{"updatedAt":"2026-10-27T05:07:09.309Z","blogs":[{"id":"hennepin-county-outdoor-warning-siren-upgrades","aliases":[],"title":"Hennepin County continues upgrading outdoor warning sirens in Bloomington","pitch":"The city says Hennepin County is continuing its upgrade of the outdoor warning sirens that serve Bloomington.","entities":["Hennepin County","City of Bloomington","Bloomington Police Department"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pd/news/hennepin-county-continues-upgrading-outdoor-warning-sirens-2026-10-26"],"started_at":"2026-10-26T20:10:03.919Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-26T20:10:03.919Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/7753f319054313e3.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pd/news/hennepin-county-continues-upgrading-outdoor-warning-sirens-2026-10-26"},"display_title":"Hennepin County is upgrading the siren controls, so expect a few short 'growls' over Bloomington","display_lede":"The county is replacing the control system behind nearly 300 outdoor warning sirens. During the switchover, Bloomington residents may hear brief test blasts outside the usual first-Wednesday test.","written_at":"2026-10-26T20:11:10.311Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-26T20:11:10.311Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Monthly outdoor warning siren test, which continues as usual during the upgrade","title":"Monthly outdoor siren test","date":"2026-11-04","time":"1 p.m."},"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-weather-october-26-2026","aliases":[],"title":"Rain Settles In for Monday, Heaviest After Dark","pitch":"A gray, wet Monday in Bloomington with a high near 49, and the steadiest rain arrives tonight, when up to three quarters of an inch is possible.","entities":["Weather","Bloomington","MSP Airport","National Weather Service"],"evidence":["wx:bloomington-weather-october-26-2026:observed","wx:bloomington-weather-october-26-2026:forecast"],"started_at":"2026-10-26T10:07:51.469Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-26T10:07:51.469Z","status":"live","section":"weather","wx":"daily","weight":2,"hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/wx/bloomington-weather-october-26-2026.jpg","hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Rain Settles In for Monday, Heaviest After Dark","display_lede":"A gray, wet Monday in Bloomington with a high near 49, and the steadiest rain arrives tonight, when up to three quarters of an inch is possible.","written_at":"2026-10-26T10:07:51.469Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-26T10:07:51.469Z","updates_count":0},{"id":"bloomington-native-american-heritage-month-2026","aliases":[],"title":"City Council to Proclaim November Native American Heritage Month","pitch":"The City Council's Oct. 26 meeting opens with a proclamation declaring November 2026 Native American Heritage Month in Bloomington.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","Native American Heritage Month"],"evidence":["agenda:1964"],"started_at":"2026-10-26T05:08:51.254Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-26T05:08:51.254Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/CPRpPa9ETlw-dais.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington City Council","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPRpPa9ETlw"},"display_title":"Native American Heritage Month: Council's proclamation","display_lede":"Bloomington's City Council declares November Native American Heritage Month. This year it happens Monday, Oct. 26.","written_at":"2026-10-26T05:10:19.855Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-26T05:10:19.855Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Council reads the proclamation declaring November 2026 Native American Heritage Month as it opens its Oct. 26 meeting.","title":"Native American Heritage Month proclamation","date":"2026-10-26","time":"6:30 p.m.","place":"Council Chambers, Civic Plaza"},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall","event_when":"Oct. 26, 6:30 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-26"},{"id":"bloomington-weather-october-25-2026","aliases":[],"title":"From 75° to Damp and 56°: Bloomington's Sunday Turns Gray","pitch":"Saturday's warm, dry 75° is gone. Sunday brings clouds, a high near 56 and a 40% chance of showers, with steadier rain lined up for Monday.","entities":["Weather","National Weather Service","Bloomington"],"evidence":["wx:bloomington-weather-october-25-2026:observed","wx:bloomington-weather-october-25-2026:forecast"],"started_at":"2026-10-25T10:07:23.857Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-25T10:07:23.857Z","status":"stale","section":"weather","wx":"daily","weight":2,"hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/wx/bloomington-weather-october-25-2026.jpg","hero_credit":null,"display_title":"From 75° to Damp and 56°: Bloomington's Sunday Turns Gray","display_lede":"Saturday's warm, dry 75° is gone. Sunday brings clouds, a high near 56 and a 40% chance of showers, with steadier rain lined up for Monday.","written_at":"2026-10-25T10:07:23.857Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-25T10:07:23.857Z","updates_count":0},{"id":"mall-o-ween-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"Mall-O-Ween at Mall of America","pitch":"Mall-O-Ween is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Mall-O-Ween"],"evidence":["moa:38320"],"started_at":"2026-10-24T17:07:14.674Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-24T17:07:14.674Z","status":"live","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/3a45a3e02254d0e7.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38320"},"display_title":"Mall-O-Ween brings free trick-or-treating to Mall of America on Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31","display_lede":"Mall of America's free Halloween party runs noon–6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. There's a DJ in the Rotunda, an allergy-friendly zone, and trick-or-treating at 4 p.m. for kids 12 and under. Bring your own bag, and leave the full-face masks at home.","written_at":"2026-10-24T17:08:26.805Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-24T17:08:26.805Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Mall-O-Ween runs noon–6 p.m. Oct. 31, with trick-or-treating for kids 12 and under starting at 4 p.m.","title":"Mall-O-Ween","date":"2026-10-31","time":"noon–6 p.m.","place":"Mall of America Rotunda"},"weight":2,"event_when":"Saturday, Oct. 31, noon–6 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-31"},{"id":"loccitanes-taste-of-provence-event-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"L’Occitane’s Taste of Provence Event at Mall of America","pitch":"L’Occitane’s Taste of Provence Event is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","L’Occitane’s Taste of Provence Event"],"evidence":["moa:37856"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:44.011Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-24T13:10:24.333Z","status":"live","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/4be2de97e13b4269.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/37856"},"display_title":"L'Occitane's 'Taste of Provence' Pops Up on MOA's Event Calendar — Details Still Thin","display_lede":"Mall of America has added L'Occitane's Taste of Provence to its events calendar, but the retailer hasn't published a date, time or price yet.","written_at":"2026-07-17T16:04:07.895Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-17T16:04:07.895Z","updates_count":0,"weight":1},{"id":"capital-one-caf-kaleidoscope-photo-booth-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"Capital One Café Kaleidoscope Photo Booth at Mall of America","pitch":"Capital One Café Kaleidoscope Photo Booth is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Capital One Café Kaleidoscope Photo Booth"],"evidence":["moa:37804"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:44.011Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-24T13:10:24.333Z","status":"live","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/498f78255aab43f9.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/37804"},"display_title":"Capital One Café Adds a Kaleidoscope Photo Booth at Mall of America","display_lede":"A new pop-up called the Capital One Café Kaleidoscope Photo Booth has landed on Mall of America's events calendar, though the mall hasn't published dates or a price tag yet.","written_at":"2026-07-17T16:11:30.353Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-17T16:11:30.353Z","updates_count":0,"weight":1},{"id":"bleu-de-chanel-discovery-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"BLEU DE CHANEL Discovery at Mall of America","pitch":"BLEU DE CHANEL Discovery is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","BLEU DE CHANEL Discovery"],"evidence":["moa:37645"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:44.011Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-24T13:10:24.333Z","status":"live","section":"news","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/3ebec26331d010e5.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/37645"},"display_title":"Chanel's 'Bleu de Chanel Discovery' Lands on Mall of America's Event Calendar","display_lede":"A scent-consultation event tied to Chanel's men's fragrance line is now listed on Mall of America's calendar, hosted at the mall's Chanel Fragrance and Beauty Boutique.","written_at":"2026-07-17T16:19:44.734Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-17T16:19:44.734Z","updates_count":0,"weight":1},{"id":"first-responder-appreciation-month-at-sea-life-mall-of-america","aliases":["first-responder-appreciation-month-at-sea-life-at-mall-o"],"title":"First Responder Appreciation Month at SEA LIFE at Mall of America!","pitch":"First Responder Appreciation Month at SEA LIFE at Mall of America! is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","First Responder Appreciation Month at SEA LIFE at Mall of America!"],"evidence":["moa:38277"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:44.011Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-24T13:10:24.333Z","status":"live","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/3f60d21557790218.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38277"},"display_title":"First responders get into SEA LIFE free all October, plus 30% off for up to 6 guests","display_lede":"First responders get into the aquarium under Mall of America free for the rest of October, and up to 6 family and friends get 30% off. Bring proof of the job and buy at the admissions desk. The mall's listing is now the most reliable place to check the rules.","written_at":"2026-10-09T06:22:25.162Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T07:08:03.611Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T06:22:25.162Z","note":"SEA LIFE's own first responder page now shows its August teacher promotion, so the mall's listing is the main source left for the deal's rules. That listing has also picked up leftover \"healthcare ticket\" wording in its fine print."},"weight":1,"event_when":"Oct. 1–31","event_end":"2026-10-31"},{"id":"crayola-experience-screamin-green-hauntoween-craft-theme-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"Crayola Experience Screamin’ Green Hauntoween Craft Theme at Mall of America","pitch":"Crayola Experience Screamin’ Green Hauntoween Craft Theme is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Crayola Experience Screamin’ Green Hauntoween Craft Theme"],"evidence":["moa:38245"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:44.011Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-24T13:10:24.333Z","status":"live","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/052f28914ed5ad6a.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38245"},"display_title":"Crayola Experience's Screamin' Green Hauntoween runs through Nov. 1 at MOA, with Superheroes weeks on now","display_lede":"Superheroes weeks are underway at Crayola Experience's Halloween season at Mall of America. Monsters & Magic takes over Oct. 20, and the attraction now says the season runs through Nov. 1. Everything is included with a regular $30.99 ticket.","written_at":"2026-10-09T06:23:43.188Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T07:08:56.764Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T06:23:43.188Z","note":"The attraction's own calendar runs the season through Nov. 1, a day past the mall's listing. It also posts daily hours and an Oct. 13 Toddler Tuesday hour, from 10 to 11 a.m., with Halloween crafts and story time."},"what_next":{"text":"Toddler Tuesday at Crayola Experience: Halloween crafts, story time and toddler-friendly attractions","title":"Crayola Experience Toddler Tuesday","date":"2026-10-13","time":"10–11 a.m.","place":"Crayola Experience, Mall of America"},"weight":1,"event_when":"through Nov. 1","event_end":"2026-11-01"},{"id":"dolce-and-gabbana-devotion-pop-up-mall-of-america","aliases":["dolce-and-amp-gabbana-devotion-pop-up-mall-of-america"],"title":"Dolce&Gabbana Devotion Pop-up at Mall of America","pitch":"Dolce&Gabbana Devotion Pop-up is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Dolce&Gabbana Devotion Pop-up"],"evidence":["moa:38230"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:44.011Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-24T13:10:24.333Z","status":"live","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/9528b09688bc07e4.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38230"},"display_title":"Dolce&Gabbana brings a 'Devotion' fragrance pop-up to Mall of America","display_lede":"Mall of America still hasn't posted dates, hours or a location for its Dolce&Gabbana Devotion pop-up.","written_at":"2026-10-09T06:25:20.535Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T07:10:20.944Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T06:25:20.535Z","note":"As of October 9, the mall's listing still has no dates, hours or location. Macy's at the mall now lists the 3.3-ounce Devotion Intense bottle at $190."},"weight":1},{"id":"bloomington-weather-october-24-2026","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington gets one more warm morning Saturday before afternoon showers and a cooldown","pitch":"Saturday starts mild and mostly sunny, then the wind shifts, showers become a coin flip after 2pm, and tonight drops to around 47.","entities":["Weather","Bloomington","National Weather Service","MSP Airport"],"evidence":["wx:bloomington-weather-october-24-2026:observed","wx:bloomington-weather-october-24-2026:forecast"],"started_at":"2026-10-24T10:07:50.299Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-24T10:07:50.299Z","status":"stale","section":"weather","wx":"daily","weight":2,"hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/wx/bloomington-weather-october-24-2026.jpg","hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Bloomington gets one more warm morning Saturday before afternoon showers and a cooldown","display_lede":"Saturday starts mild and mostly sunny, then the wind shifts, showers become a coin flip after 2pm, and tonight drops to around 47.","written_at":"2026-10-24T10:07:50.299Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-24T10:07:50.299Z","updates_count":0},{"id":"one-piece-card-event-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"One Piece Card Event at Mall of America","pitch":"The ONE PIECE CARD GAME Mall Tour is at Mall of America's North Atrium Oct. 23-25, with product sales and trial sessions.","entities":["Mall of America","One Piece Card Event"],"evidence":["moa:38391","x:2112253470086480115","x:2113696325581635593"],"started_at":"2026-10-16T15:09:47.553Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-24T08:08:56.544Z","status":"live","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/3b9159f79f2e8cef.png","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38391"},"display_title":"One Piece Card Game Mall Tour docks at Mall of America Oct. 23–25 with free demo decks","display_lede":"The official ONE PIECE CARD GAME Mall Tour 2026 is now open in Mall of America's North Atrium and runs through Sunday, Oct. 25. Newcomers can learn the game in a trial session, take home a free demo deck and buy product on site.","written_at":"2026-10-24T08:10:26.337Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-16T15:11:09.424Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-24T08:10:26.337Z","note":"The tour opened Friday in the mall's North Atrium and runs through Sunday. We've added the other tour stops and the Rookie Fest prize details."},"what_next":{"text":"The tour's final day at Mall of America is Sunday, Oct. 25.","title":"One Piece Card Game Mall Tour final day","date":"2026-10-25","place":"North Atrium, Mall of America"},"weight":1,"event_when":"through Sunday, Oct. 25","event_end":"2026-10-25"},{"id":"bandai-namco-cross-store-the-gundam-base-grand-opening-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"Bandai Namco Cross Store + THE GUNDAM BASE Grand Opening at Mall of America","pitch":"Bandai Namco Cross Store + THE GUNDAM BASE Grand Opening is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Bandai Namco Cross Store + THE GUNDAM BASE Grand Opening"],"evidence":["moa:38280"],"started_at":"2026-10-23T15:07:19.635Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-23T15:07:19.635Z","status":"live","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/e1cc2331b6bd17f4.png","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38280"},"display_title":"Gundam Base and Bandai Namco Cross Store throw a free grand opening at Mall of America on Friday, Oct. 30","display_lede":"After a delay that pushed things back a month, the 2 Bandai Namco shops finally open with an all-day party. Admission is free, and the opening gifts go to whoever shows up first.","written_at":"2026-10-23T15:10:15.138Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-23T15:10:15.138Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Free grand opening with gifts while supplies last, Oct. 30, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.","title":"Bandai Namco Cross Store + GUNDAM BASE grand opening","date":"2026-10-30","time":"10 a.m.–9 p.m.","place":"Mall of America"},"weight":2,"event_when":"Oct. 30, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-30"},{"id":"latin-luminos-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"Latin Luminos at Mall of America","pitch":"Latin Luminos is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Latin Luminos"],"evidence":["moa:38454"],"started_at":"2026-10-23T15:07:19.635Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-23T15:07:19.635Z","status":"live","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/4707696cb12fbd9e.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38454"},"display_title":"Mall of America's 'Latin Luminos' brings a Día de los Muertos ofrenda and Aztec dance to the Atrium, Oct. 30–Nov. 2","display_lede":"Minnesota artisan Margarita Sandoval built an ofrenda for the mall's Atrium, and the Minneapolis group Mexica Yolotl will dance next to it on 2 of the 4 days. The listing doesn't mention any ticket.","written_at":"2026-10-23T15:08:32.754Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-23T15:08:32.754Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Latin Luminos opens in the Atrium, with Mexica Yolotl dancing at noon","title":"Latin Luminos Día de los Muertos ofrenda","date":"2026-10-30","time":"Oct. 30–Nov. 2; dances at 12 p.m. Oct. 30 and Nov. 1","place":"Atrium, Mall of America"},"weight":2,"event_when":"Oct. 30–Nov. 2","event_end":"2026-11-02"},{"id":"bloomington-weather-october-23-2026","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington stays in the 70s Friday, with a 30% shot at late-day showers","pitch":"Another shirtsleeve day is on tap, high near 74, but keep an eye on the sky after 3pm. A cooldown is waiting at the end of the weekend.","entities":["Weather","Bloomington","National Weather Service","MSP Airport"],"evidence":["wx:bloomington-weather-october-23-2026:observed","wx:bloomington-weather-october-23-2026:forecast"],"started_at":"2026-10-23T10:07:39.415Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-23T10:07:39.415Z","status":"stale","section":"weather","wx":"daily","weight":2,"hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/wx/bloomington-weather-october-23-2026.jpg","hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Bloomington stays in the 70s Friday, with a 30% shot at late-day showers","display_lede":"Another shirtsleeve day is on tap, high near 74, but keep an eye on the sky after 3pm. A cooldown is waiting at the end of the weekend.","written_at":"2026-10-23T10:07:39.415Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-23T10:07:39.415Z","updates_count":0},{"id":"poetry-reading-old-town-hall","aliases":[],"title":"Poets invited to share their work at Bloomington's Old Town Hall","pitch":"Aspiring poets are invited to read their work at an open poetry evening at Old Town Hall in Bloomington on Friday.","entities":["Old Town Hall","Bloomington"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/poets-invited-to-old-town-hall/article_15d04e48-142e-43dd-8150-3889f17b6cf8.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-23T04:09:57.157Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-23T04:09:57.157Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/e833183e7bdeadab.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Historical Society – Old Town Hall Museum","url":"https://bloomingtonhistoricalsociety.org/about/museum.html"},"display_title":"Open mic poetry night at Old Town Hall Friday at 7 p.m.","display_lede":"The Old Town Hall Poetry Group invites poets of all ages to read their own work, or a favorite poem by someone else, at the Bloomington Historical Society's museum on Penn Avenue. Listeners are welcome too.","written_at":"2026-10-23T04:15:29.009Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-23T04:15:29.009Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Open mic poetry reading at Old Town Hall, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23","title":"Open mic poetry reading","date":"2026-10-23","time":"7 p.m.","place":"Old Town Hall Museum, 10200 Penn Ave."},"weight":2,"section":"activities","event_when":"Friday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-23"},{"id":"bandai-namco-cross-store-gundam-base-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"Bandai to open two stores at Mall of America, a month later than planned","pitch":"The Bandai Namco Cross Store and The Gundam Base open at Mall of America in October with a grand opening event, a month after their original openings were postponed.","entities":["Mall of America","Bandai Namco","Bandai Namco Cross Store","The Gundam Base"],"evidence":["bmtn:https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/a-month-later-than-planned-bandai-will-open-2-stores-at-the-mall-of-america"],"started_at":"2026-10-23T04:09:57.157Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-23T04:09:57.157Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/fd80fdbcbf8ef831.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Tokumeigakarinoaoshima / Wikimedia Commons, CC0","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BANDAI_NAMCO_Cross_Store_%C3%86ON_MALL_Dainichi_shop.jpg"},"display_title":"Gundam Base and Bandai Namco Cross Store now open at Mall of America Oct. 30, a month late","display_lede":"Bandai Namco is opening its 2 Mall of America stores, a multi-brand anime and collectibles shop and a Gunpla store, on Oct. 30. They were supposed to open Sept. 30, and the company hasn't said what caused the delay.","written_at":"2026-10-23T04:14:36.824Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-23T04:14:36.824Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Bandai Namco Cross Store and The Gundam Base open at Mall of America","title":"Bandai stores open","date":"2026-10-30","place":"Mall of America"},"weight":2,"section":"news","event_when":"opens Oct. 30","event_end":"2026-10-30"},{"id":"mpfa-grant-application-oct-26","aliases":[],"title":"Council to Seek Minnesota Public Facilities Authority Grant","pitch":"The City Council's Oct. 26 agenda includes a resolution authorizing an application for, and execution of, a Minnesota Public Facilities Authority grant agreement.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","Minnesota Public Facilities Authority","City of Bloomington"],"evidence":["agenda:1964"],"started_at":"2026-10-23T04:09:57.157Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-23T04:09:57.157Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/iIlHnoxGJFY-dais.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington City Council","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIlHnoxGJFY"},"display_title":"State sewer grant: What the council is signing","display_lede":"A consent-agenda item on Oct. 26 would let Bloomington apply for and sign a grant agreement with the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority and adjust the budget to match. The agenda doesn't say which project.","written_at":"2026-10-23T04:13:15.860Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-23T04:13:15.860Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Council takes up the MPFA grant resolution as consent item 3.5","title":"Council vote on state grant agreement","date":"2026-10-26","time":"6:30 p.m.","place":"Council Chambers, Civic Plaza"},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"live-at-the-lodge-taylors-version-taylor-swift-tribute-mall-of-america","aliases":["live-at-the-lodge-ft-taylors-version-taylor-swift-tribut-mall-of-america"],"title":"Live at the Lodge ft. Taylor's Version (Taylor Swift Tribute) at Mall of America","pitch":"Live at the Lodge ft. Taylor's Version (Taylor Swift Tribute) is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Live at the Lodge ft. Taylor's Version (Taylor Swift Tribute)"],"evidence":["moa:38357"],"started_at":"2026-10-22T23:07:16.129Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-22T23:07:16.129Z","status":"live","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/2c35f7988dfbb557.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38357"},"display_title":"Taylor Swift tribute band plays The Fair on 4 at Mall of America Oct. 29, with tickets from $16","display_lede":"Taylor's Version takes over 'Live at the Lodge' next Thursday night. The show is 18+, tickets cost $16 to $20, and you can fit in go-karts or axe throwing before it starts.","written_at":"2026-10-23T04:10:55.615Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-23T04:10:55.615Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Taylor's Version plays Live at the Lodge at The Fair on 4. Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m., 18+.","title":"Taylor's Version Taylor Swift tribute","date":"2026-10-29","time":"6–9 p.m.","place":"The Fair on 4, Mall of America"},"weight":2,"event_when":"Oct. 29","event_end":"2026-10-29"},{"id":"senate-district-50-candidate-forum","aliases":[],"title":"Senate District 50, House 50A candidates spar over fraud, affordability","pitch":"DFLer Karla Hult and Republican Owen Michaelson are running for the open Senate District 50 seat, and Bloomington's mayor and other residents have written letters backing Hult.","entities":["Minnesota Senate District 50","Minnesota House District 50A","Bloomington","Karla Hult","Owen Michaelson","Alice Mann","Mayor of Bloomington"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/news/local/district-50-candidates-debate-fraud-affordability-in-forum/article_ee9b1c09-10bd-4c98-9c1c-6e7d0fd5660d.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/voters-guide-hult-michaelson-seek-senate-district-50-seat/article_d6131280-7d8d-4d26-a350-02738f21201b.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/opinion/letter-hult-cares-will-listen/article_5d54e91a-2f0a-4d7b-919a-544424e9a411.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/voters-guide-bloomington-richfield-will-elect-new-state-senators-next-month/article_67a5f459-dac2-411f-829a-e197c2b438ef.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/letter-outgoing-sen-mann-supports-hult-to-take-her-place/article_a78f4d21-545e-4296-818d-1d196b075462.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/letter-bloomington-mayor-supports-hult-for-senate/article_a655bdae-d270-4eb2-843d-4c51324c7310.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/letter-im-supporting-hult-for-senate-district-50/article_1067f069-c605-4f0a-bf59-4e1c89163a2b.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-06T04:08:33.099Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-22T22:09:52.794Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/2c43c76b32d1378e.4dc07a2e.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Karla Hult for Senate campaign; Owen4Senate campaign; Minnesota House of Representatives; Wedum4MN campaign","url":null},"display_title":"Open Senate seat, empty chair: District 50 candidates clash over fraud, guns and ICE at Edina forum","display_lede":"Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse has endorsed DFLer Karla Hult for Senate District 50, joining Edina's mayor and outgoing Sen. Alice Mann. Hult faces Republican Owen Michaelson, and early voting is underway before Election Day on Nov. 3.","written_at":"2026-10-22T22:10:49.198Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-06T04:10:31.672Z","updates_count":4,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-22T22:10:49.198Z","note":"Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse endorsed Karla Hult in a letter published Oct. 22 and said Edina Mayor Jim Hovland backs her too. Edina mutual-aid organizer Thuy Anh Fox also wrote in support."},"what_next":{"text":"Voters pick Senate District 50's next senator on Election Day; early voting is underway now","title":"Election Day","date":"2026-11-03"},"weight":5,"section":"news"},{"id":"permanent-school-fund-constitutional-amendment-2026","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington Public Schools explains Permanent School Fund amendment on Nov. 3 ballot","pitch":"ISD 271 and local education leaders are explaining a proposed constitutional amendment changing how Permanent School Fund money is distributed, and what it could mean for Bloomington.","entities":["ISD 271","Minnesota Permanent School Fund","Bloomington Public Schools"],"evidence":["x:2111200625086083507","x:2112997491960418350","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/column-what-the-permanent-school-fund-amendment-could-mean-for-bloomington/article_4527a882-e4b3-42f7-a856-3c15b662953e.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-17T06:09:12.248Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-22T22:09:52.794Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/race-amendment-1-v2.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Voter guide: Constitutional Amendment 1: School funding","url":"https://bloomingtonai.com/elections/amendment-1"},"display_title":"Ballot amendment would roughly double school trust fund payout; Bloomington schools estimate about $300,000 more a year","display_lede":"Voters statewide will decide Nov. 3 whether the Permanent School Fund should pay schools a flat 4.5% of its value. Bloomington Public Schools is explaining what's at stake, and says a blank ballot counts as a no.","written_at":"2026-10-17T06:13:39.633Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-17T06:13:39.633Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Minnesota voters decide the Permanent School Fund amendment on Election Day; early voting runs through Nov. 2.","title":"Election Day: school fund amendment","date":"2026-11-03"},"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"surface-water-management-plan-update","aliases":[],"title":"Council to Award Contract for Surface Water Management Plan Update","pitch":"The City Council's Oct. 26 agenda includes a staff recommendation on which consultant should update Bloomington's Surface Water Management Plan.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","City of Bloomington","Surface Water Management Plan"],"evidence":["agenda:1964"],"started_at":"2026-10-22T19:08:59.807Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-22T19:08:59.807Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/iIlHnoxGJFY-dais.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington City Council","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIlHnoxGJFY"},"display_title":"Surface water plan: Council to pick a consultant","display_lede":"Bloomington's rulebook for stormwater, lakes, creeks and wetlands dates to 2018. On Monday, Oct. 26, the City Council is set to approve the firm that will rewrite it.","written_at":"2026-10-22T19:11:54.791Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-22T19:11:54.791Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Council considers staff's consultant recommendation for the plan update as consent item 3.7","title":"Council vote on surface water plan consultant","date":"2026-10-26","time":"6:30 p.m.","place":"Council Chambers, Civic Plaza"},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"bloomington-halloween-trick-or-treat-trail-2026","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington's sixth annual Halloween trick-or-treat trail returns this weekend","pitch":"Bloomington's sixth annual Halloween trick-or-treat trail takes place this weekend.","entities":["Bloomington"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/trick-or-treat-trail-in-bloomington/article_f8db3904-00ae-4496-bae9-c666e374c93f.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-22T18:09:42.415Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-22T18:09:42.415Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/city-of-bloomington-logo-v3.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Parks and Recreation","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pr/parks-and-recreation-department"},"display_title":"Bloomington's 6th annual Trick or Treat Trail hits Normandale Lake on Sunday","display_lede":"Admission is free and you don't need to register. Kids from preschool through 5th grade can collect candy from city departments and community groups along the lake from 2 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 25.","written_at":"2026-10-22T19:10:00.833Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-22T19:10:00.833Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"The 6th annual Halloween Trick or Treat Trail runs 2–5 p.m. at Normandale Lake Park; it's free and no registration is needed.","title":"Halloween Trick or Treat Trail","date":"2026-10-25","time":"2–5 p.m.","place":"Normandale Lake Park"},"weight":3,"section":"activities","event_when":"Sunday, Oct. 25, 2–5 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-25"},{"id":"nickelodeon-universe-spongebob-dutchmans-deck-2027","aliases":[],"title":"SpongeBob-themed 'Dutchman's Deck' coming to Nickelodeon Universe in 2027","pitch":"Mall of America's Nickelodeon Universe will add Dutchman's Deck, a new SpongeBob SquarePants-themed attraction, in 2027.","entities":["Mall of America","Nickelodeon Universe","Dutchman's Deck","SpongeBob SquarePants"],"evidence":["bmtn:https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/new-spongebob-themed-attraction-coming-to-nickelodeon-universe-in-2027"],"started_at":"2026-10-22T18:09:42.415Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-22T18:09:42.415Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/mall-of-america-star.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/presskit"},"display_title":"SpongeBob-themed 'Dutchman's Deck' coming to Nickelodeon Universe in 2027","display_lede":"Mall of America's indoor theme park says a new SpongeBob SquarePants attraction called Dutchman's Deck will arrive in 2027. If the name sounds familiar, it should.","written_at":"2026-10-22T18:16:13.702Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-22T18:16:13.702Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Dutchman's Deck is set to open at Nickelodeon Universe sometime in 2027; no exact date announced.","title":"Dutchman's Deck opens","place":"Nickelodeon Universe, Mall of America"},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"fire-station-2-construction-manager","aliases":[],"title":"Council to Award Construction Manager Contract for Fire Station 2","pitch":"The City Council's Oct. 26 agenda includes awarding a construction manager contract for the Fire Station 2 project.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","Bloomington Fire Department","Fire Station 2"],"evidence":["agenda:1964"],"started_at":"2026-10-22T18:09:42.415Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-22T18:09:42.415Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/cited/b3e9f5e3e11c5204.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Let's Talk Bloomington","url":"https://letstalk.bloomingtonmn.gov/fire-station-2"},"display_title":"Fire Station 2 rebuild: Council to hire a builder","display_lede":"Fire Station 2, on Xerxes Avenue, is set to be rebuilt. On Monday the City Council is expected to approve the construction manager who will see the job through.","written_at":"2026-10-22T18:14:28.793Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-22T18:14:28.793Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Council votes on the Fire Station 2 construction manager contract as consent item 3.8","title":"Council vote on Fire Station 2 builder","date":"2026-10-26","time":"6:30 p.m.","place":"Council Chambers, Civic Plaza"},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"mndot-494-35w-frontage-road-turnback","aliases":[],"title":"Council to Back MnDOT Turnback of I-494 and I-35W Frontage Roads to City","pitch":"The City Council's Oct. 26 agenda includes a resolution of support for MnDOT Agreement No. 1064323, turning back portions of the Trunk Highway 494 and 35W frontage roads to the city.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","MnDOT","I-494","I-35W"],"evidence":["agenda:1964"],"started_at":"2026-10-22T18:09:42.415Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-22T18:09:42.415Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/CPRpPa9ETlw-dais.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington City Council","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPRpPa9ETlw"},"display_title":"I-494, 35W frontage roads: City set to take them over","display_lede":"A resolution on the Oct. 26 consent agenda would back a MnDOT agreement handing parts of the I-494 and I-35W frontage roads to Bloomington.","written_at":"2026-10-22T18:12:40.093Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-22T18:12:40.093Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"City Council votes on a resolution supporting MnDOT's turnback of portions of the I-494 and I-35W frontage roads.","title":"Council vote on frontage road turnback","date":"2026-10-26","time":"6:30 p.m.","place":"Council Chambers, Civic Plaza"},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"hopkins-road-mission-road-renaming","aliases":[],"title":"Council Renames Stub of Hopkins Road to Mission Road","pitch":"The council voted 5-0 to rename the remaining Hopkins Road stub to Mission Road, and the Oct. 26 agenda includes approval of a new street light at Hopkins and Mission Road.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","Hopkins Road","Mission Road"],"evidence":["council:CPRpPa9ETlw:0","agenda:1964"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T16:22:56.344Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-22T18:09:42.415Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/CPRpPa9ETlw-0.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPRpPa9ETlw&t=1028s"},"display_title":"Hopkins Road stub becomes Mission Road after 5-0 council vote","display_lede":"The council has already voted 5-0 to rename the last bit of Hopkins Road near Mission Road, effective after the election. On Oct. 26 it's set to approve a new street light at the rebuilt corner.","written_at":"2026-10-22T18:11:05.687Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T08:12:37.953Z","updates_count":2,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-22T18:11:05.687Z","note":"The council's October 26 consent agenda adds approval of a new street light at the rebuilt Hopkins and Mission Road intersection. The agenda lists no cost."},"what_next":{"text":"Council's consent agenda includes approval of a new street light at Hopkins and Mission Road","title":"Council vote on Hopkins/Mission street light","date":"2026-10-26","time":"6:30 p.m.","place":"Council Chambers, Civic Plaza"},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"bloomington-woman-charged-vehicular-homicide-motorcycle-crash","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington woman charged in crash that killed three-wheel motorcycle rider","pitch":"A 36-year-old Bloomington woman is charged with criminal vehicular homicide in a September crash on Portland Avenue that killed a 60-year-old Bloomington man.","entities":["Bloomington","Hennepin County Attorney's Office","Portland Avenue"],"evidence":["bmtn:https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/charges-woman-drove-90-mph-in-35-mph-zone-before-crash-that-killed-3-wheel-motorcycle-rider","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/news/local/bloomington-woman-charged-in-september-death-of-motorcyclist/article_3f796603-6cdf-4280-b1ed-40707fa7c5f8.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-16T20:09:26.900Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-22T18:09:42.415Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/bloomington-police-patch.