, who was last seen in Bemidji on December 13.

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