Minneapolis Post

ST. PAUL MN – The Minnesota Department of Transportation released information about the more than 200 projects that its crews are working on in spring and summer. This includes dozens of construction projects within the Twin Cities metropolitan area. In a press release, Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger said: “After a winter of record snowfalls and cold temperatures, MnDOT welcomes the arrival spring.” The warmer weather will also mean more orange cones, work zones and people working around highway projects. MnDOT is planning a large construction program this year. We need drivers’ help in order to keep everyone as safe as possible. Please obey speed limits, slow down when you are in a work zone, turn off your cell phone and any other distractions. Be patient and plan ahead for road closures. Below is a list of all state-funded construction projects in Twin Cities, along with MnDOT’s summaries of each. Highway 5 Close Crimson Bay Rd access on Hwy 5 in Chanhassen and construct new connections Resurface Hwy 5, from Mendota St. in St. Paul, to Hwy 120 in Maplewood. Repair/replace drainage. Improve pedestrian access at intersections. Replace traffic signals at Forest St., Earl St., Ruth St., and Johnson Pkwy. Improve accessibility to modern standards (ADA), make safety improvements. Build stormwater treatment basins at the Edgerton St/White Bear Ave interchanges on Hwy 36 Highway 10 Rebuild the Hwy 47/169 Interchange, build noise walls, add auxiliary lanes, and update accessibility to modern standards. Add turn lane, access improvements to Riverdale Dr south of Hwy 10 in the city of Ramsey. Highway 13 Construct a bridge over the highway 101 interchange and build frontage roads to Quentin Ave. Highway 21 Build trails and a roundabout at Sawmill Rd/CR 66 in Jordan. I-35W: Concrete Repair with Diamond Grinding of I-35W, Hwy 61 and metrowide Construction of stormwater system along NB I-35W between 42nd St and 0.1 mile south from 40th St, Mpls Resurface I-35W from Minnesota River bridge to 0.1 mile south of W 82nd St in Bloomington; construct auxiliary/acceleration lanes, update accessibility (ADA) to meet modern standards Landscape I-35W in Mpls from 26th Ave. to 31st St. Landscape I-35W in Mpls from Park Ave. to 26th St. Landscape I-35W, from Cliff Rd. in Burnsville to 106th Street in Bloomington Landscape I-35W, from CR C in Roseville (NE 29th Ave.) to Sunset Ave. in Blaine Highway 36 Construct Hwy 36 ramps in Roseville at the CR 48 (Fairview Ave.) interchange; resurface and improve drainage, signaling, and accessibility (ADA). Landscape Hwy 36, from Searle St. to Arcade St. in Maplewood Landscape Hwy 36 at Manning Ave, Lake Elmo/Stillwater Highway 41 Resurface highway 41 at the intersection of Peavey Road in Chaska, including pavement markings and guardrail work Resurface Hwy 41 between 0.23 miles north-east of Pioneer Trl, Chaska and Hwy 5 in Chanhassen Highway 52 Resurface Hwy 52 between 0.2 mile north of CR 86 in Hampton Township and 0.2 mile north of CR42 (145th St.) in Rosemount. Repair 2 bridges. Add cable median guardrail Highway 55 Mendota Heights: Replace railings and lighting along Hwy 55/62 at the Minnesota River Bridge Highway 56 Construction of turn lanes along Hwy 56 at the new CR 88, Randolph Township Highway 62 Mendota Heights: Repair the pavement along Hwy 62 between Hwy 13 and Lexington Ave. Highway 65 Rehabilitate the Third Avenue bridge on Highway 65 in Mpls Bridge repairs on Hwy 65 at CR 10 (Central Ave.) in Spring Lake Park Replace pipe crossings and construct crossovers along Hwy 65 between 97th Ave. in Blaine and Klondike Dr. in East Bethel I-94 MnDOT’s portion of the project is to repair I-94 bridges that cross St Croix River between Lakeland, MN, and Hudson, WI. Resurface I-94 between Hwy 120 (Century Ave.) in Oakdale and the St Croix River at Lakeland. This includes traffic management, drainage, signage, lighting, guardrails, noise walls, median barriers, and improving accessibility (ADA) for modern standards. Construct a EB auxiliary lane from I-94/I-494/I-694 (Oakdale) to Hwy 19 in Woodbury. I-94: Widen and reinforce bituminous shoulder from Hwy 120, Oakdale, to St Croix River, Lakeland. Update traffic management system; improve drainage; add bituminous crossings Rebuild the I-94 St. Croix Rest Area Buildings in Lakeland including picnic, trails and pet exercise areas Construction of St Croix weigh-station inspection pit along I-94, Lakeland Construction of new pedestrian facilities that meet modern accessibility standards (ADA) at the I-94 Elm Creek Rest area in Maple Grove Repair the bridge over I-94 on Plymouth Ave in Mpls Landscape I-94 in Mpls from Williams Ave to Warwick St Highway 95 Improved Hwy 95 Approach at CR 28 in Denmark Township Improvements to pedestrian and cycling facilities along Chestnut Street from Hwy 95 up to the Stillwater Lift Bridge (project led by the City of Stillwater) Repair the drainage on Hwy 95 from 0.14 mile north of Pillar Rd up to 0.52 mile north of CR 26 at Scandia Improvements to pedestrian and cycling facilities along Chestnut Street from Hwy 95 up to the Stillwater Lift Bridge (project led by the City of Stillwater) Repair the drainage on Hwy 95 from 0.14 mile north of Pillar Rd up to 0.52 mile north of CR 26 at Scandia Replace the lighting at William O’Brien State Park and at Hwy 95/97 at Scandia intersection. Highway 169 Rebuild interchange, pavement, traffic signals, and trails between Nathan Lane and Gettysburg Ave. in New Hope. Construction of noisewall along NB Hwy 169 between Bass Lake Rd and 62nd Ave, New Hope Install a pavement edge drainage system on Hwy 169, between Old Brick Yard Rd and Canterbury Rd (Shakoee), from 0.42 mile east of Old Brick Yard Rd. Install cable median barriers and drainage improvements at the intersections of Hwy 169 from Hwy 19 in Blakeley Township up to Hwy 25 in Belle Plaine. Install traffic management systems on Hwy 169 from Hwy 41 in Shakopee to Canterbury Rd, and Hwy 41 between Hwy 169 and the Minnesota River near Chaska. Hwy 212 Resurface Hwy 212 in Cologne from 0.14 mile west of CR 36, (Lake St W), to 0.7 mile east of CR 36, (Lake St E); repair 2 bridges and install cable median barriers Hwy 244, Hwy 284, Hwy 96 Chip seals on Hwy 244, 284 and 96 in the metro area Hwy 252 Improve intersection at 66th Ave and install warning flashers on 85th Ave. I-394 Fix drainage and improve accessibility to modern standards along I-394 between Washington Ave. and 3rd Ave. in Mpls. I-494 Work on lighting and pavement repair on I-494 at the NB exit of Lake Rd, Woodbury Reconstruct I-35W/494 interchange in Bloomington/Richfield; repair, replace and construct new bridges from West Bush Lake Road to Hwy 77 Reconstruct I-35W/494 interchange in Bloomington/Richfield; repair, replace and construct new bridges from West Bush Lake Road to Hwy 77 Source

ST. PAUL (MN) — The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office has announced that it will not be filing criminal charges for the fatal police shooting of Howard Peter Holliday Johnson, which occurred on December 5, 2022. Ramsey County prosecutors reviewed the investigation by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and concluded that St. Paul police sergeant Cody Blanshan’s use of deadly force was legal under Minnesota law. In an email sent to his staff, John Choi of the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office said that Sergeant Blanshan responded to a report about a domestic violence as described in your memo. Your memorandum concludes, in the end, that the use by Sergeant Blanshan of deadly force was justified under Minnesota Law. I agree with the conclusion you reached and commend the thoroughness of your analysis of the evidence collected by BCA investigators. “I also appreciate that Jeff Noble was retained as a police force expert to help us and the public better understand the circumstances surrounding this officer-involved fatality, including the tactics used by responding officers.” Just days after the shooting, St. Paul Police released the body camera footage. Choi requested that BCA release “all public data” from this investigation as quickly as possible. BCA reports that St. Paul Police responded to Earl Street near Hudson Road shortly after 6 pm on Monday to reports of domestic violence. Investigators reported that the 911 caller said Johnson was armed and that officers had formed a perimeter at the scene. A woman left a store on Hudson Road at the same time and got in her car. The BCA reported that Johnson pointed a gun towards the woman’s vehicle as she started driving away. Blanshan was seated in a squad vehicle nearby, as part of the perimeter. According to the video, Blanshan told his radio “He’s there.” “He is walking eastbound.” He’s got the gun in his hand. He’s pointing at a vehicle, he is trying to carjack. Investigators claim that Blanshan then hit Johnson with his squad car, knocking him down. “Don’t do it!” Johnson shouts. Johnson got up and fired at Blanshan. He was killed. Blanshan did not suffer any injuries. Investigators claim that officers handcuffed Johnson before EMS arrived and administered first aid. He was taken to Regions Hospital where he later died. BCA agents reported finding a Glock Pistol in.45 calibre and three bullet casings of.45 calibre at the scene. The BCA also said that they found 10 9 millimeter cartridge cases, which “could be consistent with the department handgun Blanshan used.” Source by [author_name]

