Good morning, this is Minneapolis Local Pulse for December 1, 2024. We're starting off the month with a mix of news that impacts our daily lives, from job market updates to real estate developments and community events.

First off, breaking news from the past few days includes a lawsuit 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[1]. Additionally, a man was killed in a Thanksgiving shooting at a Minneapolis apartment on the 700 block of Emerson Avenue North[3].

In job market news, we have a significant development for rideshare drivers. After a long and winding road, pay raises for Uber and Lyft drivers are going into effect today, December 1. The new state law sets a minimum pay of $1.28 per mile and $0.31 per minute statewide, which is slightly lower than the city ordinance that was previously vetoed[5]. This change is expected to increase the cost of trips by about 25 percent for riders in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

Moving on to real estate, there haven't been any major announcements in the past few days, but we're keeping an eye on new development projects and construction updates. Weekly median home prices and inventory levels remain steady, with no significant zoning changes or property developments to report.

From city hall, we have updates on decisions that affect our daily lives. The Minneapolis City Council is considering a proposal to set a $15 minimum price for a pack of cigarettes, aiming to reduce smoking rates[3]. Additionally, the city is re-issuing an appeal to find operators for two Open Streets events, with three events already finalized pending approval from the city council[3].

Weather-wise, we're bracing for cold temperatures today, with scattered flurries expected and the best chance for accumulation in western Minnesota. Safety is top of mind as Minnesotans and Wisconsinites gear up for dangerously low temperatures[1].

In new business activity, we have a mix of openings and closings. The Uptown boutique Proper is closing after a decade in Minneapolis, but its Fargo location will remain open[3]. On a brighter note, the bubble tea chain is moving into the former Caribou Coffee on St. Paul's Grand Avenue[3].

Upcoming community events include holiday tree lightings and parades across the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota. The Union Gospel Mission is lightening the load for families by welcoming 10,000 families through their meal kit pick-up[1].

In local school achievements, the Maple Grove football team won their second Prep Bowl championship in the last three years, beating Minnetonka 28-21[4]. Additionally, the Becker football team claimed their fourth state title with a 24-8 win over Totino-Grace in the Class 4A championship game[4].

On a feel-good note, a group of dedicated volunteers in Eden Prairie are fighting to save a natural spring water well that has come under threat[1].

In today's crime report, we have a few significant incidents to mention. A man was shot during a possible drug deal in Minneapolis' Dinkytown neighborhood on Thursday morning, and police are investigating a homicide in St. Paul's Summit-University neighborhood[4]. Additionally, a 51-year-old Minneapolis man pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the shooting death of his girlfriend[1].

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