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Police Department","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pd/BPD"},"display_title":"Bloomington woman charged in Portland Avenue crash that killed 3-wheel motorcycle rider","display_lede":"Prosecutors say the 26-year-old was going 90 mph in a 35 mph zone when she rear-ended a 60-year-old man's motorcycle near 90th Street on Sept. 6. She's now charged with criminal vehicular homicide and isn't in custody.","written_at":"2026-10-16T20:15:58.368Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-16T20:15:58.368Z","updates_count":0,"weight":4,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-2050-comprehensive-plan","aliases":[],"title":"Planning Commission to Take Up 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update and Capital Plan Review","pitch":"After the Port Authority weighed in on the draft vision, six strategic priorities and guiding principles, staff present Bloomington 2050 to the Advisory Board of Health Oct. 27 and the Planning Commission Oct. 29.","entities":["Bloomington Planning Commission","Bloomington 2050 Comprehensive Plan","City of Bloomington","Bloomington HRA","Parks, Arts, and Recreation Commission","Human Rights Commission","Sustainability Commission","Bloomington Port Authority","Advisory Board of Health"],"evidence":["planning:ONVP6mUQDC8:4","agenda:1940","agenda:2004","agenda:2009","agenda:2026","agenda:1998","agenda:1942","port:0k71XsdzMJc:0","agenda:1836"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T19:08:19.866Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-22T17:10:20.462Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/bloomington-2050-logo.png","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/plan/bloomington-2050-comprehensive-plan"},"display_title":"Bloomington 2050: Where the plan stands","display_lede":"City planners are taking the first draft of Bloomington 2050 to the city's boards one at a time. The draft has a vision statement, 6 strategic priorities and 3 guiding principles: equity, sustainability and livability. The Advisory Board of Health hears it Oct. 27 and the Planning Commission Oct. 29. Nobody votes on the plan yet.","written_at":"2026-10-22T17:12:43.366Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T18:21:04.194Z","updates_count":9,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-22T17:12:43.366Z","note":"The Advisory Board of Health has added a 25-minute Bloomington 2050 presentation to its Oct. 27 agenda. That puts public health on the list of boards reviewing the draft vision and priorities before the Planning Commission takes it up."},"what_next":{"text":"Advisory Board of Health gets a 25-minute Bloomington 2050 presentation; Planning Commission follows Oct. 29","title":"Board of Health 2050 plan presentation","date":"2026-10-27","time":"6 p.m.","place":"McLeod Conference Room, Civic Plaza"},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"2026-pavement-management-assessments","aliases":[],"title":"Council Adopts 2026 Street Reconstruction Assessments; Payoff Window Runs to Nov. 24","pitch":"The council adopted assessment roll 2026-1 for the 2026 Pavement Management Program, and its Oct. 26 agenda includes a cancelation of special assessments for the 2026-101 project.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","Pavement Management Program","Assessment Roll 2026-1"],"evidence":["council:iIlHnoxGJFY:2","agenda:1964"],"started_at":"2026-10-13T15:09:26.430Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-22T16:10:33.324Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/iIlHnoxGJFY-2.yt.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIlHnoxGJFY&t=2186s"},"display_title":"2026 street rebuild assessments: Payoff by Nov. 24","display_lede":"The council has adopted the bills for this year's street rebuilds in the Humboldt and West Bush Lake Road areas. On Oct. 26 it will vote on canceling some of those special assessments, and the city's agenda doesn't say which ones.","written_at":"2026-10-22T16:15:30.943Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-13T15:14:52.558Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-22T16:15:30.943Z","note":"The council's Oct. 26 consent agenda includes canceling special assessments for the 2026-101 street project, 2 weeks after it adopted the roll. The agenda doesn't say which parcels are affected or why."},"what_next":{"text":"Council takes up cancelation of some 2026-101 special assessments on its Oct. 26 consent agenda.","title":"Council vote on assessment cancelation","date":"2026-10-26","time":"6:30 p.m.","place":"Council Chambers, Civic Plaza"},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"community-health-wellness-center-construction-concerns","aliases":[],"title":"Residents Press Council on Health and Wellness Center Construction, Smith Park Agreement","pitch":"Residents have pressed the council over the Community Health and Wellness Center; Parks and Recreation says it opens next fall, and the Oct. 26 agenda includes an Xcel Energy interconnection agreement for the building.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","Community Health and Wellness Center","Smith Park","Bloomington Parks and Recreation","Xcel Energy"],"evidence":["council:CPRpPa9ETlw:5","council:ZkAiFfRON_k:7","agenda:1969","agenda:1964"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T16:22:56.344Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-22T16:10:33.324Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/CPRpPa9ETlw-5.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Council","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPRpPa9ETlw&t=4262s"},"display_title":"Residents Return to the Council Mic Over Health and Wellness Center Construction and the Smith Park Agreement","display_lede":"On Monday, Oct. 26, the City Council is set to authorize an Xcel Energy interconnection application and agreement for the $101.8 million Community Health and Wellness Center. The item is on the consent agenda. Parks and Recreation says the building opens next fall, and residents keep using public comment to object to how it's being built and to the Smith Park shared-use agreement.","written_at":"2026-10-22T16:13:11.834Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T09:10:15.626Z","updates_count":4,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-22T16:13:11.834Z","note":"The council's Oct. 26 consent agenda asks it to authorize an interconnection application and agreement with Xcel Energy for the wellness center. The city's project page says the building's plans include solar panels."},"what_next":{"text":"Council takes up the Xcel Energy interconnection agreement for the center on its Oct. 26 consent agenda","title":"Council vote on center's Xcel agreement","date":"2026-10-26","time":"6:30 p.m.","place":"Council Chambers, Civic Plaza"},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"bloomington-weather-october-22-2026","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington Heads for 77° Thursday After Early Patchy Fog","pitch":"Thursday starts with patchy fog, then turns sunny and warm with a high near 77°. Wind stays light until it picks up Friday.","entities":["Weather","Bloomington","National Weather Service","MSP Airport"],"evidence":["wx:bloomington-weather-october-22-2026:observed","wx:bloomington-weather-october-22-2026:forecast"],"started_at":"2026-10-22T10:10:19.136Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-22T10:10:19.136Z","status":"stale","section":"weather","wx":"daily","weight":2,"hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/wx/bloomington-weather-october-22-2026.jpg","hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Bloomington Heads for 77° Thursday After Early Patchy Fog","display_lede":"Thursday starts with patchy fog, then turns sunny and warm with a high near 77°. Wind stays light until it picks up Friday.","written_at":"2026-10-22T10:10:19.136Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-22T10:10:19.136Z","updates_count":0},{"id":"bpd-burglary-auto-theft-suspect-search-81st-clinton","aliases":[],"title":"Police search for burglary, auto theft suspect near 81st and Clinton","pitch":"A residential burglary suspect known for entering unlocked homes, garages and vehicles fled officers twice before being taken into custody Oct. 21 with help from Prior Lake police.","entities":["Bloomington Police Department","81st Street","Clinton Avenue","Prior Lake Police Department"],"evidence":["x:2110535509671833764","x:2110557489343205446","x:2112267180154982570","x:2112267181689856357","x:2112267183224914364","bmtn:https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/man-wanted-in-connection-to-series-of-residential-burglaries-in-bloomington","x:2113017284176347335","x:2113017285908553936"],"started_at":"2026-10-15T04:09:11.546Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-22T00:10:15.698Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/feed/media/2112267183224914364_photo.png","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Police","url":"https://x.com/BPD_MN/status/2112267183224914364"},"display_title":"Police search near 81st and Clinton for burglary, auto theft suspect","display_lede":"Bloomington police have put out a community alert with a photo of a burglary suspect they say got away from officers twice, on Oct. 14 and Oct. 16. Police also said a booking photo going around online has nothing to do with the case.","written_at":"2026-10-19T20:09:59.987Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-15T04:10:57.520Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-19T20:09:59.987Z","note":"Police released a photo of the suspect and said he got away from officers again on Oct. 16. They also said a booking photo going around online is not connected to the case."},"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"moa-water-park-redevelopment-contract-extension","aliases":[],"title":"Port Authority Grants Two-Year Extension for Mall of America Water Park Redevelopment","pitch":"After the Port Authority extended the MOA/Triple Five redevelopment contract deadlines, staff told the council the $45 million parking ramp tied to the proposed water park would be financed entirely through Port Authority tax increment.","entities":["Bloomington Port Authority","Mall of America","Triple Five","Bloomington City Council"],"evidence":["port:1k2Mxh9AOwc:0","council:ZkAiFfRON_k:1","agenda:1969"],"started_at":"2026-07-22T14:09:15.689Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-21T19:10:19.732Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/1k2Mxh9AOwc-0.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k2Mxh9AOwc&t=100s"},"display_title":"Port Authority Gives Mall of America Water Park Project Two More Years","display_lede":"The Mall of America water park is still waiting on the one vote that matters most, a final redevelopment agreement. Triple Five has until about 2027-2028 to show progress, and city staff say the project's $45 million parking ramp would be paid for entirely with Port Authority tax increment, not a property tax levy.","written_at":"2026-10-21T19:12:20.124Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-22T15:10:38.266Z","updates_count":3,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-21T19:12:20.124Z","note":"The council took up the city's draft 2027-2036 Capital Improvement Plan at its Oct. 19 study session. The water park and its $45 million ramp weren't listed as a separate item, and there's still no date for a vote on the final redevelopment agreement."},"weight":4,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"retiring-male-chorus-farewell-concert-oct-25","aliases":[],"title":"Retiring male chorus gives Oct. 25 performance in Bloomington","pitch":"A male chorus disbanding after more than 33 years performs Oct. 25 in Bloomington.","entities":["Bloomington"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/retiring-chorus-to-perform-oct-25-in-bloomington/article_615c93b5-8126-4bbd-a5e1-6259141a987d.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-21T18:09:46.381Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-21T18:09:46.381Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/c811daa897745f90.61535762.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Augsburg Centennial Singers","url":"https://engage.augsburg.edu/centennialsingers/"},"display_title":"Augsburg Centennial Singers bring their farewell tour to Oak Grove Presbyterian on Oct. 25","display_lede":"The men's chorus is disbanding at the end of 2026 after more than 33 years. On Sunday it sings its next-to-last concert in Bloomington, and there's no ticket charge.","written_at":"2026-10-21T18:15:45.702Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-21T18:15:45.702Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"The Augsburg Centennial Singers perform at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church; donations accepted.","title":"Augsburg Centennial Singers farewell concert","date":"2026-10-25","time":"3–4:30 p.m.","place":"Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, 2200 W. Old Shakopee Road"},"weight":2,"section":"activities","event_when":"Sunday, Oct. 25, 3 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-25"},{"id":"lakeville-man-guilty-murder-bloomington-woman-unborn-child","aliases":[],"title":"Mental illness defense rejected; Lakeville man guilty of murdering Bloomington woman and unborn child","pitch":"A Dakota County jury rejected a 25-year-old Lakeville man's mental illness defense and found him guilty of killing a Bloomington woman and her unborn child.","entities":["Bloomington","Lakeville","Dakota County Attorney's Office","Dakota County District Court"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/mans-mental-illness-defense-rejected-in-murder-case-of-bloomington-woman-unborn-child/article_9d21c87d-c4cc-4e0b-870c-4976b0b6028a.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-21T18:09:46.381Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-21T18:09:46.381Z","status":"live","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Judge rejects mental illness defense of Lakeville man who killed his pregnant Bloomington sister","display_lede":"Jack Joseph Ball, 25, now stands convicted of 2 counts of first-degree murder in the 2024 killing of Bethany Ann Israel and her unborn child. He faces a mandatory life sentence when he's sentenced Thursday.","written_at":"2026-10-21T18:14:21.722Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-21T18:14:21.722Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Ball is sentenced; first-degree premeditated murder carries a mandatory life term","title":"Sentencing for Jack Joseph Ball","date":"2026-10-22","time":"1:30 p.m.","place":"Hastings"},"weight":4,"section":"news"},{"id":"mall-of-america-johntae-hudson-wrongful-death-lawsuit","aliases":[],"title":"Mom's lawsuit alleges Mall of America, anchor store failed to prevent son's 2022 killing","pitch":"The mother of Johntae Hudson, shot and killed at Mall of America in 2022, is suing the mall and an anchor store for wrongful death, and defense attorneys are pushing back.","entities":["Mall of America","Johntae Hudson"],"evidence":["strib-local:https://www.startribune.com/mall-of-america-shooting/601903331"],"started_at":"2026-10-21T18:09:46.381Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-21T18:09:46.381Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/3208fd349c0474bc.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/about"},"display_title":"Johntae Hudson's mother sues Mall of America and Nordstrom over 2022 killing","display_lede":"Lynn Hudson says the mall and its anchor store didn't have enough security and were too slow to act on reports of a gun before her 19-year-old son was shot 8 times in the back. Nordstrom denies the claims and wants the case thrown out.","written_at":"2026-10-21T18:12:51.132Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-21T18:12:51.132Z","updates_count":0,"weight":4,"section":"news"},{"id":"opportunity-housing-ordinance-amendments","aliases":[],"title":"Port Authority Reviews Proposed Amendments to Opportunity Housing Ordinance","pitch":"Staff proposed amending the 2019 inclusionary zoning ordinance, which has produced 693 affordable units, with a higher fee-in-lieu and new affordability tiers; Port Authority commissioners warned the rehab trigger could deter upkeep, and a public hearing has been noticed.","entities":["Bloomington Port Authority","Opportunity Housing Ordinance","City of Bloomington"],"evidence":["agenda:1998","port:0k71XsdzMJc:1","port:0k71XsdzMJc:2","port:0k71XsdzMJc:3","city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/plan/news/notice-public-hearing-city-code-amendment-opportunity-housing-ordinance-2026-10-20"],"started_at":"2026-10-16T20:09:26.900Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-21T18:09:46.381Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/0k71XsdzMJc-1.yt.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Port Authority","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k71XsdzMJc&t=1558s"},"display_title":"Opportunity Housing Ordinance: Changes up for review","display_lede":"Staff want to raise the fee-in-lieu and add new affordability tiers to Bloomington's affordable-housing rule for developers. Port Authority commissioners pushed back on parts of the plan, and the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Nov. 12.","written_at":"2026-10-21T18:11:39.208Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-16T20:14:07.929Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-21T18:11:39.208Z","note":"The Port Authority has now seen the details: staff propose a higher fee-in-lieu, new affordability tiers and rental-versus-ownership rules. Commissioners raised concerns about the 20% rehab trigger and the effect on housing supply, and a Nov. 12 Planning Commission hearing has been noticed."},"what_next":{"text":"Planning Commission public hearing on the Chapter 9 amendments (case PL2026-182)","title":"Planning Commission hearing on housing ordinance","date":"2026-11-12","time":"6 p.m.","place":"Council Chambers, Civic Plaza"},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall","event_when":"Nov. 12","event_end":"2026-11-12"},{"id":"bloomington-weather-october-21-2026","aliases":[],"title":"Sunny and 72 in Bloomington Wednesday, With 74 Waiting Behind It","pitch":"Another quiet, sunny October day is on tap: a high near 72, barely a breeze, and a mostly clear night around 48.","entities":["Weather","National Weather Service","MSP"],"evidence":["wx:bloomington-weather-october-21-2026:observed","wx:bloomington-weather-october-21-2026:forecast"],"started_at":"2026-10-21T10:07:38.536Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-21T10:07:38.536Z","status":"stale","section":"weather","wx":"daily","weight":2,"hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/wx/bloomington-weather-october-21-2026.jpg","hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Sunny and 72 in Bloomington Wednesday, With 74 Waiting Behind It","display_lede":"Another quiet, sunny October day is on tap: a high near 72, barely a breeze, and a mostly clear night around 48.","written_at":"2026-10-21T10:07:38.536Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-21T10:07:38.536Z","updates_count":0},{"id":"a-chanel-holiday-makeup-look-tutorial-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"A CHANEL Holiday Makeup Look Tutorial at Mall of America","pitch":"A CHANEL Holiday Makeup Look Tutorial is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","A CHANEL Holiday Makeup Look Tutorial"],"evidence":["moa:38441"],"started_at":"2026-10-20T22:07:19.386Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-20T22:07:19.386Z","status":"live","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/3a04d57372988cdb.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38441"},"display_title":"CHANEL's MOA beauty boutique teaches its 'Crystal Pink' holiday look through Nov. 15","display_lede":"Through Nov. 15, the CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty Boutique at Mall of America is taking appointments for a tutorial on one look from its new limited-edition Holiday 2026 makeup collection.","written_at":"2026-10-20T22:09:12.446Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-20T22:09:12.446Z","updates_count":0,"weight":1,"event_when":"Oct. 15–Nov. 15","event_end":"2026-11-15"},{"id":"bloomington-2027-2036-capital-improvement-plan","aliases":[],"title":"Council Reviews Draft 2027-2036 Capital Improvement Plan","pitch":"The draft 10-year capital plan, led by more than $300 million for city facilities and including a $7 million animal shelter replacement, goes to the Planning Commission for comprehensive-plan compliance review Oct. 29 ahead of a December council vote.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","City of Bloomington","Capital Improvement Plan","Bloomington Planning Commission"],"evidence":["agenda:1969","council:ZkAiFfRON_k:0","council:ZkAiFfRON_k:1","council:ZkAiFfRON_k:2","agenda:1942"],"started_at":"2026-10-15T19:09:52.515Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-20T19:10:08.016Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/ZkAiFfRON_k-0.yt.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkAiFfRON_k&t=160s"},"display_title":"2027-2036 Capital Improvement Plan: Draft goes to council","display_lede":"Next up for Bloomington's draft 10-year capital plan is the Planning Commission, which meets Oct. 29 to check it against the city's comprehensive plan. The draft leads with more than $300 million for city buildings and includes a $45 million water park parking ramp. The council holds a public hearing and votes Dec. 7.","written_at":"2026-10-20T21:08:59.777Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-15T19:13:49.699Z","updates_count":2,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-20T21:08:59.777Z","note":"The Planning Commission has posted its Oct. 29 agenda, and the draft capital plan is on it for a check against the comprehensive plan. The Bloomington 2050 update to that plan is on the same agenda."},"what_next":{"text":"Planning Commission reviews the draft 2027-2036 CIP for comprehensive-plan compliance; council hearing and vote follow Dec. 7","title":"Planning Commission review of the CIP","date":"2026-10-29","time":"6 p.m.","place":"Council Chambers, Civic Plaza"},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"lego-insiders-build-a-lego-ghost-street-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"LEGO® Insiders! Build a LEGO® Ghost Street! at Mall of America","pitch":"LEGO® Insiders! Build a LEGO® Ghost Street! is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","LEGO® Insiders! Build a LEGO® Ghost Street!"],"evidence":["moa:38439"],"started_at":"2026-10-20T16:09:27.355Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-20T16:09:27.355Z","status":"live","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/147050caee616e4e.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38439"},"display_title":"LEGO Store at Mall of America hosts a Ghost Street build for Insiders members on Oct. 25","display_lede":"Members of LEGO's Insiders program can build a Ghost Street at the Mall of America LEGO Store on Sunday, Oct. 25, from noon to 2 p.m., and take it home. Supplies are limited, so earlier is better.","written_at":"2026-10-20T16:14:26.014Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-20T16:14:26.014Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"LEGO Insiders build and take home a Ghost Street at the LEGO Store, while supplies last.","title":"LEGO Insiders Ghost Street build","date":"2026-10-25","time":"noon–2 p.m.","place":"The LEGO Store, Mall of America"},"weight":1,"event_when":"Oct. 25, noon–2 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-25"},{"id":"jack-evens-obituary","aliases":[],"title":"Beloved Bloomington coach and teacher Jack Evens dies at 92","pitch":"Jack Evens, a longtime coach and teacher remembered fondly in Bloomington, has died at 92.","entities":["Jack Evens","Jeff Evens","Bloomington"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/bloomington/beloved-coach-teacher-jack-evens-dies-at-92/article_18b2bfd3-07c7-46b2-90b1-6ca92f308028.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-20T16:09:27.224Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-20T16:09:27.224Z","status":"live","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Jack Evens, who built Jefferson basketball and won 4 state titles, dies at 92","display_lede":"Jefferson's first boys basketball coach, who later taught and coached alongside his son, died Oct. 16. His family and players remember a coach who never had to yell.","written_at":"2026-10-20T16:12:54.081Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-20T16:12:54.081Z","updates_count":0,"weight":4,"section":"news"},{"id":"2027-utility-rate-increases","aliases":[],"title":"Public Works Proposes 9% Wastewater Hike, 3-4% Increases for Water, Storm and Solid Waste in 2027","pitch":"Public Works proposed 2027 utility rate increases of 3% for water, 9% for wastewater, 4% for stormwater and 4% for solid waste, with the wastewater hike driven mainly by the North Central Sanitary Sewer Project.","entities":["Bloomington Public Works","Bloomington City Council","North Central Sanitary Sewer Project"],"evidence":["council:ZkAiFfRON_k:3"],"started_at":"2026-10-20T16:09:27.224Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-20T16:09:27.224Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/ZkAiFfRON_k-3.yt.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkAiFfRON_k&t=1516s"},"display_title":"2027 utility rates: Sewer bills face a 9% jump","display_lede":"Public Works wants to raise wastewater rates 9% next year, and water, stormwater and trash rates by 3% to 4%. Staff say most of the sewer increase is the price of a big new pipe under north Bloomington.","written_at":"2026-10-20T16:11:01.564Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-20T16:11:01.564Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Council holds public hearings on 2027 solid waste, water and wastewater rates","title":"Public hearing on 2027 utility rates","date":"2026-11-09","place":"Civic Plaza"},"weight":4,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"bloomington-weather-october-20-2026","aliases":[],"title":"Sunny and 68: Bloomington Gets Another Easy October Day","pitch":"Tuesday brings sunshine and a high near 68 after Monday topped out at 66 at MSP. Nothing dramatic here, just a pleasant stretch that carries into the rest of the week.","entities":["Weather","Bloomington","Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport","National Weather Service"],"evidence":["wx:bloomington-weather-october-20-2026:observed","wx:bloomington-weather-october-20-2026:forecast"],"started_at":"2026-10-20T15:58:08.731Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-20T15:58:08.731Z","status":"stale","section":"weather","wx":"daily","weight":2,"hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/wx/bloomington-weather-october-20-2026.jpg","hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Sunny and 68: Bloomington Gets Another Easy October Day","display_lede":"Tuesday brings sunshine and a high near 68 after Monday topped out at 66 at MSP. Nothing dramatic here, just a pleasant stretch that carries into the rest of the week.","written_at":"2026-10-20T15:58:08.731Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-20T15:58:08.731Z","updates_count":0},{"id":"toddler-tuesdays-treat-trail-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"TODDLER TUESDAYS® TREAT TRAIL at Mall of America","pitch":"TODDLER TUESDAYS® TREAT TRAIL is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","TODDLER TUESDAYS® TREAT TRAIL"],"evidence":["moa:38420"],"started_at":"2026-10-20T15:07:16.214Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-20T15:07:16.214Z","status":"live","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/36ccd3a7d17ef382.png","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38420"},"display_title":"Toddler Tuesdays Treat Trail: costumed trick-or-treating in Nickelodeon Universe on Oct. 27","display_lede":"Mall of America's theme park is holding a morning treat trail for its youngest visitors on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The cost is the usual Toddler Tuesdays ride wristband, $15.99 plus tax.","written_at":"2026-10-20T15:08:28.556Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-20T15:08:28.556Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Costumed toddlers collect treats along a trail through Nickelodeon Universe; Toddler Tuesdays wristband required.","title":"Toddler Tuesdays Treat Trail","date":"2026-10-27","time":"10 a.m.–noon","place":"Nickelodeon Universe, Mall of America"},"weight":1,"event_when":"Tuesday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m.–noon","event_end":"2026-10-27"},{"id":"2027-2028-city-budget","aliases":[],"title":"City's 2027-28 Budget Takes Shape; Internal Departments Propose $197K Cut, Precincts to Drop to 20","pitch":"External services departments proposed $116.3 million in 2027 spending, up 7.3%, including nine new full-time firefighters, a 3.9% police increase with billing for dignitary protection, and an end to the Ice Garden's property tax subsidy.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","City of Bloomington","City Clerk","Bloomington Fire Department","Bloomington Police Department","Bloomington Parks and Recreation","Bloomington Ice Garden"],"evidence":["council:iIlHnoxGJFY:5","agenda:1969","council:ZkAiFfRON_k:4","council:ZkAiFfRON_k:5","council:ZkAiFfRON_k:6","council:ZkAiFfRON_k:7"],"started_at":"2026-10-13T15:09:26.430Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-20T14:10:52.119Z","status":"live","hero":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZkAiFfRON_k/maxresdefault.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkAiFfRON_k&t=2980s"},"display_title":"2027-28 budget: Back-office cuts, fewer precincts","display_lede":"The Bloomington departments residents deal with most, including police, fire and parks, are asking for $116.3 million in 2027. That's 7.3% more than this year, and it would pay for 9 new full-time firefighters. The back-office departments have proposed a net cut of $197,000, including fewer voting precincts. The council hasn't voted on any of it, and the final budget vote is December 14.","written_at":"2026-10-20T14:17:30.667Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-13T15:16:27.243Z","updates_count":2,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-20T14:17:30.667Z","note":"On October 19 police, fire, parks and the city's other external services departments presented their budgets. Fire wants 9 new full-time positions, police would start billing visiting dignitaries for protection details, and the Ice Garden would lose its property tax subsidy."},"what_next":{"text":"Council budget study session with public comment on Nov. 16","title":"Council budget study session","date":"2026-11-16","time":"6:30 p.m.","place":"Civic Plaza"},"weight":4,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"metro-gang-violence-law-enforcement-strategy","aliases":[],"title":"40 Law Enforcement Agencies Overhaul Metro Gang Strategy, Vow Not to Repeat Past Oversight Failures","pitch":"Officials from 40 agencies met in Blaine to update the public on recent Twin Cities gang violence, including the south metro shootings, and outline a revamped strategy.","entities":["Bloomington Police Department","Hennepin County","Blaine","Twin Cities metro"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/law-enforcement-overhauls-gang-strategy-vows-not-to-repeat-past-oversight/article_0dd79717-7f33-48dc-be84-c7177a29fcc1.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-19T23:10:08.048Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-19T23:10:08.048Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/bloomington-police-patch.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Police Department","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pd/BPD"},"display_title":"40 Agencies Unveil New Metro Gang Strategy as Hodges Admits Police Can't Count Gang Members","display_lede":"Federal, state and local law enforcement leaders, including Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges, met in Blaine on Monday to lay out a coordinated response to a string of south metro shootings. They also promised not to repeat the mistakes of past gang crackdowns.","written_at":"2026-10-19T23:12:23.950Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-19T23:12:23.950Z","updates_count":0,"weight":4,"section":"news"},{"id":"moa-terrorism-plot-federal-charge","aliases":[],"title":"Man Charged With Planning Mass-Casualty Attack on Mall of America","pitch":"After FBI testimony, a judge ordered 18-year-old Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud of Richfield held pending trial on a federal charge of planning a mass-casualty attack at Mall of America.","entities":["Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud","Mall of America","U.S. Attorney's Office","FBI","Richfield"],"evidence":["strib-local:https://www.startribune.com/federal-terrorism-charge-man-planned-mass-casualty-event-at-mall-of-america/601898561","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/news/local/18-year-old-was-100-committed-to-carry-out-attack-at-mall-of-america-fed/article_f5c0e3ca-8681-468d-a998-c0c5de0b3050.html","strib-local:https://www.startribune.com/what-to-know-about-a-foiled-terror-plot-at-the-mall-of-america/601898805","strib-local:https://www.startribune.com/mall-of-america-planned-for-terror-attacks-years-before-foiled-mass-shooting/601899005","strib-local:https://www.startribune.com/mall-of-america-terrorism-attack/601902759"],"started_at":"2026-10-07T18:08:56.993Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-19T20:09:26.919Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/3208fd349c0474bc.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/about"},"display_title":"Feds: 18-Year-Old Planned ISIS-Inspired Shooting at Mall of America During Hmong Arts Celebration","display_lede":"Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud of Richfield is in the Sherburne County Jail on a federal terrorism-related charge. The plot prosecutors describe targets a mall that has prepared for this kind of threat since at least 2015, when a terror group named it on video.","written_at":"2026-10-09T01:45:59.677Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-07T18:10:28.505Z","updates_count":2,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T01:45:59.677Z","note":"This version adds the mall's history as a named target, including al-Shabaab's 2015 video and the Israeli-trained security unit the mall built. It also adds new details from the charges: Mohamud allegedly planned to kill 30 to 60 people and wrote that he would \"do attack here\" because he couldn't afford to go to Somalia."},"what_next":{"text":"Mohamud is due back in federal court at 10 a.m. Oct. 19","title":"Mohamud's next federal court hearing","date":"2026-10-19","time":"10 a.m."},"weight":5,"section":"news"},{"id":"axon-drone-first-responder-contract","aliases":[],"title":"Council Approves Expanded Axon Contract Adding Drone-as-First-Responder Program","pitch":"The City Council voted 7-0 to expand the police department's agreement with Axon Enterprise, adding a drone-as-first-responder program.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","Axon Enterprise","Bloomington Police Department","NASPO"],"evidence":["council:iIlHnoxGJFY:0","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/bloomington/bloomington-council-oks-expanded-agreement-with-axon-for-policing-technology/article_7a49f831-a184-4bdb-a312-ceeecead2277.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-13T15:09:26.430Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-19T17:09:56.762Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/iIlHnoxGJFY-0.yt.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIlHnoxGJFY&t=1477s"},"display_title":"Police drones: Council OKs Axon deal for 911 flights","display_lede":"Bloomington has signed up for drones that fly to 911 calls. The City Council voted 7-0 on Oct. 12 to expand the police department's Axon contract to just over $22 million over 10 years, adding drones as first responders, a fixed-wing drone and translation software for dispatch.","written_at":"2026-10-19T17:11:31.298Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-13T15:11:13.923Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-19T17:11:31.298Z","note":"The approved Axon deal is worth just over $22 million over 10 years, and it adds a fixed-wing drone and translation tech for dispatch alongside the 911 drones. Chief Booker Hodges also defended the program's data rules and explained why he turned down Flock."},"weight":4,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"jefferson-football-falls-to-benilde-st-margarets","aliases":[],"title":"Late touchdown sends Benilde-St. Margaret's past Jefferson 34-29","pitch":"Bloomington Jefferson football (3-4) lost 34-29 to Benilde-St. Margaret's on Oct. 14 after BSM answered each Jefferson surge, including with a late touchdown.","entities":["Bloomington Jefferson High School","Benilde-St. Margaret's"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/sports/late-td-sends-bsm-past-jefferson-34-29/article_386e7485-5815-4f61-be21-be1b93569b58.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-19T15:08:35.864Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-19T15:08:35.864Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/jefferson-jaguar-v2.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Jefferson High School","url":"https://www.bloomington.k12.mn.us/jhs"},"display_title":"Late touchdown sends Benilde-St. Margaret's past Jefferson 34-29","display_lede":"Sophomore Cornay King ran for 169 yards and 3 touchdowns, but the Red Knights had an answer every time the Jaguars pulled ahead. Brandon Nyakundi's dive at the pylon with 1:33 left decided it.","written_at":"2026-10-19T15:11:53.750Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-19T15:11:53.750Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Jefferson (3-4) plays Bloomington Kennedy at Kennedy's new on-campus stadium.","title":"Jefferson football at Kennedy","date":"2026-10-21","time":"6 p.m.","place":"Kennedy's on-campus stadium"},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"7300-metro-boulevard-dental-office","aliases":[],"title":"Dental Office Plans at 7300 Metro Boulevard Revived After Two Years","pitch":"A dental office approved in 2024 is back in play. It would occupy a new building in the parking lot of One Corporate Center III at 7300 Metro Blvd., which requires subdividing the property.","entities":["7300 Metro Boulevard","One Corporate Center III","City of Bloomington"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/news/local/dental-office-plans-at-7300-metro-boulevard-are-revived-after-2-years/article_d0bb6995-3a64-4cf8-9997-ff956183fdfa.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-19T15:08:35.864Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-19T15:08:35.864Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/537ad7d7fb26ab10.png","hero_credit":{"source":"Kid Grins Pediatric Dentistry","url":"https://kidgrins.com/"},"display_title":"Pediatric Dentist Revives Plan for New Office at 7300 Metro Blvd. — on the Edina Side","display_lede":"Kid Grins Pediatric Dentistry wants to put a 5,000-square-foot building in the One Corporate Center III parking lot. That's 2 years after a similar plan was approved and then never built. Edina's Planning Commission voted for it unanimously.","written_at":"2026-10-19T15:10:00.748Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-19T15:10:00.748Z","updates_count":0,"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-weather-week-of-october-19-2026","aliases":[],"title":"From 81° to a Soggy Thursday, Now a Sunny Run Into the High 60s","pitch":"Last week started like summer and ended like late October, with most of the week's rain falling on Thursday. This week opens with three sunny days and highs from 66° to 68°.","entities":["Weather","Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport","National Weather Service"],"evidence":["wx:bloomington-weather-week-of-october-19-2026:week","wx:bloomington-weather-week-of-october-19-2026:forecast"],"started_at":"2026-10-19T05:07:30.055Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-19T05:07:30.055Z","status":"stale","section":"weather","wx":"weekly","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/wx/bloomington-weather-week-of-october-19-2026.jpg","hero_credit":null,"display_title":"From 81° to a Soggy Thursday, Now a Sunny Run Into the High 60s","display_lede":"Last week started like summer and ended like late October, with most of the week's rain falling on Thursday. This week opens with three sunny days and highs from 66° to 68°.","written_at":"2026-10-19T05:07:30.055Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-19T05:07:30.055Z","updates_count":0},{"id":"fog-chute-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"FOG CHUTE at Mall of America","pitch":"FOG CHUTE is on the Mall of America events calendar. This story covers what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","FOG CHUTE","Nickelodeon Universe"],"evidence":["moa:38411","x:2111930180642254950"],"started_at":"2026-10-15T17:09:45.029Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-18T22:10:03.253Z","status":"live","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/fc51059113ae442b.png","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38411"},"display_title":"Log Chute goes spooky: Fog Chute runs at Nickelodeon Universe through Oct. 31","display_lede":"For October, Mall of America's indoor log flume becomes Fog Chute, with jack-o'-lanterns lighting the way through the mill. It runs through Halloween. 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It's still on the mall's calendar even after federal prosecutors said a teenager had picked that day as a possible date for an attack.","written_at":"2026-10-17T17:08:53.379Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-17T17:08:53.379Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Hmong Arts Celebration runs noon–5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, in Mall of America's Huntington Bank Rotunda.","title":"Hmong Arts Celebration","date":"2026-10-24","time":"noon–5 p.m.","place":"Huntington Bank Rotunda, Mall of America"},"weight":3,"event_when":"Oct. 24","event_end":"2026-10-24"},{"id":"ariat-grand-opening-event-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"Ariat Grand Opening Event at Mall of America","pitch":"Ariat Grand Opening Event is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Ariat Grand Opening Event"],"evidence":["moa:38397"],"started_at":"2026-10-17T15:07:22.344Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-17T15:07:22.344Z","status":"live","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/2b758aff46d891cb.png","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38397"},"display_title":"Ariat throws a free grand opening party Oct. 24 at Mall of America, with jeans for the first 100","display_lede":"Ariat's Mall of America store is already open. It's the Western-wear brand's biggest store and its first in Minnesota, and the official party is Saturday, Oct. 24, with live music, line dancing and 100 free pairs of jeans.","written_at":"2026-10-17T15:09:56.279Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-17T15:09:56.279Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Ariat's free grand opening party, with free jeans for the first 100 guests","title":"Ariat Grand Opening Event","date":"2026-10-24","time":"10 a.m.