MINNEAPOLIS — People in Minneapolis were frustrated Wednesday after police said someone driving a stolen vehicle took an innocent life. The accident occurred at North Washington Avenue and 21st Avenues around 7:30 pm on Tuesday. Paper Cutz Barber Shop is owned by Jaycee Cargill, a barber. Cargill stated, “We keep a pretty positive vibe here.” Tuesday was a very heavy day – and a really sad one. The crash occurred just feet away from the front door of the shop. Cargill stated, “All of a sudden, you hear…I don’t think I even heard brakes…it just sounded like ‘boom’.” CBS The police say a driver in a Hyundai that was stolen crashed into a classic vehicle’s driver, and then fled. Cargill stated, “By time I got out of the house he had already started running up the road.” The victim was the most dramatic part of the scene. Cargill said he saw first responders try CPR but it was already too late. He said, “As soon as I saw the guy on the ground…I knew he was severely hurt.” “This car theft situation, we have to act now.” The police tell WCCO that this is a part of a larger problem they’re trying to solve, as dozens of vehicles are stolen every day. Between July 11-17, 163 vehicles were taken – 63% of which were either KIAs and Hyundais. WCCO reported that Hyundais and KIAs were more susceptible to theft. Now, the hope is that no more lives will be lost. Cargill stated, “We need to act now on this stolen car issue.” The Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said his office was still conducting a civil investigation into the automakers KIA & Hyundai. Ellison stated that “at the end of it all, they have moral responsibility and we will find out if they have legal responsibility.” He claims that the companies are partly responsible for the increase in thefts, including the more than 100 reported in Minneapolis last week. “The thieves who steal cars are wrong in every way and should be held responsible. Ellison added that corporate responsibility was also an issue. “They need to make the cars as safe as any other car on the road. But they aren’t doing that.” Ellison, along with other attorneys general, were denied a recall request in March. Ellison insists that this will not stop his office from pursuing a possible lawsuit. Ellison stated that “they still may be sued under theories such as negligence, nuisance, and other things.” Ellison refused to say when or if a suit would be filed. However, he said that if your KIA, Hyundai, or other vehicle has been stolen, you should call his office. No arrests have been made in the deadly accident that occurred on Tuesday. The victim is yet to be identified. Source

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigates an Oakdale incident where a Woodbury officer fired non-lethal rounds of pepper balls at a man’s car without realizing that the man had already died. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the deceased as Keith Lavance Lewis of Minneapolis. Lewis died from a gunshot to the head. The BCA did not specify whether or not the gunshot was self-inflicted. Oakdale Police had previously stated that he shot himself. According to an initial investigation, the incident occurred at 4:30 am on Wednesday morning in Oakdale. Officers approached a car parked near 1200 Glenbrook Avenue. Lewis was found asleep in the car by the officers. According to the BCA, when they woke Lewis, he had a gun in his hand. They began to retreat behind their squad car, but then heard a shot. Unaware that Lewis was already dead, the officers called for backup and brought in squads from other departments including Woodbury Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office. According to the BCA, Woodbury officer Alec Gulbranson fired pepper-ball rounds at the vehicle to try to convince Lewis that he had died. After confirming that he was dead, the officers cleared the area for crime scene investigators, who found a.40 caliber pistol. BCA officials confirmed that all officers were wearing body cameras at the time of the incident. They are also reviewing all video footage as part of the investigation. This is done on the request of Oakdale Police Department. The BCA will submit its findings to the Washington County Attorney’s Office without making a recommendation for charges. Source

Ludy Webster is waiting at the front of his boxing studio for his students. Children are shrieking with excitement as swinging punching bag chains creak. Ludy’s Boxing Gym, located in south Minneapolis, is a place where everyone gets greeted by the owner with a hug, high-five and / or handshake. The chorus of “Hey Ludy!” returns the greeting. The students return the greetings before they swarm into the gym. Some are stretching, others are waiting for their coach’s instructions. Webster, 56 years old, began boxing when he was 13 years old. He credits his career as a boxer with keeping him away from trouble. He hoped that by opening his gym in 2021 he could provide the same outlet to others in his hometown. Webster stated, “It helped me to remain disciplined as I aged.” “I was boxing in my late teens and early 20s.” My friends would go to the bar, and so would I, but I never drank or did anything bad, because I knew that I had a match coming up. Webster raises money for the gym, a non-profit organization. The gym offers kids boxing classes at a discount and supports a group young, competitive boxers. Webster and a co-founder spent $40,000 from their savings to rent the building in 2021 and buy equipment. U. S. A. Boxing also donated $10,000, an organization that helps new gyms. Webster’s income is still derived from his plumbing business, even though the boxing club has broken even. After paying for the gym, Webster spends any extra money on more boxing equipment, water bottles, and Gatorade drinks for children. Webster stated, “It’s starting to be tight for us.” “I barely make it with all of our bills and rent.” Webster’s “for-profit” side of the gym, which sells memberships and adult classes as well as classes for children and adults, helps him finance his goal to train boxers to travel and represent Minneapolis at national competitions. Webster admitted that it is difficult to manage two businesses – one for money, and another for passion – almost all by himself. He can be responsible for organizing car washes, fundraisers, and free memberships to volunteers, as well as teaching boxing lessons, including two children’s sessions, about 12 adult trainings, and a beginner’s course each week. Boxers may also choose to purchase a membership or pass at a gym for more access. Costs start at $25 per day for access to a class or the gym and go up to $150 for unlimited access by a whole family. Webster’s clients agree that he is the main selling point for the gym, even though he admits it doesn’t come naturally or easily to him. Miguel Arroyo’s son attends Webster’s classes two times a week. “He is very supportive of the children,” Miguel Arroyo said. The environment was very welcoming. “That’s why we continued to go.” Webster attracted 60 new clients when the gym first opened its doors through social media and flyer distribution. The gym now has 115 members. Webster stated that “it just took off.” He hopes to eventually double the size to accommodate more customers. Webster’s good reputation led Damarius Gilbert, a local boxer who competes in the amateur ranks, to join Webster a year before. Gilbert says that Webster, as a coach creates an environment for boxers to grow in which is warm and comfortable. Gilbert explained, “I had to find a coach.” “I was welcomed into the family as soon as I arrived. It was an amazing first experience.” Gilbert says that being able to box has improved his mental and physical health. Having a coach that prioritizes building personal connections with the students has also been a game changer. Gilbert stated that “boxing has improved my life.” It changed me into a man of better character. Webster’s relationship with students has grown in the past two years that he has owned the gym. This is especially true with a group teenagers who come to the gym regularly to do their homework and spend time with friends. Webster told him, “You’re not just a coach. “You are a father figure.” A psychiatrist. You are helping the children mentally because they are trying to find their way in life. “They’ve got more questions than just boxing questions.” Webster, with the help of other gym volunteers and older boxers, creates a fun class for children ages 6-14. The class includes intense cardio, running exercises, correct stance, and punch technique. The class is set to Disney songs. Justin Hill, who has more than 10 years of experience in boxing, helps to teach these classes. He maintains the energy required to keep up with 12 spirited students eager to punch a grownup. Hill said that Ludy has a sense of community not found in other boxing clubs. Hill smiled down at Ayla who was bouncing around the gym wearing a rainbow ribbon in her hair. “My daughter loves to hang out with other kids. “When I was a child and boxed it kept me from getting into trouble.” “I just feel like there’s more care and love here.” Source

