Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, November 30, 2024.

We're starting off with some breaking news from the past few days. A lawsuit has been filed in federal court seeking to nullify Minnesota's laws protecting access to abortion, arguing they violate the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution[2]. This development comes as a significant challenge to the state's current abortion laws.

In other news, the Sun Country is expecting to serve 82,000 passengers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, indicating a busy travel period for our city[2].

On the job market front, Best Buy, the nation's largest consumer electronics chain, reported another quarterly drop in sales as Americans continued to tighten their purse strings on appliances and gadgets to focus on essentials[2]. This reflects a broader trend of cautious consumer spending.

Moving to real estate, there haven't been any major announcements in the past few days, but it's worth noting that the holiday season often sees a slowdown in property sales and new development projects.

From city hall, a proposal is on its way to a city council vote that could set a $15 minimum price for a pack of cigarettes in Minneapolis, aiming to curb smoking rates[3].

Weather-wise, it's going to be a chilly day with temperatures expected to plunge over the coming days. Flurries are expected to continue in Minnesota today, with a chance of 'snow events' next week[3]. So, bundle up if you're planning to head out.

In new business activity, Uptown boutique Proper is closing after a decade in Minneapolis, while a bubble tea chain is moving into the former Caribou Coffee on St. Paul's Grand Avenue[3].

Looking ahead to community events, the 36th New Ulm Parade of Lights was held under brisk conditions on Friday evening, marking the official kickoff of the Christmas season in New Ulm[5]. Closer to home, there are several holiday tree lightings and parades scheduled in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota over the next few days[2].

In local school achievements, a case of active tuberculosis was confirmed at a high school south of the Twin Cities, but officials said there is "no further risk of exposure at the school"[2].

On a feel-good note, a group of dedicated volunteers in Eden Prairie are fighting to save a well of natural spring water that has come under threat[2].

In today's crime report, a man is expected to survive after being shot during a possible drug deal in Minneapolis' Dinkytown neighborhood on Thursday morning[2]. Additionally, 21 protesters were arrested at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade[1].

This has been Minneapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.