Southwest Connector

Good morning, my name is J Randolph and I am the Director of Neighborhood and Organizational Development at the Phillips West Neighborhood Organization. PWNO stands in solidarity with our neighbors at the Longfellow Community Council and request that the resolution put forward by LCC be honored and adopted by the City of Minneapolis. The issue of the 3rd precinct is not an isolated one. The systemic racism identified by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights will continue to thrive if our neighbors are ignored and denied their right to representational governance. Our communities have expressed their distrust of the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department and are demanding to be heard and included in the decision making process; we believe that that is the minimum our communities are owed and we will fight for community autonomy and self-determination until we are heard and the demands are met. Thank you.

Citizen go to city hall, ask that their voices be accounted for

Longfellow Community Council (LCC) and community partners hosted a press conference in the City Hall Rotunda on Tuesday, May 16 at 10 a.m. to stand together against the current engagement process and … more

5/21/23

Politicians from Minneapolis and St. Paul throw shovels full of dirt as they celebrate the ground-breaking of a new Bus Rapid Transit Line that will connect the two cities. The B Line is expected to be operational in 2024. Work will primarily be done east of Hiawatha Ave. this year, and to the west next year. The new line will mostly replace the busiest bus line in Minneapolis, the 21. View photo gallery at www.swConnector.com. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

B Line: ‘Living-your-life-in-the-city line’

Lake Street will be torn up over the next two summers to create the new 12.6-mile Bus Rapid Transit B Line. The majority of construction along this line will be done east of Hiawatha this year, and … more

By Tesha M. Christensen | 5/17/23

Enchanted by the Mississippi

The research for Thomas Becknell’s recent book, “Enchantments of the Mississippi,” began years before he actually wrote the book. “At the outset, I must have read at least a … more

By Jan Willms | 5/17/23

Strong start to gathering community input on Kmart site

The plan to reopen Nicollet Ave at Lake Street is slowly moving forward. Demolition of the buildings on the former Kmart site is scheduled next year with street construction aimed for 2025. This … more

By Cam Gordon | 5/17/23

2017 photo from “Immigrant Journey Project” at Theater Mu. (Photo submitted)

Theater Mu celebrates AAPI heritage month

In 1992, Theater Mu was founded in St. Paul to tell stories from the heart of the Asian American experience, and now, we are in the middle of celebrating our 30th anniversary season. Four world … more

By Lianna Matt Mclernon | 5/17/23

Comedians improvise during Dino Jam on Thursday, May 4, 2023. Dino Jam on Thursday nights at HUGE IMPROV is led by a team of hosts who rotate: Matt Axelson, Julietta Benson (left), John Gebretatose, Eric Heiberg, Mahmoud Hakima, and Seniz Lennes. It is one of many weekly and special events at the southwest Minneapolis theater.

HUGE Improv expands to new location up street

HUGE Improv Theater is excited to announce that it is moving from its original home at 3037 Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis, up the street to a larger space at 2728 Lyndale. The Twin Cities Improv … more

5/17/23

Intimate shows at 318 Cafe

Shows are small and intimate at the 318 Cafe (318 Water St., Excelsior) - and that’s just how co-owner Matt Muller wants it. He and Suzie Reed of Bloomington purchased the cafe from Kate and … more

By Tesha M. Christensen | 5/17/23

Two southwest Minneapolis residents perform in the ensemble of “The Prom,” showing at Chanhassen Dinner Theater through June 10. (Photos submitted)

ARMATAGE ACTORS

Two Armatage residents are wrapping up a run in “The Prom” at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater, and looking ahead to “Jersey Boys.” Spouses Tony Vierling and Michael Gruber … more

By Tesha M. Christensen | 5/17/23

Max Kile graduated from Edina High School and now resides in Minneapolis.

Meet Max Kile

For the first time, “An American Tail” is being brought to stage, and the world premier is in southwest Minneapolis at the Children’s Theatre Company. The 1986 animated musical … more

By Tesha M. Christensen | 5/17/23

WACSO: Man’s best friend…

Man’s best friend…or is it best friend’s man? (Illustration by WACSO) more

5/17/23

Together Suzie Marty (left) and Kelly Wagner organize the Art on the Edge art and metaphysical festival in down Linden Hill. Summer 2023 will mark the second festival.

Be curious and attend Art on the Edge July 22

Have you ever met someone and wondered, “Why are we suppose to meet?” Does it make you wonder as to why your paths have crossed? Are you curious if you had met at in a different time and … more

By Suzie Marty | 5/17/23

Michele Rae, RPh, MA, NBC-HWC is the founder of The Center Within, LLC and author of “Living From the Center Within: Co-Creating Who You Are Becoming.” She provides holistic coaching designed to accelerate and support personal, professional, and organizational transformation.

Spring is alive with healthy choices

My mother died of metastatic breast cancer two months after her 62nd birthday. I celebrated my 62nd birthday earlier this month. My reflections and emotions are all over the place. She had a double … more

By Michele Rae | 5/17/23

These four have served as Ward 7 council members. Left to right: John Bergford, Barbara Carlson, Lisa Goodman, Lee Munich, and Pat Scott.

Former ward 7 council member, school board member Pat Scott dies

Former Ward 7 Council Member and school board member Pat Scott died April 29, 2023 at age 86. “I wanted to start off this newsletter to offer a few thoughts on the passing of a devoted public … more

5/17/23

City Briefs - May 18

Anthony Middle School addition Plans have been approved for the Anthony Middle School, at 5757 Irving Ave. S., for a new 3,352-square-foot entry and stair addition to meet Minneapolis Public … more

5/17/23

Neighborhood News - May 18

PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA SHOW MAY 20 On Saturday, May 20, the Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra, the United States’ first orchestra organized to represent and support the queer and allied … more

5/17/23

Facing the audience, Ward 8 Faith in Minnesota team leader John Saxhaug (right) moderates a forum with Ward 8 city council candidates Soren Stevenson (left) and Andrea Jenkins (center). The forum was held at St. Peter’s AME Church (401 E. 41st St.) on April 25, 2023.

Ward 8 candidates: where they stand

Dozens of neighbors attended a Ward 8 city council candidate forum at St. Peter’s AME Church on April 25, 2023. Candidates included Andrea Jenkins, the current City Council president; and Soren … more

By Jill Boogren | 5/5/23

Aaron Issacs, chairman of the board of the Minnesota Streetcar Museum, stands in front of car No. 322, stored and repaired in the historic car barn. See inside this building during Doors Open Minneapolis on May 13-14. More at trolleyride.org.

Moving museum

The Minnesota Streetcar Museum’s fleet of historic streetcars returned to the rails in Linden Hills last month, giving people of all ages the chance to ride on a little piece of Minneapolis … more

By Allie Johnson | 5/5/23

Minneapolis spends $5.5-$7.5 million closing encampments since 2020

After public disagreements about how to manage tent communities last October, the Minneapolis City Council took up the issue again in April 2023. During a nearly three-hour long meeting, they … more

By Cam Gordon | 5/5/23

April showers bring May flowers, and May flowers bring in the bees. This bee is feasting on creeping Charlie. (Photo submitted)

No mow May helps pollinators

Stumbling over bicycles and skateboards in the back of the garage, your fall is broken by the lawn mower handle. Wrestling your new turf terrorizer out of its winter hold, a vague memory forms of the … more

By Russ Henry | 5/5/23

WACSO: Duck hunting, Lake Harriet style

Duck hunting, Lake Harriet style. (Illustration by WACSO) more

5/5/23