Minneapolis Archives - The Minnesota Sun

Minneapolis Mayor Convenes Workgroup After String of Downtown Closures

December 18, 2022December 17, 2022 Admin

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey convened a “Vibrant Downtown Storefronts Workgroup” this week following a string of recent high-profile closures.

“Cities that see the most success post-pandemic won’t cling to the old ways that are now changed forever,” Frey said in a press release. “Here in Minneapolis, we will step boldly into the future, guided by the top experts in our region, prepared to innovate and adapt. Minneapolis has always been a hub of commerce and innovation, and I am confident that this workgroup will help ensure we continue carrying that legacy forward.”

The City of Minneapolis Reaches $600,000 Settlement with BLM Protesters Who Sustained Injuries During the 2020 George Floyd Riots

December 5, 2022December 4, 2022 Admin

The city of Minneapolis has agreed to a settlement involving a dozen people who were allegedly injured during the protests and riots after the death of George Floyd in 2020.

In a Wednesday press release, the Minnesota chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) announced that Minneapolis will pay $600,000 to be split among the 12 plaintiffs, meaning they each will get $50,000. ACLU was one of three firms who banded together in a class action lawsuit on behalf of the demonstrators. The case stems from two separate lawsuits that were consolidated.

Minneapolis Public Schools to Face ‘Impending Fiscal Crisis’ in Five Years

December 4, 2022December 3, 2022 The Center Square

Minneapolis Public Schools is headed for an “impending fiscal crisis” within five years because of continued dropping enrollment, despite the federal government giving it $261 million in COVID relief.

Senior Financial Officer Ibrahima Diop said in a Nov. 29 memo to Interim Superintendent Rochelle Cox that the school “anticipates fully depleting the general fund balance during the 2024-25 school year, and quickly descending into statutory operating debt.”

Minneapolis to Award $600,000 to Rioters Who Sustained Injuries During 2020 Riots

December 3, 2022December 2, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

On Wednesday, a federal court gave approval to a plan by the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota to reward 12 Black Lives Matter rioters with a collective total of $600,000 over injuries they sustained during said riots.

The Daily Caller reports that the court’s decision settled a lawsuit originally filed by the far-left American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota (ACLU-MN) on behalf of the rioters, and subsequently forbids the city of Minneapolis from using force to suppress violent riots. The injunction by the Minnesota U.S. District Court also forces all Minneapolis police officers who are deployed to riots to wear body-cameras, and limits the police force’s use of chemical agents for dispelling riots.

Minneapolis Uses Election Software Company Accused of Storing Data in China

October 11, 2022October 10, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

The city of St. Paul is expanding its guaranteed basic income program that provides a monthly stipend to qualified families. Guaranteed basic income is one of several such programs going on in the city.

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said the city would expand the city’s initial GBI with another guaranteed income program that would give 333 low-income families $500 a month for two years. This program would be funded by $4 million from the American Rescue Plan and $1 million from private philanthropy.

Minneapolis Ranks as Best City Nationally for People with Disabilities

October 2, 2022October 1, 2022 The Center Square

While Minneapolis tops WalletHub’s ranking for best cities for people with disabilities, St. Paul comes in 14th.

WalletHub released its “2022’s Best & Worst Cities for People with Disabilities” report on Tuesday. In the report, WalletHub assessed physical and economic challenges of managing a disability by analyzing 34 indicators of disability-friendliness in 182 cities that related to three equally weighted categories: economy, “quality of life” and health care. WalletHub selected the 150 most populated U.S. cities and at least two of the most populated cities in each state.

Minneapolis Ranks as Best City Nationally for People with Disabilities

October 2, 2022 The Center Square

While Minneapolis tops WalletHub’s ranking for best cities for people with disabilities, St. Paul comes in 14th.

A Story of Betrayal: Former Minneapolis Police Officer Tells All

August 30, 2022August 29, 2022 Admin

Alpha News sat down with a former Minneapolis police officer for a candid conversation about the days after George Floyd’s death in 2020. She discussed the riots, the political messaging, and the decisions that were made in the days that followed.

Before Minneapolis, Los Angeles Schools Tried Race-Based Policies

August 21, 2022August 20, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

Following national coverage of the Minneapolis school district’s race-based employment policies, Liz Collin Reports hosted a retired Los Angeles teacher who saw the same thing happen in his district over 15 years ago.

Phil Pearson worked as a special-ed teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District, the largest district in California and second largest in the country, when a similar rule to move teachers based on race was put into place.