–2 p.m.","place":"Southeast Court, Mall of America"},"weight":1,"event_when":"Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-24"},{"id":"halloween-character-meet-and-greet-dora-boots-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"HALLOWEEN CHARACTER MEET & GREET: DORA + BOOTS at Mall of America","pitch":"HALLOWEEN CHARACTER MEET & GREET: DORA + BOOTS is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","HALLOWEEN CHARACTER MEET & GREET: DORA + BOOTS"],"evidence":["moa:38418"],"started_at":"2026-10-17T15:07:22.344Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-17T15:07:22.344Z","status":"live","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/8706b2f7d459fcff.png","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38418"},"display_title":"Dora and Boots dress up as a ladybug and a bumblebee for Nickelodeon Universe meet-and-greets Oct. 24–26","display_lede":"Mall of America's theme park is bringing out Dora and Boots in Halloween costumes for a 3-day meet-and-greet. 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The treat bags come with a catch: you need a ride pass to get one.","written_at":"2026-10-17T04:10:57.112Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-17T04:10:57.112Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"NICK@FRIGHT character strolls at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., with DJ Glow 7–9 p.m., on Oct. 23 and 24.","title":"NICK@FRIGHT Halloween nights","date":"2026-10-23","time":"Oct. 23–24, 6:30–9 p.m.","place":"Nickelodeon Universe, Mall of America"},"weight":2,"event_when":"Oct. 23–24","event_end":"2026-10-24"},{"id":"dragon-ball-xenoverse-3-road-tour-special-edition-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 3 ROAD TOUR SPECIAL EDITION at Mall of America","pitch":"The DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 3 ROAD TOUR came to Mall of America's Huntington Bank Rotunda Oct. 16–18 with hands-on gameplay, Bandai collectibles and a card game exhibition.","entities":["Mall of America","DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 3 ROAD TOUR SPECIAL EDITION","Huntington Bank Rotunda"],"evidence":["moa:38355","x:2110142847865508351","x:2111182899860881877"],"started_at":"2026-10-09T15:07:18.439Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-16T21:09:57.778Z","status":"archived","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/49c4177d7830a9f2.png","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38355"},"display_title":"Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 brings a free playable demo to Mall of America Oct. 16–18","display_lede":"Bandai Namco's Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 Road Tour opened Friday in Mall of America's Huntington Bank Rotunda. 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The district says tickets are already on sale.","written_at":"2026-10-16T18:10:44.150Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-16T18:10:44.150Z","updates_count":0,"weight":2,"section":"activities"},{"id":"bloomington-squad-rifle-shooting-sentencing","aliases":[],"title":"Man who fired assault-style rifle at Bloomington squad, officers sentenced to more than 13 years","pitch":"A 22-year-old was sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for firing an assault-style rifle in late 2025 at a Bloomington squad car officers were taking cover behind.","entities":["Bloomington Police Department","Hennepin County"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/news/local/man-who-fired-assault-style-rifle-at-bloomington-squad-officers-sentenced-to-prison/article_9c272421-e72b-41f9-88ac-7d3214162f62.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-16T17:08:38.782Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-16T17:08:38.782Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/bloomington-police-patch.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Police Department","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pd/BPD"},"display_title":"Savage man gets 160 months for firing assault-style rifle at Bloomington officers near Mall of America","display_lede":"Joshua Rocha, 22, pleaded guilty to 3 counts of first-degree assault on a peace officer. He fired shots at a squad car while 3 Bloomington officers took cover behind it in December 2025.","written_at":"2026-10-16T17:10:31.127Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-16T17:10:31.127Z","updates_count":0,"weight":4,"section":"news"},{"id":"veap-fundraiser-martin-luther-campus","aliases":[],"title":"VEAP fundraiser coming to Martin Luther Campus","pitch":"Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People, Bloomington's food shelf and social services nonprofit, holds its annual fundraising gala Oct. 23 in Bloomington.","entities":["VEAP","Martin Luther Campus"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/veap-fundraiser-in-bloomington/article_20712838-80e5-4541-95a6-f8ee1433af15.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/veap-to-hold-annual-gala-oct-23/article_ebc12f1d-0f6d-435b-b754-e1ecc056e5e7.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-16T17:08:38.782Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/cited/c45422b0511ec855.png","hero_credit":{"source":"Martin Luther Campus","url":"https://martinluthercampus.com/event/rock-bowl/"},"display_title":"Soup, music and a bowl to keep: Martin Luther Campus hosts VEAP 'Rock & Bowl' Oct. 7","display_lede":"A midday Empty Bowls fundraiser at the campus on East 100th Street will serve 3 soups and live music, with all proceeds going to the VEAP food shelf.","written_at":"2026-10-04T17:10:30.260Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-04T17:10:30.260Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Rock & Bowl fundraiser for VEAP at Martin Luther Campus, 12:30–2 p.m.","date":"2026-10-07"},"weight":2,"section":"activities","event_when":"Wednesday, Oct. 7, 12:30–2 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-07"},{"id":"bloomington-police-chief-gang-gunfire-warning","aliases":[],"title":"Police chief on latest gang-related gunfire: 'You are going to jail'","pitch":"Chief Booker Hodges warned suspects after more alleged gang-related gunfire in the south metro; suspects in the Eden Prairie homecoming shooting are tied to gun violence in three suburbs, and the Oct. 6 Bloomington shooting may have been retaliation.","entities":["Booker Hodges","Bloomington Police Department","Eden Prairie","Minnetonka"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/chief-on-morning-gun-violence-we-know-who-you-are-you-are-going-to-jail/article_bd5f72e4-b26c-49a9-b69d-6656a00bef3d.html","strib-local:https://www.startribune.com/four-charged-in-fight-before-eden-prairie-football-game-shooting/601900438","bmtn:https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/eden-prairie-homecoming-shooting-suspects-tied-to-other-gun-violence-across-3-metro-suburbs"],"started_at":"2026-10-06T22:08:59.053Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-15T21:09:49.687Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/bloomington-police-patch.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Police Department","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pd/BPD"},"display_title":"'We know who you are': Bloomington chief warns shooters after 100-plus rounds fired on Harriet Avenue","display_lede":"Court documents say the 3 young men in the car hit on Harriet Avenue were the targets of the Oct. 6 gunfire, and all 3 are now charged in the brawl before the Eden Prairie homecoming shooting. Nobody has been charged with firing the 100-plus rounds in Bloomington.","written_at":"2026-10-16T04:12:55.108Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-06T22:10:32.379Z","updates_count":2,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-16T04:12:55.108Z","note":"Court documents now identify Abdirahman Ahmed Jama as the target of the Harriet Avenue gunfire. Jama and the 2 men with him are charged with riot over the fight before the Eden Prairie homecoming shooting, and police say the Bloomington shooting may have been retaliation."},"what_next":{"text":"Abdullahi's jury trial on the Eden Prairie riot charge is set for Dec. 7.","title":"Abdullahi jury trial on riot charge","date":"2026-12-07"},"weight":5,"section":"news"},{"id":"fright-lights-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"FRIGHT LIGHTS at Mall of America","pitch":"FRIGHT LIGHTS is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","FRIGHT LIGHTS"],"evidence":["moa:38407"],"started_at":"2026-10-15T17:09:45.029Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-15T17:09:45.029Z","status":"live","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/6771a6c268b18010.png","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38407"},"display_title":"Fright Lights: Nickelodeon Universe's Halloween light show runs weekends through Oct. 31","display_lede":"A \"funky witch\" has taken over the lights and music at Mall of America's indoor theme park. The show runs Friday through Sunday at park close, and 3 weekends are left.","written_at":"2026-10-15T17:13:14.575Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-15T17:13:14.575Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Fright Lights runs Friday–Sunday at park close; the final show is Oct. 31.","title":"Fright Lights Halloween light show","date":"2026-10-16","time":"Fridays–Sundays through Oct. 31, at park close","place":"Nickelodeon Universe South Entrance, Mall of America"},"weight":1,"event_when":"Fridays–Sundays at park close through Oct. 31","event_end":"2026-10-31"},{"id":"shock-and-ride-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"SHOCK AND RIDE at Mall of America","pitch":"SHOCK AND RIDE is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","SHOCK AND RIDE"],"evidence":["moa:38409"],"started_at":"2026-10-15T17:09:45.029Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-15T17:09:45.029Z","status":"live","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/21058ceabf2a250a.png","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38409"},"display_title":"Shock and Ride: Nickelodeon Universe hosts Halloween dance parties on Friday nights through Oct. 30","display_lede":"Nickelodeon Universe is holding a Halloween dance party at its South Entrance every Friday night in October, and each one ends with the park's Fright Lights show. 3 Fridays are left: Oct. 16, 23 and 30.","written_at":"2026-10-15T17:12:08.011Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-15T17:12:08.011Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Next Shock and Ride Halloween dance party, ending with the Fright Lights show","title":"Shock and Ride Halloween dance party","date":"2026-10-16","time":"7–9 p.m.","place":"Nickelodeon Universe South Entrance, Mall of America"},"weight":1,"event_when":"Friday nights through Oct. 30, 7–9 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-30"},{"id":"hudson-man-charged-strangulation-bloomington-apartment","aliases":[],"title":"Hudson, Wis., man charged with choking Bloomington woman in her apartment","pitch":"A 22-year-old Hudson, Wisconsin, man is charged with domestic assault by strangulation and threats of violence after allegedly choking a 32-year-old woman in her Bloomington apartment.","entities":["Bloomington","Hudson, Wisconsin","Hennepin County Attorney's Office"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/new-boyfriend-accused-of-attacking-bloomington-woman-in-her-apartment/article_660968eb-4789-4c72-b952-14f6bd1fc7a5.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-15T14:09:36.900Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-15T14:09:36.900Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/bloomington-police-patch.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Police Department","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pd/BPD"},"display_title":"Hudson, Wis., man charged with choking new girlfriend in her Bloomington apartment","display_lede":"Police said a 22-year-old who had known the 32-year-old woman for about 4 weeks pushed her against a wall, choked her and earlier threatened her with a box cutter. He has 2 prior domestic violence convictions in Wisconsin.","written_at":"2026-10-15T14:13:12.036Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-15T14:13:12.036Z","updates_count":0,"weight":4,"section":"news"},{"id":"cd3-congressional-race-morrison-bass-2026","aliases":[],"title":"Voter's guide: Morrison faces Bass in 3rd Congressional District","pitch":"Bloomington voters in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District choose between incumbent Kelly Morrison and challenger Bass on Nov. 3.","entities":["Kelly Morrison","Minnesota 3rd Congressional District","Bloomington"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/news/2026_election_sun_current/voters-guide-morrison-faces-bass-in-3rd-congressional-district/article_e5e63cb4-b88c-4493-8151-84d39fe95fa7.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-15T14:09:36.900Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-15T14:09:36.900Z","status":"live","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Voter's guide: Morrison faces Bass in 3rd Congressional District","display_lede":"Bloomington voters in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District choose between incumbent Kelly Morrison and challenger Bass on Nov. 3.","written_at":null,"first_written_at":null,"updates_count":0},{"id":"bloomington-richfield-house-races-2026","aliases":[],"title":"Incumbents seek reelection to Bloomington, Richfield House seats","pitch":"All four Minnesota House seats serving Bloomington and Richfield are on the Nov. 3 ballot, and the incumbents are seeking reelection.","entities":["Minnesota House of Representatives","Bloomington","Richfield"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/voters-guide-incumbents-seek-reelection-to-bloomington-richfield-house-seats/article_9a693748-258b-475d-bda2-2c51227b18ab.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-14T22:09:52.267Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-14T22:09:52.267Z","status":"live","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Incumbents seek reelection to Bloomington, Richfield House seats","display_lede":"All four Minnesota House seats serving Bloomington and Richfield are on the Nov. 3 ballot, and the incumbents are seeking reelection.","written_at":null,"first_written_at":null,"updates_count":0},{"id":"bloomington-richfield-state-house-races-2026","aliases":[],"title":"Incumbents seek reelection to Bloomington, Richfield state House seats","pitch":"Four Minnesota House seats serving Bloomington and Richfield are on the Nov. 3 ballot, and the incumbents are running for reelection.","entities":["Minnesota House of Representatives","Bloomington","Richfield"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/voters-guide-incumbents-seek-reelection-to-bloomington-richfield-house-seats/article_9a693748-258b-475d-bda2-2c51227b18ab.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-14T17:09:30.749Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-14T17:09:30.749Z","status":"archived","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"4 House incumbents on the Bloomington-Richfield ballot; Elkins runs unopposed","display_lede":"The DFL incumbents in House districts 50A, 50B, 51A and 51B are all running for reelection Nov. 3. Steve Elkins has no opponent, and Republicans are challenging the other 3.","written_at":"2026-10-14T17:11:27.715Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-14T17:11:27.715Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Election Day: Minnesota House races for districts 50A, 50B, 51A and 51B are on the ballot","title":"General Election Day","date":"2026-11-03","time":"7 a.m.–8 p.m."},"weight":4,"section":"news"},{"id":"hra-livable-communities-grant-applications","aliases":[],"title":"HRA to Back Metropolitan Council Livable Communities Grant Applications","pitch":"On Oct. 13 the Bloomington HRA voted 7-0 on a consent agenda including resolutions supporting Livable Communities Demonstration Account grant applications.","entities":["Bloomington HRA","Metropolitan Council","Livable Communities Demonstration Account"],"evidence":["agenda:2009","hra:3zwmb5JtEhc:0"],"started_at":"2026-10-11T07:09:44.161Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-14T16:10:42.163Z","status":"live","hero":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3zwmb5JtEhc/maxresdefault.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zwmb5JtEhc&t=241s"},"display_title":"HRA backs city's bids for Met Council development grants","display_lede":"On Oct. 13 Bloomington's Housing and Redevelopment Authority voted 7-0 to support the city's applications for Metropolitan Council Livable Communities grants. It's the first step toward regional money for local development, but the public agenda still doesn't say which projects are involved.","written_at":"2026-10-14T16:17:55.078Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-11T07:11:40.266Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-14T16:17:55.078Z","note":"Commissioners approved the grant resolutions without discussion as part of a 7-0 consent vote. This version also traces the HRA's earlier Livable Communities applications and awards back to 2021."},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"hra-2027-housing-choice-voucher-plans","aliases":[],"title":"HRA Holds Public Hearing on 2027 Housing Choice Voucher Plans","pitch":"The HUD-required public hearing on Oct. 13 drew no speakers, and the Bloomington HRA voted 7-0 to approve its 2027 Housing Choice Voucher annual and administrative plans.","entities":["Bloomington HRA","Housing Choice Voucher Program","HUD"],"evidence":["agenda:2009","hra:3zwmb5JtEhc:1"],"started_at":"2026-10-11T06:08:47.937Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-14T16:10:42.163Z","status":"live","hero":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3zwmb5JtEhc/maxresdefault.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington HRA","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zwmb5JtEhc&t=301s"},"display_title":"Bloomington HRA approves 2027 Section 8 rules","display_lede":"Bloomington's Housing and Redevelopment Authority unanimously approved the 2 plans that will govern its Housing Choice Voucher program in 2027. The approval came Oct. 13, after a federally required public hearing at which no one spoke.","written_at":"2026-10-14T16:16:16.996Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-11T06:10:19.462Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-14T16:16:16.996Z","note":"The hearing went ahead Oct. 13 and no one testified. The HRA board then voted 7-0 to adopt the 2027 voucher plans."},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"the-heights-rehabilitation-laha-funding","aliases":[],"title":"HRA Weighs Local Affordable Housing Aid for The Heights Rehabilitation","pitch":"Staff asked the Bloomington HRA for $622,222 in Local Affordable Housing Aid as a forgivable loan to close a nearly $700,000 gap on garage repairs at The Heights condominium, 8045 Xerxes Ave. S., as commissioners questioned the three-year forgiveness term.","entities":["Bloomington HRA","The Heights","Local Affordable Housing Aid","8045 Xerxes Ave S"],"evidence":["agenda:2009","hra:3zwmb5JtEhc:2","hra:3zwmb5JtEhc:3","hra:3zwmb5JtEhc:4"],"started_at":"2026-10-10T04:08:56.300Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-14T16:10:42.163Z","status":"live","hero":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3zwmb5JtEhc/maxresdefault.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zwmb5JtEhc&t=2536s"},"display_title":"Bloomington HRA to weigh state housing aid for The Heights condo rehab, plus a change to its repair deal","display_lede":"City staff have asked the Housing and Redevelopment Authority for $622,222 in Local Affordable Housing Aid to cover most of a nearly $700,000 gap in the garage repairs at The Heights condominium. Commissioners pushed back on the 3-year forgiveness term and asked for a full accounting of costs.","written_at":"2026-10-14T16:14:40.637Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-10T05:13:26.079Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-14T16:14:40.637Z","note":"Staff put a number on the request: a $622,222 forgivable LAHA loan to close a gap of nearly $700,000 in the garage repairs. Commissioners asked for a firm final cost and a longer forgiveness term, and the HOA described owners who can't sell while the building is condemned."},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"southview-estates-rehabilitation-project","aliases":[],"title":"HRA to Finalize Agreements for Southview Estates Rehabilitation","pitch":"On Oct. 13 the Bloomington HRA voted 7-0 to approve a consent agenda that included final agreements for the Southview Estates rehabilitation project.","entities":["Bloomington HRA","Southview Estates"],"evidence":["agenda:2009","hra:3zwmb5JtEhc:0"],"started_at":"2026-10-10T04:08:56.300Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-14T16:10:42.163Z","status":"live","hero":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3zwmb5JtEhc/maxresdefault.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zwmb5JtEhc&t=241s"},"display_title":"Southview Estates rehab: HRA approves final deals","display_lede":"Bloomington's Housing and Redevelopment Authority approved the final agreements for the Southview Estates rehab on a 7-0 vote Oct. 13. That locks in the paperwork behind a plan to keep all 47 apartments affordable.","written_at":"2026-10-14T16:12:28.756Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-10T05:11:11.122Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-14T16:12:28.756Z","note":"The HRA approved the Southview Estates final agreements Oct. 13 on a 7-0 consent vote, with no commissioner pulling the item. Staff also said Southview is among the projects already holding a commitment of state Local Affordable Housing Aid."},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"bloomington-federated-womans-club-nonprofit-mechanic-speaker","aliases":[],"title":"Minister-turned-mechanic to speak at Bloomington Federated Woman's Club","pitch":"The founder of a nonprofit auto repair shop, a former minister, is the featured speaker at this week's Bloomington Federated Woman's Club meeting.","entities":["Bloomington Federated Woman's Club","Bloomington"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/minister-turned-mechanic-to-speak-in-bloomington/article_9f1087fa-0b7a-4996-ba62-90a8f9a03bce.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-14T05:09:32.930Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-14T05:09:32.930Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/aa058c4cba5c70ad.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"The Lift Garage","url":"https://www.theliftgarage.org/blog/videos/cathy-heyings-tedxtalk/"},"display_title":"From the pulpit to the oil pan: Lift Garage founder Cathy Heying to speak in Bloomington Oct. 21","display_lede":"Cathy Heying left church ministry at 38 to learn to fix cars. Next Wednesday she'll tell the Bloomington Federated Woman's Club how that turned into a nonprofit garage that helps keep low-income Minnesotans on the road.","written_at":"2026-10-14T05:10:39.725Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-14T05:10:39.725Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Cathy Heying speaks at the Bloomington Federated Woman's Club luncheon meeting; $37 lunch, reservations required.","title":"Woman's Club luncheon: Cathy Heying","date":"2026-10-21","time":"11:15 a.m.–1:30 p.m.","place":"Minnesota Valley Country Club"},"weight":2,"section":"activities","event_when":"Wednesday, Oct. 21","event_end":"2026-10-21"},{"id":"race-for-the-ribbon-bush-lake-5k","aliases":[],"title":"Jefferson senior's nonprofit hosts inaugural Race for the Ribbon 5K at Bush Lake Oct. 24","pitch":"Care for the Cure, a nonprofit founded by Jefferson senior Carter Klein, hosts its first Race for the Ribbon 5K run/walk around Bush Lake on Oct. 24.","entities":["Care for the Cure","Carter Klein","Bush Lake","Bloomington Jefferson High School"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/bloomington/race-for-the-ribbon-set-for-oct-24-around-bush-lake/article_d3121d6f-448f-4e69-9939-91755b82987e.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-14T04:09:36.434Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-14T04:09:36.434Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/9304bfb36da06b51.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bush Lake","url":"https://www.threeriversparks.org/location/bush-lake"},"display_title":"Jefferson senior Carter Klein's nonprofit holds its first Race for the Ribbon 5K at Bush Lake on Oct. 24","display_lede":"Klein started Care for the Cure to honor his mother, who died of metastatic breast cancer in 2023. The inaugural 5K run/walk goes around Bush Lake on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 24, and a soup contest follows.","written_at":"2026-10-14T04:14:11.226Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-14T04:14:11.226Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Race for the Ribbon 5K run/walk at Bush Lake; check-in 8:30 a.m., race starts 9:15 a.m.","title":"Race for the Ribbon 5K","date":"2026-10-24","time":"8:30 a.m.","place":"Shelter 3, Bush Lake"},"weight":2,"section":"activities","event_when":"Oct. 24","event_end":"2026-10-24"},{"id":"shiki-buffet-opening","aliases":[],"title":"Long lines greet opening of Shiki Buffet in Bloomington","pitch":"Shiki Buffet, a new Japanese and Chinese buffet with an emphasis on seafood, opened in Bloomington to long lines.","entities":["Shiki Buffet","Bloomington"],"evidence":["bmtn:https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/long-lines-greet-opening-of-new-japanese-and-chinese-buffet-in-bloomington"],"started_at":"2026-10-14T04:09:36.434Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-14T04:09:36.434Z","status":"live","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Shiki Buffet opens on Normandale Boulevard, and the lines are already long","display_lede":"The new all-you-can-eat Japanese and Chinese buffet focuses on seafood, with sushi, sashimi, oysters and crayfish, and diners were lining up as soon as it opened.","written_at":"2026-10-14T04:13:01.366Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-14T04:13:01.366Z","updates_count":0,"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-wrong-way-crash-two-hospitalized","aliases":[],"title":"Two hospitalized after wrong-way crash in Bloomington","pitch":"A wrong-way crash in Bloomington sent two people to the hospital.","entities":["Bloomington"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/2-hospitalized-after-wrong-way-crash-in-bloomington/article_45e8e72c-ff55-405c-8f52-5f110afdda85.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-14T04:09:36.434Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-14T04:09:36.434Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/46d6241f3d3421a9.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Minnesota State Patrol","url":"https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/msp/about-state-patrol"},"display_title":"State Patrol: Alcohol suspected in wrong-way 35W crash that hospitalized 2","display_lede":"A 78-year-old Bloomington man is suspected of having alcohol in his system when he drove his pickup the wrong way up the 82nd Street ramp. He and a Minneapolis woman he hit were both taken to HCMC with life-threatening injuries.","written_at":"2026-10-14T04:12:06.299Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-14T04:12:06.299Z","updates_count":0,"weight":4,"section":"news"},{"id":"humane-pet-store-animal-free-circus-ordinances","aliases":[],"title":"Council Asks Staff to Explore Humane Pet Store and Animal-Free Circus Ordinances","pitch":"Residents raised the issue at the Oct. 12 listening session. Council Member Dallessandro then asked staff to study a humane pet store ordinance modeled on New Hope's and a wild-animal-free circus ordinance.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","Council Member Dallessandro","New Hope"],"evidence":["council:iIlHnoxGJFY:6","agenda:1954"],"started_at":"2026-10-13T15:09:26.430Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-13T15:09:26.430Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/iIlHnoxGJFY-6.yt.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIlHnoxGJFY&t=10535s"},"display_title":"Pet store and circus animal rules: What's next","display_lede":"Residents asked the City Council to keep puppy-mill sales and wild-animal acts out of Bloomington. The council has sent staff to look into 2 ordinances, and parking sign changes are headed to a study session.","written_at":"2026-10-14T04:11:17.690Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-14T04:11:17.690Z","updates_count":0,"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"house-district-50a-greene-wedum-race","aliases":[],"title":"Greene, Wedum vie for Edina/Bloomington House District 50A seat","pitch":"DFL incumbent Julie Greene faces Republican Chris Wedum on Nov. 3 for the House District 50A seat, one of four Bloomington/Richfield House seats where incumbents seek reelection.","entities":["Julie Greene","Chris Wedum","Minnesota House District 50A","Bloomington","Edina"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/voters-guide-greene-wedum-seek-election-in-district-50a-an-edina-bloomington-house-seat/article_01777e62-c70a-46d2-8ec3-d32d41ffe074.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/voters-guide-incumbents-seek-reelection-to-bloomington-richfield-house-seats/article_9a693748-258b-475d-bda2-2c51227b18ab.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-08T12:09:07.176Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-14T04:09:36.434Z","status":"archived","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/963d08966f479131.379f63b3.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Minnesota House of Representatives; Wedum4MN campaign","url":null},"display_title":"Greene vs. Wedum: Who's running for House District 50A in Edina and west Bloomington","display_lede":"First-term DFL Rep. Julie Greene faces Republican Chris Wedum on Nov. 3 for the Minnesota House seat covering parts of Edina and Bloomington. Both candidates have made fraud a top issue, and Wedum still hasn't answered the local voter guide.","written_at":"2026-10-08T22:42:38.497Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-08T12:10:30.558Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-08T22:42:38.497Z","note":"This version adds more of Greene's voter-guide answers, including her Medicaid fraud figures and her push to modernize state IT. It also covers the Sept. 10 League of Women Voters forum for 50A at Bloomington City Hall, which the league said it would record."},"what_next":{"text":"Election Day: Greene vs. Wedum for House District 50A","date":"2026-11-03","title":"Election Day: Greene vs. Wedum","place":"Your polling place"},"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"harriet-avenue-shooting-investigation","aliases":[],"title":"Police Serve Warrant in Harriet Avenue Shooting; Chief Urges Residents Not to Blame Somali Community","pitch":"About 100 rounds were fired and homes were struck near Harriet Avenue; Chief Booker Hodges told the council not to blame the Somali American community, and police served a warrant early Oct. 13.","entities":["Bloomington Police Department","Booker Hodges","Harriet Avenue South","Somali American community"],"evidence":["council:iIlHnoxGJFY:1","x:2110009490162450854"],"started_at":"2026-10-13T15:09:26.430Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-13T15:09:26.430Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/iIlHnoxGJFY-1.yt.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIlHnoxGJFY&t=1539s"},"display_title":"Harriet Avenue shooting: Warrant served, chief's plea","display_lede":"A week after about 100 rounds were fired on Harriet Avenue South, police have served a warrant in the case. At the council table, Chief Booker Hodges told residents not to blame the Somali American community for what a few people did.","written_at":"2026-10-13T15:12:50.603Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-13T15:12:50.603Z","updates_count":0,"weight":5,"section":"news"},{"id":"i-35w-82nd-street-serious-injury-crash","aliases":[],"title":"Serious injury crash snarls northbound 35W near West 82nd Street","pitch":"A serious injury crash the afternoon of Oct. 12 closed northbound I-35W between 90th and 82nd streets.","entities":["Bloomington Fire Department","I-35W","West 82nd Street","90th Street"],"evidence":["x:2109762526707613696","bmtn:https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/crash-closes-northbound-i-35w-in-bloomington"],"started_at":"2026-10-12T23:09:39.164Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-13T15:09:26.430Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/46d6241f3d3421a9.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Minnesota State Patrol","url":"https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/msp/about-state-patrol"},"display_title":"Wrong-way pickup blamed in 3-vehicle crash that closed northbound 35W at 82nd Street","display_lede":"3 drivers were hurt, 1 of them seriously, in a Monday afternoon crash on northbound 35W near West 82nd Street. The State Patrol said a 78-year-old man drove a pickup the wrong way up the 82nd Street ramp.","written_at":"2026-10-13T04:12:50.633Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-13T04:12:50.633Z","updates_count":0,"weight":4,"section":"news"},{"id":"south-metro-gun-violence-community-forum","aliases":[],"title":"Officials, Police Face Packed Room Over Rising South Metro Gun Violence","pitch":"Residents packed Edina City Hall to question local, state and federal authorities about the recent rise in gunfire across the south metro, as Eden Prairie's mayor called for a regional task force.","entities":["Edina City Hall","Bloomington Police Department","Hennepin County","Eden Prairie"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/bloomington/local-officials-law-enforcement-address-rise-in-gun-violence/article_1512fa16-8d57-47df-9b55-04ca64a19bec.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/eden-prairie-mayor-calls-for-regional-task-force-following-homecoming-game-shooting/article_345831e9-3064-43fd-8a8b-b538cc133377.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/column-standing-together-against-violence-one-night-at-a-time/article_34f7355f-146b-4baf-8176-4c2221e0642c.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-07T18:08:56.993Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-13T14:10:09.629Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/bloomington-police-patch.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Police Department","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pd/BPD"},"display_title":"Bloomington Gunfire Lands Hours After Edina Crowd Grills Officials Over South Metro Shootings","display_lede":"Police leaders from more than 40 agencies met Friday and agreed to work together on the south metro gang shootings, but they didn't create the regional task force Eden Prairie's mayor asked for.","written_at":"2026-10-13T14:16:43.761Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-07T18:12:05.207Z","updates_count":2,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-13T14:16:43.761Z","note":"More than 40 law enforcement agencies met Oct. 9 and agreed to pool resources but did not form an official task force. An 18-year-old has been charged in the Eden Prairie homecoming shooting."},"weight":4,"section":"news"},{"id":"minimum-parking-requirements-update","aliases":[],"title":"City sets public hearing on updating minimum parking requirements","pitch":"After a public hearing with no speakers, the City Council voted 7-0 to amend the off-street parking ordinance in city code chapters 12 and 21. The changes reduce parking minimums and allow up to six vehicles outside homes.","entities":["City of Bloomington","Bloomington Planning Commission","Bloomington City Council"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/plan/news/notice-public-hearing-update-minimum-parking-requirements-2026-10-01","council:iIlHnoxGJFY:4"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-13T14:10:09.629Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/iIlHnoxGJFY-4.yt.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington City Council","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIlHnoxGJFY&t=5276s"},"display_title":"Parking minimums cut; 6 cars allowed at home","display_lede":"The Bloomington City Council voted 7-0 to lower the city's off-street parking minimums. The cut is roughly 10-30% for most land uses and up to 50% for industrial uses. The same vote raised the cap on vehicles parked outside a home to 6.","written_at":"2026-10-13T14:13:29.161Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-04T17:14:36.261Z","updates_count":2,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-13T14:13:29.161Z","note":"The council held its hearing Oct. 12 and adopted the parking ordinance 7-0. It cuts parking minimums by roughly 10-30% (up to 50% for industrial uses) and raises the cap on vehicles parked outside a home from 4 to 6."},"weight":4,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"james-avenue-townhome-rezoning-redesign","aliases":[],"title":"Council Sends James Avenue Townhome Rezoning Back for Redesign","pitch":"After sending the project back for redesign in August, the City Council voted 5-2 to rezone 9025 and 9033 James Avenue South from R1 to R3 and to approve plans and a plat for nine detached townhomes.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","James Avenue South","Bloomington Planning Commission","James Avenue City Homes"],"evidence":["planning:KvGsSuyW0_w:2","council:iIlHnoxGJFY:3"],"started_at":"2026-08-07T21:08:29.774Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-13T14:10:09.629Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/iIlHnoxGJFY-3.yt.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIlHnoxGJFY&t=3245s"},"display_title":"James Avenue Townhomes: Council Approves 9-Home Plan","display_lede":"On 5-2 votes, the City Council approved rezoning 9025 and 9033 James Avenue South from single-family to middle housing. That clears the way for 9 detached townhomes where 2 houses stood, after a summer of redesigns and delays.","written_at":"2026-10-13T14:11:52.289Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-04T16:27:43.307Z","updates_count":2,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-13T14:11:52.289Z","note":"After 2 delays, the council approved the rezoning, site plans and plat on Oct. 12 in two 5-2 votes, with Dallessandro and Carter voting no."},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"kennedy-swimmer-von-ruden-second-record","aliases":[],"title":"Kaylee Von Ruden sets second Kennedy girls swimming record","pitch":"Kennedy swimmer Kaylee Von Ruden set her second program record of the season at an Oct. 8 Tri-Metro Conference meet at St. Anthony Village.","entities":["Kaylee Von Ruden","Bloomington Kennedy High School","Tri-Metro Conference"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/sports/von-ruden-adds-another-record-time-to-kennedy-list/article_a8165da1-381a-4aa8-bc20-54aea1d437a0.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-12T23:09:39.164Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-12T23:09:39.164Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/kennedy-eagle.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Kennedy High School","url":"https://www.bloomington.k12.mn.us/khs"},"display_title":"Kennedy junior Kaylee Von Ruden breaks 13-year-old 100 free record, her second program mark","display_lede":"Von Ruden swam the 100-yard freestyle in 54.05 seconds at St. Anthony Village on Oct. 8. That beat a Kennedy girls record set in 2013 and gives her a second program record in 2 seasons.","written_at":"2026-10-13T04:15:31.834Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-13T04:15:31.834Z","updates_count":0,"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"jefferson-football-pink-out-win-st-louis-park","aliases":[],"title":"Jefferson rides three Hammernik interceptions past St. Louis Park in Pink Out win","pitch":"Bloomington Jefferson beat St. Louis Park 31-14 on Tackle Cancer Pink Out Night at Jefferson Stadium, led by three interceptions from junior safety Noah Hammernik.","entities":["Bloomington Jefferson High School","St. Louis Park High School","Noah Hammernik","Jefferson Stadium"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/sports/turnovers-help-fuel-jaguars-past-park-in-pink-out/article_ef087ea6-ed59-412e-94e8-8280f9a48946.html","x:2108721239028023557","x:2108751615444602982"],"started_at":"2026-10-12T23:09:39.164Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-12T23:09:39.164Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/jefferson-jaguar-v2.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Jefferson High School","url":"https://www.bloomington.k12.mn.us/jhs"},"display_title":"Noah Hammernik's 3 interceptions carry Jefferson past St. Louis Park, 31-14, on Pink Out Night","display_lede":"The junior safety picked off 3 passes on Tackle Cancer Pink Out Night at Jefferson Stadium. Junior QB Joe Moore ran for 2 touchdowns, and the Jaguars are back at .500 with 2 regular-season games left.","written_at":"2026-10-13T04:14:16.829Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-13T04:14:16.829Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Jefferson hosts Benilde-St. Margaret's Wednesday, then visits Kennedy's new stadium Oct. 21 to close the regular season.","title":"Jefferson football vs. Benilde-St. Margaret's","time":"6:30 p.m.","place":"Jefferson Stadium"},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"domestic-partnership-registration-ordinance","aliases":[],"title":"Human Rights Commission Takes Up Domestic Partnership Registration Ordinance","pitch":"Bloomington's Human Rights Commission discusses a proposed domestic partnership registration ordinance at its Oct. 20 meeting.","entities":["Bloomington Human Rights Commission","City of Bloomington"],"evidence":["agenda:1917"],"started_at":"2026-10-12T23:09:39.164Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-12T23:09:39.164Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/city-of-bloomington-logo-v3.