In April of last year, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said to reporters that he had “just learned” about a recruit who was involved in an incident involving the use of excessive force in Fairfax County in Virginia. Internal emails obtained by The Star Tribune reveal that Tyler Timberlake informed the city about the prior incident in his background check conducted in September 2022, seven months before an article brought attention to this hire. Timberlake accused O’Hara of defaming his character and asked city officials to investigate the matter. This was a month after O’Hara had publicly promised to conduct a thorough investigation into Timberlake’s hiring. Timberlake wrote in an email dated May 15, which was verified by Star Tribune as being authentic. These statements have hurt my reputation, including implying the chief was unaware of my previous work history and my hiring by MPD, when in fact he played a role in my hiring. A spokesman for the MPD did not respond to comments Saturday. O’Hara also declined to comment last week when asked what he knew and when about Timberlake’s history. Casper Hill, a city spokesman, said that “the city does not have any comment on these emails.” Insiders and watchdogs have criticized O’Hara for the way he handled Timberlake’s tenure with the department. O’Hara was appointed chief of police less than a month ago, on a promise that he would help usher in an era of improved public safety. Timberlake’s employment ended on July 5, according to records. The city spokesperson would not confirm whether Timberlake was fired or resigned. These emails are coming two days after O’Hara’s last interview with Timberlake was reportedly conducted by O’Hara, who “was fully aware of his past.” Sherral Schmidt, the union president, said that Chief O’Hara had assured Timberlake he would be fine if he performed well. “This is not the case.” Chief comments prompted a ‘grave concern’ Timberlake was officially hired by the city in January. The Minnesota Reformer reported in April that Timberlake had been charged with criminal and federal charges for subduing an individual using a stungun. The footage, which was used in news articles across the country, shows Timberlake, other officers, and paramedics responding to a call from a Mount Vernon (Va.) resident who reported that a man needed oxygen on June 5, 2020. Officers arrive to find Lamonta gladney pacing around and responding to their questions in a confused manner. Gladney is coaxed into an ambulance by others, but Timberlake uses a stungun to shoot the man, causing him to fall to the floor in pain. Fairfax County Police Chief slammed Timberlake for his conduct. He said the video “erodes public trust in police officers.” Timberlake was found not guilty of the three misdemeanor assault and battery counts by a jury. Fairfax County paid $150,000 to the victim in a settlement last year. O’Hara responded to the report on April 20 by saying that Timberlake will not be assigned as an officer until the investigation is completed. The chief of police said, “We’ll get to the bottom this issue and take any necessary measures to ensure that we always hire officers who meet our standard and we place only the most competent and qualified police in the service and protection of the City of Minneapolis.” The emails show Timberlake communicating with a city worker about the incident on September 26, 2022, during his background check. Craig Johnson, a Minneapolis Police sergeant, wrote that he would like to know the date of the critical incident as well as the timeframe. Timberlake responded by saying that the incident occurred on June 5. The next day, he was placed on administrative leave and told to report himself to the Fairfax County Jail. He was released the next day from jail and was placed on leave. After being acquitted in court, he was then reinstated. O’Hara’s appointment as chief was made in November, just two months after his exchange. Timberlake expressed “grave concerns” in his email of May 20, 2023 to city officials, accusing O’Hara for lying to the media. He also said that O’Hara was likely to continue to defame Timberlake. As the city knows and as the proof shows, I have been candid, honest, and self-aware in my efforts to earn a position within the MPD so that I can contribute to a profession I love,” wrote Timberlake. It is disappointing that Chief O’Hara, when faced with a limited narrative of the events by certain media, found it easier defame than own the truth. This will show that he interview me and approved my hiring after a full disclosure. The email asks for a city investigation at the end. Source

The fire department reported that an apartment fire in St. Paul’s Highland Park caused about 30 people to be displaced and estimated damage of $2 million. The fire that occurred on Saturday afternoon did not result in any injuries. According to Deputy Chief Roy Mokosso, investigators discovered firework debris near the place where the fire began. Residents reported hearing fireworks before they saw flames on the grass. The police are helping with the investigation. On July 8, 2023 in St. Paul, a fire started on a lawn in the 1300 Block of St. Paul Avenue. The fire spread from the trees that were against the apartment to the attic above third-floor flats. (Courtesy the St. Paul Fire Department). About 4:20 pm on Saturday, firefighters responded to reports of a grassfire on the lawn of a building in the 1300 Block of St. Paul Avenue. Mokosso stated that wind gusts of up to 22 mph, as well as dry conditions, contributed to the rapid spread of the fire from the trees in front of the apartment building into the attic above the third-floor apartments. Mokosso stated that firefighters put out the fire with “extensive efforts” after the building was evacuated. Over 60 firefighters responded to the incident and remained on site for more than four hours. The Minnesota Red Cross has provided temporary shelters and other assistance to residents of the 17 units. The estimated $2 million damage to the building structure and contents is 2 million dollars. Source

According to the Twin Cities Office of the National Weather Service, there’s a possibility of severe weather on Monday afternoon or evening in the east metro. Meteorologist Melissa Dye says that if these storms are to develop in the Twin Cities area, they will most likely do so over Ramsey Dakota and Washington Counties. The NWS warns that the main threats are large hail, damaging wind and frequent lightning. Heavy rains are a secondary risk. On Monday, July 10th, 2023, scattered severe storms could affect the Twin Cities’ east metro area in the evening and afternoon. Illustration courtesy of National Weather Service office in Twin Cities. Dye, in a Monday interview, said that Wisconsin may be the state facing a greater storm threat. It’s best to get out of the house before late afternoon if you’re looking to take advantage of Monday’s warm weather, which will feature sunshine and temperatures in the nineties. Dye explains that storms could appear anywhere between 4 pm and 6 pm. By sunset on Monday (8:59 pm), things should be quiet. Dye tells us that “it’ll be done by 9 pm.” The rest of the week will be milder, with temperatures hovering around the 80s. Dye said there’s a possibility of showers but not enough for the drought to be eased. Source

The project, near the intersection between Water Street and Plato Boulevard at St. Paul, has caused traffic to be closed on eastbound Plato from Wabasha Street to Ohio Street until November. St. Paul Public Works expects the road to be reopened by November 22. Closure began on Monday. The westbound lanes of Plato will be open only to one-way traffic. Enter Wabasha Street from Ohio and use the westbound lanes on Plato to access businesses between Wabasha Street. Continue westbound along Plato, and then head eastbound onto Water Street towards Wabasha. Access to businesses and driveways will be maintained. Wabasha Street is closed to all through traffic south of Plato Boulevard as of June 20. The street is expected to reopen on August 31. The construction of the sanitary sewer will take place in 2023 and 2024. This is to increase sewer capacity and satisfy the demand for new housing developments, such as the Buhl Investors’ multi-building Farwell-on-Water mixed-use project, which is being built on seven acres. Sewer work includes removing and installing sanitary sewer pipes and building a new liftstation. Xcel Energy is also working on Wabasha Street between the bridge and Plato Boulevard during the entire project. Source

MINNEAPOLIS – The new police chief attributes the increase in ridership on Metro Transit’s light rail to several changes made on the ground. The biggest challenge facing the LRT is overcoming the negative perception. Ricky Greer, a passenger, said that he has always had positive experiences. “It’s pleasant. Greer said, “I think it’s really nice.” Robin Lund’s reality is different. Lund stated that “people who are threatening and people who obviously are not here for commute” are the worst. “They are here to sell drugs.” Metro Transit Police Chief Ernest Morales III said he rides the Blue Line with his wife. The first six stops were quite comfortable. We were thrilled. We thought, “Wow, this is a great system.” Then, we hit Frankin, and then Cedar-Riverside. Then we hit Lake [Street]. Morales said, “It’s as if the floor has fallen out from underneath us.” Chief Ernest Morales III CBS Morales may have seen what WCCO did a few month ago: open drug use, and drug exchanges. The ride on Monday was uneventful. Security was present on the train, the platform and the entrances to the stations. MSP Airport had new signage. New murals and construction were visible at the Lake Street station and Target Field. Morales stated that if you take care of your property, and clean it up properly, others will follow. Metro Transit’s Homeless Action Team is working to make buses and light rail safer Transit officials claim that they did, particularly during Pride Week and Taylor Swift concerts last month. Overall, ridership has increased by 23%. Officials say that reported crimes are also on the rise. But Chief Morales said that this is a result of more proactive police activity. I will encourage everyone to return to the system. He said that numbers make us safer. The chief says that his biggest challenge, despite only being in the job for four months, is recruiting. The force still lacks more than 60 officers but has much to be proud about. Source

Water damage is one of the most common reasons homeowners file home insurance claims. It’s also the most destructive type of disaster a property can experience, causing more damage than a fire would and resulting in higher repair costs. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help prevent water damage. One of the most common causes of water damage is leaky pipes. This is caused by corroded or weak pipe joints, high water pressures, extreme temperatures, and broken water connectors. Leaks may be obvious, such as a drip from a leaking shower or puddle under a sink, but they can also be hidden and difficult to find. Regardless of the cause of the leak, it’s important to get it repaired as soon as possible. Another common cause of water damage is flooding from sewer backups. While this is rarely a result of homeowner negligence, it can be extremely disruptive and expensive to clean up. Flooding from sewage is often accompanied by an overwhelming stench and can lead to the contamination of household furnishings and personal items. It’s also important to keep up with regular maintenance and cleaning of your gutters. This will help to prevent water damage Minneapolis MN by preventing dirt and debris from building up in the gutters, which can clog them. If your gutters become clogged, it’s important to clear them out immediately before heavy rain or snowfall occurs. Poor or unmaintained appliances are another leading cause of water damage. This includes aging water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators. It’s important to regularly check your appliances and replace or repair them as needed. If you notice any signs of rust or corrosion on an appliance, contact a water restoration company right away. When a home experiences severe water damage, it can quickly spread throughout the property. The porous materials found in a typical property, like wood, drywall, and carpeting, will absorb the water and begin to break down. This can cause rotting and staining in walls, floors, and furnishings, and it may even lead to structural damage. Water damage can also encourage the growth of dangerous mold spores. This is because the excess moisture provides an ideal environment for them to thrive in. Mold spores are extremely allergenic and can cause a variety of health problems, including sinus infections, allergies, and bronchitis. If left untreated, mold growth can spread to other areas of the house and create more serious health issues. There are many warning signs of water damage that homeowners should look out for, including cracking foundations, rusted or corroded pipes, peeling paint and wallpaper, sagging floors, and stains on the ceilings or walls. If you suspect you have water damage in your Minneapolis, MN home, call a professional right away to avoid extensive and costly repairs. It’s also a good idea to move any valuable items to a safe location before attempting to dry them on your own. Also, be sure to turn off any electronics that have come into contact with water and remove all perishable food from your fridge and freezer. Service Restore Pro 3300 County Rd 10 Minneapolis MN, 55429 612-488-9558

