Connect with us

Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis schools lay off 400 people, St. Paul cutting budget to curb shortfalls

Published

on

Minneapolis schools lay off 400 people, St. Paul cutting budget to curb shortfalls


The Minneapolis school district says it’s laying off 400 full-time employees, including approximately 116 teachers, as it deals with a $75 million shortfall.

In a statement on Friday, Minneapolis Public Schools said most reductions made were from “central office or departments,” and that it’s still going through data from the 2025-2026 budget, which was approved on Tuesday.

The district cited increasing costs in utilities, salaries, benefits and transportation, and a decline in state funding as reasons for the deficit. 

Minneapolis voters passed a $20 million technology levy in the November 2024 election to address the shortfall. The impact on Minneapolis homeowners is around $2 per month for someone with a $100,000 house.

Advertisement

The approved budget did not “completely” eliminate any student programs, and prioritized low class sizes, according to the district. 

WCCO has reached out to the Minneapolis Federation of Educators, the union representing teachers in the district, for comment.

St. Paul Schools facing $51.5 million shortfall; considering referendum

St. Paul Public Schools, which also approved its budget on Tuesday, said it’s facing a $51.5 million deficit.

The district says it plans to use $35.5 million in reserve funds and a combination of “budget cuts and new revenue” to cover the other $15.6 million.

A spokesperson with the district on Friday night said that more than 143 positions have been cut, including 77 from the teachers’ bargaining group. That includes counselors, social workers, nurses or any licensed positions that are part of the teachers’ union. 

Advertisement

Superintendent Dr. Stacie Stanley said in a written statement that using money from the reserve fund is a one-year solution, and that the district is considering a referendum for St. Paul residents to vote on in November.  



Source link

Advertisement

Minneapolis, MN

United flight from Chicago to Minneapolis diverted to Wisconsin due to unruly passenger: officials

Published

on

United flight from Chicago to Minneapolis diverted to Wisconsin due to unruly passenger: officials


ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team

Saturday, May 30, 2026 3:58AM

ABC7 Chicago 24/7 Stream

CHICAGO (WLS) — A United Airlines flight that left Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport Friday was diverted due to an unruly passenger, officials said.

United flight 2005 from Chicago was headed to Minneapolis but landed in Madison, Wisconsin.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“United flight 2005 from Chicago to Minneapolis landed safely in Madison, Wisconsin to address a security concern with an unruly passenger,” the airline said in a statement. “The flight is expected to continue to Minneapolis later on Friday.”

No injuries were reported, United said.

Advertisement

No further information was immediately available.

This is a developing story.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Minneapolis, MN

ICE agent charged with assault in shooting during Minneapolis immigration crackdown is arrested in Texas | CNN

Published

on

ICE agent charged with assault in shooting during Minneapolis immigration crackdown is arrested in Texas | CNN


An ICE agent facing several assault charges in connection with a January shooting involving two Venezuelan people in Minnesota has been arrested in Texas, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office said.

Christian Castro was charged earlier this month with four counts of second-degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime.

CNN is working to determine whether Castro has an attorney and has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment.

Castro faces those charges in connection with the shooting of Julio Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan man shot in the leg through the front door of a Minneapolis home. The incident took place during the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement blitz in the Twin Cities.

Advertisement

Originally, Sosa-Celis and his cousin Alfredo A. Aljorna were facing federal charges after DHS said they had attacked an agent, prompting him to fire a defensive shot.

But the Justice Department dropped the charges in February, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement said two of its agents, who made false statements about the incident under oath, were placed on administrative leave.

This is a developing story and will be updated.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Minneapolis, MN

Air quality alert issued for Friday in Twin Cities

Published

on

Air quality alert issued for Friday in Twin Cities


The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert for the Twin Cities starting Friday. 

Air quality alert in Twin Cities

Advertisement

What we know:

MPCA says that ground-level ozone will be at unhealthy levels in the Twin Cities on Friday. An air quality will be in place from noon to 9 p.m. 

An air quality alert in the Twin Cities. Graphic courtesy of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.  (Supplied)

Advertisement

Sunny skies, low humidity and warm temperatures make for favorable conditions pollutants to react with sunlight to make ground-level ozone. MPCA says the ozone will subside as the sun sets. 

Who is most affected by poor air quality?

Dig deeper:

Advertisement

People with asthma or other breathing conditions like COPD, chronic bronchitis and emphysema will be affected by poor quality. They can experience symptoms like difficulty deep breathing, shortness of breath, throat soreness, wheezing, coughing and unusual fatigue. 

Additionally, children, teenagers and people of all ages who are doing heavy physical activity outside. 

Advertisement

What you can do:

MPCA recommends taking it easy while outside and limiting physical activity.

To help reduce pollution, use public transit or carpool when possible, fill up your car’s tank at dawn or dusk and avoid backyard fires.

Advertisement

The Source: A press release from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. 

WeatherMinnesota



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending