• "Homelessness, Gophers Hoops, and a Booming Tech Scene: Minneapolis Local Pulse"
    Jan 10 2025
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Friday, January 10, 2025. We're starting off the day with some breaking news from the past few days in our city. Fire crews battled a massive blaze at a homeless encampment in Minneapolis on Monday, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing homelessness in our community.

    In sports news, the Gophers men's basketball team had a thrilling game against Ohio State, unfortunately losing 89-88 in double overtime at Williams Arena. This brings their overall record to 8-7 and 0-4 in Big Ten play.

    Moving on to the job market, Minneapolis is thriving as a tech hub. The tech sector is expected to grow by 20% this year, driven by key employers like Bright Health. There are over 211,000 open tech positions in the city, with a particular demand for experts in cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI, and full-stack development. Companies are seeking professionals who can protect their digital assets, and local colleges are stepping up to meet this demand with programs in AI, machine learning, and cloud computing. The average salaries in these fields are impressive, ranging from $90,000 to $130,000 annually.

    In real estate news, we don't have any major updates today, but we'll keep an eye on the market for you. The city's unemployment rate is sitting at just 2.7%, showing the strength of our job market.

    From city hall, the council recently went into a closed session to discuss a consent decree, a legally binding agreement to reform policing. This is an important step towards addressing public safety concerns in our community.

    Weather-wise, winter is making a return to our city. If you're planning to enjoy the outdoors this weekend, make sure to bundle up. There are plenty of events to look forward to, including the Minnesota Ice Festival at Vikings Lake in Eagan, the Taylor Swift Party at Shakopee Brewhall, and the Sandstone Ice Climbing Festival at Robinson Quarry Ice Park.

    In new business activity, we don't have any major openings or closings to report today. However, the tech startup scene is booming, with companies like Bright Health and Branch leading the charge.

    Looking ahead to community events, this weekend is packed with activities. The ISOC Snocross Nationals are happening at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, and there are plenty of opportunities to try ice climbing, stargazing, or exploring ice structures.

    In local school achievements, we don't have any specific updates today, but we're always proud of our students' accomplishments. In sports, the Gophers' loss to Ohio State was a close one, and we're looking forward to their next game.

    In a feel-good community story, the Shakopee Brewhall is hosting its Taylor Swift Party for the second year, offering a family-friendly event with music, coloring contests, and more.

    Finally, in today's crime report, nearly half of the Minnesotans charged in the Capitol riot investigation have either been found guilty or pleaded guilty. This is a significant development in addressing public safety concerns.

    This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 mins
  • Coldest Day in Years, New Police Hires, and Tragic Incident in New Orleans - Minneapolis Local Pulse for January 8, 2025
    Jan 8 2025
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Wednesday, January 8, 2025. We're starting the day with some breaking news from the past few days. The Minneapolis Police Department welcomed its largest group of new hires in five years on Tuesday, marking a significant development in our city's law enforcement efforts[1].

    In other news, a tragic incident occurred in New Orleans on New Year's Eve, where a vehicle ran into a crowd on Bourbon Street, resulting in ten deaths and thirty injuries. While this incident didn't happen in Minneapolis, it's a reminder of the importance of public safety, especially during celebrations.

    Moving on to our job market snapshot, a new law that went into effect on January 1 requires employers with thirty or more employees to include starting salary ranges and a general description of benefits in job postings. This change aims to promote pay transparency and will impact many local employers[2].

    In city hall news, the Minneapolis city council recently discussed and passed the 2025 budget, which includes various initiatives to support our community's growth and development[3].

    Looking at the weather, we're expecting colder air to move into Minnesota, with highs in the Twin Cities barely breaking twenty degrees today. This will certainly impact outdoor activities and events, so make sure to bundle up if you're planning to venture out.

    On the business front, a new, highly nostalgic spot in St. Paul has opened, offering 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, highlighting the need for community support during its rebuilding efforts.

    In community news, Emily Roth, the president of the Minnesota Children of the American Revolution, has chosen to help homeless veterans as her state project, demonstrating the compassion and dedication of our local youth.

    In sports, the Gophers men's basketball team lost to Ohio State 89-88 in double overtime Monday night at Williams Arena, falling to 8-7 overall and 0-4 in Big Ten play[5].

    Lastly, in our crime report, charges have been filed against a drunk driver who hit and killed a mother one day before her birthday in St. Louis Park. This tragic incident underscores the importance of safe driving practices and the devastating consequences of distracted driving.