Derrick John Thompson was charged with criminal vehicular murder in a crash which killed five young girls. He made his first appearance before the court on Friday, and bail for him was set at one million dollars. Thompson, son of John Thompson, former Minnesota Rep. representing St. Paul East Side, did not address the court in his short time at the courtroom. There were no family members or victims of Derrick Thompson in the courtroom. Derrick John Thompson (Courtesy of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office) Thompson, who had broken his hip last Friday in the Minneapolis accident, was wheeled into the courtroom from the Hennepin County Jail. Derrick John Thompson, Courtesy of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Judge Carolina Lamas said Thompson was qualified to be a public advocate. Lamas, with defense attorney Marecca vertin holding back on bail arguments, set Thompson’s bond at the $1,000,000 requested by the prosecution. Thompson is being held in jail because he had been on parole for a California conviction. He will also likely be placed under a federal hold, because the U. S. Attorney’s Office charged him last week. According to charges, a trooper saw Thompson speeding through a red traffic light in a sports utility vehicle at 95 mph, in a zone where the speed limit was 55 mph, before abruptly exiting Interstate 35W. The crash killed Salma Mohammed Abdikadir (20), of St. Louis Park, Sabiriin mohamoud Ali (17), of Bloomington, Sahra Gesaade (20), of Brooklyn Center, Sagal Burhaan Hissi (19), of Minneapolis and Siham Adan Odhowa (19), of Minneapolis. Thompson, 27, has also been charged with federal possession of fentanyl, and a gun, which were both found in the vehicle following the collision. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Minnesota made the announcement on Thursday. Thompson was found guilty in 2020 in California for a case from 2018, in which he had fled officers in his vehicle and hit a woman. She was in a state of coma for a few weeks. Thompson is still on probation for the case. Source

Construction is under way on Farwell-on-Water, a new mixed-use neighborhood on St. Paul’s West Side. According to Edina-based investment firm Buhl, the 7.25-acre site will include market-rate housing and affordable housing as well as artist studios, offices, a restaurant, and a public green space of one acre. This architectural rendering shows the one-acre green space that will open to the public in the summer 2024 as part of the Farwell-on-Water district on St. Paul’s West Side. (Courtesy of Buhl Investors) The construction of the $113 Million project is expected to be completed next summer. The rents for the affordable units have yet to be determined, but they will be available for people earning up to 50% of median area income. St. Paul mayor Melvin Carter spoke at a ceremony of a ceremonial ground-breaking on Friday morning. He was joined by developers Pete Deanovic, Harrison Mohagen. The project was described by Deanovic, the founding principal of Buhl Investors as “a place where art, culture, and community can flourish.” The project overlooks the St. Paul Cathedral and downtown St. Paul. The former Farwell, Ozmun, Kirk & Co. building, which housed artist’s studios on 102 Water St., is included in the development. The project will include 221 units at market rate and 63 units with income restrictions, including seven units for housing support services for those who are homeless or disabled. Source

MINNETONKA (Minn.) — The storms that swept through the Twin Cities over night and into Wednesday morning brought down many trees and branches. The strong winds blew a large tree down onto two cars, covering a good portion of Minnehaha Avenue. The strong winds also knocked down a light post. A huge tree branch fell onto a car about a block from the scene on 34th Street. The owner reported that his car was mostly unharmed with only some minor damage to the windshield. Huge tree down off Minnehaha Avenue now covering much of the street. Toppled onto two trees and took out a light pole. @WCCO pic.twitter.com/iKIZY13AkI — Pauleen Le (@PauleenLe) August 3, 2022 Hennepin County reports that the official highest wind speed at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport was 62 mph. Eden Prairie recorded the highest wind speed at 50 mph and Falcon Heights 52 mph. The emergency manager of the county said that most of the damage was caused by branches, not entire trees. Xcel Energy reports that 135,000 customers from Minnesota and western Wisconsin lost power overnight. Since then, more than 70% of the connections have been restored. At 6 p.m., there were fewer than 10,000 customers in the metro area without power. According to the company, situations that pose a threat to public safety such as downed live wires are given top priority for repair. A WCCO crew was on 31st Avenue when they saw police on the scene of a motorcycle accident. There were also a large tree branch and a dead body nearby. Police have not yet provided us with any more information about the incident and whether or not it was related to weather. Nathan Eklund, a homeowner in Golden Valley, says that big storms have meant little sleep for him. Eklund stated, “I thought it might be a street sweeper going by. [laughs]” “It was loud enough to awaken us from a dead-sleep.” On Wednesday morning, tree shrapnel rained down on the entire neighborhood. Eklund said, “There was a large branch in the side yard and the backyard was littered by branches and other stuff from the tree.” Hennepin County Emergency Management director Eric Waage said they always warn people about the dangers associated with storms at this time of the year. This is our peak period. Waage stated that “we always expect to be hit by the weather in summer.” “This would be the Christmas season if we were in retail. But we’re not.” Benjamin Torell, a resident of Golden Valley, says that he is glad to have the right channel on at the right moment. It was great to get a heads-up. WCCO was a great help last night. “The power was on, and they came into the room and warned us that it was coming,” Torell stated. “We put our plans into action quickly, which gave us a 10 minute head start. Then it was as if a switch had been flipped.” Experts tell WCCO the storms and wind from last night would have brought down a lot of trees in normal conditions. Because the ground is so solid, the trees stay put. It’s only the branches that are being thrown. Waage explained that “with the hard, dry soil you had more branches snapping than trees toppling or falling over.” These branches knocked the power out for tens and thousands of people including Eklund’s neighbors. As the clouds begin to clear, Eklund says he is focused on its silver lining. It was lucky that nobody’s home, or anything really large, came down. He said that it seemed like the situation could have been much worse. Source

Plans for a residential building at the corner Hennepin Avenue SE and 18th Avenue SE have been approved. A new four-story structure will be built on the site of an existing one-story commercial building at 1714 East Hennepin Avenue, in the Como area. The new building will have 27 apartments, which are ideally suited for students at the University of Minnesota or other area colleges. It also has a single-level enclosed parking. The building’s residential units will be sized from 631 square feet to 942, with alcove, two-bedroom and one-bedroom designs. The building’s amenities include a shared area and a bike storage room/lounge on the ground level. Many units also have private balconies. The building, designed by Minneapolis-based Collage Architects will feature a modern exterior clad with brick, metal panels, aluminum siding and glazing. The parking will be on the first-floor of the building, with 24 spaces and access via 18th Avenue SE. Ironmark Building Co., based in Minneapolis, will develop the project. The Minneapolis Planning Commission approved the plans for 1714 E Hennepin Avenue on April 10, 2023. Construction will begin this year, and should be completed by fall 2024. Source

A woman has been cleared of felony charges after a judge decided this week that the police had used evidence from a search conducted in violation of constitutional rights to get her to confess to being involved in a fatal accident in north Minneapolis. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office dismissed the charges of criminal vehicular murder and criminal vehicular operations against Khyan Whitley, 35 of Minneapolis. She was charged in relation to the wreck on Nov. 13, 2021 that resulted in the death of Jonneekwa S. Donald (30) of Minneapolis. The charges stated that Whitley’s vehicle “may have run a traffic sign and then T-boned (the victims’] car” in the 1400 Block of N. Morgan Avenue. The license plate was written down by a passerby who saw the car driving away. The criminal complaint stated that Whitley confessed to the police on Dec. 8 and said she had fled the scene and covered her car because she did not have a license or insurance. Whitley had not held a valid license since 2008 when it was suspended. In her filing for dismissal, Assistant County Attorney Kali Gardner stated that “the state is no longer capable of meeting its burden with suppressed proof… involving a improper search and the fruits that followed.” The defense first raised the issue in October, and District Judge Paul Scoggin threw out the confession because the police “pulled the vehicle cover up enough to see the license plate,” leading them to Whitley’s confession. The prosecution lost in May when it went to the Court of Appeals for the revival of the confession as evidence. Scoggin denied this week the latest attempt by the prosecution to have the confession readmitted. The County Attorney’s Office then conceded and dropped the case. Sarah Shah, spokeswoman of the County Attorney’s Office said on Friday that “the charges cannot be refiled.” Michael Donald, Jonneekwa Donald’s brother, stated that he was “in disbelief and mad at the courts” when he heard of the dismissal. He and his wife, who raise their four children in Minneapolis, have added two of the three boys, aged 9 and 13, from his sister. Michael Donald said, “We’ve been through a lot.” It’s crazy at times. We must go after [Whitley] in a civil manner. “Sometimes it’s crazy.” Scoggin’s final ruling cited the exact police conduct he said violated Whitley’s constitutional protection from unreasonable searches and seizures. Two police sergeants visited Whitley’s house about 3 1/2 weeks after her crash. They saw that a cover was draped over the car but that “extensive damages” were still visible. One sergeant lifted the cover to reveal the license plate. It matched that of the plate seen by a witness as the car fled the scene. The plate identified Whitley as Whitley. The sergeants seized the car, knocked at the door, and spoke with Whitley’s child, who stated that his mother wasn’t home. Whitley was able to meet with the sergeants after they left their contact details. When she was asked about the damage on her car, Whitley admitted that she had been involved in the accident. Scoggin wrote that “[Whitley] would have given a different answer if she had not been faced with the illegally seized evidence, front-end damage on her car and the fact it was seized by police.” The sergeants’ illegal searches also eliminated any possibility for [her] of providing an innocent explanation. The court found that this factor favored [Whitley]’s statement, a fruit from the poisonous tree. Source

