Southwest Voices
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Southwest Voices
@southwestvoices.bsky.social
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A hyperlocal print and digital news organization covering Southwest Minneapolis.
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The image below may look like apartments with a boring ol' roof. But that little brick jut out on the far right saved most of Metro Inn from burning down in an October 2024 fire. Agate Housing and Services reopened 15 apartments this week after a neighboring garage fire caused $900,000 in damage.
Agate's Metro Inn housing fully reopens after 2024 fire - Southwest Voices
Agate Housing and Services welcomed additional residents back to Metro Inn on Feb. 2 after a four-alarm fire damaged 15 of its 38 housing units in October 2024.
www.southwestvoices.news
February 5, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Reposted by Southwest Voices
minneapolismn.gov
The vehicle perimeter surrounding 26th St. W and Nicollet Ave has been lifted – roads are back open to traffic and National Guard assignments have ended.
Streets need to be clear for emergency vehicles to get through if needed.
Activity overnight was calm and peaceful.
minneapolismn.gov City of Minneapolis @minneapolismn.gov · 13d
We commend those demonstrating peacefully right now. To ensure the safety of residents, the City is putting in place a vehicle perimeter in the area surrounding the scene of today's fatal shooting by federal agents. The zone includes Franklin Ave to 28th St, 35W to Pillsbury Ave
January 25, 2026 at 3:53 PM
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The Lyndale Neighborhood Association is hosting an outdoor gathering Sunday Jan. 24 at Painter Park from 3:30-5 p.m. Alex Pretti lived in the Lyndale neighborhood.
Text reads: Lyndale Neighborhood Association is calling all Lyndale neighbors to an outdoor gathering at Painter Park tomorrow, Sunday January 25, from 3:30-5 PM in recognition of yet another death at the hand of ICE, this time of Lyndale neighbor Alex Pretti. The goal of Sunday’s gathering is to build connections between neighbors within our neighborhood and determine how we can all better support each other during this trying time of the occupation of our City by federal agents. We ask that only neighbors from Lyndale attend this gathering. We will have a fire pit to warm yourself by, please bring a warm beverage if you want one, an ID or other proof of residence, and your phones to get connected to each other, and join us as you are able in the allotted time frame.
January 25, 2026 at 4:32 PM
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Lyndale resident Alex Pretti was killed by an ICE agent today on Nicollet Avenue near 26th Street. People have been gathering at the location of the shooting all day in subzero temperatures.
ICE observer Alex Pretti, 37, killed by ICE agent on Eat Street - Southwest Voices
An ICE agent shot and killed Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti, 37, around 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 24 along Nicollet Avenue just south of 26th Street. Videos of the incident show the ICE agent shooting &hel...
www.southwestvoices.news
January 25, 2026 at 3:33 AM
Reposted by Southwest Voices
minneapolismn.gov
Minneapolis residents for your awareness Twin Cities law enforcement is assisting the Minneapolis
Police Department to respond to 911 calls in the city.
Twin Cities law enforcement is assisting the Minneapolis Police Department to respond to 911 calls in the city.
January 25, 2026 at 12:36 AM
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Parks system shutting down today, Saturday Jan. 24, at 5 p.m.
Text reads: Warming houses and permitted events closed or canceled at 5 pm today, Saturday, Jan. 24 All MPRB buildings will close at their standard time of 5 pm, today Saturday, Jan. 24. All MPRB ice rink warming houses will close at 5 pm today. Any permitted events after 5 pm today will be rescheduled. This excludes activities at Parade Ice Garden, Northeast Ice Arena and the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships at Lake Nokomis. This decision was made to prioritize the safety of MPRB staff and the Minneapolis community.
January 24, 2026 at 10:49 PM
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The City of Minneapolis has requested the Minnesota National Guard to help "reinforce local law enforcement resources in Minneapolis."

The City is also asking demonstrators at 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue to clear the area for public safety.

