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OPINION EXCHANGE | Up next: A grand new flag for Minneapolis

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OPINION EXCHANGE  |  Up next: A grand new flag for Minneapolis


Opinion editor’s note: Star Tribune Opinion publishes a mix of national and local commentaries online and in print each day. To contribute, click here.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Man on Conditional Release Now Charged in Minneapolis Murder — MNCRIME.com

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Man on Conditional Release Now Charged in Minneapolis Murder — MNCRIME.com


A man is now charged with murder after prosecutors say a robbery inside a Minneapolis apartment building ended in a fatal shooting.

Prosecutors say the man was on conditional release after being charged with first-degree armed carjacking for an incident in Minneapolis last September.

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The killing happened Feb. 24 inside the Abbott Apartments lounge area on the 100 block of East 18th Street, where police found an adult man dead from gunshot wounds after reports of a shooting.

Court documents state the victim and a friend went to the building to meet 20-year-old Abdirahman Khayre Khayre. A witness stated Khayre left the room several times and appeared to be stalling before three armed men entered and demanded property. The men were described as carrying two Glock-style handguns with extended magazines and an AR-style rifle. During the robbery, the suspects demanded a Louis Vuitton bag belonging to the victim. When the victim resisted, a struggle broke out. The witness stated that two guns were taken from him during the robbery.

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The witness told investigators Khayre was handed one of the stolen guns and then pointed it at him, causing him to flee into the lobby. Moments later, multiple gunshots were heard. The witness returned and found the victim shot. Surveillance footage from other areas of the building reportedly corroborated key parts of the account, and the witness later identified Khayre in a photo lineup, according to the complaint.

PREVIOUSLY: Man Shot and Killed Inside Minneapolis Apartment Building

Authorities say Khayre was on conditional release at the time of the killing in a separate Hennepin County case involving a September 2025 armed carjacking.

READ MORE > Minneapolis coverage

In that earlier case, prosecutors alleged Khayre and others confronted a woman in a garage near 19th Street and Nicollet Avenue, pointed handguns at her and forced her to give up the keys to a Dodge Challenger before fleeing in the stolen vehicle. Officers later located the vehicle and arrested multiple suspects, including Khayre, who was identified as the driver.

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Court records show Khayre posted a $75,000 non-cash bond and was released under conditions requiring him to remain law-abiding, have no possession of firearms or ammunition, avoid alcohol and controlled substances and complete treatment.

Khayre is now charged with second-degree murder without intent while committing a felony and first-degree aggravated robbery. He made an initial court appearance Friday, where a judge set bail at $1 million. If convicted of second-degree felony murder, he faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

The homicide investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim. Anyone with information is asked to contact Minneapolis police by emailing policetips@minneapolismn.gov or calling 612-673-5845. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online. Information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a financial reward.

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Man killed over Louie Vuitton bag, suspect was on bond for suspected carjacking, charges say

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Man killed over Louie Vuitton bag, suspect was on bond for suspected carjacking, charges say


Minneapolis police are investigating a homicide on Feb. 24, 2026.  (FOX 9)

A man is dead after a witness said he refused to give up a Louis Vuitton bag while being robbed by multiple men at gunpoint. 

Abdirahman Khayre Khayre, 20, is charged with second-degree murder and first-degree robbery for the incident that happened on the evening of Feb. 24 in Minneapolis. 

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READ MORE: Man fatally shot in south Minneapolis apartment building

Fatal Minneapolis shooting after robbery 

The set-up:

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Minneapolis police responded around 10:42 p.m. on Feb. 24 at the Abbott Apartments, located on the 100 block of East 18th Street in the Stevens Square neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Officers then found a dead man in the lobby who had been shot multiple times. 

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A witness to the shooting said he and the victim arrived at the apartments to “hang out” with Khayre, according to the criminal complaint. 

The witness said he became suspicious when Khayre he left the room multiple times and “appeared to be stalling.”

The robbery:

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The complaint states the witness reported three men then came into the room and yelled “Give me everything.” The men were armed with Glock handguns that had extended magazines as well as an AR-style rifle.

They then stole two guns from the witness, and one of them was handed to Khayre.

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When the men demanded a Louis Vuitton bag from the victim, he refused, leading to a fight between them all.

The shooting:

The witness said when he walked toward them, Khayre pointed the witness’ stolen gun at him and racked it. 

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The witness then got out of the room, ran toward the lobby and heard multiple gunshots. He then saw two of the men flee out the back of the building, but didn’t see what direction they went in.

The victim was then found dead. 

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The aftermath:

Khayre was then identified by the witness in a photo lineup, according to the criminal complaint. 

Police say video footage corroborated much of what the witness reported.

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Khayre was on conditional release for a suspected carjacking at the time of the shooting, according to the complaint. 

The Source: This story uses information gathered from a criminal complaint filed in Hennepin County and previous FOX 9 reporting. 

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Minnesota’s Iranian community: Mixed emotions on US-Israel strike

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Minnesota’s Iranian community: Mixed emotions on US-Israel strike


The local Iranian community in Minnesota is expressing mixed emotions following the recent joint U.S.-Israel strike on Iran.

Local reactions to the strike

What we know:

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The strike resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to President Donald Trump and Iranian state media. Many Iranians in Minnesota feel this could lead to freedom for their country.

Nazanin Naferipoor shared that her sister in Iran was initially happy about the strike, believing it might bring about freedom. However, communication has been cut off since the strike began, leaving many worried about their loved ones.

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The other side:

Hamid Kashani from the Minnesota Committee in Support of a Democratic Iran expressed mixed feelings about the strike. While he hopes for change, he is concerned about the potential loss of innocent lives.

Fazy Kowsari emphasized that the attack targeted the government, not the religion, and criticized the political motivations behind the strike.

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Upcoming rally at Nicollet Mall

Why you should care:

A rally is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon at Nicollet Mall and 11th Street. Organizers view the U.S. strike as a rescue operation for Iranians held hostage by the regime, rather than an act of war.

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