News | Southwest Connector

Then and now: J.D. Fratzke. “While I won’t deny that all of those nights behind a stove helped me discover what I was capable of, what I could work through and persevere, what I wanted more than anything has never changed: As often as I’m able, I simply want to savor the life I share with those I love the most,” he said. (Photos submitted)

For most of my 30-year career as a professional (I use the term loosely) chef, it was a rare occasion for my wife, Lisa, and I to attend a social function together. Both of us worked in restaurants … more

By J.D. Fratzke, Savoring the 612 | 11/30/23

Southwest Connector launches 'Let's Connect,' a new community speaker series

Minneapolis is filled with great local people doing great things in the world. The Southwest Connector will showcase them with "Let's Connect," a new community speakers series. Every month, the … more

11/27/23

City budget: Southwest residents weigh in

There is still time to comment on the city of Minneapolis 2024 budget before it is approved in early December. Council members will be drafting amendments this month, and their last chance … more

By Cam Gordon | 11/16/23

KingDemetrius Pendleton (left) brought in the artwork of Nedahness Rose Greene to Listen 2 Us Studio at 38th and Chicago. On display is a selection of images – Black men standing together in George Floyd Square, the headstones at Say Their Names Cemetery, a crowd during a rally – taken nearby. “To have my work that I’ve done here, it’s powerful. Because it happened here, and to be showcasing it right here, it means a lot,” Greene said.

At GFS:

Through the end of November 2023, visitors can view the photography of Nedahness Rose Greene alongside KingDemetrius Pendleton’s work at his new place, Listen 2 Us Studio (3730 Chicago Ave.). … more

By Jill Boogren | 11/16/23

Election results in Southwest Minneapolis

The Southwest area will see few changes in city council representation following the Nov. 7, 2023 election results where all 13 Minneapolis City Council seats were on the ballot. All the incumbents … more

By Cam Gordon | 11/16/23

Performers from Yirií Dance Studio, Evolución Latina Dance Company and Keri Simonson Dance celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with a flash mob showcasing Salsa and Bachata dancing in the streets.

Flash Mob

More than a dozen dancers took their show on the road, literally, Oct. 8, 2023, by bringing a flashmob to Open Streets Lyndale. In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, performers … more

By Jill Boogren | 11/2/23

Pavilion reopens after four years

“Oct. 20, 2023 is when Minneapolis changed in a different way. We’re never going back,” said chef Tomme Beevas of Pimento on the Lake, the new restaurant inside the rebuilt Bde Maka … more

By Tesha M. Christensen | 11/2/23

Protestors support the closure of the HERC garbage incinerator in downtown Minneapolis.

HERC to be closed

The Hennepin County Board has set a time frame to end operations at the downtown garbage incinerator. With unanimous agreement on Oct. 24 2023, they directed staff to provide them with a closure plan … more

By Cam Gordon | 11/2/23

Mayor Jacob Frey has asked council members to approve building a new structure at the city-owned site at 2600 Minnehaha to house the police from the 3rd precinct. (Photo submitted)

City looking again at 2600 Minnehaha for police station

Attention has refocused on the city-owned lot at 2600 Minnehaha Ave. as the future workplace for the police assigned to the southside’s 3rd Precinct. On Oct. 17, 2023, after being … more

By Cam Gordon | 10/25/23

Dani's daughter sent her teddy bear with her mom on Oct. 2, 2023. “I couldn’t stop thinking about how my daughter would take the news that her mom wasn’t coming home for a month,” said Dani.

Domestic abuse victim jailed

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a Minnesota judge ordered a victim to jail for not forcing her daughter to see her father. Dani* was ordered to serve 30 days in jail on Oct. 2, 2023 or … more

By Tesha M. Christensen | 10/19/23

“Here’s to the next 48 years,” said South Lyndale Liquor owner Dan Campo as his two children, the future of the family-owned business, cut the ribbon at their new 35,000-square-foot building at 5516 South Lyndale Ave. on Oct. 4, 2023. Left to right: Kate, Roman (age 9), Sydney (age 15) and Dan Campo.

South Lyndale Liquor triples size

South Lyndale is home for Dan Campo. Born at Colfax and 33rd, he’s running the business his parents, Joe and Maryann started in 1975. On Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, that family business, South … more

By Tesha M. Christensen | 10/19/23

As the city prepares to tear down the old Kmart building, it considers how to reconnect Nicollet Ave. Over 500 residents attended an open house on Oct. 10, and 1,200 people responded to a survey by Oct. 12.

What do people think?

The long process of reopening Nicollet Ave. at Lake St. took another step forward this month. City planners released design concepts for the public areas planned for the 10-acre site where a surface … more

By Cam Gordon | 10/19/23

Nature play

“At Lake Harriet Lower Elementary, we believe that learning extends beyond the classroom walls,” said Lake Harriet Lower Elementary Principal Angie Ness. “Our new outdoor learning … more

10/5/23

(Left to right) Kim Millard, Chara Blanch, Ward 2 Council member Robin Wonsley, Stacey Gurian-Sherman, Michelle Gross of Communities United Against Police Brutality, Dave Bicking and Ward 5 Council member Jeremiah Ellison.

Will new police contract include citizen-driven changes?

The long-awaited and public negotiations between the city of Minneapolis and the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis formally began on Sept. 6, 2023. Three sets of contract amendments have been … more

By Cam Gordon | 10/5/23

The Theodore Wirth Park wildflower garden offers cooling areas to combat urban heat islands.

Urban forests could help mitigate extreme heat

As one of the hottest summers on record in Minnesota – and the United States – recently came to a close, a new study has shed some light on a way for urban communities like Minneapolis to … more

By Allie Johnson | 10/5/23

Thi Synavone works as the executive director at Standpoint. (Photo submitted)

FROM THEIR STANDPOINT

Thi Synavone came to the U.S. in 1979 as a Laotian refugee. After living in many states, her family settled in Minnesota in 1988. Synavone said that growing up, domestic and sexual violence was never … more

By Talia Mcwright | 9/28/23

Four ward 13 candidates face off

The four city council candidates running in Ward 13 shared their viewpoints in a forum on Sept. 6, 2023 at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church. Attending were Linea Palmisano, Kate Mortenson, Zach Metzger, … more

By Cam Gordon | 9/21/23

Katie Bradley (left) and Norm Muñoz (middle) perform in the “Kung Fu Zombies Saga: Shaman Warrior & Cannibals” at the Luminary Arts Center. A two-part show, it tells the story of Akha and Lao women faced with challenges that force them to connect with their cultural experiences.

Theater mu reclaims genres for Asian artists in Minnesota

As a child, Saymoukda Vongsay wrote herself into stories of Little House on the Prairie, Sweet Valley High and The Babysitters Club, as a side character. In middle and high school, she was a known … more

By Talia McWright | 9/21/23

Little Mekong through eyes of artist Katie Ka Vang

Community members smiled as they tasted different dishes and snacks from local businesses of the Little Mekong cultural district on University Avenue on Sunday, July 2, 2023. The event was artist … more

By Talia McWright | 9/21/23

Volunteers are key to pulling together the annual Woofstock event in Linden Hills. The energy they put into the community event helps it run smoothly.

Positive energy meets canine energy

I think about energy a lot. I wonder: How much energy does it take to bark!? I mean, it kind of looks like it would take a lot of energy, if I were to suddenly yell that loud and urgently. . . I … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 9/21/23