News | Southwest Connector

'Nightwatchers:' New mystery novel by local author Vincent Wyckoff coming in September

Catch former Nokomis mail carrier Vincent Wyckoff talking about his new book during a virtual interview on Saturday, Sept. 19, noon to 1 p.m. It is hosted by Once Upon a Crime. Signed … more

By JILL BOOGREN | 8/28/20

How are seniors adjusting to COVID-19 pandemic?

Tanya Welch of Hiawatha Suites Senior Living Seniors at Hiawatha Suites Senior Living, 4140 Dight Ave. S., watched as Irish dancers … more

By CHLOE PETER | 8/28/20

Lola’s Superpower: Book by Nokomis resident features resilience of girl who loses a leg – echoing her own life after amputation at age six

Leslie Pitt’s life changed forever on the first day of summer vacation when she was six years old. After playing with her best friend, she hopped onto her bike for a short ride but … more

By Elena Vaughn | 8/28/20

Violent labor protest rocks South Minneapolis in the 1930s

On the Midtown Greenway at 27th Ave., a foliage-clad structure known as the Ivy Building was caught up in the violent protests that swept through the East Lake corridor following George … more

By Iric Nathanson | 8/28/20

Inspector discusses state of policing in Third Precinct

Inspector Sean McGinty has been coordinating the operation of the Minneapolis Third Precinct since August 2019. It has been a year filled with events he could never possibly have imagined. … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 8/28/20

‘Reverend, you can lean on me’

When Lake St. burned, Father Joe Gillespie gathered each night with others at the Church of St. Albert the Great in Longfellow. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)[/caption] Father … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 7/29/20

1,000 MILES

Terry Willis completes march from Alabama to George Floyd Square Terry Willis, at center wearing a white and black bandana, is surrounded by throngs of supporters and media as he walks the last block … more

JILL BOOGREN | 7/29/20

Why is city excluding neighborhood residents?

Patricia Torres Ray, Minnesota Senator 63 Melanie Majors, Longfellow Community Council Executive Director Why is the city leaving Longfellow residents and businesses out of its plans for … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 7/29/20

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: Just what is it?

SLRJ volunteers and staff: (left to right) Lisa Dejoras, Deb Reierson,Michele Braley, Rebecca Miller, Aaron Powell, Marisa Helms, and Juan Sosa. Michele Braley has been wrestling with the issue of … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 7/29/20

You don’t have to leave to seek help

Local and national staff, along with Carmen Yulín Cruz (mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico), and Teresa Rodriguez, from Univision, who served as the emcee of Casa de Esperanza’s 35th Anniversary … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 7/29/20

Backyard conversations

Inspector Amelia Huffman commands the Fifth Precinct in South Minneapolis. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)[/caption] The Fifth Police Precinct is the nearest precinct building to the Longfellow … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 7/29/20

Tips to prevent activist burnout

Paul Johnson encourages people to build in times for rest, self-care and exercise throughout the day. Consider blocking those times off on your calendar. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)[/caption] … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 7/29/20

Remember to care for the trees

Lend a hand and water boulevard trees. (Photo by Margie O'Loughlin) By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN This spring, 9,400 boulevard trees were planted in the city of Minneapolis. According to … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 7/29/20

Community healing mural is first to go up at George Floyd Memorial site on Chicago and 38th Ave.

When artist and community activist Christopheraaron Deanes heard about George Floyd’s death, he went right to 38th St. and Chicago Ave. – but he didn’t show up empty handed. He came … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 6/30/20

Voices of an uprising

Holding space at George Floyd Memorial site "Come. Bear witness," says Roosevelt High School teacher Marcia Howard. (Photo by Jill Boogren) In the weeks following the brutal killing of George … more

By JILL BOOGREN | 6/27/20

‘We’re not going to go on with our lives the way things were before’

Nokomis resident Laurie Meyers protests at Minnehaha and Nokomis. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen) Stefanie Beniek is driven to be a visual reminder every Monday night from 5-7 p.m. at Minnehaha … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 6/27/20

Art heals the soul

When artist and community activist Christopheraaron … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 6/27/20

ABOLISH THE POLICE: Local residents talk about why they support movement

Smoke billows from E. Lake St. and Minnehaha the morning after a night of fire. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen) Editor’s note: In an effort to support a conversation about a current … more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN | 6/27/20

‘This is it. We’ve had enough.’

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN Kayleen Kabba, a student at South High School. (Photo by Margie O'Loughlin) Kayleen Kabba will be going into 10th grade at South High School in the fall; if there is … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 6/27/20

‘It looked like just another killing of a black man in America’

Dre Vann Dre Vann started coming to Brackett Park in the Longfellow neighborhood when his gym closed in March. He and his friends use the Depression-Era concrete picnic tables … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 6/27/20