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/"},"display_title":"Domestic partner registry: Bloomington weighs one","display_lede":"Bloomington's Human Rights Commission has a domestic partnership registration ordinance on its Oct. 20 agenda. That would put Bloomington on a list that already includes Edina, Richfield, Eagan and Eden Prairie.","written_at":"2026-10-13T04:11:50.052Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-13T04:11:50.052Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Human Rights Commission discusses a domestic partnership registration ordinance","title":"Human Rights Commission: partner registry","date":"2026-10-20","time":"6:15 p.m.","place":"Haeg Conference Room, Civic Plaza"},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall","event_when":"Oct. 20, 6:15 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-20"},{"id":"bloomington-record-heat-october-11-2026","aliases":[],"title":"90° on Oct. 11: Sunday Set a Twin Cities Record for the Date","pitch":"Sunday hit 90°, the hottest October 11 in Twin Cities records going back to 1871. Today is a little cooler at 82°, and by midweek highs drop into the 60s.","entities":["Weather","Bloomington","National Weather Service","Twin Cities"],"evidence":["wx:bloomington-record-heat-october-11-2026:observed","wx:bloomington-record-heat-october-11-2026:record","wx:bloomington-record-heat-october-11-2026:forecast"],"started_at":"2026-10-12T09:09:00.001Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-12T09:09:00.001Z","status":"stale","section":"weather","wx":"record","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/wx/bloomington-record-heat-october-11-2026.jpg","hero_credit":null,"display_title":"90° on Oct. 11: Sunday Set a Twin Cities Record for the Date","display_lede":"Sunday hit 90°, the hottest October 11 in Twin Cities records going back to 1871. Today is a little cooler at 82°, and by midweek highs drop into the 60s.","written_at":"2026-10-12T09:09:00.001Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-12T09:09:00.001Z","updates_count":0,"weight":4},{"id":"doj-office-for-victims-of-crime-grant","aliases":[],"title":"Council to Seek U.S. Justice Department Victims of Crime Grant","pitch":"On Oct. 12 the City Council considered applying for a U.S. DOJ Office for Victims of Crime grant agreement, with related budget adjustments.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","U.S. Department of Justice","Office for Victims of Crime"],"evidence":["agenda:1963"],"started_at":"2026-10-12T08:08:59.240Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-12T08:08:59.240Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/CPRpPa9ETlw-dais.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington City Council","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPRpPa9ETlw"},"display_title":"Bloomington Council to Weigh Federal Victims-of-Crime Grant Application","display_lede":"A U.S. Justice Department grant for crime victims is on the City Council's Oct. 12 consent agenda. The published agenda doesn't say how much money is involved or what it would pay for.","written_at":"2026-10-12T08:12:07.757Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-12T08:12:07.757Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"City Council considers the grant application resolution as consent item 3.9.","title":"Council vote on victims-of-crime grant","date":"2026-10-12","time":"6:30 p.m.","place":"Council Chambers, Civic Plaza"},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"public-health-naccho-grant-application","aliases":[],"title":"Council to Seek National Public Health Officials Grant","pitch":"On Oct. 12 the City Council considered applying for and accepting a NACCHO grant, with related budget adjustments.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","Bloomington Public Health","National Association of County and City Health Officials"],"evidence":["agenda:1963"],"started_at":"2026-10-12T08:08:59.240Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-12T08:08:59.240Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/iIlHnoxGJFY-dais.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington City Council","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIlHnoxGJFY"},"display_title":"Bloomington Council Set to Approve Grant Bid to National Health Officials Group","display_lede":"Monday night's consent agenda includes a resolution letting the city apply for and accept a grant from the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), and adjust the budget to match. The agenda doesn't say how much money is involved or what it would pay for.","written_at":"2026-10-12T08:10:17.279Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-12T08:10:17.279Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"City Council considers the NACCHO grant resolution on its consent agenda","title":"Council vote on NACCHO health grant","date":"2026-10-12","time":"6:30 p.m.","place":"Council Chambers, Civic Plaza"},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"bloomington-weather-week-of-october-12-2026","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington hits a record 90° on Oct. 10, and still no rain. A cooldown arrives Tuesday","pitch":"MSP set a record high of 90° on Saturday and didn't record any rain from Oct. 5 through Oct. 10. Monday will be warm again, then highs drop into the 60s.","entities":["Weather","Bloomington","MSP Airport","Record high"],"evidence":[],"started_at":"2026-10-12T05:07:31.030Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-12T05:07:31.030Z","status":"stale","section":"weather","wx":"weekly","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/wx/bloomington-weather-week-of-october-12-2026.jpg","hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Bloomington hits a record 90° on Oct. 10, and still no rain. A cooldown arrives Tuesday","display_lede":"MSP set a record high of 90° on Saturday and didn't record any rain from Oct. 5 through Oct. 10. Monday will be warm again, then highs drop into the 60s.","written_at":"2026-10-12T05:07:31.030Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-12T05:07:31.030Z","updates_count":0,"weight":3},{"id":"west-bush-lake-road-house-fire","aliases":[],"title":"Fire spreads from garage into home on West Bush Lake Road","pitch":"Early Oct. 11, Bloomington firefighters found heavy fire in an attached garage in the 8300 block of West Bush Lake Road that had spread into the home; one firefighter was evaluated and the cause is under investigation.","entities":["Bloomington Fire Department","West Bush Lake Road"],"evidence":["x:2109280056212082722"],"started_at":"2026-10-11T16:08:43.196Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-11T16:08:43.196Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/feed/media/2109280056212082722_photo.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Fire","url":"https://x.com/BFD_MN/status/2109280056212082722"},"display_title":"Fire tears through attached garage, spreads into home on West Bush Lake Road","display_lede":"Bloomington crews found heavy fire coming from an attached garage in the 8300 block of West Bush Lake Road early Sunday, and the flames had already reached the house. One firefighter was evaluated. The cause is under investigation.","written_at":"2026-10-11T17:10:28.799Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-11T17:10:28.799Z","updates_count":0,"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"parks-rec-nrpa-youth-sports-grants","aliases":[],"title":"Council to Seek Three National Recreation and Park Association Youth Sports Grants","pitch":"On Oct. 12 the City Council considered applications for three NRPA youth sports grants.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","National Recreation and Park Association","Bloomington Parks and Recreation"],"evidence":["agenda:1963"],"started_at":"2026-10-11T10:08:46.154Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-11T10:08:46.154Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/iIlHnoxGJFY-dais.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington City Council","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIlHnoxGJFY"},"display_title":"Bloomington Council to Vote on Applying for 3 Youth Sports Grants, 2 Aimed at Girls","display_lede":"Resolutions on the Oct. 12 consent agenda would let the city apply for 3 National Recreation and Park Association grants. One of them could put up to $100,000 in lights or a mini pitch in a city park.","written_at":"2026-10-11T10:10:26.818Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-11T10:10:26.818Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"The council votes on the 3 grant resolutions as part of the consent agenda; applications are due Oct. 23.","title":"Council vote on NRPA youth sports grants","date":"2026-10-12","time":"6:30 p.m.","place":"Council Chambers, Civic Plaza"},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"bloomington-record-heat-october-10-2026","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington hits 90° on Oct. 10, a Twin Cities record for the date","pitch":"Saturday's 90° high set a new Twin Cities record for Oct. 10, in records going back to 1871. Sunday stays warm, and a front early in the week brings highs back down to the 60s by Tuesday.","entities":["Weather","Bloomington","Twin Cities","National Weather Service"],"evidence":[],"started_at":"2026-10-11T09:07:38.115Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-11T09:07:38.115Z","status":"stale","section":"weather","wx":"record","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/wx/bloomington-record-heat-october-10-2026.jpg","hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Bloomington hits 90° on Oct. 10, a Twin Cities record for the date","display_lede":"Saturday's 90° high set a new Twin Cities record for Oct. 10, in records going back to 1871. Sunday stays warm, and a front early in the week brings highs back down to the 60s by Tuesday.","written_at":"2026-10-11T09:07:38.115Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-11T09:07:38.115Z","updates_count":0,"weight":3},{"id":"movies-at-the-star-hocus-pocus-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"Movies at the Star: Hocus Pocus at Mall of America","pitch":"Movies at the Star: Hocus Pocus is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Movies at the Star: Hocus Pocus"],"evidence":["moa:38234"],"started_at":"2026-10-11T00:07:16.825Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-11T00:07:16.825Z","status":"archived","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/f29cc59756ab2040.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38234"},"display_title":"Hocus Pocus closes Mall of America's outdoor movie season Oct. 17","display_lede":"Movies at the Star wraps up in the mall's North Lot with the Sanderson sisters, and the movie starts at 8 p.m. Car passes are sold out, but $7 lawn tickets were still on sale.","written_at":"2026-10-11T00:08:09.562Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-11T00:08:09.562Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Hocus Pocus screens in Mall of America's North Lot; doors 6:30 p.m., film 8 p.m.","title":"Movies at the Star: Hocus Pocus","date":"2026-10-17","time":"6:30 p.m.","place":"North Lot, Mall of America"},"weight":1,"event_when":"Saturday, Oct. 17","event_end":"2026-10-18"},{"id":"minnesota-grocers-association-best-bagger-contest-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"Minnesota Grocers Association Best Bagger Contest at Mall of America","pitch":"Minnesota Grocers Association Best Bagger Contest is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Minnesota Grocers Association Best Bagger Contest"],"evidence":["moa:38313"],"started_at":"2026-10-10T17:07:19.854Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-10T17:07:19.854Z","status":"archived","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/feacae7189e17fe1.png","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38313"},"display_title":"Paper or plastic, but fast: Minnesota's Best Bagger Contest lands at Mall of America Oct. 17","display_lede":"Grocery baggers from around the state will compete for cash in the mall's Southeast Court on Saturday, Oct. 17. The winner goes to Las Vegas to bag for Minnesota at the national contest.","written_at":"2026-10-10T17:08:16.095Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-10T17:08:16.095Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Baggers compete at Mall of America's Southeast Court; the winner advances to the national contest in Las Vegas.","title":"Minnesota Best Bagger Contest","date":"2026-10-17","time":"noon–2 p.m.","place":"Southeast Court, Mall of America"},"weight":1,"event_when":"Saturday, Oct. 17, noon–2 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-17"},{"id":"movies-at-the-star-the-mighty-ducks-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"Movies at the Star: The Mighty Ducks at Mall of America","pitch":"Movies at the Star: The Mighty Ducks is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Movies at the Star: The Mighty Ducks"],"evidence":["moa:38232"],"started_at":"2026-10-10T13:07:16.938Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-10T13:07:16.938Z","status":"archived","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/e929d0d5a2f18697.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38232"},"display_title":"The Mighty Ducks get another shot at Mall of America's outdoor screen, now Thursday, Oct. 15","display_lede":"Weather has pushed Mall of America's open-air screening of the Bloomington-born hockey classic back more than once. It's now set for Thursday, Oct. 15, in the North Lot, with $25 car passes and $7 lawn seats.","written_at":"2026-10-10T13:08:52.286Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-10T13:08:52.286Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"The Mighty Ducks screens outdoors at MOA on Oct. 15; gates open at 6:30 p.m., movie at 8 p.m.","title":"Movies at the Star: The Mighty Ducks","date":"2026-10-15","time":"6:30 p.m.","place":"North Lot, Mall of America"},"weight":1,"event_when":"Thursday, Oct. 15, gates 6:30 p.m., movie 8 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-15"},{"id":"pregnancy-infant-loss-remembrance-day-program","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington church to mark Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day","pitch":"A Bloomington church will hold a program commemorating Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.","entities":["Bloomington","Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/remembrance-day-program-in-bloomington/article_a172e73f-22a3-4ec6-9603-e96f081133c5.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-10T04:08:56.300Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-10T04:08:56.300Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/a92c7fa70ce5d085.webp","hero_credit":{"source":"Hillside Church of Bloomington","url":"https://www.hillsidemn.org/visit"},"display_title":"Hillside Church hosts pregnancy and infant loss remembrance Oct. 15","display_lede":"Hillside Church in Bloomington will hold an evening program on Thursday, Oct. 15, for families grieving a miscarriage, stillbirth, infant death or other loss of a pregnancy or baby.","written_at":"2026-10-10T05:14:32.089Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-10T05:14:32.089Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Hillside Church holds its Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day program Oct. 15 at 6:45 p.m.","title":"A Night of Remembrance","date":"2026-10-15","time":"6:45 p.m.","place":"Hillside Church, 4300 W. 98th St."},"weight":2,"section":"activities","event_when":"Thursday, Oct. 15, 6:45 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-15"},{"id":"swarovski-christmas-launch-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"Swarovski Christmas Launch at Mall of America","pitch":"Swarovski Christmas Launch is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Swarovski Christmas Launch"],"evidence":["moa:38381"],"started_at":"2026-10-09T22:07:20.054Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-09T22:07:20.054Z","status":"archived","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/13e9f05df4b5201e.png","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38381"},"display_title":"Swarovski Opens Its Holiday Season at Mall of America on Oct. 16","display_lede":"The crystal brand's MOA store is holding a Christmas launch on Friday, Oct. 16, with new ornaments and figurines on display and a free gift for shoppers who spend $300 or more.","written_at":"2026-10-10T04:12:55.293Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-10T04:12:55.293Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"Swarovski's Christmas launch at Mall of America runs 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16.","title":"Swarovski Christmas Launch","date":"2026-10-16","time":"10 a.m.–5 p.m.","place":"Swarovski, Mall of America"},"weight":1,"event_when":"Friday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-16"},{"id":"bloomington-2026-general-election","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington voters head toward the Nov. 3 general election","pitch":"On Nov. 3 Bloomington votes for two open state Senate seats (Districts 50 and 51), three House seats (50A, 50B, 51B), governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House and the other statewide offices; early voting is open at Civic Plaza.","entities":["City of Bloomington","Bloomington City Council","Agnew","Minnesota Legislature","Richfield","Ron Latz","Kayla Wright"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/cl/briefing/get-know-candidates-2026-09-30","city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/cl/briefing/vote-early-your-way-2026-09-30","city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/cl/briefing/vote-general-election-2026-09-30","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/voters-guide-bloomington-richfield-will-elect-new-state-senators-next-month/article_67a5f459-dac2-411f-829a-e197c2b438ef.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/voters-guide-incumbents-seek-reelection-to-bloomington-richfield-house-seats/article_9a693748-258b-475d-bda2-2c51227b18ab.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-09T09:09:23.753Z","status":"archived","archived_note":"2026-10-13: folded into the site voter guide (/elections/2026-voter-guide); the site 301s this URL there.","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/f15b516902930d97.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/cl/briefing/vote-general-election-2026-09-30"},"display_title":"Early voting is open at Civic Plaza: how Bloomington can vote before Nov. 3","display_lede":"Both of Bloomington's state Senate seats are open this year, and early voting is already underway at Civic Plaza.","written_at":"2026-10-09T11:09:28.586Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-04T18:08:49.745Z","updates_count":2,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T11:09:28.586Z","note":"Both of Bloomington's state Senate seats are open: Hult faces Michaelson in District 50, and Birgersson faces Trautmann Cordova in District 51. The House incumbents are all running again, and only Elkins has no opponent."},"what_next":{"text":"Voter pre-registration closes Oct. 13; online at 11:59 p.m., paper applications by 5 p.m.","title":"Voter pre-registration deadline","date":"2026-10-13"},"weight":4,"section":"news","event_when":"through Nov. 3","event_end":"2026-11-03"},{"id":"oak-grove-student-miss-juneteenth","aliases":[],"title":"Oak Grove Middle School student crowned Miss Juneteenth","pitch":"A student at Bloomington's Oak Grove Middle School has been named Miss Juneteenth.","entities":["Oak Grove Middle School","ISD 271","Miss Juneteenth"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/oak-grove-middle-school-student-is-miss-juneteenth/article_49d97d96-304b-403d-9223-79c0dcc25119.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-09T08:08:32.934Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-09T08:08:32.934Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/7f597bf8169a9fe2.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Miss Juneteenth Minn","url":"https://www.missjuneteenthmn.org/for-the-media"},"display_title":"Oak Grove 8th-grader Wynter Frost wins Miss Juneteenth Minnesota title","display_lede":"Wynter Frost, an 8th-grader at Oak Grove Middle School, won her age division at this summer's Miss Juneteenth Minnesota pageant and holds the title until June 2027. Her older brother, a Kennedy grad, became the program's first Mr. Juneteenth Minnesota at the same pageant.","written_at":"2026-10-09T08:09:50.654Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-09T08:09:50.654Z","updates_count":0,"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-city-statement-recent-criminal-activity","aliases":[],"title":"City of Bloomington Issues Statement on Recent Criminal Activity","pitch":"In an Oct. 7 statement, the City of Bloomington and its elected officials acknowledged and condemned recent gun violence in and around the city.","entities":["City of Bloomington","Bloomington City Council"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/cc/news/statement-city-bloomington-regarding-recent-criminal-activity-2026-10-07","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/bloomington-elected-officials-condemn-recent-gun-violence-in-statement/article_2163cf04-f787-4aca-bd87-9fc30dad88da.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-08T01:09:01.842Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-09T08:08:32.934Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/e26e00271878d081.webp","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington MN","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/cc/city-council"},"display_title":"Bloomington leaders condemn recent violence, warn against blaming Somali American neighbors","display_lede":"No arrests had been reported as of Oct. 8 in the 100-round shooting on Harriet Avenue. That day Police Chief Booker Hodges said he's \"not necessarily sold\" on a new regional gang task force, a day after Mayor Tim Busse and the City Council warned against blaming the Somali American community for the actions of individuals.","written_at":"2026-10-09T01:50:37.014Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-08T01:11:57.737Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T01:50:37.014Z","note":"Hodges said Oct. 8 that he isn't sold on the regional gang task force officials called for after the Harriet Avenue shooting, and that he'd rather realign existing resources. He also said Mall of America is safe after the alleged plot."},"what_next":{"text":"Preliminary hearing for Sheikhdoon Mohamud in the alleged Mall of America plot case","title":"Preliminary hearing in Mall of America plot case","date":"2026-10-19"},"weight":4,"section":"news"},{"id":"summer-dakota-language-camp-bloomington","aliases":[],"title":"Summer Dakota Language Camp Immerses Bloomington Students in River Valley","pitch":"A three-day summer camp overlooking the Minnesota River Valley in Bloomington lets students practice Dakota language skills and see the landscape in a new way.","entities":["Dakota language camp","Minnesota River Valley","Bloomington"],"evidence":["strib-local:https://www.startribune.com/summer-dakota-camp-gives-students-a-window-into-a-language-and-a-worldview/601863874"],"started_at":"2026-07-18T19:09:01.038Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-18T19:09:01.038Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/ffb7f7926e4fbbc2.ec87d5cb.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pr/parks/pond-dakota-mission-park"},"display_title":"Dakota Language Camp at Pond-Dakota Mission Park Turns a River Bluff Into a Classroom","display_lede":"The 3-day Dakota language camp came back to Pond-Dakota Mission Park this June after skipping 2025. About 30 kids and adults practiced vocabulary at picnic tables, then walked the bluffs to learn the Dakota names for what they saw.","written_at":"2026-10-09T06:36:13.373Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-18T19:10:43.961Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T06:36:13.373Z","note":"We added more about who came to camp. One participant was an enrolled tribal member who drove in from Wisconsin with her children because, she said, online lessons can't teach Dakota's nasal and throat sounds the way hearing them in person does. This version also includes fuller quotes from the camp's instructors."},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-firemens-softball-tournament","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington Firemen's Softball Tournament Set for This Weekend","pitch":"The 68th annual Bloomington Firemen's softball tournament brought players and families together for another successful weekend.","entities":["Bloomington Firemen's Tournament","Valley View Playfields"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/sports/firemen-s-tournament-set-for-this-weekend/article_219a22ab-efa9-49fa-91dc-51c7c5399d65.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/sports/firemen-s-softball-tournament-brings-the-heat-in-68th-year/article_9103738a-80cd-4834-a77a-3f5845a2bfab.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-13T19:09:00.114Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-21T19:09:23.177Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/203a1197de4c1e9d.a272193f.png","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington MN Firemen's Softball Tournament","url":"https://www.facebook.com/p/Bloomington-MN-Firemans-Softball-Tournament-100095306944100/"},"display_title":"Firemen's Softball Tournament Wraps 68th Year With 66 Teams at Valley View","display_lede":"The 68th Bloomington Firemen's Softball Tournament is in the books. 66 teams played at Valley View Playfields, T's 13, ranked No. 1 in the country, won the Men's Open title, and champions were crowned in all 6 divisions.","written_at":"2026-10-09T06:34:31.877Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-21T19:11:34.216Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T06:34:31.877Z","note":"This version combines the full results recap with the organizers' pre-tournament schedule, and it now dates the tournament to its July run."},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"art-connection-creativity-threshold-event","aliases":[],"title":"Art, Connection and Creativity Converge at the Threshold","pitch":"A Bloomington city library/arts feature highlighted a community art event fostering connection and creativity.","entities":["Bloomington Library"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pl/briefing/art-connection-and-creativity-converge-threshold-2026-08-05"],"started_at":"2026-08-05T15:08:26.367Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-08-05T15:08:26.367Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/cited/bcda60b23cb2c479.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington MN","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pl/briefing/art-connection-and-creativity-converge-threshold-2026-08-05"},"display_title":"New Six-Week Workshop at The Works Museum Invites Bloomington Artists to Cross Disciplines","display_lede":"Registration has closed for \"One Thousand and One Thresholds,\" the city's 6-session art workshop at The Works Museum. It is capped at 12 participants and set to end October 27, with guest artists including photographer Wing Young Huie.","written_at":"2026-10-09T06:33:00.782Z","first_written_at":"2026-08-05T16:12:06.290Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T06:33:00.782Z","note":"Registration for the workshop closed September 18. The city's event page now names 4 guest teaching artists, Wing Young Huie among them, and caps enrollment at 12."},"what_next":{"text":"The 6th and final workshop session is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27.","title":"Final Thresholds workshop session","date":"2026-10-27","time":"6–8:15 p.m.","place":"The Works Museum, 9740 Grand Ave. S."},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-camp-kota-summer-memories","aliases":[],"title":"Summer Memories Made at Camp Kota","pitch":"Bloomington Parks & Recreation highlighted the summer experiences kids had at Camp Kota this season.","entities":["Bloomington Parks & Recreation","Camp Kota"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pr/briefing/summer-memories-made-camp-kota-2026-08-05"],"started_at":"2026-08-05T23:08:34.600Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-08-05T23:08:34.600Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/cited/ac3c66cdf4470c16.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington MN","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pr/briefing/summer-memories-made-camp-kota-2026-08-05"},"display_title":"Camp Kota Wraps Its Biggest Summer Since 2015","display_lede":"Bloomington Parks and Recreation says nearly 200 kids a week came to Camp Kota at Bush Lake this July, the camp's highest enrollment in more than a decade.","written_at":"2026-10-09T06:31:14.006Z","first_written_at":"2026-08-13T21:22:19.524Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T06:31:14.006Z","note":"This version adds the exact July 2026 session dates and the full 2026 lottery schedule. It also corrects how Bush Lake is run: Three Rivers operates the beach facilities, and the city kept Camp Kota."},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"bca-fall-classes","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington Center for the Arts promotes classes to spark creativity","pitch":"The Bloomington Center for the Arts is highlighting its arts classes and programming for residents.","entities":["Bloomington Center for the Arts"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pr/briefing/find-or-refresh-your-creative-spark-bca-2026-09-30"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/1e307d706e9275bc.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington MN","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/arts/bloomington-center-arts"},"display_title":"Journaling, pastels and abstract(ish) art: what's on the BCA's class list this fall and winter","display_lede":"The Bloomington Center for the Arts' October Creative Journaling class is underway, and the next new class to start is Pastels on October 19. There are still openings to plan for through March, with most classes costing $150 to $205 and open studio at $20 a session.","written_at":"2026-10-09T06:29:31.916Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-04T19:14:16.743Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T06:29:31.916Z","note":"Creative Journaling began October 7, so the next chance to take it is the January 6–27 session. Pastels, starting October 19, is now the next new class on the calendar."},"what_next":{"text":"Pastels with Charlene Ridlon begins, the first of 3 sessions ($150)","title":"Pastels with Charlene Ridlon","date":"2026-10-19","place":"Bloomington Center for the Arts"},"weight":2,"section":"activities","event_when":"Classes through March 1","event_end":"2027-03-01"},{"id":"open-gym-returns","aliases":[],"title":"Open Gym returns to Bloomington Parks and Recreation","pitch":"Bloomington Parks and Recreation is bringing back its open gym program for the season.","entities":["Bloomington Parks and Recreation"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pr/briefing/open-gym-returns-2026-09-30"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/cited/247546d7eb125129.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington MN","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/open-gym"},"display_title":"Open Gym is back: $5 Saturday hoops at Substance Church","display_lede":"Bloomington's drop-in Saturday basketball at Substance Church is back, 3 to 6 p.m. each week. The city hasn't yet posted the fall dates or any skipped Saturdays, so check before you head over.","written_at":"2026-10-09T06:29:05.022Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-04T19:11:39.975Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T06:29:05.022Z","note":"More than a week after the city announced Open Gym's return, its program page still shows only the spring schedule. No fall end date or skipped Saturdays have been posted yet."},"weight":2,"section":"activities","event_when":"Saturdays, 3–6 p.m."},{"id":"bloomington-public-health-flu-shot-clinics-2026","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington Public Health schedules about 20 flu shot clinics","pitch":"Bloomington Public Health is running roughly 20 flu shot clinics across Bloomington, Edina and Richfield through early November.","entities":["Bloomington Public Health","Edina","Richfield"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/flu-shot-clinics-coming-to-bloomington-edina-richfield/article_f9df6f3f-bff2-4929-8ffd-028d0dc0f37f.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/ff88fb2619011b93.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington MN","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/ph/public-health"},"display_title":"Flu shots for anyone 6 months and up: Bloomington Public Health sets about 20 clinics through early November","display_lede":"The flu clinics started Oct. 7 at Olson Middle School. Next up is Valley View Middle School on Tuesday, Oct. 13, and stops in Bloomington, Edina and Richfield continue through Nov. 4. Appointments take 5 minutes, and anyone without insurance gets the shot free.","written_at":"2026-10-09T06:28:10.320Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-04T17:13:35.264Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T06:28:10.320Z","note":"Bloomington Public Health held the first clinic at Olson Middle School on Oct. 7. This version adds the remaining dates, including Valley View on Oct. 13, Christ the King on Oct. 14, the Edina Community Center on Oct. 22 and Oak Grove on Oct. 27."},"what_next":{"text":"Next flu shot clinic: Valley View Middle School, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2:45–5 p.m.","title":"Flu shot clinic","date":"2026-10-13","time":"2:45–5 p.m.","place":"Valley View Middle School, 8900 Portland Ave. S."},"weight":3,"section":"activities","event_when":"Oct. 7–Nov. 4","event_end":"2026-11-04"},{"id":"the-world-of-coco-mademoiselle-by-chanel-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"The World of COCO MADEMOISELLE by CHANEL at Mall of America","pitch":"The World of COCO MADEMOISELLE by CHANEL is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","The World of COCO MADEMOISELLE by CHANEL"],"evidence":["moa:38159"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:44.011Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:44.011Z","status":"archived","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/728c6b29f36046be.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38159"},"display_title":"Chanel's COCO MADEMOISELLE scent experience runs at Mall of America through Oct. 15","display_lede":"You have less than a week to try Chanel's new COCO MADEMOISELLE CRUSH ABSOLU at its Mall of America boutique. The bookable sessions end Thursday, Oct. 15, and the mall still hasn't posted a price or session times.","written_at":"2026-10-09T06:26:38.803Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T07:11:31.487Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T06:26:38.803Z","note":"The sessions are now in their final week. The mall's listing still ends them Oct. 15 and still doesn't give a price or session times. We've added the boutique's Sunday hours and where to find it inside the mall."},"what_next":{"text":"Last day to book a COCO MADEMOISELLE session at Chanel's Mall of America boutique.","title":"World of COCO MADEMOISELLE ends","date":"2026-10-15","place":"CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty Boutique, 142 West Market, Mall of America"},"weight":1,"event_when":"Now through Oct. 15","event_end":"2026-10-15"},{"id":"nordstrom-design-showcase-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"Nordstrom Design Showcase at Mall of America","pitch":"Nordstrom Design Showcase is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Nordstrom Design Showcase"],"evidence":["moa:38307"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:44.011Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:44.011Z","status":"archived","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/36ee73d5afdcf17c.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38307"},"display_title":"Nordstrom's 4-Day Designer Showcase Hits Mall of America Oct. 8–11","display_lede":"Nordstrom's Design Showcase is underway at Mall of America and runs through Sunday, Oct. 11. The mall's listing now includes more brands, among them an Eleventy fall collection and a Golden Goose Co-Creation experience. Admission is still free and you don't need to register.","written_at":"2026-10-09T06:21:14.268Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T06:12:31.661Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T06:21:14.268Z","note":"The showcase opened Thursday. Since our last version, Mall of America has added an Eleventy fall collection, a Golden Goose Co-Creation experience and a full Sara Weinstock jewelry trunk show to its listing."},"what_next":{"text":"The showcase wraps up its 4-day run at Nordstrom at Mall of America on Sunday.","title":"Nordstrom Design Showcase final day","date":"2026-10-11","place":"Nordstrom at Mall of America"},"weight":1,"event_when":"Oct. 8–11","event_end":"2026-10-11"},{"id":"making-strides-against-breast-cancer-of-the-twin-cities-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of the Twin Cities at Mall of America","pitch":"Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of the Twin Cities is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of the Twin Cities"],"evidence":["moa:38309"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:44.011Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:44.011Z","status":"archived","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/f52943061000dcb3.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38309"},"display_title":"Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk returns to Mall of America Oct. 10","display_lede":"The American Cancer Society's Twin Cities breast cancer walk fills the mall's Huntington Bank Rotunda on Saturday morning, Oct. 10, before the stores open. Going into the weekend, it had raised about $174,000 of its $270,000 goal.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:51:13.292Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T06:11:38.208Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:51:13.292Z","note":"The day before the walk, the Twin Cities Making Strides page showed about $174,000 raised toward a $270,000 goal, with the team \"My Girls\" leading at $15,091."},"what_next":{"text":"The Making Strides walk runs Saturday morning in the mall's rotunda.","title":"Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk","date":"2026-10-10","time":"7:30–10 a.m.","place":"Huntington Bank Rotunda, Mall of America"},"weight":2,"event_when":"Saturday, Oct. 10, 7:30–10 a.m.","event_end":"2026-10-10"},{"id":"the-essence-of-autumn-with-arabian-oud-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"The Essence of Autumn with Arabian Oud at Mall of America","pitch":"The Essence of Autumn with Arabian Oud is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","The Essence of Autumn with Arabian Oud"],"evidence":["moa:38323"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:44.011Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:44.011Z","status":"archived","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/792ee002d9e9fcad.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38323"},"display_title":"Arabian Oud hosts a free fall fragrance weekend at Mall of America, Oct. 10–11","display_lede":"Arabian Oud's \"Essence of Autumn\" fragrance event starts Saturday at its Mall of America store at 292 West Market and runs through Sunday. It's free to stop in, and anyone who spends $390 or more gets a gift with their purchase.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:49:28.746Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T06:10:26.265Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:49:28.746Z","note":"The mall's directory gives the store's spot as 292 West Market, with weekend hours of 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Sunday, which you can plan around since the event listing gives no hours."},"what_next":{"text":"Arabian Oud's fall fragrance event runs Saturday and Sunday at its Mall of America store.","title":"The Essence of Autumn with Arabian Oud","date":"2026-10-10","time":"Oct. 10–11","place":"Arabian Oud, 292 West Market, Mall of America"},"weight":1,"event_when":"Oct. 10–11","event_end":"2026-10-11"},{"id":"movies-at-the-star-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"Movies at the Star at Mall of America","pitch":"Movies at the Star is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Movies at the Star"],"evidence":["moa:38027"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:44.011Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:44.011Z","status":"archived","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/851af22f9fb1f76d.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38027"},"display_title":"Mall of America's drive-in returns for 2 October nights: 'The Mighty Ducks' and 'Hocus Pocus'","display_lede":"\"The Mighty Ducks\" plays Mall of America's North Lot on Saturday, Oct. 10, after high winds in the forecast pushed it back from Sept. 19. \"Hocus Pocus\" closes the series Oct. 17. A car pass costs $25 and a lawn seat costs $7.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:48:31.607Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T05:13:12.524Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:48:31.607Z","note":"\"The Mighty Ducks\" was originally set for Sept. 19. The mall moved it to Oct. 10 because high winds were in the forecast, and tickets for the old date carry over automatically."},"what_next":{"text":"\"The Mighty Ducks\" screens Oct. 10; doors at 7 p.m., film at 8:30 p.m.","title":"Movies at the Star: The Mighty Ducks","date":"2026-10-10","time":"8:30 p.m.","place":"North Lot, Mall of America"},"weight":1,"event_when":"Oct. 10 and Oct. 17","event_end":"2026-10-17"},{"id":"story-times-at-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"Story Times at Mall of America®","pitch":"Story Times at Mall of America® is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Story Times at Mall of America®"],"evidence":["moa:38293"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T18:07:15.534Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T18:07:15.534Z","status":"archived","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/c5733eca07893523.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38293"},"display_title":"Minnesota authors take the Mall of America Rotunda stage for story times Oct. 11","display_lede":"Sunday's picture-book afternoon in the Huntington Bank Rotunda is still on for 1 to 4pm. Authors will read while their pages play on the Jumbotron, and each will give away 15 signed copies. With 2 days to go, the mall still hasn't named who's reading.