U.S. Attorney: Crime Epidemic ‘Far More Disturbing’ Than Numbers Show

August 20, 2022August 19, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota Andrew Luger headed a press conference on Friday to give updates on a joint violent crime strategy which has been in place in Minnesota and the Twin Cities since spring.

Luger said several arrests have recently been made of high-risk violent offenders, including a sweep that took place on Thursday in Minneapolis and St. Paul that netted five offenders and involved a specialized team of ATF agents.

Violent Crime in Minnesota Increased 21 Percent in 2021: Report

August 16, 2022August 16, 2022 The Center Square

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s 2021 Uniform Crime Report shows a 21.6% increase in violent crime in the state.

Local law enforcement agencies submit the crime summary data to meet state and federal reporting requirements. A BCA crime data tool explores crime trends.

Mayor Frey, Ilhan Omar Feud After Close Primary

August 13, 2022August 12, 2022 Admin

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat, had some harsh words for Rep. Ilhan Omar after she narrowly escaped defeat in a Tuesday primary against Frey’s preferred candidate.

Frey said the “massive” 20-point shift should send a message to Omar, who defeated Don Samuels by just two points. In 2020, Omar won the Fifth District’s Democratic primary by 20 points.

Minneapolis Mayor Frey ‘Loves’ Proposal to Fund Abortions with City Budget

July 29, 2022July 28, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

Two Minneapolis City Council members have joined forces with pro-choice organizations in an effort to push the city to pay for abortions.

Council Member Robin Wonsley said last week that she and Council Member Aisha Chughtai are launching “Fund Reproductive Care Minneapolis” with nonprofits Our Justice and Pro-Choice Minnesota to secure municipal funding for abortions.

Minneapolis Murder Suspect Should Have Been Sent to Prison Just Days Prior

July 22, 2022July 21, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

A multi-time felon now charged in the June shooting homicide of Taleen Tanna in Minneapolis had two recent convictions that should have put him in prison, including a gun crime.

Instead, Laundelle Jackson, 34, received stayed prison sentences from Minnesota judges, leaving him free, in the latest case, just days before Tanna’s murder.

Minneapolis Democrat Says July 4th Madness Captured the ‘Deterioration of Civility’

July 15, 2022July 14, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

The pool deck of a luxury apartment building at the foot of the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis served as a recording studio of sorts on the 4th of July as some residents captured the chaos below.

St. Paul Mayor Doubles Down and Expands Guaranteed Basic Income Payouts

July 10, 2022July 9, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

Although an evaluation of the initial guaranteed basic income pilot won’t be available until next year, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter announced last week he plans to distribute a second wave of $500 monthly cash payments to low-income families.

Mayor Jacob Frey announced Minneapolis will begin a similar guaranteed basic income pilot later this year.

‘Corrupt Politician’: Somalis Explain Why they Booed Ilhan Omar

July 9, 2022July 8, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

A large crowd gathered at the Target Center for a performance by a Somali artist booed Rep. Ilhan Omar Saturday night, prompting members of the Somali community in Minnesota to begin publicly calling on voters to remove her from office.

Omar represents Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, which has the highest concentration of Somali refugees in the U.S.

Ilhan Omar Booed by Crowd at Somali Concert in Minneapolis

July 5, 2022July 5, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

Rep. Ilhan Omar was booed Saturday night by a large crowd gathered at the Target Center for a performance by Somali artist Suldaan Seeraar.

The concert was reportedly scheduled to coincide with Somali Independence Day celebrations. It was Seeraar’s first concert in North America and Omar was apparently invited on stage to present him with an award.

“Don’t do this. Don’t do this. Don’t do this, please,” one man said into a microphone as the crowd began booing Omar.

Popular Instagram Page Captures Crimes Big and Small Near Minneapolis Light Rail Stop

June 30, 2022June 29, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

Dealing drugs, ditching stolen cars, and carrying stacks of stolen bikes — these bizarre and often illegal acts have played out on video near one south Minneapolis lawn all year.

Minnesota Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Minneapolis Police Staffing Lawsuit

June 12, 2022June 11, 2022 Admin

The Minnesota Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday in a lawsuit that claims the Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey violated the law by understaffing the city’s police department.

The lawsuit, filed by eight north side residents in 2020, outlines a city charter requirement which states in part that the council “must fund a police force of at least 0.0017 employees per resident, and provide for those employees’ compensation.”

