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There’s a new kid on the block. Does it have the right stuff? Like a small plant pushing up through a crack in a rock, Mari’s has opened and shows signs of life in a tough environment.

When Colleen Ayers’ and Aaron Hanauer’s 11-year-old daughter, Ivy, came across a YouTube video about Swedish candy last winter, the family didn’t expect it to change the direction of their year.

The year 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone for Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church, located on the north arm of Lake of the Isles in Kenwood.

Kenwood Elementary parents say the new union contract is a positive step toward stabilizing Minneapolis Public Schools. With rising diversity, funding challenges and shifting attendance boundaries, families emphasize the need for investment, smaller classes and better support for educators arguing that strong public schools are essential to the city’s future.

Summer at the Uptown Farmers Market reminded Minneapolis residents of the power of community. Beyond peaches, bread and local crafts, the market offered a space to meet friends, enjoy music and reconnect with neighbors. Supported by volunteers and vendors, it revived a sense of belonging in Uptown, proving that neighborhood traditions can thrive when people choose to show up.

Uptown Minneapolis considers a Business Improvement District to empower local businesses and improve neighborhood services. A BID would allow stakeholders to fund safety, events, marketing, and recruitment efforts beyond city services, helping the community recover from economic challenges. Local leaders, property owners, and business owners discussed the benefits and steps toward revitalizing Uptown’s commercial corridor.

“When you think about all the assets — the parks, the neighborhoods, the people — it has everything it needs to thrive. After nearly six years of pandemic, social unrest and street closures, our hope is that Uptown can be reborn into the district it really deserves to be.” — John Breitinger

In Minneapolis’ 2025 municipal election, Jacob Frey secured a third mayoral term, and key city council and Park Board races reshaped local representation. Ward 7 saw Elizabeth Shaffer defeat Katie Cashman, while Ward 10 reelected Aisha Chughtai. Voter turnout jumped to 55%, and precinct-level results reveal the granular dynamics behind close contests, reflecting changing engagement patterns across the city.

The fall 2025 city election was rough. For a city that so often agrees on the issues, Minneapolis still found a way to turn shared values into a full-contact sport. Maybe this is a good moment to pause, take a breath and consider a few ways we might do better next time.