Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis City Council approves plan for George Floyd Square that allows transit access
The Minneapolis City Council on Thursday evening approved a redesign plan for George Floyd Square, capping off years of planning, public input and debate.
The council voted 9-4 to move forward with a plan that was backed by Mayor Jacob Frey and allows for transit access through 38th Street East and Chicago Avenue.
Under the plan, Metro Transit service will be restored along Chicago Avenue, but no vehicle traffic will cross the location where George Floyd was murdered more than five years ago. The plan allows for the intersection to be closed for public gatherings and expands space for memorials and art.
“Thousands of voices shaped this plan, and today we turned years of work into real progress,” Frey said. “Approving the flexible open option means we are finally moving forward together.”
Earlier this year the City Council voted to explore a pedestrian-focused concept for the busy south Minneapolis intersection, a decision that was vetoed by Frey. Frey argued that nearby property owners opposed a pedestrian plan and would not approve it, which is required by state law. Still, the council voted in February to override his veto 9-4.
Months later, the council ultimately decided to approve the open street design plan, though some members expressed their frustration with the decision.
“This council has been put in a position where there is no will or ability for our mayor and our administration to move on any other plan,” said Ward 12 Councilmember Aurin Chowdhury at Thursday’s meeting. “There’s no will to do pedestrian mall from them.”
Council President Elliott Payne, Vice President Aisha Chughtai, along with councilmembers Jason Chavez and Robin Wonsley voted against the plan.
The council anticipates construction to begin in 2026.
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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