‘Trans/Queer’ Minneapolis Preschool Teacher Experiences ‘Gender Euphoria Moments’ When Children Affirm Their Identity

May 26, 2022May 25, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

A Minneapolis preschool teacher who instructs three-year-olds describes themselves as “a bratty queer sl*t here to make other queer sl*ts happy,” generating waves of controversy online.

The teacher, Micha, goes by @lostmercreature and @queerhoneybear on TikTok where they post content about being an educator and their “trans/queer” sex life. Micha also posts about their hatred of capitalism and private schools — despite admitting they “work at a private Montessori school.”

Bar Praised for Trying to Revitalize Dangerous Downtown Minneapolis Reportedly Broken Into

May 18, 2022May 17, 2022 Admin

A bar praised for trying to challenge the public’s perception of downtown Minneapolis as dangerous was broken into, early Monday morning.

Ties Lounge & Rooftop is a recent startup that features four floors where people can congregate to drink and enjoy food. “We really want this place to be a place of healing for people, where people can come back and sit back and enjoy themselves and meet new people, network” one of Ties’s five original cofounders said in a March interview with Fox 9. MinnPost has also profiled the establishment, explaining that the founders “were driven to action by the murder of George Floyd,” taking over a space left vacant after the previous tenants were run out of business by “perceptions of crime.”

State of Minnesota, Minneapolis Reach Agreement to Address Low Police Staffing

May 6, 2022May 5, 2022 Cooper Moran

State leaders in Minnesota and the city of Minneapolis reached an agreement to send state police forces to assist with law enforcement staffing issues in the city.

The “joint powers agreements” will allow state forces to “provide high visibility patrol in agreed upon areas and during agreed upon times to help deter crime”

First Arrest Occurs in ‘Feeding Our Future’ Food Scam

April 26, 2022April 25, 2022 The Center Square

Federal authorities nabbed a man allegedly trying to flee the country after helping steal millions of dollars meant for child hunger programs.

Court documents say Mohamed Jama Ismail, 49, tried to flee the country after authorities revoked his passport in January after authorities raided more than 24 properties and seized more than $6 million from a business he co-founded named Empire Cuisine.

Minnesota Supreme Court to Take Up Minneapolis Police Staffing Case

April 22, 2022April 21, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

The Minnesota Supreme Court has granted a case review for eight Minneapolis residents appealing a lower court’s decision that argues the mayor of Minneapolis does not have a duty to employ police officers.

According to a news release from the Upper Midwest Law Center (UMLC), the legal group representing the eight residents, the Minnesota Supreme Court also granted a motion to expedite the appeal, and will therefore hear their case on Thursday, June 9.

‘Checkered Histories’: Minneapolis Renames School Named After Thomas Jefferson

April 15, 2022April 14, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

Minneapolis Public Schools approved Tuesday the name change of two schools in the district, a process that began in 2020.

Sheridan Dual Language Elementary and Jefferson Global Studies & Humanities Magnet School will have new names in July after receiving approval from the school board this week, according to a press release from MPS.

Miami Artist Set to Paint Mural Honoring Late Musician Prince in Minneapolis

April 12, 2022April 11, 2022 Kaitlin Housler

An artist from Miami has been selected to paint a 100-foot-long mural to be displayed in Minneapolis in order to honor the late musician Prince.

Minnesota Basketball Standout Runs for Congress to Bench Rep. Ilhan Omar

March 29, 2022March 28, 2022 Julie Carr

The Star News Network’s national political editor, Neil W. McCabe, sat down with world-renowned basketball player Royce White to discuss why he’s prepared to unseat Minnesota congresswoman incumbent Ilhan Omar and her globalist agenda.

McCabe: Royce White was world-renowned as a college basketball player and was regarded as one of the most talented men to play in the NBA. White told The Star News Network why now he is running for Congress against Ilhan Omar.

Minneapolis Council Member Wants to Consider a City ‘Without Police’

March 27, 2022March 26, 2022 Admin

A member of the Minneapolis City Council is seeking to imagine what a city “without police could look like.”

Robin Wonsley Worlobah, a Democratic Socialist with a PhD in “Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies” from the University of Minnesota, tweeted on Tuesday that she intended to introduce a motion to “create proposals” on a hypothetical Minneapolis Department of Public Safety with no police officers.

