Minneapolis, MN
OPINION EXCHANGE | Up next: A grand new flag for Minneapolis
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Now that our state is on its way to a new flag, it’s time for the people of Minneapolis and their government to step up and create a new banner for our hometown.
We actually do have a city flag, but you’ve likely never seen it. It’s not the worst flag in the rankings of city flags (it recently placed about in the middle). But it’s also not very exciting, with the design suggesting more of a pennant than a flag.
We should now say that this flag has done its duty and served its purpose well for its period, but it has faded into obscurity and it is time to move on to something that represents a new vibrancy and brightness of our city. Minneapolis is indeed a great city, even if some may be weakening in that resolve, and it deserves a great flag.
A great city flag should be seen flying from City Hall and all other municipal buildings and sites. It should be hanging in banner form from every light pole on Nicollet. It should be a shoulder patch on all police uniforms and other city uniforms. When visitors arrive, they should see our brand at the airport, the Convention Center and everywhere downtown, and be reminded each time: They are in the great city of Minneapolis!
When the Super Bowl, or similar big event comes back to town, a new flag should be prominent in many camera shots inside the stadium for the nation to see on TV.
Many may hold that the city has taken a hit in morale with perceptions (true or not) of crime being out of control, fueling fears of riding the light rail or strolling downtown. Some of our signature civic celebrations, such as the Aquatennial and Holidazzle, have faded in size and importance as enthusiasm for them has waned. Perhaps times and interests just change. But I think many can agree that the city’s brand has faded a bit and there is a need for a renewal in civic pride and participation.
Admirable efforts in downtown revitalization and new light-rail safety ideas are being initiated to draw people back. A new flag will not be the determining factor between success or failure in that, but it will provide a manifest symbol to rally around; a distinct visible icon of the city and its new age of progress.
A great city flag encourages us to display it and have a sense of community under it. A great city flag communicates identity. It says: “This is us. We are distinctive and our flag exhibits that.” It should be displayed at civic events as they do in Chicago where you see their 4-star banner frequently.
Most importantly, a flag can be a rallying point for people to band together to address important civic issues.
One may say we have so many more important issues to deal with than a flag. And indeed there are a lot of serious pressing issues to deal with. But that is always the case. Let us instead share some time together to work on something positive and unifying that can bring us civic identity, civic caring, and civic pride each day of this next, uncertain year. I’ve spoken to both current and former city executive leaders, Minneapolis legislators and other community leaders on this proposal, and so far support is universal that it’s time.
We may have a good city seal and logo to display, but they belong to and represent the government. The city flag belongs to the people and it should be a symbol they can eagerly embrace and claim as their own. Many cities have new flags or new designs in process, including Philadelphia, Kansas City, Mo.; Ogden, Utah; Ann Arbor, Mich.; Syracuse, N.Y.; Raleigh, N.C.; Madison, Wis.; and Duluth. Shall we not also raise a new civic banner up so it can fly bright, bold, and well-admired throughout our great city?
Dennis Fazio, of Minneapolis, is a member of the North American Vexillological Association.
Minneapolis, MN
Truck driver dead after crash sends Metro Transit bus into home in south Minneapolis
It happened early Monday morning in Minneapolis.
One person is dead and another is hospitalized after an early-morning crash in south Minneapolis on Monday that sent a Metro Transit bus into a home.
It happened at around 4 a.m. at 10th Avenue South and East 38th Street, just a few blocks east of George Floyd Square.
A spokesperson for Metro Transit police tells 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that a truck was speeding down 10th Avenue when it hit the back of the bus, ripping a tire off the bus and sending it into the front of a home.
The driver of that truck died, according to Metro Transit police, while the driver of the bus was taken to a hospital but is expected to be OK.
Officials say nobody besides the driver was on the bus at the time, and the home the bus hit was also empty at the time.
Investigators are still at the scene, working to clean up all of the debris and determine exactly what led up to the crash.
5 EYEWITNESS NEWS is at the scene and working to learn more. Download the KSTP app and follow 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS on social media for the latest updates.
