News | Southwest Connector

On Saturday, June 17 the Joyful Riders Club gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol before leaving for the DJ dance party ride at the Frogtown Fair.

Patrick Stephenson, a Minneapolis resident, peddled on his electric cargo bike from the Minnesota State Capitol, cheering as music blasted from DJ Eric on Saturday, June 17, 2023. The Joyful Riders … more

By Talia McWright | 8/1/23

A significant number of residents (259 comments) considered the recent public input process regarding two sites for the Third Precinct to be in authentic, according to the report issued by DeYoung Consulting Services. The precinct building remains vacant and fenced. Read prior articles at www.longfellownokomismessenger.com.

Police won’t move back into Lake and Minnehaha

Police won’t be moving back into the Third Precinct building at East Lake St. and Minnehaha Ave. that was set ablaze after the murder of George Floyd by Third Precinct officers. After … more

By Cam Gordon | 7/26/23

The three Muslim members of the Minnneapolis City Council were absent for the vote on rent stabilization as they were celebrating Eid al-Adha, a traditional Muslim holy day. (Let to right) Ward 10's Aisha Chughtai and Ward 6's Jamal Osman had authored the proposed ordinance; also absent was Ward 5's Jeremiah Ellison. All members of the city council are up for re-election in November 2023.

What’s next step for rent stabilization?

The Minneapolis city council voted in June to end the effort to get a rent stabilization proposal on the ballot this year. In narrow 5-4 vote, the council rejected sending an ordinance … more

By Cam Gordon | 7/26/23 | 1 comment

Talking healthy school lunches with U of M

All students in the state of Minnesota will get free breakfast and lunch starting this next school year. With more children now likely to eat two meals a day at school, many parents are … more

7/26/23

Lyndale Walkers recently on patrol include (left to right) Bryan Haskell, Luther Krueger, Shirley Ramsey-Montrose, Chris Nelms, Mary Trondson, Jeanne Wiener, and Cynthia Haskell. Read more inside.

Stepping towards safer streets

The Lyndale Walkers have been purposely walking along their neighborhood streets to discourage crime for the last 30 years. On Sunday, May 21, 2023, the Lyndale Walkers met at the home of … more

By Tesha M. Christensen & Terry Faust | 7/21/23

Chef J.D. Fratzke cooks on an open fire while camping as his wife, Lisa Anderson Fratzke, shields the meal with an umbrella. (Photos submitted)

Let’s clear the air

“Tis the Season,” I murmur to myself as the aroma of smoke from woodfired charcoal graces my nostrils. I begin to imagine platters piled high with dry-rubbed pork ribs released from the … more

By J.D. Fratzke | 7/21/23

A series of 50 native plant gardens along Nicollet Avenue provide food sources and nesting space for pollinators.

Nicollet Pollinator Pathway for Rusty Patched Bumble Bee

There’s a new pathway in southwest Minneapolis, but it’s not for people. The Nicollet Avenue Pollinator Pathway is a series of 50 native plant gardens along and around Nicollet … more

By Allie Johnson | 7/21/23

Motorists can’t cross Lyndale at 25th anymore, but pedestrians and bicyclists can use the median to pause while crossing. Last summer, the two lanes in either direction were changed to one lane in either direction with a center turning lane. The pilot project was deemed successful as crashes and injuries have been reduced.

Lyndale safer since 4-to-3 conversion

The reduction of traffic lanes on Lyndale Ave from 31st St. to Franklin Ave. has improved safety and will remain in place. Called the “4-3 Lane Pilot Project,” Hennepin … more

By Cam Gordon | 7/21/23

Cedar Lake and Lake of Isle park plan

The plan for Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles was approved by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) of Commissioners at its meeting on July 5, 2023. The Cedar-Isles Plan … more

7/21/23

ArtAble seeks to provide a sense of community and unity across all abilities through its programming. (Photo submitted)

Power of art brings community together

By Evan Vezmar ArtAble has had its fair share of changes during the pandemic. Founded in 2007 and running as a nonprofit since 2010, this organization functions as an art … more

By Evan Vezmar | 7/21/23

WACSO: Sonny’s ice cream

Sonny’s ice cream should absolutely be on every list of best patios in the city… and they serve wine. (Illustration by WACSO) more

7/21/23

Basanti Miller (she/her), Ed.M., is a Twin Cities writer, free-thinker, and arts educator. She is dedicated to amplifying historically silenced voices through artistic expression.

Creative, healing communities: An answer revealed at The Buffalo Show

Do creative, healing communities exist only in our dreams, or can they be realized? In early May, inside of the Bryant Lake Bowl Theater, an answer revealed itself to me at the Buffalo Show. It was … more

By Basanti Miller | 7/21/23

Scott Zosel (left) of Kingfield performs with Amy Finch on the keyboard during a show at Sociable CiderWerks.

Check out Scott Zosel’s latest album

So, I’m not an album reviewer. (As some of you know, I’m not really a reporter either, I just kind of... talk). When I heard that Kingfield resident Scott Zosel had another album coming … more

By Larry LaVercombe | 7/21/23

Excelsior resident Amy Sabatier says that she feels unwell if she goes too long without creating. It took her awhile to arrive at her career as a jewelry artist. (Photos submitted)

Travel inspires local jewelry artist

Tell me a little about who Amy Sabatier of Amy Sabatier Designs is… Let’s start with where you are from… Excelsio, Minn. Tell us about your career as jewelry designer… … more

By Suzie Marty | 7/21/23

Friends of Minnehaha park group forms

Richard Kronick (far right) discusses the seven flour mills that used to be located on Minnehaha Creek during a presentation on June 10, 2023 at Washburn Library. It was the first event … more

7/21/23

City briefs - July 20

Listening session on police The U.S. Department of Justice has issued the results of their investigation of the Minneapolis Police Department, and is now seeking community feedback on the … more

Briefs compiled by Cam Gordon | 7/21/23

Neighborhood news - July 20

GIVE INPUT ON KMART/NICOLLET PROJECT The project team has recently launched Phase II of engagement for the New Nicollet Redevelopment project (the former Kmart site). They are asking for … more

7/21/23

Dj Al Metro plays music during The Uprising krump battle on Saturday, June 10, at the Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center in Saint Paul.

The SOTA Movement

Simone Hall, aka Athena, had the crowd in an uproar. The audience surrounded her, cheering louder than the music Dj Al Metro was playing from the overhead speakers. The 20-year-old had just won both … more

By Talia McWright | 7/6/23

Through Ridwell’s pickup service, Minneapolis residents can recycle items that the city doesn’t pick up, such as plastic bags. (Photo submitted)

Ridwell Recycling subscription service gaining popularity

When it comes to curbside recycling in the city of Minneapolis, if it’s not paper, glass, metal, or a certain type of plastic, it has to go in the trash bin. But there’s a recycling … more

By Allie Johnson | 7/6/23

Collaboration aims to stop auto thefts

On June 14, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced a new initiative to address the surge in young people who are stealing cars. Youth auto-theft has been on the rise in … more

By Cam Gordon | 7/6/23