October 2026
Uptown’s Worst Block Gets a Do-Over
The city admits that the 2018 redesign of Hennepin Avenue between Lake Street and 31st Street didn’t work. A quick fix with paint comes this fall, a real rebuild in 2028. I went to the open house to hear about it. So did a few dozen other people.
Renters Organize as Building Violations Pile Up
Tenants in five large apartment buildings describe lost heat, no hot water and mice. The city says enforcement has limits, and building owners did not respond.
Letters to the Editor
Our goal is to offer readers diverse perspectives on newsworthy events or issues of broad public concern to the Hill & Lake community. Our copy limit is 300 words (750 words for a commentary or as space permits), and we reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. We do not publish submissions from anonymous sources; all contributor identities must be verified.
School Board Election Matters
Quick, name a School Board candidate. Chances are you can’t! With a deficit of more than $39 million and school closings on the table, the two at-large seats on your November ballot deserve a closer look.
Dear MPS: “Trust Me, Bro” Is Not Good Governance
The district’s plan closes 14 to 16 schools, only saves about $700,000 and asks parents to take the rest on faith. A parent who has dated this guy before says: Show your work, bro.
School Closures Alone Won’t Win Families Back
Minneapolis Public Schools has room for 43,000 students and fewer than 30,000 enrolled. Ward 7’s council member says closing buildings is only half the fix.
Property Tax Shock Could Be Ahead for Minneapolis Residents
The city wants more, so does the county. The schools are next. Start saving.
Three New Jobs for Nature? Try 0.75
New staffing is welcome, but budget labels obscure how much of the Park Board’s investment actually reaches our natural areas.
What Would You Do with $2.5 Billion?
As Southwest Light Rail nears opening and the Blue Line Extension’s price climbs to $3.6 billion, the debate is about more than trains. It is about how the region spends limited public dollars.
Mark Ritchie
Former Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie on running two recounts, why he is optimistic about democracy and the case for walking to Sebastian Joe’s.
