December 2025

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.

This holiday season, when the news feels like one long sigh, here’s a small bright spot — you can lend a hand that truly matters right here at home. Kenwood Elementary may look picture-perfect from the outside, but inside are kids whose families juggle long hours and need a little extra support, and your help can make all the difference.

For nearly fifty years, the Hill & Lake Press has been stitching our corner of Minneapolis together with stories, snapshots and the kind of local reporting you can’t get anywhere else. It all runs on the magic of volunteers and donors, and your support keeps this scrappy little paper going strong, brings our digital archives to life and makes sure we can keep celebrating the place we call home.

The Hill & Lake Press invites neighbors to submit letters to the editor. Share your opinions, experiences, or commentary on newsworthy local topics. Submissions are edited for clarity, limited in length, and require identification. Contribute to the community conversation and help ensure the newspaper reflects the diverse voices of our Hill & Lake neighborhoods.