Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis community members ask council to override veto on plans for George Floyd Square
It’s been nearly five years since former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd at 38th and Chicago in south Minneapolis, and the city is still debating possible plans for the area.
Community members are urging the city council to override Mayor Jacob Frey’s latest veto on a vision for George Floyd Square. As reported by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS just last week, Frey vetoed the council’s decision to delay a proposed pedestrian plaza layout project for research purposes.
Business owners react to latest developments in George Floyd Square plans
On Wednesday morning, religious leaders, neighbors and community members gathered together, saying they want to see the future of the area decided by a community-led effort. Three city councilors also turned out to show their support.
Speakers at Wednesday’s event said they want the space to be safe and functional for residents, businesses and visitors. They add it’s a sacred area that’s a global symbol of resistance and remembrance, and not about what it looks like, but how it’s functioning, saying they deserve a seat at the table to help decide its future.
“Our process of healing should not be rushed,” said Mileesha Smith, a member of the Community Visioning Council. “Our voices should not be overheard, overlooked and or unconsidered.”
“I stand in solidarity with this community, asking the city council to use their higher power to override the mayor’s ‘hurry up and get over it’ stance. As long as injustice and bloody spaces continue to happen, the people will continue to need a place to grieve,” added Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown, a community pastor.
The council could vote to override Frey’s veto at their meeting on Thursday, which begins at 9:30 a.m. in Room 350 at the Public Service Center.
5 EYEWITNESS NEWS received the following statement from City COO Margaret Anderson Kelliher:
“I’m grateful to all the community members who continue to engage with us about the future of this important site. Years of community input have guided the planning process, leading to a proposal that balances reverence for George Floyd Square with community needs for transit, emergency services, and flexible space for gatherings. I’m hopeful that we can move forward together to deliver much needed infrastructure improvements to this community.”
CLICK HERE for KSTP’s full coverage of George Floyd and George Floyd Square.
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.
Find stories like this and more in our apps.
Copyright 2026 KTTC. All rights reserved.
-
Business30 minutes agoVideo: Why Your Paycheck Feels Smaller
-
Culture54 minutes agoFamous Authors’ Less Famous Books
-
Lifestyle60 minutes agoSunday Puzzle: For Mimi
-
Technology1 hour agoThe future of local TV news has taken a Trumpian turn
-
World1 hour agoPope Leo says remarks about world being ‘ravaged by a handful of tyrants’ were not aimed at Trump: report
-
Politics1 hour agoTrump renews bridge, power plant threat against Iran in push for deal, mocks ‘tough guy’ IRGC
-
Health1 hour agoLoneliness may be silently eroding your memory, new research reveals
-
Sports2 hours agoESPN’s Stephen A Smith hears boos from WrestleMania 42 crowd