Residents of the Blair Boutique Apartments on Selby Avenue, which are stylish and modern, were faced with rent increases up to $158 a month. They appealed to St. Paul. How can rents increase by as much as 8% in a city where the rent control ordinance, approved by voters, generally limits annual increases to 3%? When a hearing officer for the city crunched numbers provided by the owner of the property, she discovered that Reacor Limited, and Selby Ave Realty could technically qualify for rent increases exceeding 16%. This is double the amount the landlord was approved for. The Blair case shows the disconnect between what St. Paul’s voters approved and the law that was passed after landlords’ complaints and developers’ threats, and following changes approved by city council. Rent increases of up to 8 percent have been justified by landlords despite the ordinance’s 3% limit. Blair tenants were shocked by the conclusions of the hearing officer, but they remained resolute. Residents of four of the 91 apartments in the building sifted through the numbers together and found what they called “eye-popping math”. According to the landlord’s statement, overall operating expenses had increased by almost one third in three years from $586,000. Residents were wondering if they would be charged for security, accounting, management fees, and other expenses associated with the Blair’s ground-level commercial tenants. These include a dentist office, sushi restaurant, and chiropractor. The tenants stated in a statement sent to the city that “these expenses have not resulted either in the expansion of services for new tenants or the improvement of services already provided.” Each tenant’s appeal, however, was rejected by the council on June 14, with Amy Brendmoen, and Mitra Jaali both absent. The city ordinance allows for rising costs and gives property owners a fair return. Russel Balenger said that he felt his hand was tied by the ordinance and administrative rules created by the Department of Safety and Inspections. Landlords can self-certify rent increases up to 8% by using the rules. They must be able to defend their calculations if they are reviewed by the city. Balenger referred to the amendments adopted by the city council in September. “The unfortunate truth is that the rent stabilization law we passed last fall doesn’t protect tenants enough,” he said. The rules that were set up by the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) do not reflect what residents voted. “We have to comply with the ordinance as it stands right now.” How corporate landlords are able to dominate the market Blair tenants expressed their dissatisfaction with the ordinance in their testimony before the city council. This is a concern that affects the entire city. Corporate landlords are able to gain the upper hand in rent control disputes on many levels. They have accountants and lawyers who can act on their behalf. The city admits that no site visits have been conducted so far to check submitted expenses. Even the 22-page spreadsheet the city uses to verify expense increases doesn’t have to be presented to the city until there is a staff audit, or tenant appeals. DSI has approved 158 of 184 applications from landlords to self-certify increases in rent up to 8%. This represents an approval rate 86%. A federal judge recently threw out a lawsuit against St. Paul filed by two apartment building owners who were opposed to rent control. The judge noted that the city had granted the majority of landlords’ requests for rent control exemptions, without even holding a hearing. Levi Indvik, a Blair resident, told the council that the appeals procedure favors landlords. He said that in order to be able to speak at the hearing, he would need to have access to the documents provided by the landlord. It would also require time and expertise for the interpretation of the numbers. And he’d want to trust the accuracy and representativeness of the reported numbers. “There are interesting numbers in the increases, such as this 58% increase in Management Spending.” The worksheet provided by Reacor Limited & Selby Avenue Realty shows that accounting costs at the Blair have increased from $3,500 in 2019 to $11,600 in 2021. The worksheet did not include any security costs. Uninsured damage had also increased from nothing to $35,000 Management fees had risen from $87,000 to $137,000. Indvik noted that the city failed to investigate further. When we raised these blind spots and concerns, we were told that the math was correct. Erica Mumm, another Blair tenant, shared these concerns. Mumm, a Blair tenant, told the council that it might be worth investigating why they reported an increase of 32% in operating costs. “We do not believe that 2019 is a representative year. These expenses have all been self-reported. “There is no oversight.” Many tenants claimed that the owners of The Blair refused to renew the leases on their apartments until the appeal decision was made. The property owners were not present at the hearings, and they could not be contacted for a comment. Increases in property taxes are justification for increases Marcia Moermond acknowledged in the presentation of the city staff to the council that landlords who are seeking rent increases up to 8% do not need to give detailed explanations until tenants appeal their self-certification or the city audits it. She said that “the self-certification applications receive very little staff review and this was the case with this one as well as all the others.” She did note, however, that the Blair owners used an old form on the website of the city, asking for expenses in 2021, rather than 2022. Inflation was also higher that year. The landlord stated that residential units only accounted for 60% of the total. Moermond stated that even if the other operating costs were removed and the 2021 figures are used, “the property tax represents 46% of expenses in this worksheet.” This is a significant amount. Even if the increase in management service was not justified, it would still be a small number that wouldn’t change the outcome of whether a rent hike is acceptable. The tenants noted that taxes for this year have dropped to $582,000. Prior to the proposed increases in rent, the Blair advertised one-bedroom apartments at rents ranging from $1,425 up to $1.590 per month, and the two-bedroom units were advertised between $1,940 and $1,975. Moermond stated that the property owners informed the city they would assess each of the 91 apartments individually and raise rents as high as 8% in some cases, while not raising them at all in others. Source

According to a report released by the federal government on Wednesday, Minnesota was ranked fifth in child well-being among all states. Minnesota was ranked 18th for education. This means that the state still has a lot of work to do before it can be considered the best place to raise children. Tim Walz, along with DFL legislators, declared this at the beginning of the recent legislative sessions. The Kids Count Data Book is an annual report that ranks states based on the well-being and education of their children. It also includes benchmarks such as family and community, health and education. This year, the report included data from 2021 — giving states an idea of how children did during the peak of the COVID-19 epidemic. Debra Fitzpatrick is the policy and research director at Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota. She said that the data looked at the entire state, but Minnesota had distinct gaps in opportunity based on race, which aren’t included in the report. Fitzpatrick stated, “While we are doing well in general, it is really noticeable that we rank lower than the other categories of education.” According to the report, from 2019 to 2022 the percentage of Minnesota fourth graders who are not proficient readers rose from 62% up to 68%. In the same period, the percentage of eighth graders who were not proficient in math increased from 56% up to 68%. Fitzpatrick stated that Minnesota’s low education rates and opportunities gaps are due to a lack access to early childhood education and child care. Fitzpatrick stated that “we invest so little in the early years of a child’s life, even though 80 percent of brain development occurs in these first three years.” “We have made some historic advances this year but we are still far from where we should be.” Walz, in an effort to combat the lack of early education and child care in Minnesota, signed a bill this session that included $300 million for new spending in early childhood education and scholarships, as well as other programs aimed at preparing young children for school. More than $250 million of the new funding will be allocated to Minnesota’s Early Learning Scholarship Program, which targets 3- and 4-year olds. Head Start and Child Care Assistance Program received additional funding. The new law provides permanent funding for 4,000 slots of pre-K, which were previously only temporary. It also adds temporary funds to 5,200 additional slots. In an interview with The Reformer, House Speaker Melissa Hortman stated that the Legislature’s investment in early childhood education was her proudest achievement. Hortman stated that she has been advocating more pre-K seats for 20 years. Hortman stated, “This year we have invested a lot in the little ones.” Fitzpatrick noted that the data was dated and did not reflect all the provisions that were passed by the Legislature to improve the well-being of children, such as paid medical leave for families, funding new affordable housing, or universal free meals in schools. Fitzpatrick stated, “It’s exciting to me that the Legislature didn’t waste an opportunity and that we did some important, bold things which could have a major impact on people’s lives in the long run.” Source

MINNEAPOLIS – The families of five women who died in a car accident on Lake Street, Minneapolis earlier this month, are expected to make a public statement Monday. The Minnesota chapter Council on American-Islamic Relations will join families in demanding an independent investigation into the fatal incident at 12 noon. The Minneapolis Police Department says that on the evening of the 16th of June, the driver was traveling at a speed of approximately 100 mph when he ran a red signal at the intersection of Lake Street & Second Avenue. Salma Abdikadir (20), who taught Sunday School at Normandale Community College, Sagal Hersi (19), who studied at Minneapolis College, and Siham Adam (19), who studied at University of Minnesota, allegedly crashed into the car of five friends who were out shopping to prepare for a friend’s wedding. The five victims were all declared dead on the spot. Sahra Gesaade, 20, Salma Abdikadir, 20, Sagal Hersi, 19, Siham Adam, 19, Sabiriin Ali, 17 Dar Al Farooq Center Mary Moriarty, the Hennepin County attorney said that “the deaths of these young women are devastating for their families and have shaken our entire community.” Derrick Thompson (27 years old) has been charged in this case with ten counts criminal vehicular murder. He is also facing federal drug charges. Additional charges may be filed after blood toxicology results are received. Thompson was involved with a similar accident in Southern California, in 2018. Derrick Thompson Thompson, according to the criminal records, was driving a car at high speed in Ventura, California on September 4, 2018 when he hit a woman from North Carolina who was on vacation. The victim was in an unconscious state for more than 20 days, but she survived. Thompson fled and fled to Minnesota, before being caught and extradited to California. He was sentenced for eight years and pleaded guilty to several felonies. However, he was released only after serving a few short months. Thompson is the son a former state representative, John Thompson. Thompson was a Democrat from the St. Paul region. Source

