Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for December 8, 2024. We're starting off the week with a mix of news that affects our daily lives and community stories that inspire.
First off, let's talk about breaking news. Minneapolis police are investigating a shooting that left a man with life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred around 10:45 p.m. Monday on the 2600 block of Cedar Avenue South. Our thoughts are with the victim and his family as we await more information on this developing story.
Moving on to the job market, we have some updates to share. While there haven't been any major hiring announcements recently, we do know that the unemployment rate in St. Paul remained flat at 4.2% in January, inching down slightly from 4.3% in December 2023. However, it's worth noting that agribusiness giant Cargill is laying off thousands of its employees, which could have a ripple effect on our local economy.
In other business news, Under Pressure Brewing is making headlines for their creative approach to giving back. They're hosting jousting tournaments for charity, which is not only fun but also supports a good cause.
On the real estate front, we don't have any significant updates on commercial or residential property sales, but we do know that the Hotel Ivy is facing a lawsuit alleging they failed to protect teen girls who were sex trafficked by Lazzaro at his condo on the 19th floor. This is a serious issue that we'll continue to follow.
From city hall, we're keeping an eye on decisions that affect our daily lives. Recently, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and Minnesota OSHA fined a scuba diving weed removal company over $730,000 for violations that led to the death of an 18-year-old in May. This is a stark reminder of the importance of workplace safety.
Weather-wise, it's a chilly morning out there. Currently, it's cloudy with a feels-like temperature of 5 degrees and a wind speed of 16 mph WNW. If you're planning on heading out today, make sure to bundle up.
In new business activity, we're excited to see a first-of-its-kind treatment center aimed at helping those living with or at risk of HIV now open in Minneapolis. This is a significant development for our community's health and well-being.
Looking ahead to community events, we have a few things to highlight. The Union Gospel Mission is welcoming 10,000 families through their meal kit pick-up, helping to lighten the load for those in need this holiday season. Additionally, Nate Bargatze, one of the hottest stand-up comedians in the U.S., will make three stops each in Minnesota and Wisconsin next year on his "Big Dumb Eyes" tour.
In local school achievements, a Twin Cities high school hockey team hit the ice for the first time Friday night since losing a teammate to a long battle with cancer. Our hearts go out to the team and the family of Max Akerson.
On a lighter note, the Battis-Bohen bowl tradition is alive and well after 91 consecutive Thanksgivings. This is a heartwarming story of community and tradition that we love to see.
Finally, in today's crime report, we have a few incidents to mention. Authorities in the northwest metro are investigating a fire that killed one resident and caused the evacuation of multiple others Tuesday morning. Additionally, footage of the fatal 2021 shooting of Winston Boogie Smith by U.S. Marshals task force members in Minneapolis has been obtained by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension after years of trying to unlock a cellphone.
This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
