News | Southwest Connector

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

During design for a mural at the Lake Harriet trolley tunnel, Jacqui Rosenbush researched water quality control. She included lily pads and cattails in her mural after discovering the large role they play in filtering water.

Parks for all

Kao Lee Thao and Ash Kubesh spent 66 hours over 10 days painting two new murals that represent Thao’s Hmong heritage at Boom Island Park. The artwork is part of the Minneapolis Parks and … more

By Talia McWright | 9/9/23

Real-life stories of social justice

On Sept. 14, the Minneapolis Interview Project and Hennepin History Museum (2303 3rd Ave. S.) will present an evening of real-life stories about social justice at the Capri Theater (2207 West … more

By Jill Boogren | 8/30/23

‘Change isn’t cheap’ says Mayor Frey

On Aug. 15, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey presented his proposed 2024 budget to the city council for consideration. The formal process for what many consider the year’s most important council … more

By Cam Gordon | 8/30/23

Drawing in the moment

Anita White, age 70, “draws in the moment.” Anywhere, any time, the artist has blank sheets of paper, a pencil and sometimes even watercolor paint ready to capture the moments of daily … more

By Talia McWright | 8/1/23

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.

Biking with purpose

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

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

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

Scott Dibble of Minneapolis is one of 14 queer legislators serving in Minnesota.

How love won: 10 years later

It has been 10 years since the Marriage Equality Law passed in Minnesota – a history-making and life-changing event for many people. In celebration of Pride month, MSP Film Society … more

By Jan Willms | 6/21/23

Washburn Racing Drone Team member Alex Pasdo maneuvers his eight-centimeter-wide Tiny Whoops drone through a course after school, learning skills he can apply to real-world jobs.

Learning stem on the fly

Teens at Washburn High School are learning STEM on the fly. At their after school meet-ups for the Tiny Whoops drone team, they are learning programming for robotics, electronics, aerodynamics, and … more

By Tesha M. Christensen | 6/14/23

E line will link southwest to 6 other BRT routes

The Metropolitan Council is finalizing design plans for their new E Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line this summer. With construction planned to begin next spring and service starting in 2025, the focus … more

By Cam Gordon | 6/14/23

RISE & REMEMBER

Embracing the community-centered theme “Ubuntu,” a term from South Africa that loosely means “I am because we are,” family, friends and supporters gathered May 25-27, 2023 for … more

By Jill Boogren | 6/14/23