News | Southwest Connector

Katie Cashman (shown), Paula Chesley, Elizabeth Shaffer, and Corey Ryan Vest are running for the Ward 7 city council seat.

On Nov., 4, 2025, voters in Minneapolis will elect city council members for all 13 wards, three at-large park board commissioners, six district park board commissioners, two members of the board of … more

By Cam Gordon | 3/21/25

Pictured at left outside the Minneapolis VA Hospital, Rose said, “I know I can get another job, and that a lot of people have it worse than I do. But I am finding it hard to wrap my head around what’s happening right now.” (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

Federal job cuts hit home

Rose* is one of thousands of so called “faceless bureaucrats” losing their jobs as the federal workforce is reduced. The South Minneapolis resident explained, “I‘ve worked at … more

By Margie O’Loughlin | 3/21/25

Mark Wojahn directs “The Dance is Not Over: The Patrick Scully Story,” which will be shown at this year’s film festival.

Ang lee kicks off MSPIFF

Highlighting the 44th Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF) this year is a conversation with Ang Lee, the award-winning director of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” … more

By Jan Willms | 3/21/25

“I like to use the phrase ‘give the gift of warmth,’” said Barb Melom. “When people ask, is it OK if I knit a scarf instead of a hat, I tell them ‘give the gift of warmth.’ You just do a better job knitting things that you like.”

She gives the gift of warmth

When temperatures fell below zero one Sunday morning this past winter, Barb Melom had a thought. Her husband, a former social worker, had told her that many patients at Hennepin County Medical Center … more

By Allie Johnson | 3/21/25

‘Good Ancestors’ recognized by Elders Climate Action

The Twin Cities chapter of Elders Climate Action honored three local activists with its annual Good Ancestor award, recognizing their legacies of community-centered climate action. Elders Climate … more

By Vincent Kallstrom | 3/21/25

Rethinking I-94 debate renewed

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) continues to work on draft recommendations for the Rethinking I-94 project. After a long and contentious virtual meeting in January 2025 to discuss … more

By Jane McClure | 3/21/25

‘The Dance is Not Over: The Patrick Scully Story’

The most challenging part of making a movie about Patrick Scully was editing it down to 93 minutes, according to director Mark Wojahn. Scully is an internationally known dancer, choreographer, … more

By Jan Willms | 3/21/25

The students visiting from Kasugaoka High School in Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan met with Anthony Middle School students. “They were a big hit!,” said Southwest High School teacher Nathan Hamel. (Photo submitted)

Sister schools

During the school week, the students from Japan presented about Japanese culture and joined their host students to experience what school is like in America. On Thursday, the students from Kasugaoka … more

3/21/25

The burst water main flooded The Paperback Exchange, wrecking an estimated 70% of the stock and over 100,000 books, as most of the inventory was stored in the basement, which was fully submerged. Fundraisers are being held to help the businesses affected by the water main break.

Water main breaks at 50th and Penn

Crews from the City’s Public Works department have been working to restore vehicle and pedestrian access to the intersection of 50th Street and Penn Ave. following the Feb. 13, 2025 water main … more

3/21/25

City Briefs - Mar 2025

Traffic safety cameras The city plans to start a pilot traffic safety camera program this summer with five cameras that will help enforce speed limits laws. The city is conducting a survey in March … more

Briefs compiled by Cam Gordon | 3/21/25

Transit news - Mar 2025

Better transit coming in 2025 Metro Transit is implementing several major improvements this year, some of which will directly bless the Southwest Connector readership area. There are three waves of … more

By John Wilson | 3/21/25

11 AWARDS FOR TMC PUBLICATIONS

At the 158th annual Minnesota Newspaper Association Convention, TMC Publications earned 11 wards. Accepting them in person were (left to right) Tesha M. Christensen, Jan Willms and Terbuto Ochothow. … more

3/21/25

Tangletown resident Leah Sweet Slicker worked with both the Blaisdell YMCA and Burroughs Elementary School – where her children attended – to obtain new recycling containers with better signage. She also volunteered with the University of Minnesota’s Pack and Give Back program, which encourages students to donate rather than throw away unwanted items when they’re moving out at the end of the semester, helping to sort those items.

Community ambassadors advocate for recycling, composting

Have you ever been frustrated seeing recyclable or compostable items in the trash bin? Or maybe you yourself have hesitated over whether an item can be recycled or not. Those feelings are what led … more

By Allie Johnson | 3/21/25

In late 2024, staff and volunteers from the International Institute of Minnesota were part of a reunification at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport for the Muhamad and Mariam Ibrahim family. (Photo by Alexander Zoltai)

International Institute of Minnesota receives stop-work order

On Inauguration Day, incoming President Donald Trump signed an executive order that cancelled all refugee arrivals to the United States for at least 90 days. According to Micaela Schuneman, Senior … more

By Margie O’Loughlin | 3/21/25

A 'Peace of my Mind' lands in St. Paul

Photographer and storyteller John Noltner has settled into his new work space at 550 Vandalia Street, suite #170, in Hamline-Midway’s Creative Enterprise Zone. He shares the multi-use … more

By Margie O’Loughlin | 3/21/25

Washburn Girls Nordic Ski team earns state championship

The Washburn High School girls Nordic ski team are State champions for the first time in the school’s history. The team placed first at the Minnesota State High School League Nordic … more

3/19/25

Penn/50th intersection to reopen

The intersection at Penn and W. 50th St. is expected to reopen on Thursday, March 20. According to Ward 13 Council Member Linea Palmisano's office: Following the Feb. 13 water main break, crews … more

3/19/25

Former Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Ryback buying signs during the Minneapolis Craft Fair at Sunnyside Gardens in 2016. Credit: Photo by Jaime Chismar

As Trump’s second act begins, a Minnesota symbol of inclusivity takes a break

*This story was originally published by MinnPost. Shortly after the 2016 presidential election, rainbow lawn signs inscribed with a heart and the message “All Are Welcome Here” began … more

3/10/25

Xerxes Ave S sewer replacement

The city will repair damaged sections of sanitary and storm sewer located in the vicinity of Xerxes Ave South and West 54th Street. The project will replace 94 feet of sanitary pipe, 86 feet of storm … more

3/7/25

Hennepin County Sheriff's Office releases 2024 crime statistics

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is proud to release its 2024 crime statistics, marking another year in the agency’s ongoing commitment to public safety. From managing the … more

3/4/25