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:47:25.534Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T09:10:43.529Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:47:25.534Z","note":"With the event 2 days away, Mall of America still hasn't posted which authors and illustrators are reading or in what order. This version adds how to check the lineup before Sunday."},"what_next":{"text":"Minnesota authors and illustrators read in the Rotunda, with 15 signed books given away per storyteller.","title":"Story Times at Mall of America","date":"2026-10-11","time":"1–4 p.m.","place":"Huntington Bank Rotunda, Mall of America"},"weight":1,"event_when":"Sunday, Oct. 11, 1–4pm","event_end":"2026-10-11"},{"id":"alberto-studio-trunk-show-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"Alberto Studio Trunk Show at Mall of America","pitch":"Alberto Studio Trunk Show is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Alberto Studio Trunk Show"],"evidence":["moa:38333"],"started_at":"2026-10-06T15:07:25.383Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-06T15:07:25.383Z","status":"archived","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/29a82fe86d29c80b.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38333"},"display_title":"Alberto Studio trunk show brings limited-edition jewelry to Helzberg at MOA, Oct. 9–10","display_lede":"The Alberto Studio Trunk Show opens today at Helzberg Diamonds in Mall of America and runs through Saturday. It's a 2-day chance to see one-of-a-kind gemstone and colored-diamond pieces the store doesn't usually carry.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:46:32.661Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-06T15:08:25.347Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:46:32.661Z","note":"The show opened Friday, October 9, and its last day is Saturday. The mall's listing still doesn't give hours or prices, so call ahead before making a special trip."},"what_next":{"text":"The trunk show's final day at Helzberg Diamonds in Mall of America","title":"Alberto Studio Trunk Show, final day","date":"2026-10-10","place":"Helzberg Diamonds, Mall of America"},"weight":1,"event_when":"Oct. 9–10","event_end":"2026-10-10"},{"id":"bloomington-church-fix-it-clinic-october","aliases":[],"title":"Fix-it clinic at Bloomington church helps repair household items","pitch":"This weekend a Bloomington church hosts a free fix-it clinic, where volunteers help residents repair broken household items.","entities":["Bloomington"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/fix-those-broken-household-items/article_5e9034dc-fc24-4905-aa53-14574918d654.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-06T22:08:59.053Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-06T22:08:59.053Z","status":"live","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Broken toaster? Bring it to St. Stephen Lutheran's free fix-it clinic Saturday","display_lede":"Hennepin County's free fix-it clinic comes to St. Stephen Lutheran Church on France Avenue on Saturday, October 10, from noon to 4 p.m. Volunteers will help you take apart, troubleshoot and maybe fix whatever you can carry in.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:45:38.556Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-06T23:11:08.912Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:45:38.556Z","note":"The city has now posted the clinic on its own events calendar, which adds vacuums, fans, phones and laptops to the list of welcome repairs. The county has also set its next 2 clinics, November 14 and December 12, for anyone who can't make Saturday."},"what_next":{"text":"Free fix-it clinic at St. Stephen Lutheran Church; last items accepted at 3:30 p.m.","title":"Hennepin County Fix-It Clinic","date":"2026-10-10","time":"noon–4 p.m.","place":"St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 8400 France Ave. S."},"weight":2,"section":"activities","event_when":"Saturday, October 10, noon–4 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-10"},{"id":"continental-ballet-beer-brunch-fundraisers","aliases":[],"title":"Continental Ballet serves up beer and brunch fundraisers","pitch":"Continental Ballet Company of Bloomington is hosting two fundraisers this weekend, one with beer and one with brunch.","entities":["Continental Ballet Company"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/ballet-to-serve-beer-and-brunch/article_90d1e05c-1778-404b-b277-2ab7c56db747.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-06T22:08:59.053Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-06T22:08:59.053Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/bd0e10cf4be55d7c.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Continental Ballet Company","url":"https://continentalballet.com/"},"display_title":"Continental Ballet's Beer and Ballet goes on Friday, but Saturday's brunch show is canceled","display_lede":"Continental Ballet Company of Bloomington's new Brunch with the Ballet, which was set for Saturday, has been canceled, and the company's ticket page now lists only Friday. Beer and Ballet is still on for 7 p.m. tonight, Oct. 9, at the Center for the Arts.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:44:22.841Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-06T23:10:19.765Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:44:22.841Z","note":"Saturday's Brunch with the Ballet is confirmed canceled. The city's listing says so outright, and the company's ticket page has dropped it, leaving Friday's Beer and Ballet as the weekend's only show."},"what_next":{"text":"Beer and Ballet, the remaining fundraiser, runs Friday night in the Center for the Arts' Black Box Theater.","title":"Continental Ballet's Beer and Ballet","date":"2026-10-09","time":"7–9 p.m.","place":"Black Box Theater, Bloomington Center for the Arts"},"weight":2,"section":"activities","event_when":"Oct. 9","event_end":"2026-10-09"},{"id":"bloomington-church-fall-festivals-2026","aliases":[],"title":"Three Bloomington churches host fall festivals this weekend","pitch":"Three Bloomington churches are hosting fall festivals this weekend.","entities":["Bloomington"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/bloomington-churches-to-host-fall-festivals/article_ae7ee408-10d8-4292-8cea-c5e4ef51a6fd.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-06T22:08:59.053Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-06T22:08:59.053Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/20d069607e2a8d8f.dc689479.png","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Police Department","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pd/events/fall-fest-faith-blue-hillside-church-2026-10-09"},"display_title":"Pumpkins, polka and minnow races: 3 Bloomington churches throw fall festivals Oct. 9-10","display_lede":"Hillside Church's Fall Fest kicks off tonight, and Bloomington police officers will be at that one and at CrossPoint's Saturday morning festival. Redemption Lutheran's Oktoberfest finishes the weekend, and none of the 3 overlap.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:42:33.578Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-06T22:14:47.063Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:42:33.578Z","note":"The city's event listings show that Bloomington police will join the Hillside and CrossPoint festivals as \"Faith in Blue\" events, with a K-9 demonstration on Saturday. Hillside also posted its full menu: hot dogs, s'mores, caramel apples and more."},"what_next":{"text":"CrossPoint's festival runs Saturday morning, and Redemption Lutheran's Oktoberfest follows from noon to 3 p.m.","title":"CrossPoint Church Fall Festival","date":"2026-10-10","time":"10 a.m.–noon","place":"CrossPoint Church, 9801 France Ave."},"weight":2,"section":"activities","event_when":"Oct. 9–10","event_end":"2026-10-10"},{"id":"northwest-airlines-history-center-aviation-collectible-sale","aliases":[],"title":"Northwest Airlines History Center holds annual aviation collectible sale","pitch":"The Northwest Airlines History Center holds its annual Aviation Collectible Sale in Bloomington this weekend.","entities":["Northwest Airlines History Center"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/aviation-memorabilia-sale-is-this-weekend-in-bloomington/article_07ae46eb-ce3e-4215-b08e-328832d48a41.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-06T22:08:59.053Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-06T22:08:59.053Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/5449646a5c8bc31c.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Northwest Airlines History Center - Connecting Generations","url":"https://northwestairlineshistory.org/aviation-collectible-sale-event/"},"display_title":"Die-cast jets and china: Northwest Airlines collectibles sale lands Oct. 10","display_lede":"The Northwest Airlines History Center's annual Aviation Collectible Sale opens Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Wyndham across from Mall of America. Admission is $5, and the money goes to the volunteer-run museum, which is marking Northwest's 100th year.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:41:00.470Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-06T22:13:42.370Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:41:00.470Z","note":"The sale is now 1 day out, and the History Center's event page still shows only Saturday hours. The museum also posted a parking-construction notice for visitors to its Appletree Square location."},"what_next":{"text":"The Aviation Collectible Sale runs at the Wyndham on Saturday. One listing also shows Sunday hours.","title":"Northwest Airlines Aviation Collectible Sale","date":"2026-10-10","time":"9 a.m.–4 p.m.","place":"Wyndham Hotel, 1901 Killebrew Drive"},"weight":2,"section":"activities","event_when":"Oct. 10 (Oct. 11 per some listings)","event_end":"2026-10-11"},{"id":"bloomington-symphony-orchestra-64th-season-opener","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington Symphony Orchestra opens 64th season with 'American Journey'","pitch":"The Bloomington Symphony Orchestra opens its 64th season this weekend with an 'American Journey' concert in Bloomington.","entities":["Bloomington Symphony Orchestra"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/orchestra-launces-new-season-with-american-journey/article_d6e7d5b6-9529-4f4d-a78d-35f22d7413e6.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-06T22:08:59.053Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-06T22:08:59.053Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/42955c2370919777.dc712004.png","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Symphony Orchestra","url":"https://bloomingtonsymphony.org/"},"display_title":"Bloomington Symphony opens 64th season Sunday with Gershwin, Still and Schuman","display_lede":"The Bloomington Symphony Orchestra plays its first-ever performance of William Grant Still's Symphony No. 1 on Sunday at St. Michael's Lutheran Church. The 'American Journey' season opener marks the country's 250th birthday, and Manny Laureano conducts.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:39:14.646Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-06T22:11:56.592Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:39:14.646Z","note":"The orchestra says Sunday's concert is its first performance of William Grant Still's Symphony No. 1. We also updated ticket details: seating is reserved, and the February and April concerts sell through a separate box office."},"what_next":{"text":"The 'American Journey' season opener is Sunday at 2 p.m. at St. Michael's Lutheran Church.","title":"Bloomington Symphony: American Journey","date":"2026-10-11","time":"2 p.m.","place":"St. Michael's Lutheran Church, 9201 Normandale Blvd."},"weight":2,"section":"activities","event_when":"Sunday, Oct. 11, 2 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-11"},{"id":"shawna-lander-book-event-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"Shawna Lander Book Event at Mall of America","pitch":"Shawna Lander Book Event is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Shawna Lander Book Event"],"evidence":["moa:38271"],"started_at":"2026-10-06T23:08:58.117Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-06T23:08:58.117Z","status":"archived","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/a9b641f204a3ea86.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38271"},"display_title":"Creator Shawna Lander brings her motherhood memoir to Mall of America's Rotunda Oct. 13","display_lede":"Tickets are still on sale for Tuesday's 6 p.m. event, and the $27.95 price includes Lander's memoir a week before it reaches stores. You have to attend to get the book, and the mall says official event guidelines are still coming.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:37:48.512Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-06T23:12:30.652Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:37:48.512Z","note":"The mall's listing now says official event guidelines are coming soon. The memoir's official release date is Oct. 20, so ticket holders will get the book a week before it's in stores."},"what_next":{"text":"Lander debuts a new skit, talks with Amber Estenson and meets fans in the Rotunda.","title":"Shawna Lander book event","date":"2026-10-13","time":"6 p.m.","place":"Huntington Bank Rotunda, Mall of America"},"weight":1,"event_when":"Tuesday, Oct. 13, 6 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-13"},{"id":"petal-it-forward-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"Petal It Forward at Mall of America","pitch":"Petal It Forward is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Petal It Forward"],"evidence":["moa:38311"],"started_at":"2026-10-07T16:07:15.112Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-07T16:07:15.112Z","status":"archived","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/48403d2c8d2f05e7.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38311"},"display_title":"Free flowers at Mall of America on Oct. 14: take 2, give 1 away","display_lede":"Bachman's and Mall of America are still on for next Wednesday. The Huntington Bank Rotunda fills with thousands of free flowers at 11 a.m. You keep one and give the other to someone who could use a lift.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:36:23.216Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-07T16:08:26.230Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:36:23.216Z","note":"Five days out, Mall of America's listing still has Petal It Forward starting at 11 a.m. Oct. 14 in the Huntington Bank Rotunda. It's free while the flowers last, and you don't need to sign up."},"what_next":{"text":"Free flowers go out in the Huntington Bank Rotunda at 11 a.m. while supplies last.","title":"Petal It Forward flower giveaway","date":"2026-10-14","time":"11 a.m.","place":"Huntington Bank Rotunda, Mall of America"},"weight":1,"event_when":"Oct. 14, 11 a.m.","event_end":"2026-10-14"},{"id":"izaak-walton-league-gallery-open-house","aliases":[],"title":"Izaak Walton League gallery hosts Oct. 11 open house in Bloomington","pitch":"The Minnesota Valley Chapter of the Izaak Walton League in Bloomington is holding an open house for an exhibit of watercolors, stained glass and photography.","entities":["Izaak Walton League Minnesota Valley Chapter","Bloomington"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/gallery-to-host-open-house-oct-11/article_e6055de0-0289-4a76-9671-ce733790b2be.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-07T17:08:52.647Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-07T17:08:52.647Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/374ba1fe6f14b735.png","hero_credit":{"source":"Kouba Gallery","url":"https://koubagallery.org/"},"display_title":"Kouba Gallery celebrates Sher Freebird with Oct. 11 open house at Izaak Walton League chapter house","display_lede":"The Sher Freebird show opens to the public Sunday, Oct. 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Minnesota Valley Ikes' chapter house on Auto Club Road. It includes watercolors, stained glass and photography.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:35:27.896Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-07T17:10:03.835Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:35:27.896Z","note":"The Kouba Gallery's own site now lists the Sher Freebird show as its featured exhibit, and this version links to the gallery's pages for private-showing requests and background."},"what_next":{"text":"Public open house for the Sher Freebird exhibit, 1–4 p.m. at the chapter house","title":"Sher Freebird exhibit open house","date":"2026-10-11","time":"1–4 p.m.","place":"Izaak Walton League chapter house, 6601 Auto Club Road"},"weight":2,"section":"activities","event_when":"Sunday, Oct. 11, 1–4 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-11"},{"id":"bloomington-fire-stations-open-house-2026","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington fire stations open their doors Saturday","pitch":"The Bloomington Fire Department is hosting open houses at the city's fire stations this weekend.","entities":["Bloomington Fire Department"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/bloomington-fire-stations-to-host-open-house-saturday/article_84f36032-9a13-4952-9cd9-0d60812ff9cc.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-08T02:08:31.085Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-08T02:08:31.085Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/fa7c77ea54215e83.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"The Redstone Rocket / flickr, public domain","url":"https://www.flickr.com/photos/198124246@N07/54136775330"},"display_title":"All 6 Bloomington fire stations open their doors Saturday, Oct. 10","display_lede":"From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, every Bloomington fire station will let kids spray a fire hose and meet Sparky the Fire Dog. This year's theme is safe charging for lithium-ion batteries, so the adults get a lesson too.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:34:21.888Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-08T02:09:45.202Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:34:21.888Z","note":"The Fire Department has named this year's open house theme, \"Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower.\" It's about charging lithium-ion battery devices safely, and each station will have its own demonstrations and displays."},"what_next":{"text":"All 6 Bloomington fire stations hold open houses Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.","title":"Fire station open houses","date":"2026-10-10","time":"10 a.m.–1 p.m.","place":"All 6 Bloomington fire stations"},"weight":3,"section":"activities","event_when":"Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-10"},{"id":"trick-or-treat-for-unicef-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF at Mall of America","pitch":"Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF"],"evidence":["moa:38275"],"started_at":"2026-10-08T15:07:16.122Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-08T15:07:16.122Z","status":"archived","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/a90dbc73e233815b.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38275"},"display_title":"Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF brings a free Halloween pop-up to Mall of America Oct. 15–18","display_lede":"Mall of America's free Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF pop-up opens Thursday, Oct. 15, in the atrium at Nickelodeon Universe. It's listed from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Sunday, Oct. 18, and kids can take home a collection box for Halloween night.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:33:06.231Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-08T15:08:29.934Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:33:06.231Z","note":"Event listings now give daily hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and add a prize wheel, a photo booth, crafts, and take-home collection boxes. The mall has also confirmed that no registration is needed."},"what_next":{"text":"The free UNICEF pop-up runs 4 days in the Nickelodeon Universe atrium.","title":"Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF pop-up","date":"2026-10-15","time":"Oct. 15–18, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.","place":"Atrium at Nickelodeon Universe, Mall of America"},"weight":1,"event_when":"Oct. 15–18","event_end":"2026-10-18"},{"id":"republican-seniors-fraud-presentation-oct-13","aliases":[],"title":"Republican Seniors to host fraud presentation in Bloomington Oct. 13","pitch":"A Center of the American Experiment communications executive will discuss fraud in Minnesota at the Oct. 13 Republican Seniors of Minnesota meeting in Bloomington.","entities":["Republican Seniors of Minnesota","Center of the American Experiment","Bloomington"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/republican-seniors-to-host-fraud-presentation-oct-13/article_bbc9b7c1-889a-4f7f-a979-14e2f6a47cba.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-08T16:09:02.131Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-08T16:09:02.131Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/c3d3a43294cb8a7a.a9568f98.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Republican Seniors of Minnesota","url":"https://republicanseniorsmn.com"},"display_title":"Center of the American Experiment's Bill Walsh to talk Minnesota fraud at Republican Seniors meeting Oct. 13","display_lede":"The conservative think tank's communications chief speaks Tuesday morning at the Masonic Heritage Center, where Republican Seniors of Minnesota holds its monthly meeting. You can attend for $5 or $10, or watch the livestream for free.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:31:29.632Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-08T16:10:27.122Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:31:29.632Z","note":"Walsh is no stranger to this group: its video archive already includes an earlier talk of his about younger generations and progressive policy promises."},"what_next":{"text":"Bill Walsh presents on fraud in Minnesota at the Republican Seniors of Minnesota monthly meeting.","title":"Republican Seniors: Bill Walsh on fraud","date":"2026-10-13","time":"10 a.m.","place":"Riverside Hall, Masonic Heritage Center"},"weight":2,"section":"activities","event_when":"Tuesday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m.","event_end":"2026-10-13"},{"id":"toddler-tuesdays-live-rad-zoo-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"Toddler Tuesdays® LIVE: RAD Zoo at Mall of America","pitch":"Toddler Tuesdays® LIVE: RAD Zoo is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Toddler Tuesdays® LIVE: RAD Zoo"],"evidence":["moa:38369"],"started_at":"2026-10-08T16:09:02.185Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-08T16:09:02.185Z","status":"archived","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/6dc8963173f87ffc.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/38369"},"display_title":"Live reptiles hit the MOA Rotunda for Toddler Tuesdays on Oct. 13","display_lede":"RAD Zoo brings live reptiles and amphibians to Mall of America's Huntington Bank Rotunda this Tuesday, Oct. 13, for 2 free shows at 10 and 11 a.m. It's part of the mall's monthly free event for toddlers.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:30:06.793Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-08T16:11:50.334Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:30:06.793Z","note":"We corrected our description of RAD Zoo. Its Medford facility closed to the public on Jan. 1, 2025, so it no longer holds daily shows there and only does traveling programs. The Oct. 13 mall shows are unchanged."},"what_next":{"text":"RAD Zoo puts on 2 free reptile and amphibian shows in the MOA Rotunda at 10 and 11 a.m.","title":"Toddler Tuesdays LIVE: RAD Zoo","date":"2026-10-13","time":"10 a.m.–noon","place":"Huntington Bank Rotunda, Mall of America"},"weight":1,"event_when":"Tuesday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m.–noon","event_end":"2026-10-13"},{"id":"hyland-park-mountain-bike-trails","aliases":[],"title":"New Mountain Bike Trails Coming to Hyland Park Reserve","pitch":"The city is adding new mountain bike trails to Hyland Park Reserve for the summer season as part of a broader push to promote local parks and trails.","entities":["Hyland Park Reserve","Bloomington Parks"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pr/briefing/new-mountain-bike-trails-roll-hyland-park-reserve-2026-06-30","city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pr/briefing/enjoy-local-parks-and-trails-summer-2026-06-30"],"started_at":"2026-07-05T15:28:12.999Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-06T20:08:00.976Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/f30b3424e05a2fa1.9a73f0f5.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pr/briefing/new-mountain-bike-trails-roll-hyland-park-reserve-2026-06-30"},"display_title":"Hyland Park Reserve Getting New Singletrack Mountain Bike Trails","display_lede":"Three Rivers Park District has shown the public a draft design for a new singletrack mountain bike trail at Hyland Bush Anderson Lakes Park Reserve. Final design is due in November, construction is planned to start in April 2027, and the target opening is spring 2028.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:28:58.316Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-10T07:08:41.276Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:28:58.316Z","note":"Three Rivers Park District held a draft design open house in August and has set a timeline: final design in November, construction from April 2027 to May 2028, and a target opening in spring 2028."},"what_next":{"text":"Three Rivers plans to finish the trail's final design in November 2026, ahead of construction starting April 2027.","title":"Hyland singletrack final design"},"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-convenience-store-assault","aliases":[],"title":"Minneapolis Man Charged After Assaulting Bloomington Convenience Store Employee","pitch":"A 39-year-old Minneapolis man was charged with second-degree assault after allegedly stealing merchandise from a Bloomington convenience store and striking an employee with a weapon; he reportedly seemed surprised by his arrest.","entities":["Bloomington Police","Bloomington convenience store"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/news/local/convenience-store-thief-seemed-surprised-by-arrest/article_7cf2432d-5f57-457a-9503-cf68a58721a6.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-07T13:08:57.471Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-07T13:08:57.471Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/849f9a56c1b6168d.b3a3ef59.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Police Department","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pd/BPD"},"display_title":"Minneapolis Man Charged After Umbrella Attack on Bloomington Store Clerk","display_lede":"A 39-year-old Minneapolis man faces a felony second-degree assault charge. Police say he hit a Holiday Stationstore employee on Nicollet Avenue with an umbrella when she caught him shoplifting, then seemed surprised when he was arrested.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:27:10.398Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-10T09:08:52.878Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:27:10.398Z","note":"No court outcome has been reported in the case yet. This version tightens the police account of the June 18 confrontation, the June 22 arrest near I-494 and the felony charge filed June 23."},"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-rotary-middle-school-sports-funding","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington Rotary Gives $50,000 to Sustain Middle School Sports","pitch":"Bloomington's Noon Rotary donated $50,000 to help continue funding middle school sports in Bloomington Public Schools for the 2026-27 school year.","entities":["Bloomington Noon Rotary","Bloomington Public Schools"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/free/bloomington-rotary-schools-partner-for-middle-school-sports/article_9f69f48e-96c3-4c5a-97c6-571c4c8dfcf5.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-07T16:08:07.246Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-07T16:08:07.246Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/3640da4d68d6d3fe.3bb590a6.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington TV","url":"https://tv.bloomingtonmn.gov/internetchannel/show/54934"},"display_title":"Bloomington Rotary Hands Over $50,000 to Keep Middle School Sports Alive","display_lede":"Bloomington Rotary has given Bloomington Public Schools $50,000 to fund middle school sports, and the club says it wants to top that for 2027-28 so the district can add more programs.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:26:10.176Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-10T10:08:39.637Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:26:10.176Z","note":"The Rotary has said its next target is more than $50,000 for the 2027-28 school year. This version also adds background: middle school sports returned in 2023-24, paid for with Rotary money and federal relief funds."},"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"normandale-community-college-new-president","aliases":[],"title":"Normandale Community College Names Pakou Yang as New President","pitch":"Normandale Community College, based in Bloomington, has appointed Pakou Yang as its new president, a notable leadership change for the local institution.","entities":["Normandale Community College","Pakou Yang"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/cae/briefing/normandale-breaks-barriers-new-president-pakou-yang-2026-06-30","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/free/bloomington-college-to-host-open-house-july-11/article_e44b8d38-2bce-4f2c-8585-5e0d44c0ff57.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-06T19:07:41.239Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-08T17:08:02.631Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/941b505772500268.5b6061e9.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Normandale Community College","url":"https://www.normandale.edu/news/2026/04/Pakou%20Yang%20Named%20President%20of%20Normandale%20Community%20College.html"},"display_title":"Normandale Names Pakou Yang Its New President — First Hmong American to Lead a U.S. College","display_lede":"On April 22, the Minnesota State Board of Trustees made Pakou Yang Normandale Community College's permanent president, effective immediately. She had been running the Bloomington campus as interim president since June 2025.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:24:30.369Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-17T14:26:00.883Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:24:30.369Z","note":"The trustees' vote was on April 22, 2026, and this version adds Yang's full Minnesota State career, from her start as a Century College communication instructor in 2003. It also adds Chancellor Olson's remarks about her record on enrollment and retention."},"weight":4,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-woman-assaults-wrong-man","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington Woman Accused of Assaulting Wrong Man in Revenge Attack","pitch":"A 22-year-old Bloomington woman was arrested after allegedly attacking a 21-year-old Bloomington man she mistook for someone else.","entities":["Bloomington Police"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/woman-seeking-vengeance-accused-of-assaulting-wrong-man/article_9b21df1a-6ee2-478f-b0b5-79cbb1f7968c.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-08T17:11:38.849Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-08T17:11:38.849Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/7b97d56bad7c6d31.b3a3ef59.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Police Department","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pd/BPD"},"display_title":"Bloomington Woman Accused of Assaulting Wrong Man at Penn Avenue Gas Station","display_lede":"A 22-year-old Bloomington woman arrested after a June 28 confrontation at the Penn Avenue Holiday may face a misdemeanor-level charge. Hennepin County declined the felony case, and the city attorney's office is weighing fifth-degree assault. Police say the 21-year-old man she went after was a Dollar Tree worker on break.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:23:00.905Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-10T12:08:41.006Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:23:00.905Z","note":"This version fills in how the robbery attempt unfolded: the 19-year-old was walking to a house on Russell Avenue when a man called out to her from the 8900 block of Penn. It also notes that the victim called police himself and that Dollar Tree confirmed his alibi. No charging decision has been made yet."},"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"sheehan-rich-athena-awards-bloomington","aliases":[],"title":"Sheehan, Rich Earn Athena Awards in Bloomington","pitch":"Jefferson standout runner and skier Avery Rich and Kennedy multisport standout Allie Sheehan, both Bloomington high schools, were named Athena Award recipients at the Minneapolis Athena Banquet.","entities":["Jefferson High School","Kennedy High School","Avery Rich","Allie Sheehan","Athena Award"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/sports/sheehan-rich-earn-athena-awards-in-bloomington/article_3e7725b4-3984-40ee-a81b-c4cbbee03139.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-08T18:08:01.905Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-08T18:08:01.905Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/b60cdb0dc4864e1e.36b715d0.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Public Schools","url":"https://www.bloomington.k12.mn.us/news/jefferson-kennedy-high-schools-name-2026-athena-award-recipients"},"display_title":"Jefferson's Avery Rich, Kennedy's Allie Sheehan Named Athena Award Winners","display_lede":"Kennedy's Allie Sheehan, who holds her softball program's career hits record, and Jefferson's Avery Rich, a state runner-up in Nordic skiing, are Bloomington's 2026 Athena Award winners. Both were honored at the Minneapolis Athena Banquet on May 1.","written_at":"2026-10-09T05:21:44.161Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-12T14:56:30.796Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T05:21:44.161Z","note":"Sheehan's 122 career hits are a Kennedy softball program record. This version also adds that Rich placed 9th at state as a junior and ran in 4 state cross country meets, along with comments from Kennedy softball coach Alex O'Connor."},"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"kennedy-teacher-coach-leadership-feature","aliases":[],"title":"Kennedy Teacher, Coach Highlighted for Distinctive Leadership Style","pitch":"A teacher and coach at Bloomington's Kennedy High School is profiled for a leadership approach that stands apart from the norm.","entities":["Kennedy High School","Bloomington Public Schools"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/kennedy-teacher-coach-offers-a-different-kind-of-leadership/article_838fee9f-dbf9-4979-9fe6-5bd638b26546.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-08T19:08:09.652Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-08T19:08:09.652Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/a4eb2bc85410ed56.7d652ff5.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Dan Gasner","url":"https://www.amazon.com/My-Friends-Call-Me-Gaz/dp/1807641104"},"display_title":"Kennedy Teacher Dan Gasner Turns Family Tragedy Into a Book — and a Different Kind of Coaching","display_lede":"Dan Gasner, a 61-year-old business teacher and former football coach at Kennedy High School, is now booking speaking engagements for his self-published memoir. The book covers his sister's murder, his brother's suicide and the perseverance he tries to pass on to students.","written_at":"2026-10-09T04:52:16.172Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-10T14:09:45.938Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T04:52:16.172Z","note":"Gasner is now doing speaking engagements and outreach for the memoir. This version adds that he teaches business at Kennedy, coached high school football and has spent more than 30 years in education."},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-church-community-outreach-award","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington Church Honored for Community Outreach","pitch":"A Bloomington church received the 2026 Servant of Christ Award from the Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA.","entities":["Bloomington church","Minneapolis Area Synod","Evangelical Lutheran Church in America"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/free/bloomington-church-recognized-for-its-community-outreach/article_06202d70-4838-43be-84d5-cc6d05811da1.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-13T16:08:27.101Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-13T16:08:27.101Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/b3e48a5d77084585.df27736a.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7UTEwTEceU"},"display_title":"Transfiguration Lutheran Wins Statewide Award for Bloomington Outreach","display_lede":"Transfiguration Lutheran Church is one of 6 Minnesota congregations named 2026 Servant of Christ Award winners by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. Other winners are in Hibbing, St. Paul and Battle Lake.","written_at":"2026-10-09T04:50:57.464Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-17T14:47:08.819Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T04:50:57.464Z","note":"We've added the complete list of 2026 Servant of Christ winners. Along with Marshall and Rochester, this year's honorees include churches in Hibbing, St. Paul and Battle Lake."},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"embassy-suites-bloomington-hotel-revamp","aliases":[],"title":"Major Embassy Suites Hotel Revamp Completed in Bloomington","pitch":"A major renovation of Bloomington's Embassy Suites hotel has been completed.","entities":["Embassy Suites","Bloomington"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/major-embassy-suites-hotel-revamp-is-complete/article_f1386241-9db0-4fee-8125-e5be44dad754.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-15T20:08:27.350Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-15T20:08:27.350Z","status":"stale","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Embassy Suites in Bloomington Finishes $11 Million Makeover, Adds Edina to Its Name","display_lede":"The hotel at 2800 American Blvd. W. has finished an $11 million renovation that started in November 2025. The work covered the atrium, the restaurant and all 232 suites, and the hotel now calls itself the Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Bloomington Edina.","written_at":"2026-10-09T04:49:22.347Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-17T14:53:42.822Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T04:49:22.347Z","note":"This version adds the hotel's owner (Prescott Group) and its manager, Hospitality Ventures Management Group, which has run the property since September 2024. It also notes the free breakfast and evening reception that still happen in the remodeled atrium, and it corrects the timing of the name-change announcement."},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-independence-day-robbery","aliases":[],"title":"Gunman Flees With Cash After Independence Day Robbery","pitch":"A late-night Fourth of July robbery at a Bloomington convenience store remains under investigation after the gunman fled with cash.","entities":["Bloomington Police","Bloomington convenience store"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/news/local/gunman-flees-with-cash-after-independence-day-robbery/article_7a899a5e-909e-4997-946c-da9e83cf25ee.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-16T14:09:10.204Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-16T14:09:10.204Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/af2573c9f7944031.b3a3ef59.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Police Department","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pd/BPD"},"display_title":"Gunman Robs Nicollet Avenue Holiday Store on Fourth of July","display_lede":"A man pulled a gun on a 19-year-old clerk at the Holiday Stationstore at 7901 Nicollet Ave. and ran off with cash in the July 4 robbery.","written_at":"2026-10-09T04:47:45.449Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-17T09:09:15.092Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T04:47:45.449Z","note":"More than 3 months later, no arrest has been reported in the Fourth of July holdup, and police still haven't said how much cash was taken."},"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"metro-air-quality-alert-expanded","aliases":[],"title":"Air Quality Alert Expanded to Cover Bloomington and Much of the Metro","pitch":"State officials expanded an air quality alert, forcing pool closures and event cancellations across Bloomington, Richfield and Edina.","entities":["Air Quality Alert","Minnesota Pollution Control Agency","Twin Cities metro"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/abc_newspapers/news/local/air-quality-alert-expanded-to-large-chunk-of-state-including-metro/article_cc4d9e1d-5435-41e2-8644-748a581a41df.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/news/local/air-quality-alert-expanded-to-large-chunk-of-state-including-metro/article_0a4faeb8-0730-4785-ba43-48ae403681cb.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/free/air-quality-conditions-close-pools-in-bloomington-richfield/article_ec8e8d20-fd37-4440-a69d-4ac42bc02376.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/free/air-quality-conditions-close-pools-in-bloomington-richfield-edina/article_ec8e8d20-fd37-4440-a69d-4ac42bc02376.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/free/air-quality-conditions-close-pools-cancel-events-in-bloomington-richfield-edina/article_ec8e8d20-fd37-4440-a69d-4ac42bc02376.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/free/air-quality-thursday-conditions-closed-pools-canceled-events/article_ec8e8d20-fd37-4440-a69d-4ac42bc02376.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-16T12:09:06.212Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-17T20:10:06.379Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/a594891b6f955b6f.5184b2d0.