Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Mayor Frey touts city’s progress but also highlights concerns over new budget
MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says the city is wrapping up a “historic” year full of “significant progress,” and pointed to more affordable housing, public safety projects, more green space and proactive climate initiatives as proof of its achievements.
“I’m optimistic. I’m more optimistic than I’ve been before,” Frey said.
Frey is getting ready to seek a third term in 2025, but he spent much of Monday reflecting on 2024, looking back on what he calls progress and challenges. As in previous years, police recruitment remains a top priority.
“Recruitment and applications are up by 45%. And we are looking to capitalize on that going into next year,” said Frey.
As he did earlier this month, Frey talked about his disappointment that the nearly $2 billion budget passed by the Minneapolis City Council slashed officer recruitment funding.
“But we are still going to make it happen and I think in 2025, notwithstanding what happened at the city council, we are going to continue this trajectory of really bringing officers in,” said Frey.
Frey said he’s also concerned the new budget — and included cuts — could delay street repairs and projects in 2025. But the mayor says the city is making strides when it comes to affordable housing and even tourism.
“The city is coming back. You don’t need to take my word for it. Look at the objective numbers,” said Frey.
Frey said foot traffic has increased downtown, and the North Loop thrived in 2024 thanks to new restaurants, and the recent successes of sports teams like the Vikings, Timberwolves and Lynx.
“Has it changed? Of course it’s changed, the world changes. Cities change. They evolve. But we are changing with it and we are going to set the tone for others to follow,” said Frey. “I’m really optimistic for 2025. I feel a lot of potential coming.”
The scene of the crash at 26th Avenue North and Emerson Avenue North in Minneapolis. (FOX 9)
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A Minneapolis woman was sentenced for her role in a deadly crash that killed two women and injured two other people in December 2024.
READ MORE: Minneapolis woman charged in fatal high-speed crash faces additional charges
Woman sentenced in fatal Minneapolis crash
Big picture view:
Prosecutors say Teniki Steward drove a Buick Enclave into a bus shelter and a Ford Explorer after speeding through a red light.
Both of the women in the Ford Explorer died in the crash. They were identified as 53-year-old Ester Jean Fulks and 57-year-old Rose Elaine Reece.
During the crash, the Ford Explorer went off the road, injuring a 17-year-old boy who was waiting for a school bus.
The passenger in Steward’s vehicle also suffered injuries.
Minneapolis police said that Steward was also injured in the crash.
Steward pleaded guilty to multiple murder charges.
What they’re saying:
During the sentencing, the daughter of one of the victims had a statement read on her behalf:
“There’s nothing that can truly prepare you for the moment your entire world is taken from you. Losing my mom has left a pain in my heart that words will never be able to explain.”
What’s next:
Minnesota law requires that Steward serves at least two-thirds of her sentence, a bit under eight-and-a-half years, in prison.
Fatal Emerson and 26th crash
The backstory:
According to the criminal complaint, through surveillance videos from the scene of the crash and witnesses, investigators learned that Steward, driving the Buick Enclave, had been driving at a high rate of speed northbound on Emerson Avenue North.
Before the fatal crash, Steward sped through the intersection of Emerson Avenue North and Broadway Avenue North, running a red light and nearly causing a crash, the charges said.
Steward then continued to speed northbound down Emerson Avenue North, and ran another red light at 26th Avenue North, hitting the Ford Explorer, which was traveling eastbound, according to the complaint.
The Ford Explorer had been at the intersection of Emerson and 26th on a green light.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty shared the following statement:
“This was an egregious act that took Rose and Esther’s lives and injured a child waiting to go to school at a bus stop. Ms. Steward was driving at extremely dangerous speeds on city streets and narrowly avoided multiple collisions before the incident occurred. Third-degree murder charges are appropriate to hold her accountable and protect our community.”
The Source: This story uses information gathered from an Olmsted County court appearance and previous FOX 9 reporting.
A motorcyclist is dead after an early morning crash in Minneapolis Friday morning.
The Minnesota State Patrol said that at 1:20 a.m., a Suzuki Motorcycle going north on I-35W at Johnson Street hit the left side of the median guard rail.
The motorcycle continued north for about another quarter mile before coming to a rest on the right-hand side.
State Patrol said the rider came to rest on the left shoulder. He was later identified as 21-year-old Andrew James Neuberger.
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The Rochester Spartans boys volleyball team played its second game on consecutive nights. The Spartans beat Minneapolis Camden 3-0.
Rochester’s next game will be Tuesday, April 21, at St. Anthony Village at 7:00 p.m.
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