Minneapolis, MN
An Insider's Guide on Where to Eat, Stay and Play in Minneapolis – EBONY
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, to get through this thing called life.” If you aren’t familiar, these are some of the most famous lyrics from Minneapolis legend and entertainer Prince. The Minnesota city not only birthed him, but it has also worked to position itself as a destination that travelers of all interests want to visit.
I recently visited for a few days to get a firsthand look at all of the area’s hotspots, and now I want to put you on so that you are well equipped when you decide to pop in for yourself. While I certainly will not gloss over the fact that it was the place in which George Floyd ultimately lost his life, what I can say from my experience, is that the city—and local entrepreneurs and businesses—are working to ensure that the “Twin City” is a more inclusive and inviting place for visitors of all races.
From Black-owned business and must-try restaurants to a newish Four Seasons Hotel, here’s how you can explore Minneapolis like a true insider.
Where to stay
By now you’ve likely heard the viral social media sound asking the young child if they want to go to the Four Seasons in Orlando. Well, lucky for me, Minneapolis opened a property just two summers ago and it is absolutely gorgeous. Located in downtown, and within walking distance of just about everything you’ll need, the Four Seasons Minneapolis has all the upscale amenities you dream of, including: a full-service spa, rooftop pool and bar, multiple dining options and each room has plush robes and slippers waiting for you.
Upon my arrival, I was greeted with a cold glass of champagne before being escorted to my king room on the 26th floor. With a view of what felt like the entire city, I spent lots of time just taking in the views. Additionally there’s a complimentary house car on property that will take you anywhere within a 3-mile radius and there are bikes available for guests who want to explore on two wheels. On most weekends, you can catch a rooftop yoga session or other workout classes taught by locals.
Beyond the Four Seasons, there are tons of other hotels and boutiques within the area, so it just boils down to your personal preference.
Best places to eat
I was pleasantly surprised at the number of Black-owned eateries within walking distance from my hotel. For my morning caffeine fix, I walked across the street to check out Mocha Momma’s Coffee on the bottom level of the Minneapolis Central Library. With a mission statement of “mentoring urban youth with coffee so the community thrives,” I knew that I was in the right place. I went with an iced lavender oat milk latte—my usual order almost anywhere—and it hit the spot. On one of the morning when I needed a full service breakfast, I set out on foot to Breakfast Bar of Minnesota for the Southern staples I’m used to. Fried salmon croquettes, cheese grits, eggs and biscuits filled my belly before I started a very long day.
If you don’t mind going a little farther in the city, Houston White’s The Get Down Coffee Co. is a whole vibe in itself.
For lunch, I stayed at the hotel and went to the rooftop to check out Riva Terrance where I ordered the panzanella salad topped with skirt steak. Other must-try spots are: Butcher & The Boar for the smoked short rib and eggs for brunch (Pro Tip: ask for the jalapeño cheddar biscuit instead of tortillas), Borough for its fork-tender pork belly at dinner, Soul Bowl in Graze: Provisions + Libation and, in the spirit of something sweet, check out Edwards Dessert Kitchen—all in the North Loop neighborhood. While there, pop in to Cobble Social House (also Black-owned) for a few lights bites and a nightcap from its rotational cocktail menu.
Where to play
While I was technically in Minneapolis to cover the 2024 U.S. Gymnastics Olympic Team trials, I still had ample time to visit some of the city’s hotspots. If you’re like me and love to peruse local boutiques and shops, you’ll love North Loop. A few standout spots for me were: Queen Anna House of Fashion (Black-owned), D. NOLO (also Black-owned) and Martin Patrick, which although it’s geared toward men, I loved browsing the coffee table book selection as well as home decor.
Of course, you’re in The Purple One’s hometown, so it’s only right that you pay homage to him while there. If time permits or you’re able to snag a ticket for your dates, I highly suggest taking the trip to Paisley Park. If not, you can opt to swing by his larger-than-life mural near the interaction of N. 5th Street and Washington Ave. Or, as you’re heading back home, you can patron the official Prince store in the Delta terminal of Minneapolis’ airport.
For the artsy folks, the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District neighborhood hosts Open Saturdays from noon until 4p on, you guessed it, Saturdays. Typically in warmer months, you’ll be able to browse dozens of local art studios.
Minneapolis, MN
Man killed over Louie Vuitton bag, suspect was on bond for suspected carjacking, charges say
Minneapolis police are investigating a homicide on Feb. 24, 2026. (FOX 9)
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A man is dead after a witness said he refused to give up a Louis Vuitton bag while being robbed by multiple men at gunpoint.
Abdirahman Khayre Khayre, 20, is charged with second-degree murder and first-degree robbery for the incident that happened on the evening of Feb. 24 in Minneapolis.