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pr/bloomington-family-aquatic-center"},"display_title":"Wildfire Smoke Alert Shuts Down Bloomington's Pool, Cancels Metro Events","display_lede":"The record-breaking wildfire smoke that closed the Bloomington Family Aquatic Center and cleared out pools and programs in Richfield and Edina has moved out of the metro. The Twin Cities air quality alert ended Friday, July 17, after the area had some of the worst air on the planet the day before.","written_at":"2026-10-09T04:46:21.450Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-17T20:13:16.926Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T04:46:21.450Z","note":"The metro's air quality alert has expired, and Friday brought much cleaner air. State climatologists say the Twin Cities set a smoke record on Thursday."},"weight":4,"section":"weather"},{"id":"bloomington-parks-rec-awards-of-excellence-2026","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington Parks & Recreation Wins Four State Awards of Excellence","pitch":"The Minnesota Recreation and Park Association presented Bloomington with four 2025 Awards of Excellence, including for its data-driven park maintenance plan and the Logan Lodge interim senior activity space.","entities":["Bloomington Parks & Recreation","Minnesota Recreation and Park Association","Logan Lodge"],"evidence":["council:NzKI8e7go6I:2"],"started_at":"2026-07-21T20:08:29.881Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-21T20:08:29.881Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/NzKI8e7go6I-2.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington Council Meeting","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzKI8e7go6I&t=435s"},"display_title":"Bloomington Parks & Rec Takes Home Four State Awards of Excellence","display_lede":"Bloomington's 4 Minnesota Recreation and Park Association awards cover a data-driven maintenance plan, the Logan Lodge stopgap senior center, the first Indigenous Art Fair and a volunteer kickoff for Dred Scott Field improvements.","written_at":"2026-10-09T04:44:10.281Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-21T20:11:44.597Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T04:44:10.281Z","note":"MRPA's recipient list names the 4th award: the Dred Scott Field Improvement Kickoff, in the volunteer initiatives category. This version also adds the MRPA category for each award and notes that the Indigenous Art Fair returned for a 2nd year."},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"xcel-energy-electricity-pole-testing-bloomington","aliases":[],"title":"Xcel Energy Testing Electricity Poles in Bloomington","pitch":"Xcel Energy has begun testing electricity poles throughout Bloomington as part of infrastructure maintenance work.","entities":["Xcel Energy","Bloomington"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pw/news/xcel-energy-testing-electricity-poles-bloomington-2026-07-20","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/sports/bloomington-legion-earns-its-top-10-state-rank/article_0649e6a7-38a2-487c-80a8-3df741844487.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-20T21:09:01.812Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-22T06:08:39.960Z","status":"stale","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Xcel Energy Crews Are Digging Up Utility Poles Around Bloomington — Here's Why","display_lede":"Contractors working for Xcel Energy are checking wooden power poles along Bloomington streets and in backyard easements. The work is part of the utility's 2026 statewide inspection program, which covers more than 85,000 poles across Minnesota.","written_at":"2026-10-09T04:42:19.861Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-22T06:09:21.821Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T04:42:19.861Z","note":"We added the city's guidance on where public right-of-way usually ends: about 10 to 15 feet behind the curb. That helps residents tell whether a pole crew is on public land or working in a backyard easement."},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-vehicle-theft-swindle-suspect","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington Police: Theft Suspect May Have Been Amassing a Fleet of Vehicles","pitch":"A 25-year-old Minneapolis woman was charged with theft by swindle and check forgery after buying a used vehicle in Bloomington, with police suspecting she was collecting multiple vehicles.","entities":["Bloomington Police"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/bloomington-police-theft-suspect-may-have-been-amassing-a-fleet-of-vehicles/article_959550b4-3093-4116-b465-b38875896493.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-22T14:09:15.689Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-22T14:09:15.689Z","status":"stale","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Bloomington Police: Woman Charged After Fake Cashier's Check Buys $9,500 Infiniti — and Maybe a Fleet of Cars","display_lede":"A 25-year-old Minneapolis woman faces theft by swindle and check forgery charges. Police say she paid for a used Infiniti with a fake $9,500 cashier's check, tried to resell it for $8,000, and was carrying titles to 3 more vehicles when she was arrested.","written_at":"2026-10-09T04:41:22.419Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-22T14:13:07.240Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T04:41:22.419Z","note":"Police say the suspect tried to resell the Infiniti online for $8,000 and that officers found it in an apartment parking lot. This version also corrects 2 errors in the earlier story: detectives were the ones who reached the Audi's Roseville owner, and police found titles to 3 more vehicles but did not recover 5 cars."},"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"hatch-bloomington-loves-local-top-10-finalists","aliases":[],"title":"Hatch Bloomington Loves Local Announces Top 10 Finalists","pitch":"The Hatch Bloomington Loves Local competition named its Top 10 finalists, spotlighting local Bloomington businesses.","entities":["Hatch Bloomington Loves Local","Bloomington"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/cd/news/hatch-bloomington-loves-local-announces-top-10-finalists-2026-07-23"],"started_at":"2026-07-24T14:08:48.518Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-24T14:08:48.518Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/cited/e71ea2ef6b69e8c1.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington MN","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/cc/briefing/mayors-memo-hatch-bloomington-loves-local-supports-small-businesses-2026-09-01"},"display_title":"Hatch Bloomington Loves Local Awards $124,000 to 5 Local Businesses","display_lede":"An auto body shop, an Afghan restaurant, Zeke's Place, a garden center and a brewery split $124,000 in the city's revamped Hatch competition. Judges liked the 10 finalists enough that the Port Authority added $24,000 to the original $100,000 pot.","written_at":"2026-10-09T04:39:31.735Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-24T15:10:42.311Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T04:39:31.735Z","note":"The judges picked their winners: Ado's Auto Body and Afghan Darbar got $40,000 each, and 3 other finalists got smaller awards. The Port Authority added $24,000 after the pitch night, so the total came to $124,000 instead of $100,000."},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-public-safety-app-startup","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington Tech Startup Launches Public Safety App","pitch":"A Bloomington-based technology startup has begun creating digital products for law enforcement, with the Robbinsdale Police Department the first agency in the state to deploy them.","entities":["Bloomington","Robbinsdale Police Department"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/bloomington/bloomington-tech-startup-launches-public-safety-app/article_20795c94-8c68-43d5-bbd8-98ace759f324.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-24T14:08:48.518Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-24T14:08:48.518Z","status":"stale","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Bloomington Startup's Bridge911 App Debuts With Robbinsdale Police","display_lede":"Guardian 4D, a Bloomington public safety tech company, now has its first live customer in Robbinsdale police, who replaced their old tip line with Bridge911. The department says the app's officer-verification feature answers a question the 2025 Hortman shootings made urgent: is that person at your door really a cop?","written_at":"2026-10-09T04:37:52.391Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-24T14:12:00.590Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T04:37:52.391Z","note":"Robbinsdale police tied Bridge911's officer-verification feature to the 2025 Hortman shootings. They also warned that messages sent through the app may wait several hours before anyone reads them, so emergencies still go to 911."},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"west-old-shakopee-road-closure-railroad-reconstruction","aliases":[],"title":"West Old Shakopee Road Closing July 27 for Weeklong Railroad Reconstruction","pitch":"The city announced West Old Shakopee Road will close for a week starting July 27 for railroad reconstruction work.","entities":["Bloomington","West Old Shakopee Road"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pw/news/west-old-shakopee-road-closing-july-27-weeklong-railroad-reconstruction-2026-07-24"],"started_at":"2026-07-26T16:08:57.981Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-26T16:08:57.981Z","status":"stale","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"West Old Shakopee Road Closing for a Week as Crews Rebuild Railroad Crossing","display_lede":"The weeklong closure of West Old Shakopee Road near Hampshire Avenue was scheduled for July 27–31 while crews rebuilt the railroad crossing. The city updated its notice on Aug. 12, and questions now go to Bloomington Public Works.","written_at":"2026-10-09T04:36:00.809Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-26T19:11:30.127Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T04:36:00.809Z","note":"The scheduled July 27–31 closure has ended, and on Aug. 12 the city revised its notice to send questions to Bloomington Public Works instead of the county project manager. Neither the city nor the county has said whether the crossing work is complete."},"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"2000-ryans-gathering-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"2,000 People Named Ryan Gather at Mall of America","pitch":"An estimated 2,000 people named Ryan converged on the Mall of America to celebrate their shared name.","entities":["Mall of America","Ryan gathering"],"evidence":["strib-local:https://www.startribune.com/look-out-minnesota-the-ryans-are-here/601871868"],"started_at":"2026-07-26T16:08:57.981Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-26T16:08:57.981Z","status":"stale","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"2,000 Ryans Descend on Mall of America to Ride the 'Ryan-Coaster'","display_lede":"The Ryans who took over Mall of America on July 24 left with a roller coaster record they declared themselves. Guinness World Records hasn't certified it, and turnout estimates ran from about 1,000 to 2,000 people named Ryan.","written_at":"2026-10-09T04:34:51.843Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-26T18:12:48.243Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T04:34:51.843Z","note":"Later accounts put the coaster crowd closer to 1,000 to 1,200 Ryans. Guinness World Records has not verified the record, so organizers are calling it self-proclaimed for now."},"weight":1,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-legion-baseball-post-550","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington Legion Team Shines at Home in Gopher Classic","pitch":"Bloomington Post 550's Legion baseball team finished the sub-state season 17-11.","entities":["Bloomington Post 550","American Legion Baseball","Gopher Classic","Trevor Hemphill","Scheels Statewide Legion Poll","Sub-State"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/sports/pitchers-shine-for-bloomington-legion-team/article_db5449f9-3952-43ec-b394-2697ed3c2d90.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/sports/bloomington-legion-earns-its-top-10-state-rank/article_0649e6a7-38a2-487c-80a8-3df741844487.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/sports/bloomington-legion-competes-well-in-sub-state/article_9ada4a8b-3b4c-4c5a-84aa-4dda011cfe29.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-13T04:08:43.044Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-27T04:10:11.992Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/75a5153097bc8684.38e75008.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Post 550 Baseball","url":"https://www.post550baseball.org/"},"display_title":"Bloomington Legion Team Rides Top-10 Ranking to Sub-State Battle","display_lede":"Post 550's summer included strong pitching at home in the Gopher Classic and a spot in the state's top 10.","written_at":"2026-10-09T04:32:56.932Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-27T04:10:43.419Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T04:32:56.932Z","note":"This version adds coverage of Post 550's pitching-led showing as a home host in the Gopher Classic, the national Legion tournament that came before the team's top-10 ranking and sub-state run."},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"kwik-trip-bloomington-first-location","aliases":[],"title":"Kwik Trip Purchases Properties for First Bloomington Location","pitch":"Kwik Trip has acquired properties in Bloomington to build its first location in the city.","entities":["Kwik Trip","Bloomington"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/kwik-trip-purchases-properties-for-1st-bloomington-location/article_fcb5d58d-ddb5-45a0-81dd-b80e23ae256f.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-27T20:08:22.362Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-27T20:08:22.362Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/e9fa090e1a94dec5.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Wikimedia Commons, CC0","url":"https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kwiktrip.jpg"},"display_title":"Kwik Trip Buys Land for Its First Bloomington Store, Off I-35W at 94th Street","display_lede":"Kwik Trip has closed on 2 commercial parcels east of I-35W at 94th Street. It plans a 24-hour store with 16 fueling positions, with construction starting in spring 2027 and an opening expected later that year.","written_at":"2026-10-09T04:30:17.776Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-27T20:11:52.828Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T04:30:17.776Z","note":"This version adds the city traffic study's conclusion that 94th Street can absorb the store's traffic without backups into the I-35W intersection. It also adds the chain's south metro expansion, including the Edina proposal it abandoned after pushback."},"what_next":{"text":"Demolition of the 2 existing buildings, then construction of the store starting in spring 2027","title":"Kwik Trip construction begins","place":"1000 and 1050 W. 94th St."},"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-spa-employee-check-fraud","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington Spa Maker Employee Accused of $767K Check Fraud, Funded Casino Trips","pitch":"Keo Xiong, an employee at Bloomington-based Hot Spring Spa's maker, is accused of writing more than 100 checks to herself totaling $767,000 and forging her boss's signature to fund casino trips.","entities":["Hot Spring Spa","Keo Xiong","Bloomington"],"evidence":["strib-local:https://www.startribune.com/employee-of-bloomington-spa-maker-allegedly-signed-boss-name-to-767k-in-checks-funded-casino-trips/601872857"],"started_at":"2026-07-29T11:08:36.582Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-29T11:08:36.582Z","status":"stale","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Bloomington Spa Company Employee Accused of Writing $767K in Checks to Herself","display_lede":"Keo Nang Xiong, a 10-year office employee at Hot Spring Spas in Bloomington, faces 2 felony theft-by-swindle charges. Prosecutors say she wrote herself 113 checks worth $767,500 by forging the owner's signature, then withdrew some of the money at a casino near Red Wing.","written_at":"2026-10-09T04:28:46.408Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-29T11:10:30.742Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T04:28:46.408Z","note":"The charges now give her full name, age and hometown (Keo Nang Xiong, 33, of Maplewood), the 2 theft-by-swindle counts, the exact tally of 113 checks starting in August 2024, and her role as assistant comptroller. They also name the casino: Treasure Island near Red Wing."},"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-video-game-console-robbery","aliases":[],"title":"Teen Robbed While Trying to Buy Video Game Console in Bloomington","pitch":"A 17-year-old Lakeville boy came to Bloomington to buy a video game system and was robbed instead.","entities":["Bloomington Police"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/news/publicsafety/teen-robbed-while-trying-to-buy-video-game-console/article_b02909aa-16b1-4e0d-a943-7529baaa7fca.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-30T15:08:13.865Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-30T15:08:13.865Z","status":"stale","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Lakeville Teen Robbed at Gunpoint During Video Game Sale Meetup in Bloomington","display_lede":"A 17-year-old came to the Bloomington Ferry Trailhead Bridge lot on July 19 to buy a video game console and was the victim of an armed robbery. He'd set the deal up on Instagram.","written_at":"2026-10-09T04:27:53.854Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-30T15:10:31.610Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T04:27:53.854Z","note":"We've added the city's own fine print on the Safe Swap Spot: the cameras aren't regularly watched, officers don't oversee exchanges, and the city calls it \"not a guarantee of safety.\" We've also added its tips for online-sale meetups."},"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-drought-water-conservation-2026","aliases":[],"title":"City Urges Residents to Use Water Wisely as Drought Conditions Intensify","pitch":"The city of Bloomington issued a notice asking residents to conserve water as drought conditions worsen in the area.","entities":["Bloomington","Drought"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/util/news/drought-conditions-intensify-remember-use-water-wisely-2026-07-30"],"started_at":"2026-08-04T20:07:42.758Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-08-04T20:07:42.758Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/cited/63a5499d8a035c33.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington MN","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/util/news/drought-conditions-intensify-remember-use-water-wisely-2026-07-30"},"display_title":"Bloomington Asks Residents to Cut Back on Water as Moderate Drought Sets In","display_lede":"More than 2 months after Bloomington asked residents to conserve water, the city still has no formal watering restrictions in place. Drought hasn't let up across the state, though, and the Mississippi Headwaters watershed, which feeds part of the city's drinking water, remains in the state's Drought Warning phase as of Oct. 8.","written_at":"2026-10-09T04:25:56.149Z","first_written_at":"2026-08-04T20:08:51.766Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T04:25:56.149Z","note":"The DNR's Oct. 8 update still has the Mississippi Headwaters watershed in the Drought Warning phase, and no Minnesota watershed is in the Restrictive phase. Bloomington's conservation request, last updated Aug. 4, is still voluntary."},"weight":4,"section":"news"},{"id":"immigrant-entrepreneurs-summit-bloomington","aliases":[],"title":"Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit Showcases Big Ideas in Bloomington","pitch":"Bloomington hosted an Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit spotlighting local business ideas and opportunities for immigrant-owned businesses.","entities":["Bloomington","Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/cd/briefing/big-ideas-and-bright-futures-came-alive-immigrant-entrepreneurs-summit-2026-08-05"],"started_at":"2026-08-05T15:08:26.367Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-08-05T15:08:26.367Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/cited/ea7ce0e566f18561.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington MN","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/cd/briefing/big-ideas-and-bright-futures-came-alive-immigrant-entrepreneurs-summit-2026-08-05"},"display_title":"Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit Draws Nearly 300 to Bloomington","display_lede":"The city has posted its recap of June's first Bloomington Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit, which drew about 300 people. Meanwhile, a Bloomington port authority leader has been named an honoree at the group's national summit in November.","written_at":"2026-10-09T04:24:26.905Z","first_written_at":"2026-08-05T18:08:22.169Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T04:24:26.905Z","note":"The city's recap video is now posted. Barb Wolff of the Bloomington port authority will receive the Karen L. Evans Immigrant Champion Award at the group's national summit in Iowa on November 21."},"what_next":{"text":"The national summit in Ankeny, Iowa, will honor Barb Wolff of the Bloomington port authority","title":"19th annual IES National Summit","date":"2026-11-21","place":"FFA Enrichment Center, Ankeny, Iowa"},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"hoops-and-harmony-neighborhood-event","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington Police Host 'Hoops and Harmony' Neighborhood Event","pitch":"Bloomington Police highlighted a community basketball and outreach event bringing officers and neighbors together.","entities":["Bloomington Police"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pd/briefing/hoops-and-harmony-neighborhood-2026-08-05"],"started_at":"2026-08-05T15:08:26.367Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-08-05T15:08:26.367Z","status":"stale","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"City Reminds Bloomington Residents: Basketball Hoops Don't Belong in the Street","display_lede":"Bloomington doesn't allow portable or permanent basketball hoops in the public right-of-way, which covers streets, boulevards and sidewalks. The city wants anyone with a hoop there to move it onto private property, and it gives residents who aren't sure where their lot ends a number to call.","written_at":"2026-10-09T04:22:52.510Z","first_written_at":"2026-08-13T21:17:16.168Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T04:22:52.510Z","note":"The city's hoop notice was posted on August 5 in the Bloomington Police Department's online briefing. This version adds that date, Engineering's direct phone number, and the city's point that a hoop on the sidewalk is an accessibility problem as well as a traffic hazard."},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"nine-mile-creek-watershed-district-earth-action-hero","aliases":[],"title":"Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Named an Earth Action Hero","pitch":"The city spotlighted the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District for its environmental work in a feature profile.","entities":["Nine Mile Creek Watershed District","Bloomington"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/cob/briefing/earth-action-hero-nine-mile-creek-watershed-district-2026-08-05"],"started_at":"2026-08-05T15:08:26.367Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-08-05T15:08:26.367Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/cited/93ad7e52f401ca11.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington MN","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/cob/briefing/earth-action-hero-nine-mile-creek-watershed-district-2026-08-05"},"display_title":"City Names Nine Mile Creek Watershed District an Earth Action Hero","display_lede":"Bloomington named the watershed district an Earth Action Hero, partly for the up to $1 million it put into the Nine Mile Creek Corridor Renewal Project. Major construction on that project closed all of Moir/Central Park on September 7.","written_at":"2026-10-09T04:21:49.944Z","first_written_at":"2026-08-05T16:10:46.997Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T04:21:49.944Z","note":"All of Moir/Central Park closed September 7 as major construction on the creek corridor began. The $1 million is now correctly attributed to the watershed district's Capital Improvement Fund, not the city's."},"what_next":{"text":"The city is aiming to finish major construction on the corridor project in fall 2027, and the park stays closed until then","title":"Corridor project major construction wraps","time":"Fall 2027","place":"Moir/Central Park"},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"rebels-gymnastics-waste-reduction","aliases":[],"title":"Rebels Gymnastics Cuts Trash by 75% With Green Initiative","pitch":"A Bloomington gymnastics club, Rebels Gymnastics, adopted sustainability measures that cut its trash output by 75%.","entities":["Rebels Gymnastics","Bloomington"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/cob/briefing/rebels-gymnastics-makes-green-twist-reduce-trash-75-2026-08-05"],"started_at":"2026-08-05T15:08:26.367Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-08-05T15:08:26.367Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/cited/e9b9966fdb7526ca.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington MN","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/cob/briefing/rebels-gymnastics-makes-green-twist-reduce-trash-75-2026-08-05"},"display_title":"Bloomington Gymnastics Club Slashes Trash by 75% With Bin Overhaul","display_lede":"Rebels Gymnastics cut its landfill trash by three-quarters by swapping in color-coded, clearly labeled bins and starting organics recycling. The county's 2026 bin grants that helped make it possible have now all been handed out.","written_at":"2026-10-09T02:44:14.781Z","first_written_at":"2026-08-05T15:14:39.595Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T02:44:14.781Z","note":"Hennepin County lists its 2026 Bin and Bag grants as fully awarded, and it hasn't announced the next round. This version also notes that Waste Wise is run through the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and gives the city's Sustainability office phone number."},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-stay-active-all-year-programs","aliases":[],"title":"City Promotes Year-Round Ways to Stay Active in Bloomington","pitch":"Bloomington Parks & Recreation promoted its lineup of fitness and activity programs available throughout the year.","entities":["Bloomington Parks & Recreation"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pr/briefing/stay-active-all-year-long-bloomington-2026-08-05"],"started_at":"2026-08-05T23:08:34.600Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-08-05T23:08:34.600Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/cited/d5c1c9fa7094c2d7.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington MN","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pr/briefing/make-most-coming-seasons-bloomington-parks-and-recreation-2026-09-02"},"display_title":"Bloomington Parks & Rec Wants You Off the Couch All Year, Not Just Summer","display_lede":"With fall here, Bloomington Parks & Recreation is pushing its 2026-2027 lineup again: skating lessons, trails, naturalist programs, adult leagues, an indoor winter farmers market and Winter Fete, which starts in December.","written_at":"2026-10-09T02:42:35.614Z","first_written_at":"2026-08-06T00:10:41.348Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T02:42:35.614Z","note":"The city followed up on September 2 with a fall and winter version of its pitch. We've added the indoor winter farmers market, Winter Fete and the Trick or Treat Trail. We've also corrected where 50+ programs meet: Creekside closed in 2025, and most of its programs moved to Logan Lodge."},"weight":1,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-urban-forest-initiative","aliases":[],"title":"City Grows Urban Forest for Tomorrow","pitch":"Bloomington public works highlighted efforts to expand and maintain the city's urban tree canopy.","entities":["Bloomington","Public Works"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pw/briefing/growing-urban-forest-tomorrow-2026-08-05","city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/cc/briefing/path-sustainable-healthy-forest-2026-08-05"],"started_at":"2026-08-05T15:08:26.367Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-08-05T23:08:34.600Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/cited/5ca0aa9c4e876e84.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington MN","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/cc/briefing/path-sustainable-healthy-forest-2026-08-05"},"display_title":"Bloomington Plants New Tree Species, Restores Oak Savanna Along Nine Mile Creek","display_lede":"The Nine Mile Creek corridor has been fenced off since Sept. 7, and crews are at work on a $20 million restoration that includes turning part of the valley back into oak savanna. The City Council approved the work in August despite a petition against it. Downtown, the city is planting tree species usually found farther south.","written_at":"2026-10-09T02:40:44.442Z","first_written_at":"2026-08-05T23:11:23.321Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T02:40:44.442Z","note":"The City Council rejected a petition seeking a new environmental review and approved more than $16 million in restoration contracts, and the corridor's trails closed Sept. 7 for construction expected to run through 2027."},"what_next":{"text":"Major construction on the Nine Mile Creek corridor and Moir Park is expected to finish in fall 2027","title":"Nine Mile Creek construction wraps"},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"isd-271-school-board-sept-28-2026","aliases":[],"title":"ISD 271 School Board meets Sept. 28","pitch":"Recap of the actions taken at the Bloomington Public Schools board meeting on Sept. 28, 2026.","entities":["ISD 271","Bloomington Public Schools School Board"],"evidence":["school-board:https://www.bloomington.k12.mn.us/news/school-board-meeting-recap-september-28-2026"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/3d9e4a88b51b0d0b.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Public Schools (ISD 271)","url":"https://www.bloomington.k12.mn.us/news/bloomington-stadium-opens-public-final-farewell"},"display_title":"Bloomington school board cancels a planned $5M budget cut and clears the way to demolish Bloomington Stadium and Southwood","display_lede":"The ISD 271 board canceled a $5 million cut it had already approved for 2027-28, though more cuts are still expected in later years. It also hired a crew to knock down 2 district properties by Nov. 13 and reaffirmed Mall of America as the prom venue.","written_at":"2026-10-09T02:38:31.320Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T05:12:17.338Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T02:38:31.320Z","note":"The district's full recap says the board reaffirmed Mall of America for prom rather than choosing it for the first time, and it links to the meeting recording. We also corrected the Rod Zivkovich quote to his exact words and added the lease's rent in year 10."},"what_next":{"text":"Demolition of Southwood Center and Bloomington Stadium is targeted to be finished by Nov. 13.","title":"Stadium and Southwood demolition deadline","date":"2026-11-13"},"weight":5,"section":"news"},{"id":"kennedy-hall-of-fame-2026","aliases":[],"title":"Kennedy High inducts soccer and swim standouts into Hall of Fame","pitch":"Bloomington Kennedy High School added two athletes to its Hall of Fame during halftime of a home football game.","entities":["Bloomington Kennedy High School"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/bloomington/kennedy-honors-soccer-and-swim-greats-as-latest-to-join-the-hall-of-fame/article_f4e65cd2-08bc-4ca6-9ef2-89a2659fdace.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/kennedy-eagle.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Kennedy High School","url":"https://www.bloomington.k12.mn.us/khs"},"display_title":"Kennedy High adds a soccer all-stater and a state-champion swimmer to its Hall of Fame","display_lede":"Erin (Weldon) Launspach, Class of 2001, and Erik Lind, Class of 1994, are the newest members of Bloomington Kennedy High School's Hall of Fame. They were introduced at halftime of a home football game at Kennedy Stadium after a dinner with family and friends behind the north end zone.","written_at":"2026-10-09T02:36:32.384Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T05:10:45.010Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T02:36:32.384Z","note":"This version adds details from the ceremony: a pre-game dinner behind the north end zone, and the coach and captains who joined Melbye on the field. It also adds where Lind now lives and fixes several details, including that Launspach's assist ranking was 3rd at the time and that Lind's flight hours were logged as a commercial pilot."},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"national-merit-semifinalists-2027","aliases":[],"title":"Six Jefferson and Kennedy seniors named National Merit semifinalists","pitch":"Six Bloomington seniors from Jefferson and Kennedy high schools are semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship program.","entities":["Bloomington Jefferson High School","Bloomington Kennedy High School","National Merit Scholarship Corporation"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/bloomington-national-merit-scholarship-semifinalists-named/article_7976d486-986b-46aa-810d-43deca3f6baf.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/bloomington-public-schools.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Public Schools","url":"https://www.bloomington.k12.mn.us/"},"display_title":"Six Bloomington seniors make the cut as 2027 National Merit semifinalists","display_lede":"Four Jefferson seniors and two from Kennedy are among Minnesota's top PSAT scorers and are still in the running for National Merit Scholarships. Next they have to qualify as finalists, with results due in February.","written_at":"2026-10-09T02:35:14.818Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T05:09:48.020Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T02:35:14.818Z","note":"We added the date the semifinalists were announced nationally, the full selection criteria, and the schedule for naming winners: 4 national releases from April through July."},"what_next":{"text":"National Merit finalists are announced in February; scholarship winners follow in releases from April to July.","title":"National Merit finalists announced","time":"February 2027"},"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"former-state-senator-sting-sentencing","aliases":[],"title":"Former state senator from Bloomington sting sentenced to 16 months","pitch":"A former Minnesota state senator arrested in a Bloomington prostitution sting in March 2025 has been sentenced to 16 months in prison.","entities":["Justin Eichorn","Bloomington Police Department"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/former-state-senator-arrested-in-bloomington-will-spend-16-months-in-prison/article_fe87714d-8b67-4c2c-8889-c5151e5ca842.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/bloomington-police-patch.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Police Department","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pd/BPD"},"display_title":"Ex-Sen. Justin Eichorn gets 16 months in prison after Bloomington police sting","display_lede":"The former Grand Rapids Republican was arrested in March 2025 after messaging an undercover Bloomington officer he believed was a 17-year-old girl. The judge called his conduct \"egregious\" and also ordered 5 years of supervised release and sex offender registration.","written_at":"2026-10-09T02:33:34.604Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T04:12:18.157Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T02:33:34.604Z","note":"This version adds what police found in Eichorn's vehicle at the arrest, the sex offender registration requirement and Judge Eric Tostrud's reasons for the sentence. It also swaps in courtroom statements from Eichorn and the prosecutor that we could verify."},"weight":4,"section":"news"},{"id":"south-loop-shootout-charges","aliases":[],"title":"Charges filed in South Loop shootout","pitch":"Prosecutors have filed multiple charges over last month's shootout in Bloomington's South Loop District.","entities":["South Loop District","Bloomington Police Department","Hennepin County Attorney's Office"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/charges-filed-in-connection-with-south-loop-shootout/article_211e9efd-db82-4039-83d1-e12e12d3a662.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/bloomington-police-patch.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Police Department","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pd/BPD"},"display_title":"2 men charged in daylight South Loop shootout at Carbon31 apartments","display_lede":"2 men face assault and riot charges in the Sept. 9 gunfight outside the Carbon31 apartments in the South Loop. The man who was shot and a 21-year-old were also arrested on suspicion of aggravated robbery and rioting, but as of Sept. 25 neither had been charged.","written_at":"2026-10-09T02:31:50.875Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T04:10:55.991Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T02:31:50.875Z","note":"Police say the man who was shot told them he had been selling marijuana when a buyer shot him. He and a 21-year-old from the apartment were arrested on suspicion of aggravated robbery and rioting but had not been charged as of Sept. 25."},"weight":4,"section":"news"},{"id":"jefferson-students-boys-girls-state-governors","aliases":[],"title":"Two Jefferson seniors elected governor at Boys State and Girls State","pitch":"Jefferson seniors Carter Klein and Quynh Nguyen won the governor's role in the American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State mock government programs.","entities":["Carter Klein","Quynh Nguyen","Bloomington Jefferson High School","American Legion"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/2-jefferson-students-elected-governors-in-mock-government-program/article_79bf6629-f7d4-4501-a7b8-db3675860238.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/jefferson-jaguar-v2.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Jefferson High School","url":"https://www.bloomington.k12.mn.us/jhs"},"display_title":"Jefferson seniors Carter Klein and Quynh Nguyen elected Boys State and Girls State governors, a first for one school","display_lede":"Bloomington Jefferson is the first high school in Minnesota history to have both of the American Legion's mock-government governors at once. Seniors Carter Klein and Quynh Nguyen are now bringing what they learned back to student council and the National Honor Society.","written_at":"2026-10-09T02:29:48.622Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T04:09:24.366Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T02:29:48.622Z","note":"The story now carries more of Klein's own explanation of why he rebuilt Jefferson's student council: he wanted more voices helping make decisions."},"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"community-gardens-harvest-growth","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington's community gardens harvest and grow","pitch":"The city reports on this season's community garden harvest and plans for expanding the program.","entities":["Bloomington Parks and Recreation"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pr/briefing/harvesting-and-growing-our-community-gardens-2026-09-30"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/9b49e8346a6a9712.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pr/briefing/harvesting-and-growing-our-community-gardens-2026-09-30"},"display_title":"Bloomington plans up to 80 more community garden plots for 2027","display_lede":"Bloomington wants to add up to 80 community garden plots next season. First, this year's gardeners have until October 18 to clear their plots of cages, stakes and anything else man-made.","written_at":"2026-10-09T02:28:50.466Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-04T19:13:02.113Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T02:28:50.466Z","note":"With the October 18 cleanup deadline 9 days away, this version adds the city's penalty for anything man-made left on a plot, a fine of up to $50, plus updated site locations and the garden rules."},"what_next":{"text":"Gardeners must remove all man-made materials from their plots by October 18 or risk a fine of up to $50.","title":"Community garden cleanup deadline","date":"2026-10-18"},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"oak-savanna-restoration","aliases":[],"title":"What the city has learned restoring Bloomington's oak savannas","pitch":"Public Works shares lessons from its ongoing restoration of the city's native oak savanna landscapes.","entities":["Bloomington Public Works"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pw/briefing/lessons-restoring-bloomingtons-oak-savannas-2026-09-30"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/37d1a0311780880b.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pw/briefing/lessons-restoring-bloomingtons-oak-savannas-2026-09-30"},"display_title":"From buckthorn to bluestem: What Bloomington is learning bringing back its oak savannas","display_lede":"Hillsides along Nine Mile Creek that buckthorn used to choke are growing native grasses again. City staff and the neighbors helping them say the main lesson is to be patient, and that it will look worse before it looks better.","written_at":"2026-10-09T02:27:24.697Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-04T19:10:27.628Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T02:27:24.697Z","note":"The Moir Park shelter and other amenities are coming out this September and October, and the city's August tree-removal briefing now includes Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Dave Hanson's case for the cutting. We also corrected details from our first version: the August briefing was not attributed to the mayor, and it does not mention 'thousands' of plants."