Minneapolis, MN
Atlanta Dream survive thriller in Minneapolis, edge Lynx 91-90 to open 2026 WNBA season
The Atlanta Dream trailed by double digits, fought back twice and still needed Angel Reese’s game-saving block in the final seconds to survive.
Atlanta opened the 2026 WNBA season with a 91-90 victory over the Minnesota Lynx on Saturday night, powered by Allisha Gray’s 24 points, Te-Hina Paopao’s pull-up jumper with 12 seconds remaining, and a performance that left little doubt about what this team intends to do this season.
Reese’s block on Emese Hof’s layup attempt in the closing seconds sealed one of the most dramatic opening-night wins before 10,821 fans at Target Center.
When Minnesota pushed its advantage to 13 points in the second quarter and the Dream looked like they were in serious trouble, Allisha Gray took over. The veteran guard finished with a game-high 24 points on 7-of-18 shooting, going a near-perfect 9-of-11 from the free throw line to go along with eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Gray’s ability to get to the line and convert kept Atlanta within striking distance throughout a game that could have spiraled out of control multiple times. She scored 11 points in the third quarter alone as the Dream chipped away at Minnesota’s lead.
Rhyne Howard was equally important on both ends, finishing with 15 points, five assists and three steals. Jordin Canada ran the offense efficiently with 12 points and six assists, and Paopao added six points and four assists in a composed performance off the bench.
With Atlanta trailing 85-87 and the clock winding down, Naz Hillmon stepped back and drained a 22-foot three-pointer with 2:44 left to tie the game and silence the fans in the Target Center. It was the shot of the night, and arguably the play that won Atlanta the game.
Hillmon finished with 15 points on an efficient 6-of-10 from the field, adding seven rebounds in 33 minutes. She was the Dream’s most reliable scorer off the bench and delivered her best basketball when Atlanta needed it most.
Rookie Madina Okot also impressed in her WNBA debut, scoring eight points on 3-of-6 shooting with four rebounds in just 10 minutes, showing the poise and physicality that earned her a roster spot out of training camp.
Angel Reese’s first game in a Dream uniform was complicated. She shot 4-of-11 from the field, committed five turnovers and picked up a first-quarter technical foul that gifted Minnesota a free point. At one point in the first half, she missed three consecutive shots on the same possession.
But Reese also grabbed 14 rebounds, nine on the offensive glass, blocked three shots, came up with two steals, and made the most important play of the game when it mattered most. Her block on Hof’s layup in the final seconds was the kind of athletic, instinctive play that changes games and defines seasons.
That is the player Atlanta acquired this offseason. On opening night, in the most pressure-packed moment of the game, she showed exactly why.
Minnesota had every opportunity to win this game and couldn’t finish it. Olivia Miles finished with 21 points on 6-of-14 shooting and eight assists to go along with eight free throws made. Kayla McBride scored 20 points and hit the go-ahead three-pointer with 1:11 left that looked like it might be the dagger.
Courtney Williams added 14 points and six assists, and the Lynx shot 50 percent from the field, a number that should have been good enough to win.
But 15 turnovers and an inability to execute in the game’s final minute proved too costly. Minnesota had chances to put Atlanta away in the fourth quarter and couldn’t. The Dream made them pay every time.
Atlanta continues its opening road trip Tuesday against the Dallas Wings before returning home for the May 17 opener against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces at State Farm Arena. Minnesota hosts Atlanta again on May 27.
Minneapolis, MN
Woman dead after argument leads to shooting in Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A shooting in south Minneapolis left a woman dead Saturday night.
Fatal shooting on Pillsbury Avenue South
What we know:
According to Minneapolis police, officers responded to a report of gunfire near Pillsbury Avenue South and West 25th Street around 5:30 p.m.
A woman was found at the scene with life-threatening gunshot wounds. She was taken to the hospital where she later died.
Police believe that an argument inside an apartment led to gunfire.
The suspected shooter fled the scene before police responded.
What we don’t know:
Police did not say what led up to the shooting or if they made any arrests.
The woman has not yet been identified.
What you can do:
Anyone with information on the shooting can call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or click here to submit a tip.
The Source: A press release from the Minneapolis Police Department.
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