The memo was sent at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24.
Vehicle Perimeter Near Shooting Scene In addition, in the interest of public safety, MPD will temporarily implement a vehicle perimeter near the scene of this morning's shooting. Except for residential traffic, vehicles will not be allowed to enter the area between Franklin Ave. and 28th Street from Pillsbury Ave. to 35W. The Minnesota National Guard will assist MPD in implementing this vehicle perimeter and will also assist at additional posts. We are asking everyone who is currently gathering in the area to leave to ensure public safety. If City officials see materials being collected for barricades or fires, those materials will be removed, and any fires will be distinguished. Text reads: City requests Minnesota National Guard to help with staffing after second fatal shooting by federal agents in less than a month City resources provide guidance for mental health and other community assistance Jan. 24, 2026 (Minneapolis) – At the recommendation of the Minneapolis Police Chief and out of an abundance of caution, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey formally made a request to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for the Minnesota National Guard to help reinforce local law enforcement resources in Minneapolis. Local law enforcement resources are stretched thin because of the disruption to public safety caused by thousands of federal immigration agents in neighborhoods. Minnesota Guard personnel will be available to help local police and emergency personnel protect community safety around the area near 26th Street and Nicollet Ave., the location of a fatal shooting of a Minneapolis resident by federal agents this morning – and at other posts as needed. Text reads: Minnesota Guard members will wear neon reflective vests to help distinguish them from other agencies in similar uniforms and will always remain in close contact and proximity to Minneapolis Police officers whom they are supporting. To be clear, the Minnesota Guard deployment comes at the request of local officials. The federal government has no involvement in their activities. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office has also announced it is requesting the Minnesota Guard to activate to the B.H. Whipple Federal Building where it needs additional officers to help fill shifts.
January 24, 2026 at 10:12 PM
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Added nuance that will be updated in our story shortly: The Park Board voted on the resolution with an amendment that gave Superintendent Bangoura the power to close the Parks system on Friday (today) and he chose to not close the parks. Full resolution and amendments below:
Text reads: Resolution declaring that the Minneapolis Park and Recreation System is closed, except for essential services, on January 23, 2026 Whereas, The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is steward of the Minneapolis Parks; Whereas, Recent actions by the federal agents undermined community trust and sense of safety; Whereas, The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”), through US Homeland Security Investigations (“HIS”) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”), has sent an unprecedented number of agents into Minnesota which has had the effect of alarming the citizens and residents of Minneapolis as well as MPRB staff and park users; Whereas, In support of efforts to raise awareness to the situation through an “ICE out of Minnesota” day on January 23, 2026; and Whereas, In anticipation of enhanced federal activity on Friday, January 23, 2026; RESOLVED, That the Board of Commissioners declares that the Minneapolis Park and Recreation system is closed on January 23, 2026, expect for essential services; RESOLVED, That staff are directed to use available leaves, floating holidays or unpaid leave for work hours on that day; and RESOLVED, That the President of the Board and Secretary to the Board are authorized to take all necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution. Text reads: AS AMENDED by Commissioner Dan Englehart Resolved, that the Board of Commissioners declares that the Minneapolis Park and Recreation System considers closing except for essential services as defined further via CER and other applicable bodies on January 23rd, 2026. Resolved, that staff are able to use available leaves, floating holidays or unpaid leave for work hours on that day Resolved, that the President of the Board and Secretary to the Board are authorized to take all necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution. Text reads: AS AMENDED by Commissioner Dan Englehart Resolved that the Board of Commissioners authorize the Superintendent to consider closing Park Board operations except for essential services as defined further in consultation with the chair of the Committee on Employee Relations on January 23, 2026.
January 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM
southwestvoices.bsky.social
An update to our newsletter reporting this morning: Park & Rec Board Superintendent Al Bangoura decided to keep the Parks system open on Friday after the Park & Rec Board voted 5-4 to close on Jan. 23 in line with a city-wide strike and economic blackout.
Parks remain open Friday despite Park Board voting them closed - Southwest Voices
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Superintendent Al Bangoura has decided to keep the Minneapolis Parks system open on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, after the Park Board voted to close the system at …
www.southwestvoices.news
January 22, 2026 at 10:11 PM
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Meet Pam Christian, a neighbor who looks out for everyone on her block. Being a good neighbor to Pam means “being observant, not turning away from things you don’t want to see.”
Pam sees the people that others ignore
This Lyndale neighbor cares for all of her community
www.southwestvoices.news
January 6, 2026 at 6:04 PM
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The Minneapolis Park & Rec Board met on Friday night, ahead of today's inauguration, and quickly voted on and announced leadership and committee assignments. We have them all here for you:
Newly-elected Minneapolis Park Board reps included in leadership
A shake-up in the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board leaves four incumbents, five newcomers.
www.southwestvoices.news
January 5, 2026 at 12:42 PM
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Forever chemicals are in Minnesota products and lakes. A new law in effect this year will get PFAS out of products, but there are still fish consumption advisories out for Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet. Written by Willow Overcash, a student at Blake School.
PFAS are deadly and produced right here in Minnesota
These forever chemicals have found their way into our chain of lakes.
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December 23, 2025 at 3:53 PM
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Are boy cats left-handed? Do crystals make a different sound than rocks when they fall? These questions and more were answered at the Windom School Science Fair with the help of the Southwest High Robotics Team.
Students test their own STEM questions at the Windom Science Fair
The Southwest High School Robotics Team mentored 3rd through 5th graders on original science projects.
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December 19, 2025 at 3:43 PM
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Dreamstate Cafe brings the plant-based cafe vibe of Reverie to the former Common Roots space at Lyndale and 26th. It's open 8 a.m.-11 p.m. "from coffee to cocktails."
Dreamstate brings Reverie owners back to Southwest
The all-day plant-based cafe is designed for the Whittier neighborhood, bought from the former Common Roots owner
www.southwestvoices.news
December 16, 2025 at 3:25 PM
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New restaurant opening news: Saturday Dumpling Co. opened this weekend in the former Café Cerés space at 54th and Penn. They are closed until Wednesday, then open at 8 a.m. for breakfast.
December 1, 2025 at 5:51 PM
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How Southwest voted in the 2025 Minneapolis election:
Big Spending, Big Turnout in Minneapolis' 2025 Election
New city councilmembers were elected in Wards 7, 8, and 11 with incumbents returning in Wards 10 and 13.
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November 21, 2025 at 8:09 PM
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The Lakefield Apartments at 550 W. Lake St. include 15 family-sized units, helping add to much needed affordable housing. "In 2024, the city of Minneapolis green-lit zero multifamily projects larger than 20 units," Brian Martucci reports.
Lakefield Apartments is a hopeful sign for new affordable housing in Southwest Minneapolis
The third building in the Lupe Development Partners LynLake campus is complete
www.southwestvoices.news
November 7, 2025 at 4:58 PM
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Cam Gordon catches us up on the proposed 2026 City Budget and what budget priorities the Southwest councilmembers have. The next public hearing for the budget is Nov. 19
City budget enters last laps
The Board of Estimate and Taxation raised the maximum property tax levy to 8% in September.
www.southwestvoices.news
November 6, 2025 at 6:32 PM
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A big announcement from our team – Southwest Voices and the Southwest Connector are joining forces to create one publication covering Southwest Minneapolis across print and digital platforms.