},"what_next":{"text":"Major construction on the Nine Mile Creek corridor, including a new Moir Park shelter, is expected to finish in fall 2027","title":"Nine Mile Creek corridor construction wraps","place":"Moir/Central Park"},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"jefferson-us-news-top-5-percent","aliases":[],"title":"Jefferson High ranked in top 5% of Minnesota high schools","pitch":"U.S. News & World Report ranked Bloomington Jefferson High School in the top 5% of high schools statewide.","entities":["Bloomington Jefferson High School","U.S. News & World Report","ISD 271"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/rankings-place-jefferson-among-top-5-in-the-state/article_f99ba77f-f064-44ff-8c04-d2e794f5b193.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/jefferson-jaguar-v2.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Jefferson High School","url":"https://www.bloomington.k12.mn.us/jhs"},"display_title":"Jefferson High lands at No. 58 of 1,156 in U.S. News' Minnesota rankings","display_lede":"Bloomington Jefferson High School is in the top 5% of Minnesota high schools in the newest U.S. News & World Report rankings. An 88% graduation rate and math and science scores above the state average helped put it there.","written_at":"2026-10-09T02:25:02.736Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-04T18:13:39.713Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T02:25:02.736Z","note":"This version adds the rest of Principal Mark Paulsen's statement about the ranking and more of what then-principal Jaysen Anderson said about the school's 2020 placement."},"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"kennedy-football-homecoming-win-columbia-heights","aliases":[],"title":"Kennedy snaps three-game skid with 30-0 Homecoming win","pitch":"Bloomington Kennedy football shut out Columbia Heights 30-0 at its Oct. 2 Homecoming game, ending a three-game losing streak.","entities":["Bloomington Kennedy High School","Columbia Heights High School"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/sports/kennedy-marches-to-homecoming-win/article_291a51e4-dd74-4707-bf0e-19dbf6669f49.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-08T03:09:01.121Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-08T03:09:01.121Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/de523635d1810ecd.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Kennedy High School","url":"https://www.bloomington.k12.mn.us/khs/activities-athletics"},"display_title":"Kennedy snaps 3-game skid with 30-0 Homecoming shutout of Columbia Heights","display_lede":"Bloomington Kennedy's 30-0 Homecoming shutout of Columbia Heights on Oct. 2 ended a 3-game losing streak and moved the Eagles to 2-3. They took that win into Thursday's road game at unbeaten Cretin-Derham Hall. Park Center is next on Oct. 14, followed by the crosstown game with Jefferson on Oct. 21.","written_at":"2026-10-09T01:47:35.302Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-08T03:10:20.924Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T01:47:35.302Z","note":"Kennedy has played its Thursday game at unbeaten Cretin-Derham Hall. This version adds the scores from the 3-game skid the Homecoming win ended and the last 2 regular-season dates: at Park Center on Oct. 14 and home against Jefferson on Oct. 21."},"what_next":{"text":"Kennedy plays at Park Center at 6 p.m. Oct. 14, then hosts Jefferson on Oct. 21 to end the regular season.","title":"Kennedy at Park Center football","date":"2026-10-14","time":"6 p.m.","place":"Park Center High School"},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-urban-forest-master-plan","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington Adopts Urban Forest Master Plan","pitch":"The City Council voted 6-0 to adopt a citywide Urban Forest Master Plan after a study found the tree canopy grew 5% over the past decade.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","Urban Forest Master Plan"],"evidence":["council:llIlw4ZQFtc:3"],"started_at":"2026-07-05T15:28:12.999Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-05T15:28:12.999Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/llIlw4ZQFtc-3.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington City Council","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llIlw4ZQFtc&t=2252s"},"display_title":"Council Adopts Urban Forest Master Plan After Study Finds Canopy Grew 5%","display_lede":"Bloomington now has an Urban Forest Master Plan. The City Council adopted it 6-0 and told staff to start carrying it out.","written_at":"2026-10-09T01:42:58.582Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-10T07:08:12.235Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T01:42:58.582Z","note":"We've added how the plan was built. Consultant Davey Resource Group mapped canopy change from 2013 to 2023 and inventoried about 35,000 trees along public right-of-way, after community engagement that ran through 2025."},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"adora-affordable-housing-tif","aliases":[],"title":"Council Backs TIF Assistance for Adora Affordable Housing Project","pitch":"The Bloomington City Council approved tax increment financing assistance and a purchase letter of intent for the Adora affordable housing project.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","Adora affordable housing project","Council member Dalisandro","Bloomington HRA"],"evidence":["council:llIlw4ZQFtc:0","hra:xYYjYokiipo:0"],"started_at":"2026-07-05T15:28:12.999Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-06T14:07:48.767Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/llIlw4ZQFtc-0.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington City Council","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llIlw4ZQFtc&t=1731s"},"display_title":"Council Backs TIF Assistance for Adora Affordable Housing Project","display_lede":"The Adora affordable housing project now has the city's Housing and Redevelopment Authority behind it too. The HRA board voted 4-0 to support the 52-unit development at 13th and American and to put up to $300,000 toward it, after the City Council had already approved tax increment financing help and a purchase letter of intent.","written_at":"2026-10-09T01:41:19.231Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-10T08:08:33.920Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T01:41:19.231Z","note":"The Bloomington HRA board has voted 4-0 to support Adora, approving up to $300,000 in LAHA or in-lieu fee funding and a housing TIF district for the 52-unit project on city-owned land at 13th and American."},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"bloomington-pride-month-proclamation","aliases":[],"title":"Mayor Busse Proclaims June Pride Month in Bloomington","pitch":"Bloomington Mayor Busse issued a proclamation declaring June 2026 Pride Month, citing ongoing discrimination facing LGBTQ+ and transgender communities.","entities":["Mayor Busse","Bloomington City Council","Pride Month"],"evidence":["council:llIlw4ZQFtc:5"],"started_at":"2026-07-08T17:11:38.849Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-08T17:11:38.849Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/llIlw4ZQFtc-5.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llIlw4ZQFtc&t=1197s"},"display_title":"Bloomington Mayor Declares June 2026 Pride Month","display_lede":"Bloomington is officially on record recognizing June 2026 as Pride Month. Mayor Tim Busse's proclamation pointed to the discrimination LGBTQ+ and transgender residents still face, and the city's Pride festival has already set a July 2027 return to Civic Plaza.","written_at":"2026-10-09T01:40:47.083Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-10T13:08:14.264Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T01:40:47.083Z","note":"Bloomington Pride MN has scheduled its 2027 festival for Sunday, July 11, 2027, at Civic Plaza. This version adds background on how Pride proclamations reach the council."},"what_next":{"text":"Bloomington Pride MN's 2027 festival returns to Civic Plaza on July 11, 2027.","title":"Bloomington Pride Festival","date":"2027-07-11","time":"1–6 p.m.","place":"Bloomington Civic Plaza"},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"penn-ave-s-four-lot-subdivision-hearing","aliases":[],"title":"Public Hearing Set on Subdividing 7803 Penn Ave S Into Four Lots","pitch":"The city scheduled a public hearing on subdividing 7803 Penn Ave S into four lots.","entities":["Bloomington","7803 Penn Ave S"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/plan/news/notice-public-hearing-subdivide-7803-penn-ave-s-four-lots-2026-07-09"],"started_at":"2026-07-09T18:07:59.739Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-09T18:07:59.739Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/456f186beff12c4b.8e4b2cc2.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Kraus-Anderson","url":"https://www.krausanderson.com/projects/southtown-shopping-center/"},"display_title":"City Council Approves Plat Splitting Southtown Property Into Four Lots","display_lede":"The Bloomington City Council approved Kraus-Anderson's preliminary and final plat for Southtown Shopping Center on July 20. The plat clears the way to split 7803 Penn Ave S into 4 lots as the aging retail center keeps getting rebuilt.","written_at":"2026-10-09T01:39:32.345Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-17T14:12:31.268Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T01:39:32.345Z","note":"The City Council has now approved the plat at its July 20 meeting. This version reports the decision and adds background on the Dick's House of Sport plans and Kraus-Anderson's other 2026 applications for the site."},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"robert-coleman-sworn-in-planning-commission","aliases":[],"title":"Robert Coleman Sworn In as New Bloomington Planning Commissioner","pitch":"Robert Coleman was sworn in as a newly appointed member of Bloomington's Planning Commission, serving a three-year term.","entities":["Bloomington Planning Commission","Robert Coleman"],"evidence":["planning:-p8e0SnbY6A:3"],"started_at":"2026-07-12T18:08:20.432Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-12T18:08:20.432Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/-p8e0SnbY6A-3.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Planning Commission (YouTube)","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p8e0SnbY6A&t=214s"},"display_title":"Robert Coleman Sworn In to Bloomington Planning Commission","display_lede":"Robert Coleman is now a full voting member of Bloomington's 7-member Planning Commission. He took the oath on July 9, and the city's roster shows his term running through June 30, 2029.","written_at":"2026-10-09T01:37:22.390Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-17T01:08:40.388Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T01:37:22.390Z","note":"The city's official Planning Commission roster now lists Coleman as a commissioner with a term ending June 30, 2029. This version adds that date, the other 6 members and their terms, and what the commission actually reviews."},"weight":1,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"bloomington-cannabis-manufacturing-facility-cup-hearing","aliases":[],"title":"Public Hearing Opens on Cannabis Manufacturing Facility Permit at 300 West 83rd Street","pitch":"The Planning Commission opened a public hearing on a conditional use permit for a cannabis/hemp manufacturing facility in an industrial zone.","entities":["Bloomington Planning Commission","300 West 83rd Street"],"evidence":["planning:-p8e0SnbY6A:4"],"started_at":"2026-07-12T18:08:20.432Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-12T18:08:20.432Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/-p8e0SnbY6A-4.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington Planning Commission","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p8e0SnbY6A&t=7415s"},"display_title":"Cannabis Manufacturing Facility Proposed for 300 West 83rd Street Gets First Hearing","display_lede":"A company called 14,444 Confections LLC wants to make cannabis products inside an existing office/warehouse building at 300 West 83rd Street. The Planning Commission has opened a public hearing on the conditional use permit the project needs, and no vote has been reported.","written_at":"2026-10-09T01:36:30.116Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-17T00:09:26.423Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T01:36:30.116Z","note":"The city's hearing notice names the applicant as 14,444 Confections LLC under case #PL2026-84 and gives the hearing date as July 9, 2026. It also names a planner who takes public comments."},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"bloomshine-village-town-homes-rezoning","aliases":[],"title":"Planning Commission Recommends Rezoning for 33-Unit Bloomshine Village Town Homes Amid Neighbor Opposition","pitch":"Commissioners voted 5-0 to recommend rezoning six single-family lots for a 33-unit town home development, over neighbor objections citing a botched demolition and poor notice.","entities":["Bloomington Planning Commission","Bloomshine Village","Old Cedar Ave","Wright's Lake Park","Kirk Roberts"],"evidence":["planning:-p8e0SnbY6A:0","planning:-p8e0SnbY6A:1","planning:-p8e0SnbY6A:2"],"started_at":"2026-07-12T18:08:20.432Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-12T18:08:20.432Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/-p8e0SnbY6A-0.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p8e0SnbY6A&t=308s"},"display_title":"Council Approves Rezoning for Scaled-Back 30-Unit Bloomshine Village Town Homes Near Wright's Lake Park","display_lede":"The Bloomington City Council voted 6-1 to rezone six single-family lots near 86th and 87th Streets for Bloomshine Village. Before the vote, the developer cut the town home project from 33 units to 30 and pulled the buildings back from neighbors.","written_at":"2026-10-09T01:35:13.595Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-17T00:09:13.206Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T01:35:13.595Z","note":"The city council has approved the rezoning 6-1 after the developer cut the project from 33 units to 30, lowered the roofline and widened the setbacks. Council member Rivas voted no."},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"bloomington-affordable-homeownership-basement-concerns","aliases":[],"title":"Commissioner Raises Concerns Over Unfinished Basements at Affordable Homeownership Development","pitch":"A Bloomington HRA commissioner questioned unfinished basements and property tax fairness near 9030 Park.","entities":["Bloomington HRA","Commissioner Hooim"],"evidence":["hra:v9aIG4_5h-Q:3"],"started_at":"2026-07-15T14:08:30.837Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-15T14:08:30.837Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/v9aIG4_5h-Q-3.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington HRA","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9aIG4_5h-Q&t=2029s"},"display_title":"HRA Commissioner Questions Unfinished Basements at Affordable Homeownership Project","display_lede":"Bloomington's city-backed affordable homes have unfinished basements. One commissioner is asking why, and whether these owners pay the same property taxes as everyone else.","written_at":"2026-10-09T01:32:17.714Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-17T05:09:25.776Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T01:32:17.714Z","note":"This version adds details on the program behind the homes: 27 homes, a $118,500 per-home state subsidy, 15-year resale limits, and a 2026–2028 build-out. The new details show why staff are guarding construction costs."},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"hra-homelessness-prevention-grants-review","aliases":[],"title":"HRA Reviews Outcomes of $175,000 Homelessness-Prevention Grants to Three Nonprofits","pitch":"Bloomington HRA staff reported on results of ARP-funded grants to Homeline, Touchstone Mental Health and Oasis for Youth.","entities":["Bloomington HRA","Homeline","Touchstone Mental Health","Oasis for Youth"],"evidence":["hra:v9aIG4_5h-Q:1"],"started_at":"2026-07-15T14:08:30.837Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-15T14:08:30.837Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/v9aIG4_5h-Q-1.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington HRA","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9aIG4_5h-Q&t=1380s"},"display_title":"Bloomington HRA: $175,000 in Pandemic-Era Grants Kept Households Housed","display_lede":"All $175,000 in American Rescue Plan homelessness-prevention grants to Homeline, Touchstone Mental Health and Oasis for Youth was spent, HRA staff reported.","written_at":"2026-10-09T01:30:47.945Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-17T05:09:05.631Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T01:30:47.945Z","note":"This version adds the city's March 2025 launch of the 3 partnerships and what each nonprofit was hired to do. It also notes that the pandemic money is now closed out and no new funding has been announced."},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"hra-mora-group-home-repairs-funding","aliases":[],"title":"HRA Weighs $85,240 Request from Mount Olivet Rolling Acres for Group-Home Repairs","pitch":"The Bloomington HRA considered but deferred a decision on funding group-home repairs for Mount Olivet Rolling Acres.","entities":["Bloomington HRA","Mount Olivet Rolling Acres"],"evidence":["hra:v9aIG4_5h-Q:0"],"started_at":"2026-07-15T14:08:30.837Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-15T14:08:30.837Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/v9aIG4_5h-Q-0.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington HRA","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9aIG4_5h-Q&t=295s"},"display_title":"HRA Holds Off on $85,240 Fix-Up Request for Mount Olivet Group Homes","display_lede":"Bloomington's HRA still hasn't decided on Mount Olivet Rolling Acres' request for $85,240 to fully cover repairs at 2 local group homes for residents with disabilities. Commissioners put off the vote.","written_at":"2026-10-09T01:29:29.623Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-17T04:09:16.690Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T01:29:29.623Z","note":"The HRA still hasn't voted on the request or set a date to take it up again. This version adds background on MORA's group-home network and the staffing in its homes."},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"hra-commissioner-conflict-of-interest-disclosure","aliases":[],"title":"HRA Commissioner Discloses Personal Rehab-Loan Application","pitch":"A Bloomington HRA commissioner publicly disclosed applying for the city's rehabilitation loan program.","entities":["Bloomington HRA","Commissioner Wooten"],"evidence":["hra:v9aIG4_5h-Q:2"],"started_at":"2026-07-15T20:08:27.350Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-15T20:08:27.350Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/v9aIG4_5h-Q-2.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington HRA","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9aIG4_5h-Q&t=1844s"},"display_title":"HRA Commissioner Publicly Discloses Own Rehab-Loan Application","display_lede":"A Bloomington Housing and Redevelopment Authority commissioner has put on the record that they've applied for the HRA's own home rehabilitation loan program, and reapplied 3 times over 3 years. State law requires that kind of disclosure when a board member applies for money from the board they sit on.","written_at":"2026-10-09T01:28:23.990Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-17T06:09:43.461Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T01:28:23.990Z","note":"The article now explains the specific exemptions in state law that let an HRA officer apply for the authority's loans, including the rule that they abstain from voting. It also adds the program's current terms and the fact that it isn't taking new applications right now."},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"bloomington-missing-middle-housing-zoning","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington Among Twin Cities Suburbs Loosening Zoning for Duplexes, Fourplexes","pitch":"As Golden Valley joins the trend, Bloomington is among several Twin Cities suburbs rethinking zoning to allow more duplexes and fourplexes to fill the 'missing middle' housing gap.","entities":["Bloomington","Golden Valley","Richfield","St. Louis Park","Zoning"],"evidence":["strib-local:https://www.startribune.com/golden-valley-missing-middle-duplexes-density-zoning/601865511"],"started_at":"2026-07-19T18:08:35.165Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-19T18:08:35.165Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/f1882d7b575c986b.60cc8a3a.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://letstalk.bloomingtonmn.gov/missing-middle-housing"},"display_title":"Bloomington Rewrites Zoning Rules to Allow More Duplexes, Fourplexes","display_lede":"Bloomington's 'missing middle' zoning rules are now on the books. Neighboring Golden Valley has just finished its own missing-middle study.","written_at":"2026-10-09T01:26:56.843Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-19T18:10:36.818Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T01:26:56.843Z","note":"This version adds the council's April 27 hearing on a follow-up ordinance that puts triplexes, fourplexes, cottage courts and other new housing types under Bloomington's Opportunity Housing and rental licensing rules. It also adds that Golden Valley's council received its finished missing-middle study in July."},"weight":4,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"bloomington-pest-deterrent-device-complaint","aliases":[],"title":"Resident Complains High-Frequency Pest Deterrent Is Harming Neighbors' Family and Pets","pitch":"At a City Council listening session, Bloomington resident Chris Wickland raised concerns that a neighbor's high-frequency pest deterrent device is harming her family and pets.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","Chris Wickland"],"evidence":["council:llIlw4ZQFtc:6","agenda:1809"],"started_at":"2026-07-08T17:11:38.849Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-20T20:09:38.265Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/llIlw4ZQFtc-6.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llIlw4ZQFtc&t=5639s"},"display_title":"Neighbor's Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Prompts Complaint to Bloomington Council","display_lede":"Bloomington doesn't have a clear policy on high-frequency pest deterrents. After resident Chris Wickland told the City Council that a neighbor's device is harming their family and pets, the mayor said city staff will look into it.","written_at":"2026-10-09T01:25:00.321Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-20T20:11:36.201Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T01:25:00.321Z","note":"The resident who raised the complaint is Chris Wickland, who says the neighbor's device is harming their family and pets. The mayor responded that staff will investigate because the city has no clear policy on these devices."},"weight":1,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"olive-isle-amden-ridge-lot-split-dispute","aliases":[],"title":"Olive Isle Lot-Split Proposal Tabled Amid Amden Ridge Drive Dispute","pitch":"The Council approved the preliminary/final plat for 8350 Amstel Ridge Drive after holding it twice, resolving the Olive Isle-area dispute.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","Olive Isle","Amden Ridge Drive","Council member Nelson","Amstel Ridge Drive"],"evidence":["council:llIlw4ZQFtc:2","agenda:1808","council:NzKI8e7go6I:1"],"started_at":"2026-07-07T12:07:35.835Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-21T16:09:55.825Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/NzKI8e7go6I-1.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington City Council","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzKI8e7go6I&t=998s"},"display_title":"Council Clears Amstel Ridge Drive Plat After Twice Tabling It Over Zoning Questions","display_lede":"The Bloomington City Council has approved the preliminary and final plat for 8350 Amstel Ridge Drive. The lot split near Olive Isle had stalled at 2 earlier meetings over a garage, its setback and how city code defines \"habitable space.\"","written_at":"2026-10-09T01:23:47.278Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-21T16:13:14.304Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T01:23:47.278Z","note":"We've added more detail on why the council held the Olive Isle lot split. Councilmember Nelson asked for time to settle whether the garage counted as \"habitable space\" under the building code, and staff confirmed the structure had been damaged in April."},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"park-and-fly-park-and-go-permanent-parking","aliases":[],"title":"Park-and-Fly, Park-and-Go Lots Granted Permanent Status for Up to 30 Years","pitch":"The City Council approved converting the Park and Fly/Park and Go surface parking lots near the airport from temporary to permanent status for up to 30 years.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","Park and Fly","Park and Go"],"evidence":["port:1k2Mxh9AOwc:4"],"started_at":"2026-07-22T14:09:15.689Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-22T14:09:15.689Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/1k2Mxh9AOwc-4.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k2Mxh9AOwc&t=3532s"},"display_title":"Park-and-Fly, Park-and-Go Lots Get Green Light to Go Permanent for Up to 30 Years","display_lede":"The Park and Fly and Park and Go lots near the airport now have permanent footing. After a citywide code change, the City Council approved site-by-site rezoning and conditional use permits that let the lots run for up to 30 years, as long as each one sets aside land for future development.","written_at":"2026-10-09T01:23:10.685Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-22T16:13:24.187Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T01:23:10.685Z","note":"The council's site-specific approvals are now in place: both lots were rezoned to CX-2(PD) and granted conditional use permits that require a 2.75-acre development pad on each. Separately, a new remote parking request for an existing ramp at 3601 American Blvd. E. went before the Planning Commission on Oct. 1."},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"port-authority-operation-metro-surge-grants-wrap-up","aliases":[],"title":"Small-Business Grant Program Tied to Operation Metro Surge Wraps Up, Aided 25 Businesses","pitch":"A Port Authority-funded emergency grant program of up to $400,000, launched after Operation Metro Surge disrupted small businesses, closed out having helped 25 of 195 applicants.","entities":["Bloomington Port Authority","Operation Metro Surge"],"evidence":["port:1k2Mxh9AOwc:2"],"started_at":"2026-07-22T14:09:15.689Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-22T14:09:15.689Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/1k2Mxh9AOwc-2.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Port Authority","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k2Mxh9AOwc&t=1457s"},"display_title":"Bloomington's Emergency Grant Program Wraps: 25 of 195 Businesses Got Help After ICE Surge","display_lede":"Bloomington's emergency grant fund for businesses hurt by Operation Metro Surge is closed. City staff told the Port Authority that 25 of 195 applicants got grants.","written_at":"2026-10-09T00:51:56.371Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-22T16:10:40.799Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T00:51:56.371Z","note":"City staff's final report adds the money and the jobs: about $178,000 to $190,000 went to the 25 funded businesses, which staff said preserved an estimated 173 jobs. That leaves more than half of the $400,000 fund unspent."},"weight":4,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"port-authority-2025-clean-audit","aliases":[],"title":"External Auditor Delivers Clean Opinion on Port Authority's 2025 Finances","pitch":"Auditor Andy Herring of Redpath gave the Bloomington Port Authority an unmodified opinion on its 2025 year-end financials with no internal-control or compliance findings.","entities":["Bloomington Port Authority","Redpath","Andy Herring"],"evidence":["port:1k2Mxh9AOwc:1"],"started_at":"2026-07-22T14:09:15.689Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-22T14:09:15.689Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/1k2Mxh9AOwc-1.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Port Authority","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k2Mxh9AOwc&t=679s"},"display_title":"Port Authority's Books Get a Clean Bill of Health for 2025","display_lede":"An outside auditor found no red flags in the Bloomington Port Authority's 2025 finances. Tax increment revenue rose about $1.4 million, while investment income slipped as interest rates fell.","written_at":"2026-10-09T00:49:47.532Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-22T15:12:19.338Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T00:49:47.532Z","note":"Corrects the spelling of auditor Andy Hering's name and adds more about his role at Redpath, the Port Authority's move from the South Loop to citywide work, and the commission's upcoming meeting dates."},"weight":1,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"seagate-bloomington-plant-expansion","aliases":[],"title":"Seagate Wins Approval for Bloomington Semiconductor Plant Expansion","pitch":"The Bloomington City Council voted to support a $5 million state Minnesota Investment Fund loan application for Seagate, and Port Authority reports Seagate is weighing a second Bloomington expansion.","entities":["Seagate Technology","Bloomington City Council","Bloomington Port Authority"],"evidence":["council:llIlw4ZQFtc:1","council:NzKI8e7go6I:0","port:1k2Mxh9AOwc:5"],"started_at":"2026-07-05T15:28:12.999Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-22T14:09:15.689Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/llIlw4ZQFtc-1.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington City Council","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llIlw4ZQFtc&t=1641s"},"display_title":"Bloomington Council Backs Seagate Chip Plant Expansion, $5M State Loan","display_lede":"Seagate has the city's approval to build a roughly 64,000-square-foot addition to its Bloomington chip plant. The council has also backed a $5 million zero-interest state loan to help pay for it. What's left is the state's decision on the loan.","written_at":"2026-10-09T00:47:26.625Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-22T14:11:33.729Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T00:47:26.625Z","note":"The council has now voted 6-0 to approve Seagate's development plans for a roughly 64,000-square-foot addition. With that, the project has every city approval it needs, and only the state loan decision is left."},"what_next":{"text":"The state decides on Seagate's $5M Minnesota Investment Fund loan application","title":"State decision on Seagate loan"},"weight":4,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"southtown-dicks-house-of-sport-tif-declined","aliases":[],"title":"Southtown/Dick's House of Sport Project Skips TIF as New Apartment Projects Advance","pitch":"Port Authority staff reported the Southtown/Dick's House of Sport redevelopment will move forward without tax increment financing, alongside updates on new apartment projects in Bloomington.","entities":["Bloomington Port Authority","Southtown","Dick's House of Sport"],"evidence":["port:1k2Mxh9AOwc:5"],"started_at":"2026-07-22T15:08:37.756Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-22T15:08:37.756Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/1k2Mxh9AOwc-5.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Port Authority","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k2Mxh9AOwc&t=3380s"},"display_title":"Dick's House of Sport at Southtown Will Skip City Tax Break; Seagate Weighs a Second Bloomington Expansion","display_lede":"Port Authority staff say the Southtown redevelopment, anchored by Dick's House of Sport, will go ahead without tax increment financing. Seagate, meanwhile, is weighing another Bloomington expansion against 2 competing sites.","written_at":"2026-10-09T00:45:41.372Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-22T18:12:29.983Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T00:45:41.372Z","note":"Port Authority staff connected Southtown's decision to skip TIF to the city's prevailing-wage requirements. This version also covers the council's July 20 backing of a $5 million state loan application for Seagate."},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"port-authority-sac-fee-assistance-review","aliases":[],"title":"Port Authority Reviews Sewer Availability Charge Fee Assistance Programs","pitch":"Assistant Port Authority Administrator Barb Wolf gave commissioners an informational update on two programs helping businesses cover sewer availability charge (SAC) fees, including a low-interest deferral program.","entities":["Bloomington Port Authority","Barb Wolf"],"evidence":["port:1k2Mxh9AOwc:3"],"started_at":"2026-07-22T15:08:37.756Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-22T15:08:37.756Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/1k2Mxh9AOwc-3.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Port Authority","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k2Mxh9AOwc&t=2570s"},"display_title":"Port Authority Takes Stock of Programs Easing Sewer Fees for Small Businesses","display_lede":"Bloomington's 2 programs for easing the sewer availability charge remain open to small local businesses: one defers the fee at 2.27% interest in 2026, and the other offers credits of up to 10 SAC units a year. Port Authority staff told commissioners that both have been put to use since they started.","written_at":"2026-10-09T00:43:44.214Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-22T17:12:28.478Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T00:43:44.214Z","note":"We corrected 3 details using the city's program page. The credit program offers up to 10 SAC units a year, not 5. The deferral program covers businesses assessed 2 to 25 units. The administrator's name is spelled Barb Wolff."},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"minnesota-river-valley-trail-segment-review","aliases":[],"title":"DNR's Next Minnesota River Trail Segment Needs Council Sign-Off","pitch":"The Minnesota DNR is preparing the next paved segment of a trail along the Minnesota River, and it needs Bloomington City Council environmental review approval.","entities":["Minnesota Department of Natural Resources","Bloomington City Council","Minnesota River"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/new-river-valley-trail-segment-under-council-review/article_f5bbde2e-41aa-424b-8127-7ff09df3ad66.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-28T16:08:13.030Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-28T16:08:13.030Z","status":"stale","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Next Stretch of Riverside Trail Needs a Council Vote Over Wetland Tradeoff","display_lede":"The DNR's 2.2-mile Phase 2 extension of the Minnesota Valley State Trail west of Lyndale Avenue depends on a wetland replacement plan that went to the Bloomington City Council for a decision Aug. 3. The DNR's schedule has bridge work over Nine Mile Creek starting this winter.","written_at":"2026-10-09T00:42:05.198Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-28T16:10:48.918Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T00:42:05.198Z","note":"The council's Aug. 3 decision date has come and gone, and the DNR's full plan is now out. It covers 0.2 acres of floodplain forest, credits bought from a wetland bank upstream in Eden Prairie, and early-winter tree clearing to protect the northern long-eared bat."},"what_next":{"text":"DNR plans to clear trees early in winter and build the Nine Mile Creek bridge over the winter of 2026-27","title":"Nine Mile Creek trail bridge construction"},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"bloomington-overdevelopment-neighborhood-protection-column","aliases":[],"title":"Column: Bloomington Neighborhoods Need Protection Against Overdevelopment","pitch":"A Sun Current opinion column argues Bloomington needs stronger safeguards for existing neighborhoods as development pressure grows.","entities":["Bloomington","Sun Current"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/free/column-neighborhoods-need-protection-against-overdevelopment-in-bloomington/article_fd3f9fa4-bf4a-43af-98e4-f37e6eb1b698.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-29T14:08:43.190Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-29T14:08:43.190Z","status":"stale","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"A Sun Current Column Says Bloomington's Neighborhoods Need More Protection From Development","display_lede":"The City Council has approved the East Bloomington townhome project at the center of Pam Pommer's column on overdevelopment. The developer cut it from 33 units to 30, and the council rezoned the 6 lots on a 6–1 vote.","written_at":"2026-10-09T00:39:36.646Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-29T14:10:55.165Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T00:39:36.646Z","note":"The council approved the 86th and 87th Street rezoning on a 6–1 vote after the developer cut the project to 30 units, lowered the roof line and widened the setbacks."},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"national-night-out-2026-bloomington","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington Marks National Night Out With Roughly 250 Block Parties","pitch":"The Mayor proclaimed Aug. 4, 2026 National Night Out in Bloomington, with Police Chief Hargis encouraging residents to attend one of about 250 neighborhood block parties planned citywide.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","Police Chief Hargis","National Night Out"],"evidence":["council:PNA06ZFAbso:3"],"started_at":"2026-08-04T21:12:28.132Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-08-04T21:12:28.132Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/PNA06ZFAbso-3.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNA06ZFAbso&t=206s"},"display_title":"Mayor Proclaims Aug. 4 National Night Out as Bloomington Plans About 250 Block Parties","display_lede":"Bloomington's 2026 National Night Out was Aug. 4, and about 250 block parties were planned across the city. Registration for police and fire visits next year opens in early June.","written_at":"2026-10-09T00:37:19.712Z","first_written_at":"2026-08-04T21:16:18.846Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T00:37:19.712Z","note":"The Aug. 4 parties are over. This version adds the city's details on party packets, the VEAP food drive and how this year's roughly 250 parties compare with the usual 325 or more."},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall","event_when":"Aug. 4","event_end":"2026-08-04"},{"id":"nine-mile-creek-corridor-renewal-project","aliases":["nine-mile-creek-tree-removal-controversy"],"title":"Council Advances Nine Mile Creek Restoration, Denies Environmental Review Petition","pitch":"Council voted 5-1 to deny a resident petition for further environmental review of the Nine Mile Creek project and awarded contracts to proceed with oak savanna restoration after two hours of public comment from roughly 30 speakers.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","Nine Mile Creek Corridor Renewal Project","Councilmember Rivas","Nine Mile Creek Corridor","Bloomington"],"evidence":["council:PNA06ZFAbso:0","council:PNA06ZFAbso:1","council:PNA06ZFAbso:2","strib-local:https://www.startribune.com/bloomington-nine-mile-creek-tree-removal/601865856"],"started_at":"2026-07-13T11:08:47.480Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-08-04T21:12:28.132Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/PNA06ZFAbso-1.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington City Council","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNA06ZFAbso&t=1469s"},"display_title":"Council Rejects New Environmental Review, Clears Way for Nine Mile Creek Restoration","display_lede":"Construction on the Nine Mile Creek corridor is underway. Moir/Central Park has been fully closed since Sept. 7, after the City Council turned down residents' petition for a new environmental review and approved about $17.4 million in restoration contracts.","written_at":"2026-10-09T00:36:00.225Z","first_written_at":"2026-08-04T21:15:12.955Z","updates_count":2,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T00:36:00.225Z","note":"Moir/Central Park closed entirely on Sept. 7 for major construction that runs through fall 2027. The contract awards are now spelled out: $12.8 million to Veit & Company and $4.6 million to Resource Environmental Solutions."},"what_next":{"text":"Major construction runs through fall 2027, when the park is expected to reopen; restoration management continues to late 2031","title":"Nine Mile Creek construction completion"},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"bloomington-water-sewer-infrastructure-project","aliases":[],"title":"City Works to Strengthen the System Beneath Bloomington's Streets","pitch":"Bloomington Public Works detailed ongoing efforts to reinforce underground water and sewer infrastructure.","entities":["Bloomington Public Works"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pw/briefing/strengthening-system-beneath-our-feet-2026-08-05"],"started_at":"2026-08-05T15:08:26.367Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-08-05T15:08:26.367Z","status":"stale","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Bloomington Lays New Sewer Line to Keep Up With Penn American Growth","display_lede":"Construction is underway on 13,330 feet of new 24-inch sanitary sewer under north central Bloomington. Public Works says the work, backed by $4 million in state bonding, will continue through 2027 to make room for denser development in the Penn American District.","written_at":"2026-10-09T00:33:27.875Z","first_written_at":"2026-08-05T17:12:43.584Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T00:33:27.875Z","note":"Public Works' Aug. 5 briefing says construction is underway and will continue into 2027. This version adds that the new line connects with 800 feet of pipe laid on Fremont Avenue in 2025, plus updated details on the Penn American District's 3 phases."