Minneapolis City Report Describes Leadership Failures During George Floyd Riots

March 10, 2022March 9, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

George Floyd protest in Minneapolis with "I can't breathe" cardboard sign

The Minneapolis City Council received an 86-page report Tuesday from independent auditors that offers the most in-depth look yet at the city’s failure to respond effectively to the George Floyd riots.

The highly-anticipated report, conducted by an outside firm called Hillard Heintze at the city’s request, devotes an entire section to “Leadership Issues.”

The report’s authors state that “minimal direction” came from Mayor Jacob Frey’s office and other city departments.

Minnesota School District Ends Mask Mandate for Children

February 17, 2022February 16, 2022 Cooper Moran

Wayzata Public Schools, located outside of Minneapolis, voted to end its mask mandates for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The district pointed to low coronavirus numbers, and 76 percent of their students have received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Minneapolis, St. Paul Lift Vaccine Mandates on Bars and Restaurants

February 11, 2022February 10, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

Minneapolis and St. Paul rescinded their vaccine-or-test mandates on bars and restaurants Thursday, effective immediately.

The cities cited a significant decrease in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. In Ramsey County, where St. Paul is located, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have dropped by 57.8% and 37.8% in the last seven days, respectively.

Protesters Gathered Outside Minneapolis Interim Police Chief’s Home

February 8, 2022February 7, 2022 Hayley Feland

Protesters gathered outside the home of Minneapolis’ interim police chief on Sunday night, following the death of Amir Locke last week. The activists said they were calling for Minneapolis Interim Chief Amelia Huffman, as well as Officer Mark Hanneman, and Mayor Jacob Frey, to resign.

Minnesota Democratic Politicians Respond to Death of Amir Locke

February 5, 2022February 8, 2022 Hayley Feland

Several Minnesota officials have responded to the death of Amir Locke at the hands of Minneapolis Police earlier this week. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said, “Amir Locke’s life mattered. He was only 22 years old and had his whole life ahead of him. His family and friends must now live the rest of their lives without him.”

Minneapolis Interim Chief of Police Notifies Local Activist About Officer Involved Shooting That Leaves African American Man Dead

February 3, 2022February 2, 2022 Hayley Feland

The Interim Chief of Police with the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) notified a local Black Lives Matter activist about an officer involved shooting that left an African American man dead on Wednesday morning.

Restaurant Database Says Seated Dining in Minneapolis Down 76 Percent Since 2019

January 28, 2022January 27, 2022 Hayley Feland

According to a restaurant database called Open Table, seated dining in Minneapolis is down 76% since 2019. As of Monday, January 23, the database said dining rates were only down 67%, but it dropped another 9% on Tuesday.

Seven Restaurants Join Lawsuit Against Minneapolis’ COVID Restrictions

January 25, 2022January 24, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

Woman organizing table contents in restaurant

Seven restaurants in Minneapolis have joined a lawsuit against Mayor Jacob Frey (D) over COVID-19 restrictions that they say are hurting their businesses.

The plaintiffs include Smack Shack, Sneaky Pete’s, Jimmy John’s, Bunkers Music Bar & Grill, The Gay 90’s, Wild Greg’s Saloon and Urban Forage, according to WCCO.

Newly Elected Minneapolis Council Member Makes Statement After Defending Homeless Encampment from Eviction

January 24, 2022January 23, 2022 Hayley Feland

A newly elected Minneapolis council member made a statement on Saturday after she defended a homeless encampment from eviction two weeks ago. Robin Wonsley-Worlobah, a Democratic Socialist, said that all pending evictions from Minneapolis homeless encampments need to be stopped. Wonsley-Worlobah was elected to the Minneapolis City Council in November.

Restaurant and Bar Owners Launch Lawsuit Against Minneapolis Mayor over COVID Vaccine Mandate

January 22, 2022January 21, 2022 Hayley Feland

Several Minneapolis restaurants initiated a lawsuit on Thursday against the mayor of Minneapolis over the COVID vaccine mandate that took effect last week. According to the complaint, the restaurants are seeking a judgement from the court that the emergency declaration requiring restaurant and bar owners to verify COVID vaccine status from Mayor Jacob Frey be considered null and void.

Minneapolis Bagel Shop Says ‘All Are Welcome Here’ After Closing Indoor Dining Due to COVID Vaccine Mandate

January 20, 2022January 19, 2022 Hayley Feland

A bagel shop in Minneapolis made the decision to close indoor dining on Wednesday due to the COVID vaccine mandate taking effect. Rise Bagel Co., an organic artisan bagelry located in the North Loop of Minneapolis, announced in social media posts on Tuesday that they made the “tough decision” to close their indoor dining, saying that “All are welcome here.”

