Your trusted source for local Minneapolis, MN news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
A significant snow emergency is set to impact the Snow region in Belarus on March 13, 2025, with preparations underway to manage travel and safety. Residents and travelers are advised to stay informed about weather conditions and follow local guidance to navigate the challenging winter landscape.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is terminating two pandemic-era programs, resulting in an estimated loss of $18 million in federal funding for Minnesota schools, child care centers, and food banks. The cuts, part of the Trump administration's efforts to reduce federal spending, threaten access to nutritious meals for millions of children and support local agricultural markets. Advocates warn that these changes could exacerbate food insecurity for families already struggling with rising costs.
The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis, a historic institution founded in 1907, is facing imminent closure due to financial difficulties, as stated by board president Lois Carlson. The club is seeking a major donor to avoid shutting down by the end of May, jeopardizing its diverse programs and community events.
Minneapolis educators protested potential cuts to special education funding outside a school district board meeting, fearing the impact on vulnerable students and the loss of at least 100 special education assistants. The district faces a $75 million budget shortfall, despite announcing an increase in special education funding for the upcoming school year. The final budget is set to be approved on June 10.
The City of Minneapolis has partnered with StoryCorps Studios to launch "Minneapolis Your Story," an initiative aimed at archiving community-centered narratives focused on racial healing and equity. This project encourages residents to share their personal experiences, fostering empathy and understanding while addressing the city's history of racial discrimination. The initiative culminates in a community listening session to amplify these voices and inform ongoing racial equity efforts.
University of Minnesota faculty members are expressing concerns over a new Board of Regents resolution that limits who can make official public statements on behalf of the university, potentially infringing on academic freedom. More than 400 academics have signed a petition urging the board to retract the resolution, which has sparked protests and discussions about free speech on campus. The updated resolution allows for some statements with presidential approval, but critics argue it still places excessive power in the hands of the university's president.
Eight businesses have filed a lawsuit against Minneapolis, claiming that the city failed to maintain law and order in the George Floyd Square area, leading to significant economic damage. The lawsuit, which seeks $49 million in damages, alleges that the city allowed crime and violence to flourish after Floyd's death, disproportionately affecting Black-owned businesses. The city has responded with a motion to dismiss the case.
Emily Koski, representing Ward 11 on the Minneapolis City Council, will host an event on April 11, 2025, at City Hall to engage with constituents and address local issues. This event highlights the council's commitment to community involvement and transparency in governance. Attendees can expect to discuss pressing concerns impacting Minneapolis residents.
Sheila Potocnik, Minnesota's renowned cold-case consultant, assists grieving families in seeking justice for their loved ones, often uncovering overlooked evidence in unsolved cases. With over 2,000 unsolved homicides in Minnesota, her work offers a vital lifeline to those suffering from loss and ambiguity. Potocnik's personal experience with tragedy fuels her commitment to uncovering the truth behind these heartbreaking stories.
A St. Cloud State University student has been identified as a "person of interest" in the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student last seen in the Dominican Republic. While not a suspect, this student may have been the last to see Konanki, who went missing on March 6 during a vacation with friends. The investigation involves multiple agencies, including the FBI and the Loudon County Sheriff's Office.