READ MORE: Man fatally shot in south Minneapolis apartment building
Fatal Minneapolis shooting after robbery
The set-up:
Minneapolis police responded around 10:42 p.m. on Feb. 24 at the Abbott Apartments, located on the 100 block of East 18th Street in the Stevens Square neighborhood of Minneapolis.
Officers then found a dead man in the lobby who had been shot multiple times.
A witness to the shooting said he and the victim arrived at the apartments to “hang out” with Khayre, according to the criminal complaint.
The witness said he became suspicious when Khayre he left the room multiple times and “appeared to be stalling.”
The robbery:
The complaint states the witness reported three men then came into the room and yelled “Give me everything.” The men were armed with Glock handguns that had extended magazines as well as an AR-style rifle.
They then stole two guns from the witness, and one of them was handed to Khayre.
When the men demanded a Louis Vuitton bag from the victim, he refused, leading to a fight between them all.
The shooting:
The witness said when he walked toward them, Khayre pointed the witness’ stolen gun at him and racked it.
The witness then got out of the room, ran toward the lobby and heard multiple gunshots. He then saw two of the men flee out the back of the building, but didn’t see what direction they went in.
The victim was then found dead.
The aftermath:
Khayre was then identified by the witness in a photo lineup, according to the criminal complaint.
Police say video footage corroborated much of what the witness reported.
Khayre was on conditional release for a suspected carjacking at the time of the shooting, according to the complaint.
The Source: This story uses information gathered from a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County and previous FOX 9 reporting.
Minneapolis, MN
Minnesota’s Iranian community: Mixed emotions on US-Israel strike
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The local Iranian community in Minnesota is expressing mixed emotions following the recent joint U.S.-Israel strike on Iran.
Local reactions to the strike
What we know:
The strike resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to President Donald Trump and Iranian state media. Many Iranians in Minnesota feel this could lead to freedom for their country.
Nazanin Naferipoor shared that her sister in Iran was initially happy about the strike, believing it might bring about freedom. However, communication has been cut off since the strike began, leaving many worried about their loved ones.
The other side:
Hamid Kashani from the Minnesota Committee in Support of a Democratic Iran expressed mixed feelings about the strike. While he hopes for change, he is concerned about the potential loss of innocent lives.
Fazy Kowsari emphasized that the attack targeted the government, not the religion, and criticized the political motivations behind the strike.
Upcoming rally at Nicollet Mall
Why you should care:
A rally is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon at Nicollet Mall and 11th Street. Organizers view the U.S. strike as a rescue operation for Iranians held hostage by the regime, rather than an act of war.
Minneapolis, MN
Ex-MN Twins Pitcher Sentenced For Shooting His In-Laws
AUBURN, CA — Former Major League Baseball pitcher Dan Serafini was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for murdering his father-in-law and attempting to murder his mother-in-law in a 2021 ambush-style shooting at a Lake Tahoe-area home.
A Placer County jury previously found Serafini, 51, guilty of fatally shooting 70-year-old Gary Spohr and seriously wounding Spohr’s wife, 68-year-old Wendy Wood, on June 5, 2021, at their home on the lake’s west shore. Wood survived the attack but died a year later.
In a statement obtained by The Associated Press, Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire said that Spohr and Wood were loving grandparents and detailed how Serafini’s crimes had affected the couple’s family members and friends.
“The impact of this attack has extended far beyond the immediate victims, deeply affecting family members and the broader community, and highlighting the lasting harm caused by deliberate violence,” Gire said.
On the day of the shooting, Serafini’s wife, the victims’ daughter, had taken the children to the lake to visit their grandparents.
Prosecutors said the deadly ambush stemmed from a dispute over a $1.3 million investment in a ranch renovation project. The victims had reportedly contributed the money.
In one text message shown in court, Serafini wrote, “I’m gonna kill them one day,” referencing a dispute over $21,000, prosecutors said.
He also sent other threatening messages, including “I will be coming after you” and “Take me to court,” according to ABC10.
Jurors also found Serafini guilty of several “special circumstance” sentencing enhancements, including lying in wait, use of a firearm, and that the attack was willful, deliberate and premeditated. He was also convicted of first-degree burglary.
Prosecutors had also charged Serafini with child endangerment, saying he put his infant and toddler sons at risk by having a gun in the home. Jurors found him not guilty on that count.
The case also involved a second defendant, 33-year-old Samantha Scott, who pleaded guilty to being an accessory in February, according to the New York Post.
A left-hander, Serafini was a 1992 first-round pick for the Minnesota Twins. He also played for the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds and Colorado Rockies, pitching for six MLB teams over seven seasons.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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