    This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    3 mins
  • Minneapolis Local Pulse: Police Reform, Pay Transparency, and Community Updates
    Jan 6 2025
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Monday, January 6, 2025. We're starting the week with some significant updates from around our city.

    First off, let's talk about a major development from the past few days. Minneapolis has reached a tentative deal with the Department of Justice on a consent decree aimed at reforming the police department's use of force. This comes after the police murder of George Floyd, and it's a crucial step towards improving public safety and trust in our law enforcement.

    Moving on to the job market, there's an important update for employers and job seekers alike. As of January 1, 2025, employers with 30 or more employees in Minnesota are required to include salary ranges and a general description of benefits in job postings. This new law aims to promote pay transparency and help both employers and applicants make more informed decisions.

    In other news, the Minnesota House of Representatives is holding a remote hearing today for the Working Group on Common Interest Communities and Homeowners Associations. This meeting will cover various topics, including public testimony and presentations from experts like Daniel Lightfoot from the League of Minnesota Cities.

    Now, let's take a look at the real estate pulse. While there aren't any major property sales or new development projects to report today, it's worth noting that the weekly median home prices and inventory levels remain stable. However, we'll keep an eye on any significant zoning changes or property developments that might impact our community.

    From city hall, there are no major updates that directly affect daily life, but we'll continue to monitor any decisions that might impact our residents.

    Weather-wise, it's a chilly start to the week, but we're expecting a relatively calm day with no major disruptions to activities and events. Looking ahead, the forecast suggests a mix of sun and clouds, so make sure to bundle up if you're planning to be outdoors.

    In terms of new business activity, there are no major openings or closings to report today. However, we're always excited to see new ventures pop up around our city, and we'll be sure to keep you updated on any significant changes.

    For upcoming community events, there's a lot to look forward to in the next few days. While we don't have any specific events to highlight today, we encourage you to check out local listings for concerts, exhibitions, and other activities that might interest you.

    On the sports front, we don't have any major updates today, but we're always proud to see our local teams and athletes achieving great things.

    In a feel-good community story, we'd like to mention the ongoing efforts of local volunteers who are working tirelessly to improve our parks and green spaces. Their dedication to making our city a better place is truly inspiring.

    Finally, let's take a look at today's crime report. Fortunately, there are no significant incidents or public safety alerts to report from the past 24 hours. Our law enforcement agencies continue to work hard to keep our community safe, and we appreciate their efforts.

    This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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    4 mins
  • Minneapolis Police Reform, Job Market Ups and Downs, and Community Events - Minneapolis Local Pulse for January 6, 2025
    Jan 6 2025
    Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Monday, January 6, 2025. We're starting the week with some significant news from our city. Just a few days ago, Minneapolis reached a tentative deal with the Department of Justice on a consent decree aimed at reforming the police department's use of force, following the police murder of George Floyd[4]. This development marks a crucial step towards addressing community concerns and improving public safety.

    Moving on to the job market, we've seen a mixed picture recently. While Minnesota gained about 33,000 payroll jobs this year, an increase of 1.1%, the growth rate lags behind the national increase of 1.5%. In October, the state lost jobs in areas such as professional and business services and construction, but hourly wages have seen a slight increase over the year, outpacing inflation[5].

    In real estate news, there are no major commercial or residential property sales to report today, but we're keeping an eye on new development projects and construction updates. For those interested in buying or selling homes, weekly median home prices and inventory levels remain steady, though specific numbers are not available at this time.

    At city hall, today marks an important day for discussions on common interest communities and homeowners associations. The Working Group on Common Interest Communities and Homeowners Associations is holding a remote hearing, featuring presentations and public testimony[1].

    Weather-wise, it's a chilly start to the week, but we're expecting a relatively calm day ahead. No severe weather alerts have been issued, so it's a good day to get out and enjoy the city.

    In new business activity, we don't have any major openings or closings to report today, but we're always on the lookout for changes in our local business landscape.

    Looking ahead to community events, there are several activities planned for the next few days, including cultural festivals and community gatherings. We'll provide more details as these events approach.

    On the local school front, we're proud to see our students achieving in various fields, from academics to sports. We'll highlight some of these achievements in our upcoming broadcasts.

    For today's crime report, there have been no significant incidents or public safety alerts in the past 24 hours. We're grateful for the continued efforts of our law enforcement agencies in keeping our community safe.

    Finally, on a lighter note, for music lovers, a new countdown series is starting today, featuring the top 40 songs by The Tragically Hip as voted by fans[3].

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