At the start of its quarter-century run (and counting), Bambini Trust sat at the vanguard of a new generation of Euro-style eateries populating Sydney. Owners Michael and Angela Potts’ restraint with opening endless other ventures makes their next move particularly appetising. The duo will swing open the doors on a sibling venture, Riviera Dining, in the CBD in September. The choice of Phillip Street (they’ve taken the former site of Silks cafe) is something of a homecoming for Angela Potts, who started her Sydney hospitality journey on the strip 30 years ago, with her Simpatico cafe venture. “They used to call me the Cappuccino Queen of Phillip Street,” she says. More casual than Bambini Trust, Riviera Dining will position itself as an all-day diner tapping the cooking of the French and Italian rivieras. “We’ve got a pizza oven on a slow ship from Italy,” she says. While they looked at other sites around the CBD, Potts says Phillip Street’s location, next to the Supreme Court of NSW and surrounded by barristers’ chambers, appealed.  “I do love lawyers as clients,” she says. “They like quality and they like to eat and drink at different times of the day.”  The site – which includes a vault from another life as a bank – is receiving a major makeover bringing in the azure, terracotta and “green-blues” of the Mediterranean. “It’s a big space; it’ll hold 100 to 130 people,” Potts says.  Riviera Dining is expected to open at 170 Phillip Street, Sydney, in September. via https://ift.tt/xzTt7kA

Experts are divided on whether house prices will continue to take a battering in 2023 or if they will rise by up to 12 per cent as the threat of interest rate hikes dies down. The estimated total value of residential real estate decreased from $9.6 trillion in December 2021 to $9.4 trillion in November 2022, while annual sales declined by 13.3 per cent with approximately 535,000 homes sold nationally, CoreLogic data showed. Sydney’s property market suffered the most with suburbs such as Narrabeen on the northern beaches, inner city Surry Hills and Redfern recording the most significant falls in value over the year, down more than 25 per cent. But falling house prices saw a marked slowdown by the end of this year dropping by just 1 per cent in November, following the steep monthly decline of 1.6 per cent in August. Stream more property news live & on demand with Flash. 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer available for a limited time only CoreLogic’s head of research Eliza Owen said the decline in house prices could have reached its peak, but the threat of further rate hikes in 2023 could also see them accelerate again. “As we move into 2023, there continues to be a mix of headwinds and tailwinds for housing market performance,” she said. “With expectations that the bulk of the rate tightening cycle occurred in 2022, housing value declines could find a floor in the new year. “However, the extent of the floor in values could be further weighed down by mortgage serviceability risks, particularly for those rolling out of record-low fixed mortgage rates through the second half of year. “But unemployment levels remain at historic lows, which plays a role in serviceability, helping to keep a lid on mortgage arrears. “On top of that, strong rental markets and improving affordability from the point of falling values, may entice investors and first home buyers into the market, underpinning a recovery in buyer activity in the second half of 2023, when the cash rate stabilises.” But others believe Australia’s housing market could rise by up to a whopping 9 per cent in the coming year. Sydney would lead the recovery with the NSW capital experiencing the largest gains of up to 12 per cent in its property sphere. That’s as long as the Reserve Bank of Australia doesn’t hike interest rates past 4 per cent and then starts to reduce them in the second half of 2023, research from the SQM Research’s Housing Boom and Bust report for 2023. If interest rates don’t surpass 4 per cent and start to go down, then real estate across the country will on average enjoy a 3 to 7 per cent lift, the report found. But properties could decline in value by as much 6 per cent in a worst-case scenario where interest rates continue to rise and inflation keeps going up. Proptrack director of economic research Cameron Kusher said national property prices have fallen 3.8 per cent to November 2022 since they peaked in March. “However, they remain 30 per cent above pre-pandemic levels. Of course, the declines have varied greatly throughout the country, with Sydney down 6.6 per cent, Melbourne down 5.3 per cent and Canberra down 4.2 per cent recording the greatest falls from their respective peaks,” he said. “Prices continue to rise in Adelaide and regional South Australia and have only fallen marginally in regional Western Australia.” He added there were several factors driving these declines with the falls following one of the most rapid periods of price growth in Australian housing history. “The falls have also been a result of interest rates rising from 0.1 per cent at the beginning of May 2022 to 3.1 per cent in December 2022, with expectations they will rise even higher in 2023,” he noted. “As a result of the rapid increase in interest rates, we have seen mortgage borrowing capacity drop by around 25 per cent … while prices have fallen much more moderately. “We expect further price falls in 2023, with the largest falls likely in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra and more moderate declines elsewhere.” But Arjun Paliwal, founder of buyer’s agency Investorkit, said while the rental crisis will continue, if not worsen in 2023 – with prices set to rise by at least 10 per cent in most Australian cities – house prices will bounce back. “For those looking to buy or sell, expect to see a gradual recovery in national house prices in the mid-to-later half of the year,” he said. “It’s also welcome news for first home buyers in NSW who will have the option to pay an annual land tax instead of an upfront stamp duty fee, which may see them buy their first home sooner.” Mr Paliwal believes national house prices will show signs of recovery next year from April to July, although Sydney and Melbourne homeowners will see a slower rate of recovery. He added record-low vacancy rates, an undersupply in houses for sale, relative affordability, and strong local economies in regional Australia will lead to property prices being pushed up in these areas. Some standout regions he predicts will see strong capital growth in 2023 include Townsville, Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Albury-Wodonga, and the Barossa Valley. “In Bundaberg, the median house price has increased significantly by 5.5 per cent over the quarter to September and sales asking prices have also increased 3.1 per cent between September and November alone,” he said. Meanwhile, property experts revealed the “hottest” suburbs going into the New Year which included a scenic seaside location where homes are as cheap as $350,000. Realestate.com.au’s first “Hot 100” list identified 100 suburbs around the country with the best growth prospects in 2023, with 29 in Victoria, comprising a mix of inner-city, outer-suburban and regional areas. NSW and Queensland each had 24 suburbs with a similar mix, South Australia accounted for nine spots, Western Australia seven, ACT five, and Tasmania and Northern Territory each had just one suburb on the list. However, the major banks haven’t been so positive about rising house prices in 2023. National Australia Bank predicted house prices were set to plummet as much as 23.2 per cent by 2023. Surprisingly, Hobart will suffer the biggest drop in house prices next year with prices set to plunge by 16.6 per cent, after falling this year by 6.4 per cent, NAB found. This will result in Hobart house prices dropping by a huge 23 per cent in the space of just two years – meaning as much as $174,000 could be slashed from a median price home worth $758,000. via https://ift.tt/ye3OT98

