Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis Mayor Frey touts city’s progress but also highlights concerns over new budget

Published

3 days ago

December 30, 2024

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.”

John Lauritsen

John Lauritsen is an Emmy award-winning reporter from Montevideo, Minn. He joined WCCO-TV in late-July of 2007. Two days after he started, the Interstate 35W bridge collapsed.

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Minneapolis, MN

Murder charges: Minneapolis man wildly fires gun after fight, accidentally kills friend

Published

33 minutes ago

January 2, 2025

Press Room

Murder charges: Minneapolis man wildly fires gun after fight, accidentally kills friend

A Minneapolis man who wildly shot his gun into a crowded intersection after a fight accidentally shot his friend in the head and killed him, according to criminal charges filed in Hennepin County District Court last week.

Jermaine Sylvester Watkins, 50, was charged with second-degree murder and illegal possession of a firearm in connection with the shooting death of William Demone Walker, 46, of Denver. The shooting happened in the 1700 block of 25th Avenue N. at 6:15 a.m. on Oct. 19, 2024, following an after-bar party in north Minneapolis.

Watkins made a first court appearance on Thursday, and his bail was set at $1 million. He was on supervised release with the Minnesota Department of Corrections at the time of the alleged murder. His probation stemmed from a conviction in 2014 on two counts of first-degree robbery and one count of kidnapping.

According to court documents:

Surveillance video showed Watkins, Walker and several other people attended a late-night party in the 2400 block of Logan Avenue N. Watkins was wearing a Halloween mask that illuminated his face. Several partygoers later spilled out into the street with at least a dozen people in the intersection of 25th and Logan avenues, and a fight broke out.

Surveillance video showed a man dressed similarly to Watkins with an illuminated mask draped over the back of his neck, running down 25th Avenue, firing backward while swinging his arm. A bullet struck Walker, who was standing near the driver’s side of his vehicle, in the head. The video showed the shooter firing 10 shots, and 10 shell casings were found at the scene.

Shortly after Walker was shot, a woman ran up and climbed in the passenger seat of his car. She told the shooter to stop firing and get in the car. Shortly after she appears to realize Walker was shot. She ran over to him and said, “Frog, you shot him.”

Investigators spoke with Walker’s mother who told them “Frog” was a nickname for Watkins and that he was an associate of her son. Another witness who knew Watkins identified him in several still images from the surveillance videos the night of the party.

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Minneapolis, MN

-12 Windchill Friday, Arctic Blast To Stick Around: MN Weather

Published

8 hours ago

January 2, 2025

Press Room

-12 Windchill Friday, Arctic Blast To Stick Around: MN Weather

MINNEAPOLIS — A blast of arctic air is set to hit the state early Friday morning, bringing subzero wind chills and some of the season’s lowest temperatures so far.

On Thursday, expect partly sunny skies with a high near 21 degrees in the Twin Cities metro area. The real cold starts overnight with temperatures plunging to around 8 degrees. Northwest winds at 10 to 15 mph will make it feel even colder.

Friday night is when things really take a turn, with the mercury dropping to 1 degree and wind chills as low as -12 degrees.

After a mild December, January will bring more typical winter weather, with temperatures likely dipping below the seasonal average for this time of year.

Here’s the full NWS forecast from the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport:

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 21. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 8. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 15. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 1. Wind chill values as low as -12. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 12. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 1. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 13. North wind around 10 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 5. North wind around 10 mph.

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 16. Northwest wind around 10 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 5. Northwest wind around 10 mph.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 13. Northwest wind around 10 mph.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 0. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 12. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.

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Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis police remain vigilant after New Orleans attack

Published

16 hours ago

January 2, 2025

Press Room

Minneapolis police remain vigilant after New Orleans attack

MPD vigilant after New Orleans attack

The deadly attack on a popular street in New Orleans early Wednesday morning has local authorities reflecting on security measures in place during major events with large crowds.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Law enforcement officials in Minnesota are reacting to the horrific attack in New Orleans, saying they stand in solidarity with the New Orleans Police Department during this difficult time.

MPD reflecting

What they’re saying: “We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and families affected by the tragic attack in New Orleans. This senseless act of violence is deeply shocking, and our hearts go out to everyone involved,” said Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara on Wednesday.

Security top of mind

Dig deeper: The attack comes at a time when conversations around revitalizing the urban core of the City of Minneapolis revolves around re-imagining areas like Nicollet Mall and the Warehouse District to attract more visitors and host special events.

“Downtown is becoming a playground. It is becoming a destination. A place of entertainment that is thriving in every single sense,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey when he announced his latest goals with the Downtown Action Plan in October.

One measure of success for this plan would mean large crowds.

MPD planning for high traffic

What to know: For law enforcement, especially in major cities, it is a critical task to ensure public safety at crowded gatherings and events.

Chief O’Hara reiterated his agency’s commitment to working tirelessly with partners to protect the community from threats, while saying they are constantly evaluating security measures.

“MPD has been and will continue to plan for and staff major events in the city, along with additional staffing during high traffic times like our Late Night Safety plan does during bar close downtown,” O’Hara said. “The numerous high-profile national events that were hosted in Minneapolis in 2024 without major disruptions is a testament to the incredible work being done by all members of the MPD.”

O’Hara also added he commends the courage and swift actions of the first responders in New Orleans.

The Source: Minneapolis Police Department

Crime and Public SafetyMinneapolisMinnesota

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