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Minneapolis offers $2 million a year to host the Sundance Film Festival

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Minneapolis offers  million a year to host the Sundance Film Festival


The city of Minneapolis is vying for the chance to host the Sundance Film Festival in 2027 and beyond, and has pledged $2 million in annual support to back it up.

“With our thriving arts and entertainment scene, diverse cultural heritage and passionate film community, Minneapolis is the ideal backdrop for the Sundance Film Festival,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey in a news release. “There is no city that embraces the arts quite like we do — and Minneapolis already has a long history of supporting independent filmmakers and their art of storytelling. Sundance would be a welcome addition to our theater community, and we’re excited to throw our hat in the ring to host this world-renowned festival.”

In April, Sundance organizers announced they were looking for a new location for the festival, which has called Utah home since its founding in 1985. The festival has faced leadership and sponsorship problems as well as declining attendance in recent years. The Minneapolis City Council unanimously moved to bid for the festival and the city submitted its proposal on June 21.

The CEOs from Target, Best Buy and U.S. Bancorp have committed to provide $2 million each year to sustain and grow the festival. “Everybody wants to be a part of this,” said Film North executive director Andrew Peterson.

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In its pitch, Minneapolis touted its “unparalleled private sector, philanthropic and governmental support for the festival, combined with robust existing infrastructure, a nation-leading arts and culture scene, and its welcoming and inclusive community.”

According to Deadline, Sundance will send a search committee to potential new home cities over the next few months. A decision is expected to be made public during the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, which will take place in late January. San Francisco, Chicago, Boulder, Atlanta, Buffalo and Santa Fe have also expressed interest in hosting the festival.

Founded in 1978 by the head of Robert Redford’s production company, Sundance set out to showcase American-made films, highlight the potential of independent film and increase visibility for filmmaking in Utah.

Quentin Tarantino, David O. Russell, Paul Thomas Anderson, Steven Soderbergh, Darren Aronofsky, Kevin Smith and Robert Rodriguez are among the many directors who earned vital early exposure through the festival.



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Minneapolis, MN

1 dead, 2 injured in Minneapolis shooting early Saturday morning

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1 dead, 2 injured in Minneapolis shooting early Saturday morning


MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. (Valley News Live) – One person is dead and two others are injured after a shooting in the Dinkytown neighborhood of Minneapolis overnight.

One of the men who was injured was a University of Minnesota student, according to school officials.

According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, officers heard bursts of automatic gunfire around 2:30 a.m. Saturday near 13th Avenue Southeast and Fifth Street Southeast.

The officers found two men, and later found a third, all suffering from gunshot wounds.

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One of the men died at the scene, O’Hara said. The other two who were taken to the hospital are expected to survive.



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Minneapolis, MN

Happy Halloween in the Twin Cities

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Happy Halloween in the Twin Cities


Despite rainy conditions and temperatures in the 40s, many families braved the weather to continue on their Halloween traditions. FOX 9’s Rob Olson checks in with a few donning costumes as they make their rounds.



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Minneapolis, MN

A look at teacher salaries as negotiations in Minneapolis continue

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A look at teacher salaries as negotiations in Minneapolis continue


The Minneapolis Federation of Teachers is negotiating for higher wages with Minneapolis Public Schools.

Minneapolis teachers union approves strike as mediation with MPS continues

Earlier this week, the union president told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS teachers could make thousands of dollars more across the river.

A report from the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board shows the average teacher salary in Minneapolis is $82,859 per year, while it’s $93,366 per year for St. Paul Public Schools teachers.

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St. Paul is among the highest 10 paying districts in the state, which also includes Wayzata Public Schools, Stillwater Area Public Schools and Sleepy Eye Public Schools, according to the report. It shows salaries across the state vary widely. Some are in the $40,000 range, while others are six figures.

“Teachers deserve a fair salary,” said Chelda Smith Kondo, a University of St. Thomas associate professor of education. “When you have areas, such as suburban areas, where you have a lot of home ownership, you have a larger tax base. That tax base is going to provide a lot more funds to the school district there, so that will allow the school district to pay more to their teachers.”

Kondo told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that teacher salaries can play a role in graduation rates and test scores.

“The way it does is in retention,” she said. “The more that an educator feels they are fairly compensated for the work that they do, and with teachers, the impact they have, the more likely they are to stay in the profession, which directly benefits students.”

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS analyzed data from the Minnesota Report Card. It showed SPPS had a 76.5% graduation rate last year. At least half of the other 10 highest-paid districts were above 90%. Lower-earning districts, however, also reported high graduation rates.

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Kondo said there are many variables that affect graduation rates, from attendance to whether a child’s basic needs are met. Overall, rates are improving statewide across all demographics.

“Last year in 2024, we had record graduation rates at 84%,” said Kondo. “Of course, that 84% doesn’t represent everyone; some are higher, others are a little bit lower. Overall, it shows our high schoolers are graduating.”



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