A little over a week after Labor claimed victory at the federal election, the new government’s first full cabinet has been sworn in. When compared to the Coalition’s previous few cabinets, there are noticeably more women this time around, and Labor’s cabinet is also more diverse. Because Labor is split into left and right factions, the two sides have a power-sharing agreement as to the makeup of the front bench. It’s then up to the Prime Minister to actually allocate individual portfolios. And although Labor hasn’t been in government since 2013, almost half of the new cabinet have experience as government ministers. Here are the faces of the new Labor cabinet. Anthony Albanese Prime Minister MP for Grayndler, NSW Left faction Most of the country should know who Anthony Albanese is by now, given he’s the new Prime Minister. Under Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard he was the minister for transport and infrastructure, plus minister for regional development. Mr Albanese belongs to the party’s left-wing faction but ran a comparatively centrist campaign. Richard Marles Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Defence MP for Corio, Victoria Right faction As deputy Labor leader, Richard Marles was always going to be Deputy Prime Minister. He’s also the current minister for defence, and had a very brief stint as minister for trade during Kevin Rudd’s second time as PM in 2013. Penny Wong Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator for South Australia Left faction Penny Wong is a stalwart of the Labor Party and has been a senator for 20 years. She served as the minister for climate change and minister for finance under the Rudd and Gillard governments and was the Labor leader in the Senate after that. As Australia looks to repair several key relationships in the region, Ms Wong, who was born in Malaysia, becomes the first Asian foreign minister and the first openly lesbian front bencher. Jim Chalmers Treasurer MP for Rankin, Queensland Right faction Jim Chalmers worked as an adviser to several state premiers and federal ministers – all from the Labor Party – before his own tilt at Parliament in 2013. He even wrote his PhD thesis on Paul Keating. Mr Chalmers’ wife was a staffer for Julia Gillard, who also attended the couple’s wedding. Anthony Albanese, Richard Marles, Linda Burney and Jim Chalmers. Photo: Getty Katy Gallagher Minister for Finance Minister for the Public Service Minister for Women Senator for the ACT Left faction Katy Gallagher spent more than a decade in ACT politics before moving into federal politics in 2019. From 2011 to 2014, she even served as chief minister of the ACT – the territory’s equivalent of a premier. Before that, Ms Gallagher was an organiser for the Community and Public Sector Union, which represents government employees, among others. Don Farrell Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator for South Australia Right faction Don Farrell is a long-time senator and former head of the retail union, the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association. When he briefly considered a pivot to state politics in 2014, Labor premier Jay Weatherill threatened to resign. Mr Farrell was one of only a few parliamentarians to abstain from the marriage equality vote in 2017. Tony Burke Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Minister for the Arts MP for Watson, NSW Right faction Tony Burke previously held several portfolios under the Rudd and Gillard governments including agriculture, sustainability and multicultural affairs. His electorate includes the diverse suburbs of Western Sydney. He was previously an organiser for the retail union, the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association. Tweet from @Tony_Burke Mark Butler Minister for Health and Aged Care MP for Hindmarsh, South Australia Left faction Mark Butler was the minister for mental health and ageing under the Rudd and Gillard governments, and later held several other portfolios for a shorter period. Mr Butler helped Mr Albanese’s bid to become Labor leader in 2013, only for him to lose to Bill Shorten. Before entering politics, he held a senior role in the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union. Chris Bowen Minister for Climate Change and Energy MP for McMahon, NSW Right faction Chris Bowen is a long-time Labor parliamentarian and held numerous portfolios under the Rudd and Gillard governments, working all the way up to becoming treasurer in 2013 before Labor’s defeat. A few years before entering federal politics, he was the mayor of Fairfield in Sydney’s west. Tanya Plibersek Minister for the Environment and Water MP for Sydney, NSW Left faction Tanya Plibersek is the other top member of Labor’s left faction, after Mr Albanese. She was deputy opposition leader under Bill Shorten and was widely viewed as a potential candidate for party leader. Ms Plibersek held five portfolios at different times under the Rudd and Gillard governments, including health, women and human services. She was first elected to Parliament in 1998 at the age of 28. Dr Anne Aly with Tanya Plibersek. Photo: Getty Catherine King Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government MP for Ballarat, Victoria Left faction Catherine King is another long-time Labor MP who has served since 2001. She was the minister for both regional Australia and road safety under the Rudd and Gillard governments. Linda Burney Minister for Indigenous Australians MP for Barton, NSW Left faction Linda Burney is a Wiradjuri woman who has previously held senior positions in the NSW state government cabinet and rose to deputy opposition leader shortly afterwards. She pivoted to federal politics at the 2016 election. Ms Burney is the first woman to hold the portfolio of Indigenous Affairs, and only the second Aboriginal person to do so after outgoing minister Ken Wyatt. The incoming assistant minister for Indigenous Australians is Yanyuwa woman Senator Malarndirri McCarthy. Amanda Rishworth Minister for Social Services MP for Kingston, South Australia Right faction As minister for social services, Amanda Rishworth will oversee mental health support, among other things. She was a practising psychologist before entering Parliament in 2007. However, before that, she was an organiser for the SDA and served as the president of Young Labor in 2000. Tweet from @naveenjrazik Bill Shorten Minister for the NDIS Minister for Government Services MP for Maribyrnong, Victoria Right faction Bill Shorten was the former opposition leader, who led Labor through two elections. At the 2016 election Labor gained several seats but it wasn’t enough to beat the Coalition, while in 2019 the party also lost despite polls pointing to a Labor victory. Since then he’s been relegated to a less prominent role in the cabinet. Mark Dreyfus Attorney-General Cabinet Secretary MP for Isaacs, Victoria Right faction Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus briefly held cabinet positions during Kevin Rudd’s second stint. Before entering politics in 2007, Mr Dreyfus had roughly 20 years of experience a barrister across commercial, defamation, constitutional and environmental law. He’s also served as a director of the Law Council of Australia and sat on the Victorian Bar Council. Brendan O’Connor Minister for Skills and Training MP for Gorton, Victoria Left faction Brendan O’Connor has been in Parliament since 2001 and held numerous portfolios under the Rudd and Gillard governments, including home affairs, employment and human services. In the 1990s, he was assistant national secretary of the Australian Services Union. Jason Clare Minister for Education MP for Blaxland, NSW Right faction Jason Clare was previously the minister for home affairs, minister for justice and minister for defence materiel under the Rudd and Gillard governments. Before entering Parliament he was a senior adviser to former NSW premier Bob Carr. Julie Collins Minister for Housing Minister for Homelessness Minister for Small Business MP for Franklin, Tasmania Left faction Julie Collins is the only Tasmanian in the cabinet, and the only Labor parliamentarian not to have finished high school. She began working for the Labor Party as an administrative assistant at a young age in 1987, before taking on a slew of different state roles for Labor politicians, premiers and government departments. Michelle Rowland Minister for Comunications MP for Greenway, NSW Right faction Michelle Rowland entered Parliament in 2010, while Labor was in opposition. She previously worked as a senior telecommunications lawyer and has also been a mayor and healthcare director. With 10 women in cabinet, Anthony Albanese claimed to have “largest number of women ever in an Australian cabinet”. That number climbs to 19 women when including the outer cabinet and assistant ministers. Photo: Getty Madeleine King Minister for Northern Australia Minister for Resources MP for Brand, Western Australia Right faction Madeleine King is the most recently elected member of the cabinet, entering Parliament in 2016. She is also the only Western Australian. Ms King was a lawyer and political adviser. Murray Watt Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister for Emergency Management Senator for Queensland Left faction Murray Watt was elected as a senator in 2016, but prior to that he was an MP in the Queensland state parliament. He initially worked in law before entering the public service and ultimately working as chief of staff to former Queensland premier Anna Bligh. Ed Husic Minister for Industry and Science MP for Chifley, NSW Right faction Ed Husic once worked as a researcher for former Chifley MP Roger Price, and took over his seat when Mr Price retired at the 2010 election. He became involved with the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union of Australia and became national president before entering Parliament. He is of Bosnian descent and w...

01 June 2022 Doctor of Letters awarded to Professor Emerita Margaret Harris Margaret Harris, a long-standing member of the University community, was recently admitted into the degree of Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) for her outstanding contribution to the arts, both in Australia and internationally. via https://stpaulrestorationpro.com/june-the-university-of-sydney/

Australian river filled with millions of dead fish as residents complain of ‘putrid’ smell Fox News Millions of dead fish found in Australian river BBC Millions of dead fish wash up amid heat wave in Australia NBC News Back to top button via https://stpaulrestorationpro.com/australian-river-filled-with-millions-of-dead-fish-as-residents-complain-of-putrid-smell/

Anthony Albanese presented Boris Johnson with a South Sydney Rabbitohs jacket during the pair’s “breakfast meeting” held on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Spain.  Prime Minister Anthony Albanese gifted his UK counterpart Boris Johnson with a jacket from his beloved South Sydney Rabbitohs as the two leaders met face-to-face for the first time since May’s Federal Election.   Mr Albanese presented Mr Johnson with the jacket as the pair held a “breakfast meeting” on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Madrid, Spain. The Australian leader said he discussed the new trilateral defence and security pact between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom with Mr Johnson.   “I spoke about AUKUS and our support for AUKUS, as well the Australia UK Free Trade Agreement which we hope to come into effect later this year, but also the important relations that we have between our two nations,” Mr Albanese told reporters. Stream more on politics with Flash. 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer ends 31 October, 2022  Mr Johnson had expressed his gratitude for the support Australia has given to Ukraine, which has included $285 million in military equipment and $65 million of humanitarian support. “What a wonderful thing it is to see you here in NATO. What a progressive development for our alliance,” he said as the pair shook hands and took photos. “Thank you particularly for the incredible strength that Australia has shown in Ukraine. You’ve really stepped up to the plate.”  The meeting with Mr Johnson was a number of discussions Mr Albanese held with world leaders while in Madrid for the summit, which he has been attending after Australia was invited as an Enhanced Opportunities Partner. Mr Albanese has also spoken with the prime ministers of Belgium and Spain, the Secretary General of NATO, the presidents of the European Commission and European Council and had a “very constructive discussion” with French President Emmanuel Macron. “Last night was a real opportunity for Australia to engage in a less than formal setting with a range of people from President Macron, President Biden, Olaf Scholz, a range of the leaders who were there,” he said.  “I took the opportunity to talk about Australia’s national interest, to talk about our different plans. One of the things that is clear to me is that the whole world has noticed that Australia has a different position on climate change. “What that does is give Australia a seat at the global table of opportunity and I intend to seize that opportunity.”  While in Spain for the NATO summit, Mr Albanese lashed out at China for their failure to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “What we saw is prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we saw a without limits partnership between Russia and China,” he said.  “We’ve seen a failure of China to condemn any of the Russian aggression that has occurred against Ukraine. “China must look at what is happening and look at the resolve that is there from throughout the world and should be condemning Russia’s actions.”  Meanwhile, NATO for the first time declared China a “challenge” ahead of its expansion after formally inviting two nations to join the alliance – Sweden and Finland. via https://stpaulrestorationpro.com/anthony-albanese-presents-boris-johnson-with-south-sydney-rabbitohs-jacket-during-meeting-in-europe-as-pair-discuss-aukus/