www.southwestvoices.news/posts/one-pa...
One Paper For Southwest Minneapolis: Connector and Voices Merge
The area's print and digital publications join forces to create a new and improved Southwest Voices
www.southwestvoices.news
October 17, 2025 at 6:30 PM
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Gun safety organizing accelerates in Minneapolis following the Annunciation shooting. www.southwestvoices.news/posts/gun-le...
Gun safety organizing accelerates in Minneapolis following the Annunciation shooting
Annunciation parents, elected officials, and concerned residents met Sept. 25 to share stories and learn about Minnesota’s political landscape.
www.southwestvoices.news
October 5, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Reposted by Southwest Voices
metrotransitmn.bsky.social
Let's keep the conversation going! Join General Manager Lesley Kandaras and Chief Operating Officer Brian Funk tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 6:30–8:30a at Lake St./Midtown Station for a Listening Session. Full schedule at www.metrotransit.org/listening-se...
September 2, 2025 at 5:15 PM
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Kingfield's Center for Performing Arts is celebrating its 30th birthday on Saturday with a festival featuring gospel, jazz, soul, R&B, music from Angola, Guinea, Japan, and more. www.southwestvoices.news/posts/center-for-performing-arts-celebrates-30-years-with-a-vibrant-fall-festival-in-kingfield
Center for Performing Arts Celebrates 30 Years with a Vibrant Fall Festival in Kingfield
Here's a rundown of what you can expect on Saturday, September 6th
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September 2, 2025 at 5:18 PM
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After the first responders come the second responders.

Here are the stories of the keyboardists, blood donors, mental health therapists, community councils, artists, rabbis, and more that sprung into action after the Annunciation shooting.

www.southwestvoices.news/posts/after-...
After collective rupture, a neighborhood grieves and rebuilds
A look at some of the “second responders” offering community care after tragedy
www.southwestvoices.news
September 2, 2025 at 1:19 AM
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A Southwest Minneapolis-based author, Lindsay Dahl, has published a book about the fight to rid our homes of toxic chemicals.

We published an excerpt here: www.southwestvoices.news/posts/the-fi...
The Fight Against Toxic Chemicals In Your Household
An excerpt from Southwest Minneapolis author Lindsay Dahl's new book.
www.southwestvoices.news
August 19, 2025 at 2:04 PM
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When will the Uptown Cub reopen? Nobody wants to say. www.southwestvoices.news/posts/when-w...
When Will The Uptown Cub Reopen?
Cub, one of the neighborhood's budget grocers, closed two months ago. Updates since then have been scarce.
www.southwestvoices.news
August 19, 2025 at 1:45 PM