Rochester Man Gets 10 Years for May 2020 Arson During the George Floyd Riots That Resulted in Man’s Death

January 17, 2022January 16, 2022 Hayley Feland

A Rochester man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the May 2020 arson of a pawn shop that led to the death of a man. According to court documents, on May 28, 2020, in the riots that followed the death of George Floyd, Montez Terriel Lee, along with other unnamed individuals, broke into the Max It Pawn Shop on East Lake Street in Minneapolis.

Republican Candidates Respond to St. Paul, Minneapolis Vaccine Mandate

January 16, 2022January 15, 2022 Hayley Feland

Several Republican candidates responded to the recently announced COVID vaccine mandates in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The mandates will go into effect on Wednesday, requiring restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and any other place of “public accommodation” where food or drink is served to only allow vaccinated patrons inside.

Minnesota Man Sentenced to over Two Years in Prison for 2020 Arson

January 12, 2022January 11, 2022 Hayley Feland

A Brooklyn Park man was sentenced to over two years in prison and over $30,000 restitution for his participation in the May 2020 riots and arson. According to the District of Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s Office, “Samuel Elliott Frey, 20, and co-defendant McKenzy Ann DeGidio Dunn, 21, joined other individuals who had gathered near the Great Health and Nutrition store located at 1360 University Avenue West, in St. Paul.”

Former Sheriff Slams Walz for ‘Apathetic’ Response to Record Homicides

January 11, 2022January 10, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

Former Sheriff Richard Stanek and Gov. Tom Wolf

In 1995, Minneapolis saw a record-setting 97 homicides. Operating by the strict definition of a homicide as an event where one person intentionally kills another, there were 97 homicides in the city last year.

The final homicide of 2021 occurred just hours before the new year as a 15-year-old boy was gunned down in north Minneapolis. No arrests have been made. The shooters are believed to have fired from a vehicle.

Some homicides, like the killing of Winston Smith in June, were justified and non-criminal. Technicalities aside, most share a concern about the high number of murders in 2021.

St. Paul and Minneapolis Mayors Reinstate Mask Mandate ‘When Distancing Cannot Be Maintained’

January 6, 2022January 5, 2022 Hayley Feland

St. Paul and Minneapolis mayors announced on Wednesday morning that they are reinstating mask mandates for city buildings and licensed businesses when social distancing cannot be maintained.

Economists: Minnesota’s Minimum Wage Increase Doesn’t Make Up for Rising Inflation

January 4, 2022January 3, 2022 The Center Square

Minnesota’s minimum wages increase 2.5% Jan. 1.

The increases are an adjustment for inflation.

Recovered Carjacked Vehicle Processing Backed Up Five to Six Weeks, Police Say

January 3, 2022January 2, 2022 Hayley Feland

The processing for recovered carjacked vehicles is backed up five to six weeks, the police say. Carjackings are happening across the Twin Cities, spilling out into the suburbs. In Golden Valley, Minnesota they experienced five carjackings in a span of 24 hours last weekend.

Amid Rising Crime, Twin Cities Boost Police Funding

December 19, 2021 The Center Square

With two 30-year veteran police chiefs retiring amid surging record violent crime, Minneapolis and St. Paul are increasing police funding.

Both cities have either surpassed their record homicide numbers or are single digits from it with 15 days left in 2021. The Pioneer Press reported a Dec. 2 fatal stabbing over a parking dispute pushed St. Paul to its record 35th homicide in one year.

Racial Justice Network Demand a Ban on High-Speed Chases by Law Enforcement

December 14, 2021December 13, 2021 Hayley Feland

The Racial Justice Network (RJN) called for a ban on high-speed chases by law enforcement. They released a statement following several cases of stolen cars being involved in chases in the Twin Cities. The statement references a fatal crash following five teenages stealing a vehicle and being pursued into Northeast Minneapolis from Robbinsdale.

Hundreds of Black Lives Matter Protesters Block Minneapolis Streets, Protesting Rittenhouse Verdict

November 21, 2021November 20, 2021 Hayley Feland

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota – Hundreds of Black Lives Matter protesters blocked some Minneapolis streets Saturday evening, protesting the verdict in the Kyle Rittenhouse case. The protest began at the Hennepin County Government Center, a 24-story skyscraper in the heart of Minneapolis, where many masked protesters gathered.