Story Links DURHAM – Duke softball head coach Marissa Young has announced the hiring of four-time national champion Sydney Romero as an assistant coach.   Romero will serve as the team’s hitting and infield coach.   “Who better to help take our program to the next level than someone who has won two national championships as a player and two more as a coach than Sydney Romero,” Young said. “She is one of the brightest young coaches that embodies our core values, is passionate about player development and brings a championship mindset as a proven winner. I know Sydney is going to have an immediate impact on our players and I am thrilled they get to learn from one of the best to play the game. We look forward to welcoming Sydney to Durham.”   Romero joins the program after serving as a graduate assistant coach at her alma mater, the University of Oklahoma, for the past two seasons, following her prolific collegiate career.   “I am really excited for this opportunity to working alongside Coach Young,” Romero said. “I am so appreciative to be a part of this prestigious university. I can’t wait to represent this program and get to work. Go Duke!”   As a graduate assistant at Oklahoma, Romero helped the program win back-to-back national titles, with the latest coming last month. Oklahoma’s staff was named the 2022 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division I National Coaching Staff of the Year, after going 59-3 overall on the season.   In addition to serving as a graduate assistant, Romero has continued to play softball professionally, competing with Athletes Unlimited since 2020. Prior to her time with AU, Romero was the third overall pick in the 2019 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) Draft by the USSSA Pride, where she was named to the 2019 All-NPF Team.   A highly accomplished collegiate athlete, Romero made waves in her time as a Sooner, earning two first team All-America selections and winning two national championships in 2016 and 2017. Romero was named the 2019 Big 12 Player of the Year and was a top-three finalist for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award in the same season. She finished her career as the program’s all-time leader in at-bats and doubles.   A native of San Diego, Calif., Romero recently finished her master’s degree in adult and higher education with an emphasis in intercollegiate athletics administration, from Oklahoma. Romero also earned her undergraduate degree from Oklahoma, majoring in criminology. Romero comes from an athletic family, as her sister Sierra was a three-time softball All-American at Michigan, and her brother Michael is set to begin his collegiate baseball career at LSU in the fall.   To stay up to date with Blue Devils softball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching “https://goduke.com/news/2022/7/1/DukeSOFTBALL”.   #GoDuke   Previous articleIntroduce KNN3 Network – A Web3 Topological Graph Network Solution Next articleHUT Swap: Crypto Rising Star “Chain Business World” Ecological Developer via https://stpaulrestorationpro.com/duke-welcomes-sydney-romero-to-coaching-staff/

Saint Paul police said late Saturday night that officers were involved with the shooting and that the suspect was dead. Dispatch audio recordings show that police were called to investigate a report about a man with a machete in an apartment building on the first floor. The police arrived quickly and surrounded the building. Paramedics and additional squads were called to the scene. SPPD reports that the man threatened a group of people in the apartment building with a knife. SPPD reports that officers found the man in the first floor hallway and discovered the knife still in his hands. Officers tried to get the man to drop his knife but he “advanced toward” them. According to the department, one officer used a taser on the man and another officer fired shots at him. The man was struck several times according to EMS radio dispatches. Audio revealed that officers started CPR and were able move the knife away from him. The man was declared dead by paramedics. The officers were wearing body cameras that had been activated at the moment. The release of these recordings is not yet known. No officers were hurt. Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension confirmed that agents responded to the “use of force incident” and are now investigating the shooting as standard procedure. According to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office, Yia Xiong (65), was killed and taken into custody. According to the Minnesota BCA, he died from multiple gunshot wounds. SPPD officer Abdirahman Dahir has been identified as the officer that fired his department rifle. He has one year of experience in law enforcement. According to the BCA, Officer Noushue Cha used his Taser during this incident. He has one year of law enforcement expertise. Source

MINNEAPOLIS — Winter is returning to Minnesota after a warm February. According to the National Weather Service, more than 12 inches of snow are possible in the Twin Cities metro area by Wednesday. A winter storm watch was issued for the following Minnesota and Wisconsin counties: Douglas, Todd, Morrison, Mille Lacs, Kanabec, Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Isanti, Chisago, Wright, Hennepin, Anoka, Ramsey, Washington, Carver, Scott, Dakota, Le Sueur, Rice, Goodhue, Waseca, Steele, Freeborn, Polk, Barron, Rusk, St. Croix, Pierce, Dunn, Pepin, Chippewa, and Eau Claire. National Weather Service The storm will arrive in two rounds. Tuesday night is the first. From Tuesday evening to Wednesday morning, between 4-8 inches of snow will fall. From Wednesday evening to Thursday afternoon, another 8 inches of snow will fall. On Thursday, temperatures will fall below zero. Travel could prove difficult or impossible. Visibility could be significantly reduced in areas where there is blowing snow. The NWS warns that hazardous conditions could affect morning and evening commutes. “Frostbite could be caused by cold winds as low as 20 below zero in 30 minutes on exposed skin.” Here’s the exact NWS forecast for the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. Monday: There is a chance for snow to fall before 2pm. Then, there will be rain and snow between 2pm-4pm. After 4pm, there will be a slight chance for snow. Cloudy with a high of 36. It is breezy with a south breeze 5-10 mph, shifting to west 15-20 mph in afternoon. Winds could gust up to 35 mph. The chance of precipitation is half. A new accumulation of snow less than half an inch is possible. Monday Night: Partly cloudy with a low of 12. Breezy with a west wind between 20 and 25 mph. This will decrease to 10 to 15mph after midnight. Winds can gust up to 40 mph. Tuesday: There is a 40% chance of snow falling after noon. High near 23 degrees. There are increasing clouds. West-northwest wind 5-10 mph becoming east by the afternoon. Tuesday Night: Snow. Lows around 18. Winds will be northeast at 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. 90% chance of precipitation New snow accumulations of 3-7 inches are possible. Wednesday: Snow mostly after noon It is possible to see patches of blowing snow. Highs near 25. Windy with a northeasterly wind 20-30 mph and gusts up to 45 mph. There is a 80% chance of precipitation. Possible new snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches Wednesday Night: Snow. Sometimes the snow could be very heavy. There will be a lot of snow blowing, especially after 5am. Lows around 14. Windy with a northeasterly wind between 20 and 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. There is a 100% chance of precipitation. Thursday: Snow, mostly before noon. Sometimes, the snow could be very heavy. Broadly blowing snow, especially before 11 am. Near 18. Highs near 18. The chance of precipitation is 100% Thursday Night: Partly cloudy with a low of -6 Northwest wind 5-15 mph Friday: Partly sunny with a high of 15. West wind 5-10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Friday Night: There is a 20% chance of snow. Cloudy with a low of 10. Southerly wind 10 mph. Saturday: Sunny with a high of 29. The afternoon will see a southwest wind of 10 mph, then a westerly shift to the south. Saturday Night: Partly cloudy with a low of 13. West wind 10-15 mph Sunday: Sunny with a high of 28. West wind 10-15 mph Source by [author_name]

ST. PAUL (Minn.) — St. Paul police released footage from a body-worn camera that captured the shooting that resulted in the death of a man last weekend. Witnesses told WCCO earlier this week that the victim of Saturday’s shooting lunged at officers and children with a machete with a sixteen-inch blade. It took place in an apartment complex on the West 7th Street area of St. Paul. Axel Henry, St. Paul Chief Police Officer said that any loss of life was tragic. We know that there are no words to ease their pain. But we hope these videos will help them to begin to understand the situation. It happened while a children’s party was taking place in the lobby. The man was a resident of the building. Yia Xiong was his name. Melvin Carter, the Mayor of St. Paul, stated earlier this week that he would release the body-worn cameras from officers who shot and killed a man on Saturday night. Mark Ross, president of the Police Union, says that officers were heroic. Ross stated, “This was a perfectly justified shooting and our officers faced serious danger to protect themselves and other.” The investigation has been taken over by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. On Wednesday, the BCA identified the two officers involved as Abdirahman Dahir who fired his rifle and Noushue Cha who used his taser. Nelsie Yang, a St. Paul councilmember, joined other Hmong members outside the St. Paul Police Department on Friday afternoon. She asks if there was enough done to de-escalate this situation. Yang said, “He was already inside that enclosed room.” Yang said that officers could have allowed for a little more time between the two, perhaps even 15 minutes. Yang also asked if there had been a break in communication. Yang asked Yang if there were any language barriers and if so, was there an officer who could close the gap. Chief Henry of the Police says that the officers followed protocol. However, it is too early to draw any conclusions. Source

Police said Wednesday that a 30-year-old woman died in a car accident Monday in St. Paul because she was riding in a stolen vehicle. Regions Hospital is treating the driver of the vehicle for injuries sustained in the collision at Cretin Avenue/Mississippi River Boulevard. According to Sgt. Mike Ernster, a spokesperson for the police. Ernster stated that officers suspect impaired drug use in the crash. Randi Lee Stone, a Minneapolis resident, was killed at the scene. On February 8, 2008, the vehicle Chase was driving and Stone was in it was taken from St. Paul. Ernster stated that the driver of the other vehicle involved in the collision was uninjured. The collision occurred Monday around 4 p.m. Source