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Minnesota’s plans for the Northern Lights Express rail project face uncertainty as congressional Republicans seek to eliminate federal funding. Local leaders express concerns about budget cuts, emphasizing that the project aims to enhance transportation and reduce emissions.
Sherman Townsend, wrongfully imprisoned for 10 years, received a pardon for a crime he did not commit. The Minnesota Board of Pardons unanimously agreed to remove the burglary charge from his record, following changes in state legislation that streamlined the pardon process. Townsend's case highlights the increasing number of pardons granted in Minnesota, which aims to address past injustices.
Hennepin County's hybrid work policy allows employees to work in person only 12 days a year, a standard criticized as too lax compared to Ramsey County's requirement of twice a week. County Administrator David Hough asserts that employees typically come into the office more often, but he acknowledges the policy hasn’t been officially updated since its creation three years ago. The discussion highlights the ongoing adjustments in workplace norms post-pandemic.
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk launched an Islamophobic attack on Minneapolis mayoral candidate Omar Fateh, prompting local politicians, including Mayor Jacob Frey, to defend Fateh. Both Fateh and Frey condemned Kirk's remarks, emphasizing Minneapolis's commitment to diversity and progressive values.
Fritz Faus, a 62-year-old retiree, raised three orphaned mallard ducks in a storefront window in Minneapolis after they approached him seeking their mother. On July 15, 2025, Faus and his daughters released the ducks at Lake Harriet, where they swam away to join other ducks. Faus plans to return to the lake often, bringing minnows as a treat for his former pets.
Minneapolis will install five speed cameras at high-traffic intersections to combat reckless driving, with the program set to begin in September. The city aims to reduce speeding incidents, which have been linked to numerous injuries and fatalities. Drivers will receive warnings for the first month, followed by fines starting in October.
The closing of Palmer's Bar, a local fixture for 119 years, reflects significant changes in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, which is shifting towards a more multicultural identity. The space will be repurposed by Dar Al-Hijrah mosque for educational and community services. As traditional music venues fade, the area sees a rise in establishments catering to its growing African and Muslim populations.
The family of Andrew Tekle Sundberg, who was fatally shot by Minneapolis police during a standoff, is suing the city for failing to send mental health crisis personnel despite his known psychological issues. The lawsuit alleges violations of civil rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and seeks over $100,000 in damages.
Target's new mandate requiring employees to return to the office three days a week in September signals a broader trend of white-collar workers returning to downtown Minneapolis. This resurgence follows a steady increase in parking occupancy, now over 75% of pre-pandemic levels, suggesting a revitalization of the area. Local business owners express optimism as more workers return, increasing foot traffic and economic activity.
Minneapolis police lieutenant Robert Berry earned nearly $500,000 in 2024, largely due to record overtime expenses totaling $28 million. The police department has struggled with staffing shortages following the unrest after George Floyd's murder, leading to policy violations among some officers regarding overtime claims. Police Chief Brian O'Hara has initiated an investigation and implemented stricter oversight on overtime approvals.