},"what_next":{"text":"The city expects the North Central sewer line to be finished in fall 2027.","title":"North Central sewer completion"},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"port-authority-economic-vision-2026-planning","aliases":[],"title":"Port Authority Sets Save-the-Date to Shape Bloomington's Economy for Next 20 Years","pitch":"The Bloomington Port Authority is inviting residents to help shape a long-range economic vision for the city's next two decades.","entities":["Bloomington Port Authority"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/port/briefing/save-date-shape-next-20-years-bloomingtons-economy-2026-08-05"],"started_at":"2026-08-05T15:08:26.367Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-08-05T15:08:26.367Z","status":"stale","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Port Authority Gathers Business Input on Bloomington's Next 20 Years of Economic Growth","display_lede":"The Bloomington Business Forum met October 7 at Civic Plaza, where the Port Authority asked business owners and residents to help shape the city's economic development strategy for the next 2 decades.","written_at":"2026-10-09T00:31:47.154Z","first_written_at":"2026-08-05T17:11:01.277Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T00:31:47.154Z","note":"The forum took place October 7 at Civic Plaza, so this story no longer announces an upcoming event. We've added the 5 Hatch Bloomington Loves Local winners, who split $124,000, and the city's existing 2025–2030 strategic plan."},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-home-energy-workshop","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington to Host Home Energy Workshop","pitch":"The city of Bloomington is offering free Home Energy Squad visits to help residents cut energy costs before Aug. 31.","entities":["Bloomington","Home Energy Squad"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/psa/home-energy-workshop-in-bloomington/article_fdf5b388-3789-4bf6-8845-f623545bc6cf.html","city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/cob/briefing/cut-energy-costs-free-home-energy-squadr-visit-august-31-2026-08-05"],"started_at":"2026-07-26T16:08:57.981Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-08-05T15:08:26.367Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/cited/b8c0caab18e65f71.png","hero_credit":{"source":"Center for Energy and Environment","url":"https://www.mncee.org/programs-bloomington-residents"},"display_title":"Bloomington Residents Have Until Aug. 31 to Book a Free Home Energy Checkup","display_lede":"Bloomington's free Home Energy Squad window closed Aug. 31. Residents can still book the in-home energy audit at a city discount, which CEE lists at $35 or $50 depending on the visit.","written_at":"2026-10-09T00:29:34.889Z","first_written_at":"2026-08-05T15:09:54.433Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T00:29:34.889Z","note":"The city's free-visit window has closed. Bloomington residents can still book discounted Home Energy Squad visits through CEE, and we've added the workshop's address, the CEE scheduling line and the city's loan options."},"weight":2,"section":"news"},{"id":"bloomington-lawn-street-corner-signs-rules","aliases":[],"title":"City Explains Rules on Lawn and Street Corner Signs","pitch":"Bloomington published guidance for residents on what's allowed for signs on lawns and street corners, timely with the primary election approaching.","entities":["Bloomington","Community Development"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/cd/briefing/understanding-lawn-and-street-corner-signs-2026-08-05"],"started_at":"2026-08-05T23:08:34.600Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-08-05T23:08:34.600Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/cited/8ea7cf7e8e0af04c.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington MN","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/cd/briefing/understanding-lawn-and-street-corner-signs-2026-08-05"},"display_title":"Bloomington Spells Out the Rules Before Yard Signs Start Sprouting","display_lede":"With the November 3 general election under 4 weeks away, campaign signs can stay on Bloomington lawns until November 13 under state law. The city's other sign limits, on everything from placement to bandit signs, still apply.","written_at":"2026-10-09T00:28:03.963Z","first_written_at":"2026-08-05T23:12:30.658Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T00:28:03.963Z","note":"Under state law, campaign signs can stay on Bloomington lawns until November 13, 10 days after the November 3 general election, not just through late August as the previous version said."},"what_next":{"text":"Election signs can stay up through November 13, 10 days after the November 3 general election","title":"Election sign window closes","date":"2026-11-13"},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"grand-avenue-cannabis-facility-hearing-preview","aliases":[],"title":"Cannabis Facility, More Townhomes on Tap for Aug. 20 Planning Hearings","pitch":"Bloomington's Planning Commission previewed two Aug. 20 public hearings: a conditional use permit for a cannabis manufacturing/cultivation facility at 9130 Grand Avenue South, and a 9-unit detached townhome rezoning.","entities":["Bloomington Planning Commission","9130 Grand Avenue South"],"evidence":["planning:KvGsSuyW0_w:3"],"started_at":"2026-08-07T21:08:29.774Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-08-07T21:08:29.774Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/KvGsSuyW0_w-3.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington (YouTube)","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvGsSuyW0_w&t=5499s"},"display_title":"No Published Decision Yet on Grand Avenue Cannabis Grow Site as James Avenue Townhome Plan Stalls","display_lede":"The 9-lot James Avenue townhome plan goes back to the Bloomington City Council on Oct. 12. Council members tabled it in September and asked staff for tighter construction rules. The outcome of the cannabis grow site hearing noticed for Aug. 20 at 9130 Grand Ave. S. still isn't on the public record.","written_at":"2026-10-09T00:26:31.197Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-04T16:30:12.708Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T00:26:31.197Z","note":"The council's Oct. 12 return to the James Avenue plan is 3 days away. When it tabled the plan, the council asked staff for clearer construction management rules and options to address shadowing and design fit."},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"bloomington-planning-commission-new-officers-2026","aliases":[],"title":"Planning Commission Elects New Officers, Debates Public Testimony Time Limits","pitch":"Bloomington's Planning Commission elected Kevin Cunningham as chair for 2026-27 and considered — but declined — a fixed minimum time limit for public testimony at meetings.","entities":["Bloomington Planning Commission","Kevin Cunningham","Abdi Isaac","Shante Brown","Commissioner Munster"],"evidence":["planning:KvGsSuyW0_w:0","planning:KvGsSuyW0_w:1"],"started_at":"2026-08-07T21:08:29.774Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-08-07T21:08:29.774Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/KvGsSuyW0_w-0.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvGsSuyW0_w&t=4849s"},"display_title":"Kevin Cunningham elected Planning Commission chair; commission drops push for a fixed public-comment time","display_lede":"Bloomington's Planning Commission has its 2026-27 leaders, with Kevin Cunningham as chair. Each chair will still set how long residents can speak at that meeting, and with the October 15 meeting canceled, the first meeting under the new leadership will be October 29.","written_at":"2026-10-09T00:22:05.294Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-04T16:25:57.463Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-09T00:22:05.294Z","note":"The city has canceled the Planning Commission's October 15 meeting, so the new officers' first regular meeting is now October 29. The withdrawn proposal is also clearer now: the City Council model commissioners pointed to gives speakers 3 minutes by default, and the chair can extend it."},"what_next":{"text":"The Planning Commission meets next on October 29, after the city canceled its October 15 meeting.","title":"Planning Commission meeting","date":"2026-10-29","time":"6 p.m.","place":"Council Chambers, Civic Plaza"},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"parks-rec-new-registration-system","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington Parks and Recreation switching to new registration system","pitch":"The parks and recreation department is rolling out a new system for program and activity registration.","entities":["Bloomington Parks and Recreation"],"evidence":["city-news:https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pr/briefing/new-registration-system-coming-bloomington-parks-and-recreation-2026-09-30"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/city-of-bloomington-logo-v3.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington Parks and Recreation","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/pr/parks-and-recreation-department"},"display_title":"Bloomington Parks and Rec moves sign-ups to a new system called Rec in January","display_lede":"Bloomington Parks and Recreation will switch to a new online platform called Rec for program registration, facility reservations and passes in January 2027. The city repeated the plan on September 30 and still hasn't said how existing accounts will move over.","written_at":"2026-10-08T23:51:51.011Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-04T18:15:17.301Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-08T23:51:51.011Z","note":"On September 30 the city announced the January switch to Rec a second time, but it still hasn't said how existing WebTrac household accounts will carry over."},"what_next":{"text":"Rec replaces WebTrac for Parks and Rec registration in January 2027; the city says launch details will come in the Briefing"},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"centerpoint-networked-geothermal-pilot","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington a Finalist for CenterPoint Networked Geothermal Pilot","pitch":"CenterPoint Energy told the City Council that a Bloomington site near Civic Plaza is one of three finalists for a state-funded networked geothermal heating and cooling pilot.","entities":["CenterPoint Energy","Bloomington City Council","Civic Plaza","Natural Gas Innovation Act"],"evidence":["council:CPRpPa9ETlw:4"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T16:22:56.344Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T16:22:56.344Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/CPRpPa9ETlw-4.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPRpPa9ETlw&t=3106s"},"display_title":"Bloomington Is One of 3 Finalists for CenterPoint's Networked Geothermal Pilot","display_lede":"CenterPoint Energy is down to 3 possible sites for its state-funded pilot that would heat and cool buildings from underground. One of the 3 is in Bloomington.","written_at":"2026-10-08T23:47:31.716Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T09:08:58.748Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-08T23:47:31.716Z","note":"CenterPoint told the council it cut 84 candidate sites in 42 communities down to 3, and that the Bloomington finalist could serve Civic Plaza."},"what_next":{"text":"CenterPoint to pick 1 of 3 finalist sites for the pilot; no date announced"},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"just-for-kicks-fd2-athletic-training-ordinance","aliases":[],"title":"Zoning Change Opens FD-2 District to Dance Studio, Athletic Training Facilities","pitch":"The City Council unanimously adopted a privately initiated ordinance making athletic training facilities a permitted use in the FD-2 Freeway Development district, clearing the way for Just for Kicks at 1321 American Boulevard.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","Just for Kicks","1321 American Boulevard"],"evidence":["council:CPRpPa9ETlw:1"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T16:22:56.344Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T16:22:56.344Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/CPRpPa9ETlw-1.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington (council video)","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPRpPa9ETlw&t=1522s"},"display_title":"Dance Studio Gets the OK as Council Opens FD-2 Zone to Athletic Training","display_lede":"Just for Kix, a children's dance studio, now has a legal path forward. The City Council unanimously made athletic training facilities a permitted use in the FD-2 Freeway Development district.","written_at":"2026-10-08T23:44:55.621Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T08:11:18.815Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-08T23:44:55.621Z","note":"We've added where the studio is headed: an 8,790-square-foot space at 1321 American Boulevard. We also added that property company AEY Associates, LLC was a co-applicant on the case."},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"fitness-sports-facility-zoning-update","aliases":[],"title":"City Weighs Letting Gyms and Sports Facilities Into Industrial Zones","pitch":"Planning staff proposed merging health club and sports training uses into one 'fitness and sports facility' category, with a 10,000-square-foot threshold governing where they're allowed, including industrial districts.","entities":["Bloomington Planning Commission","City of Bloomington"],"evidence":["planning:ONVP6mUQDC8:2"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T16:22:56.344Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T16:22:56.344Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/ONVP6mUQDC8-2.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONVP6mUQDC8&t=2482s"},"display_title":"Bloomington Weighs One 'Fitness and Sports Facility' Category, With Smaller Gyms Allowed in Industrial Zones","display_lede":"City planning staff want to merge health clubs and sports training facilities into a single zoning use. Gyms under 10,000 square feet could open in any industrial district, and bigger ones would face a location test. It's still a proposal, and nobody has voted on it.","written_at":"2026-10-08T23:43:27.183Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T08:09:46.916Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-08T23:43:27.183Z","note":"Staff's proposal would require gyms over 10,000 square feet in industrial districts to be adjacent to certain areas, though the city hasn't said which ones yet. Separately, the Just for Kix FD-2 request had its Planning Commission hearing on September 3 and was scheduled for a council hearing on September 28."},"what_next":{"text":"Staff to publish draft ordinance language for the combined fitness and sports facility use, then hearings and a council vote"},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"riverview-ramp-remote-airport-parking","aliases":[],"title":"Planning Commission Approves 490 Remote Airport Parking Spaces in RiverView Ramp","pitch":"The Planning Commission voted 5-0 to grant a conditional use permit (PL2026-00156) for up to 490 shuttle-served airport parking spaces in the rehabbed RiverView parking structure at 3601 American Blvd E.","entities":["Bloomington Planning Commission","RiverView parking structure","3601 American Blvd E","Crowne Plaza"],"evidence":["planning:ONVP6mUQDC8:0","planning:ONVP6mUQDC8:1"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T16:22:56.344Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T16:22:56.344Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/ONVP6mUQDC8-0.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington Planning Commission","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONVP6mUQDC8&t=180s"},"display_title":"Planning Commission OKs 490 Airport Parking Spaces in Rehabbed RiverView Ramp","display_lede":"In a 5-0 vote, the Bloomington Planning Commission granted a conditional use permit for up to 490 shuttle-served airport parking spaces in the RiverView ramp. A parking study found the ramp still has spare room after that. The sources don't say whether any further city step remains.","written_at":"2026-10-08T23:41:36.125Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T08:08:21.397Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-08T23:41:36.125Z","note":"A parking study found the RiverView ramp keeps surplus capacity even with 490 spaces set aside for airport travelers. City staff tied the ramp's unsafe areas to crumbling concrete, and the owner already runs 4 shuttles."},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"bloomington-council-zoning-ordinance-updates","aliases":[],"title":"Council Directs Staff on Six Proposed Zoning Ordinance Updates","pitch":"The Bloomington City Council voted 5-0 to adopt the 2026 miscellaneous zoning ordinances: technical fixes A–J and L–Q, including sheep grazing and new medium-density housing types, plus policy updates R–V on cannabis odor mitigation, auto detailing, trailer parking and tree preservation.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","Zoning Ordinance","City Code Chapter 21"],"evidence":["council:llIlw4ZQFtc:4","council:CPRpPa9ETlw:2","council:CPRpPa9ETlw:3"],"started_at":"2026-07-08T17:11:38.849Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T16:22:56.344Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/llIlw4ZQFtc-4.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llIlw4ZQFtc&t=3676s"},"display_title":"Council Adopts Odor Rules for Cannabis Growers, Opens More Zones to Car Detailing","display_lede":"Bloomington's 2026 zoning cleanup is now law. The City Council voted 5-0 on both halves of the package. It requires odor control at cannabis grow and processing sites near homes, lets car detailers into more districts and adds sheep to the grazing list alongside goats.","written_at":"2026-10-08T23:40:33.967Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-10T12:09:15.539Z","updates_count":2,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-08T23:40:33.967Z","note":"The adopted technical ordinances also reclassify airport hotel parking as an accessory use in several districts. This version adds that change and covers the council study session where the 6 updates started."},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"south-loop-height-intensity-standards-study","aliases":[],"title":"City to Study South Loop Building Height and Density Standards","pitch":"Planning staff said a review of building height and development intensity standards specific to the South Loop District is coming later this year.","entities":["Bloomington Planning Commission","South Loop District","City of Bloomington"],"evidence":["planning:ONVP6mUQDC8:3"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T19:08:19.866Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T19:08:19.866Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/ONVP6mUQDC8-3.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington Planning Commission","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONVP6mUQDC8&t=4869s"},"display_title":"Bloomington's South Loop height and density rules get their own review","display_lede":"Planning staff expect to bring their review of building height and development intensity rules for the South Loop to the Planning Commission. It's a separate study from the citywide height changes adopted earlier this year.","written_at":"2026-10-08T23:39:06.813Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T18:20:01.441Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-08T23:39:06.813Z","note":"Planning staff have given the South Loop height and intensity review a target. They expect to bring it to the Planning Commission in late fall."},"what_next":{"text":"Staff expects to bring the South Loop height and intensity review to the Planning Commission in late fall"},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"civic-plaza-security-upgrades-contract","aliases":[],"title":"Council to Approve Contract for Civic Plaza Security Upgrades","pitch":"The City Council's Oct. 12 agenda included a contract for security upgrades at Civic Plaza.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","Civic Plaza"],"evidence":["agenda:1963"],"started_at":"2026-10-08T17:09:23.781Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-08T17:09:23.781Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/b3e5b7222621991e.68c9df28.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington City Council","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkSUFeBTehg"},"display_title":"Civic Plaza security upgrade contract heads to council on Oct. 12, with no price posted yet","display_lede":"4 days before the vote, the City Council's Oct. 12 agenda still lists a contract for security upgrades at Civic Plaza by title only. It doesn't name a vendor, a price or what the work covers. The item is on the consent agenda, so it could pass without any discussion.","written_at":"2026-10-08T23:37:36.310Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-08T17:12:48.415Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-08T23:37:36.310Z","note":"As of Thursday, the city still hadn't posted the contractor, cost or scope for the Civic Plaza security contract. This version adds how to watch the meeting and how to comment before the vote."},"what_next":{"text":"City Council votes on the Civic Plaza security contract as part of the consent agenda at 6:30 p.m.","date":"2026-10-12","title":"Council vote on Civic Plaza security contract","time":"6:30 p.m.","place":"Council Chambers, Civic Plaza"},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"2027-pavement-management-program-street-reconstruction","aliases":[],"title":"Council Orders Feasibility Report for 2027 Street Reconstruction Program","pitch":"On Oct. 12 the City Council took up a resolution ordering a feasibility report for the 2027-101 Pavement Management Program street reconstruction.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","Pavement Management Program","City of Bloomington"],"evidence":["agenda:1963"],"started_at":"2026-10-08T17:09:23.781Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-08T17:09:23.781Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/CPRpPa9ETlw-dais.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington City Council","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPRpPa9ETlw"},"display_title":"Council to Order Feasibility Report for 2027 Street Rebuilds","display_lede":"Bloomington's 2027 street rebuilds start on paper Monday, when a feasibility report order sits as item 3.1 on the City Council's consent agenda. The street list still isn't public. Later the same night, the council holds a public hearing on what owners along this year's rebuilt streets will be assessed.","written_at":"2026-10-08T23:36:14.268Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-08T17:11:24.441Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-08T23:36:14.268Z","note":"The posted agenda puts the 2027 feasibility order on consent as item 3.1 and confirms the public hearing on the 2026-101 assessment roll for the same night as item 4.1. It still doesn't name any 2027 streets."},"what_next":{"text":"Council votes on ordering the 2027-101 PMP feasibility report as consent item 3.1","date":"2026-10-12","title":"Council vote on 2027 street reconstruction study","time":"6:30 p.m.","place":"Council Chambers, Civic Plaza"},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall","event_when":"Monday, October 12, 6:30 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-12"},{"id":"bloomington-bonds-early-redemption-2026","aliases":[],"title":"Council to Pay Off Four Bond Series Early","pitch":"The Council's Oct. 12 agenda included resolutions authorizing full optional redemption of the Series 50, 2016C, 51 and 2019A bonds.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","City of Bloomington"],"evidence":["agenda:1963"],"started_at":"2026-10-08T23:09:14.675Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-08T23:09:14.675Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/pkSUFeBTehg-dais.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington City Council","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkSUFeBTehg"},"display_title":"Bloomington Council Set to Approve Paying Off 4 City Bond Series Early","display_lede":"The City Council is set on Monday, Oct. 12, to authorize paying off 4 bond series early: Series 50, 2016C and 51, which funded city improvement projects, and Series 2019A, which paid for work at Bloomington Ice Garden. Together the 4 series were originally issued for about $18.2 million, but the agenda doesn't say how much is still owed.","written_at":"2026-10-08T23:33:06.044Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-08T23:14:40.221Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-08T23:33:06.044Z","note":"City disclosure documents show what the 4 bond series paid for and how big they were: 3 funded city improvement projects and 1 went to Bloomington Ice Garden, together originally worth about $18.2 million. The longest-running series wasn't due to be paid off until 2037."},"what_next":{"text":"City Council considers the redemption resolutions on its consent agenda","date":"2026-10-12","title":"Council vote on early bond redemption","time":"6:30 p.m.","place":"Council Chambers, Civic Plaza"},"weight":3,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"84th-street-pedestrian-bridge-rehabilitation","aliases":[],"title":"Council to Amend Design Contract for 84th Street Pedestrian Bridge Rehab, 106th Street Bridge Work","pitch":"The Council's Oct. 12 agenda included a first amendment to the Kimley-Horn agreement for the 84th Street pedestrian bridge rehabilitation and 106th Street bridge preservation design.","entities":["Bloomington City Council","Kimley-Horn and Associates","84th Street Pedestrian Bridge","106th Street Bridge"],"evidence":["agenda:1963"],"started_at":"2026-10-08T23:09:14.675Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-08T23:09:14.675Z","status":"live","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/council/CPRpPa9ETlw-dais.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Bloomington City Council","url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPRpPa9ETlw"},"display_title":"Council to Amend Kimley-Horn Design Deal for 84th Street Pedestrian Bridge and 106th Street Bridge Work","display_lede":"A change to the engineering contract for 2 Bloomington bridge projects is on the City Council's consent agenda for Oct. 12. Crews have already set up at the 84th Street footbridge, which comes out overnight Oct. 15 so its retaining walls can be rebuilt through early winter.","written_at":"2026-10-08T23:31:10.246Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-08T23:12:43.488Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-08T23:31:10.246Z","note":"The city now says the 84th Street footbridge is being pulled out on Oct. 15 so crews can replace the retaining walls next to it, starting the week of Oct. 19 and running into early winter. The amendment's cost still isn't in the published agenda."},"what_next":{"text":"84th Street closes 7 p.m.–6 a.m. for overnight removal of the pedestrian bridge","date":"2026-10-15","title":"84th Street closure for bridge removal","time":"7 p.m.–6 a.m.","place":"84th Street between Normandale Lake Blvd. and Norman Center Drive"},"weight":2,"section":"cityhall"},{"id":"hennepin-county-attorney-primary-voters-guide","aliases":[],"title":"Primary Voters Guide: Meet the Hennepin County Attorney Candidates","pitch":"A voters guide profiles candidates in the Hennepin County Attorney primary ahead of the Aug. 11 election.","entities":["Hennepin County Attorney","Primary Election"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/free/primary-voters-guide-meet-the-hennepin-county-attorney-primary-candidates/article_0fd8d18a-fc6d-4f30-a3af-2884ca7c3654.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-15T22:09:21.769Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-15T22:09:21.769Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/fa08c77ebd13d1c7.8239ff4e.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/elections"},"display_title":"It's Frazier vs. Folk: Hennepin County Attorney Race Narrows to Two for Nov. 3","display_lede":"Cedrick Frazier and Anders Folk came out of the Aug. 11 primary as the 2 finalists to replace Mary Moriarty as Hennepin County's top prosecutor. Voters pick between them on Nov. 3.","written_at":"2026-10-08T23:29:37.299Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-17T14:49:12.271Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-08T23:29:37.299Z","note":"The primary is over. Cedrick Frazier and Anders Folk took the top 2 spots in a field of 5 and will face each other on Nov. 3. Krenz, Nguyen and Pelikan are out."},"what_next":{"text":"General election: Frazier vs. Folk, polls open 7 a.m.–8 p.m.","date":"2026-11-03","title":"Election Day: Frazier vs. Folk","time":"7 a.m.–8 p.m.","place":"Your polling place"},"weight":4,"section":"news"},{"id":"us-house-district-5-primary-voters-guide","aliases":[],"title":"Primary Voters Guide: GOP and DFL Candidates for U.S. House, District 5","pitch":"A voters guide profiles the crowded field of candidates seeking Ilhan Omar's U.S. House District 5 seat ahead of the August primary.","entities":["U.S. House District 5","Ilhan Omar","Primary Election"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/free/primary-voters-guide-meet-the-gop-and-dfl-candidates-for-u-s-house-district-5/article_9ecdfc0e-4199-4e0e-8d06-0ed64be6f4cd.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/psa/primary-voters-guide-meet-the-gop-and-dfl-candidates-for-u-s-house-district-5/article_9ecdfc0e-4199-4e0e-8d06-0ed64be6f4cd.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-21T00:09:29.598Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-22T20:08:45.929Z","status":"stale","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Omar and Nagel Win District 5 Primaries, Setting Up 3-Way November Race","display_lede":"Ilhan Omar took more than 80% of the DFL primary vote and John Nagel won the Republican primary. Both now head to a November ballot that also includes independent DeVelle L. Jackson.","written_at":"2026-10-08T23:27:17.131Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-22T20:11:25.642Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-08T23:27:17.131Z","note":"The primary is over. Omar won the DFL nomination with 80.71%, and John Nagel beat the GOP-endorsed Dalia Al-Aqidi, 52.16% to 26.17%. Both advance to November alongside independent DeVelle L. Jackson."},"what_next":{"text":"Omar, Nagel and independent DeVelle L. Jackson face off in the November general election"},"weight":4,"section":"news"},{"id":"mn-3rd-congressional-district-primary-voters-guide","aliases":[],"title":"Primary Voters Guide: Two Republicans on Ballot in 3rd Congressional District","pitch":"A voters guide profiles the two Republicans on the ballot for Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District, which includes Bloomington, ahead of the Aug. 11 primary.","entities":["3rd Congressional District","Primary Election","Bloomington"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/psa/primary-voters-guide-2-republicans-on-ballot-in-3rd-congressional-district/article_4d2d4e2a-4fd9-4bfe-aa4d-047729c12506.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-23T14:08:40.899Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-07-23T14:08:40.899Z","status":"stale","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Tyler Bass Wins GOP Primary, Will Face Kelly Morrison in the 3rd District","display_lede":"Small-business owner Tyler Bass beat attorney Quentin Wittrock in the Aug. 11 Republican primary for Minnesota's 3rd Congressional District. He now faces first-term DFL Rep. Kelly Morrison on Nov. 3.","written_at":"2026-10-08T23:24:33.033Z","first_written_at":"2026-07-23T14:11:11.236Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-08T23:24:33.033Z","note":"Tyler Bass won the Aug. 11 Republican primary over Quentin Wittrock, 55.43% to 44.57% in unofficial returns. This version adds the result and lays out where Bass and Morrison stand going into November."},"what_next":{"text":"General election: Bass vs. Rep. Kelly Morrison","date":"2026-11-03","title":"Election Day: Bass vs. Morrison","place":"Your polling place"},"weight":4,"section":"news"},{"id":"senate-district-50-primary-voters-guide","aliases":[],"title":"Primary Voters Guide: 4 DFL Candidates Vie for Senate District 50 Nod","pitch":"Four DFL candidates are seeking their party's endorsement in the Senate District 50 primary, covering parts of Edina and Bloomington, ahead of the Aug. 11 primary.","entities":["Senate District 50","Minnesota Legislature","Primary Election","Karla Hult"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/free/primary-voters-guide-4-dfl-candidates-seek-approval-in-senate-district-50-primary/article_37f07252-54cb-402e-a63b-4e8002e5e72b.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/letter-karla-hult-is-the-right-fit-for-senate-district-50/article_cbc19d0c-8f8c-4e14-8bdb-f1b2295218ae.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/psa/letter-former-edina-mayor-for-hult/article_7b478591-a9b6-45e7-95ac-c75394fd944c.html","sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/some-candidates-face-their-first-test-next-week/article_e07c60ab-dc0f-4f18-bc2b-173c49b2c8fb.html"],"started_at":"2026-07-16T05:09:00.077Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-08-06T15:08:37.754Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/464f87a691646d97.8239ff4e.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"City of Bloomington","url":"https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/elections"},"display_title":"Karla Hult Wins 4-Way DFL Primary for Senate District 50, Will Face Owen Michaelson Nov. 3","display_lede":"Karla Hult took nearly 59% of the vote in the Aug. 11 DFL primary for the open Senate District 50 seat, which covers western Bloomington and parts of Edina. She faces Republican Owen Michaelson on Nov. 3.","written_at":"2026-10-08T23:22:24.416Z","first_written_at":"2026-08-06T15:11:58.477Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-08T23:22:24.416Z","note":"Karla Hult won the 4-way DFL primary by a wide margin and will face Republican Owen Michaelson in November. This version also adds a former Edina mayor's endorsement letter."},"what_next":{"text":"Hult faces Republican Owen Michaelson in the Nov. 3 general election","date":"2026-11-03","title":"Election Day: Hult vs. Michaelson","place":"Your polling place"},"weight":4,"section":"news"},{"id":"hennepin-county-2027-budget-levy","aliases":[],"title":"Hennepin County proposes $2.99B 2027 budget with levy increase","pitch":"Hennepin County Administrator Jodi Wentland presented a smaller $2.993 billion 2027 budget paired with a proposed property tax levy increase.","entities":["Hennepin County","Jodi Wentland","Hennepin County Board"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/community/bloomington/hennepin-county-hears-proposed-2027-budget-tax-levy-increase/article_35765226-1705-4d79-a6c5-c4cc4d2af182.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/hennepin-county-logo.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Hennepin County","url":"https://www.hennepin.us/"},"display_title":"Hennepin County's 2027 budget shrinks by $167M, but the property tax levy could rise 8.15%","display_lede":"Hennepin commissioners are now reviewing the county's smaller $2.993 billion 2027 budget one department at a time, with the levy capped at an 8.15% increase. If the full increase holds, it would be the county's biggest levy jump in 11 years.","written_at":"2026-10-08T22:51:12.335Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T04:13:53.156Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-08T22:51:12.335Z","note":"We added the county's breakdown of where the $92 million levy increase would go and the fact that 8.15% would be an 11-year high. Fernando's $129-a-year estimate for a median Minneapolis home is also new, and the hearings on public safety, the County Attorney's Office and the Sheriff's Office are now underway."},"what_next":{"text":"Budget hearing on Resident Services and Operations, noon","date":"2026-10-19","title":"County budget hearing: Resident Services and Operations","time":"noon"},"weight":5,"section":"cityhall","event_when":"Hearings through Oct. 26; public meeting Dec. 1","event_end":"2026-12-01"},{"id":"three-rivers-district-5-commissioner-race","aliases":[],"title":"Gibbs, Rasmussen vie for Three Rivers Park District 5 seat","pitch":"Incumbent John Gibbs faces challenger Dan Rasmussen for the Three Rivers Park District commissioner seat that includes Bloomington.","entities":["John Gibbs","Dan Rasmussen","Three Rivers Park District"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/voters-guide-voters-to-choose-three-rivers-district-5-commissioner/article_2518b760-81b3-484a-a2dc-059cfe488ba6.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","status":"archived","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/file/race-three-rivers-park-district-5.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Voter guide: Three Rivers Park District, Commissioner District 5","url":"https://bloomingtonai.com/elections/three-rivers-park-district-5"},"display_title":"Three Rivers District 5: Longtime chair John Gibbs faces Bloomington parent and trail user Dan Rasmussen","display_lede":"Bloomington voters will choose a Three Rivers Park District commissioner on Nov. 3. Board chair John Gibbs, who says park visits have more than doubled during his 15 years in the seat, faces Dan Rasmussen, a park volunteer who wants new spending to clear a 4-question test.","written_at":"2026-10-08T22:49:17.104Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-04T18:10:23.087Z","updates_count":1,"latest_update":{"at":"2026-10-08T22:49:17.104Z","note":"The candidates' full answers are now out. Gibbs says park visits have more than doubled to over 16 million a year during his time on the board, and Rasmussen adds a 4th question about partnerships and outside funding for new projects, plus a push for land preservation."},"what_next":{"text":"Voters choose the District 5 commissioner in the Nov. 3 general election","date":"2026-11-03","title":"Election Day: Gibbs vs. Rasmussen","place":"Your polling place"},"weight":3,"section":"news"},{"id":"girl-scouts-river-valleys-bloomington-open-house","aliases":[],"title":"Girl Scouts River Valleys hosts open house in Bloomington","pitch":"Girl Scouts River Valleys is holding an open house in Bloomington for children interested in joining the Girl Scout program.","entities":["Girl Scouts River Valleys","Bloomington"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/girls-scouts-open-house-in-bloomington/article_4e1a26e7-9c46-42d4-8f4e-3f2220d54a7f.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-05T04:08:37.541Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-05T04:08:37.541Z","status":"stale","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/3cc30832aab33e7f.jpg","hero_credit":{"source":"Girl Scouts River Valleys","url":"https://www.girlscoutsrv.org/en/get-involved/become-a-girl-scout.html"},"display_title":"Girl Scouts open house tonight at Penn Lake Library","display_lede":"Girl Scouts River Valleys is holding a try-it-out evening in Bloomington on Monday, Oct. 5, for kids curious about joining a troop. Local Scouts will be there, and there's a membership discount for families who sign up.","written_at":"2026-10-05T18:22:04.369Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T18:22:04.369Z","updates_count":0,"weight":1,"section":"activities","event_when":"Monday, Oct. 5, 6–7:15 p.m.","event_end":"2026-10-05"},{"id":"pepsi-nfl-helmets-mall-of-america","aliases":[],"title":"Pepsi NFL Helmets at Mall of America","pitch":"Pepsi NFL Helmets is on the Mall of America events calendar — what it is, when it runs, and what it costs.","entities":["Mall of America","Pepsi NFL Helmets"],"evidence":["moa:31822"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:44.011Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:44.011Z","status":"archived","section":"activities","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/story/e9adab995126b77e.png","hero_credit":{"source":"Mall of America","url":"https://www.mallofamerica.com/events/view/31822"},"display_title":"Last call: Giant NFL helmets for all 32 teams leave Mall of America's Atrium Oct. 8","display_lede":"Pepsi's oversized helmet display has been up since late August. You have until Thursday to find your team's helmet, take the photo and argue about the uniforms.","written_at":"2026-10-05T06:09:31.681Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T06:09:31.681Z","updates_count":0,"what_next":{"text":"The Pepsi NFL Helmets display closes in the Mall of America Atrium on Oct. 8.","date":"2026-10-08","title":"Pepsi NFL Helmets display closes","time":"Through Oct. 8","place":"Mall of America Atrium"},"weight":1,"event_when":"Through Oct. 8","event_end":"2026-10-08"},{"id":"bloomington-weather-week-of-october-5-2026","aliases":[],"title":"One soaking, then a dry stretch: Bloomington's week ends quiet, with a 79° Tuesday ahead","pitch":"Almost all of last week's rain fell on a single Tuesday, and the rest of the week was mild and calm. This week opens sunny, and Tuesday could reach 79°.","entities":["Weather","Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport","National Weather Service","Bloomington"],"evidence":[],"started_at":"2026-10-05T05:13:33.030Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-05T05:13:33.030Z","status":"stale","section":"weather","wx":"weekly","hero":"https://api.bloomingtonai.com/media/wx/bloomington-weather-week-of-october-5-2026.jpg","hero_credit":null,"display_title":"One soaking, then a dry stretch: Bloomington's week ends quiet, with a 79° Tuesday ahead","display_lede":"Almost all of last week's rain fell on a single Tuesday, and the rest of the week was mild and calm. This week opens sunny, and Tuesday could reach 79°.","written_at":"2026-10-05T05:13:33.030Z","first_written_at":"2026-10-05T05:13:33.030Z","updates_count":0,"weight":2},{"id":"mental-health-awareness-music-festival","aliases":[],"title":"Bloomington hosts mental health awareness music festival","pitch":"A music festival focused on mental health awareness takes place in Bloomington this weekend.","entities":["Bloomington"],"evidence":["sun-current:https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_current/psa/mental-health-awareness-festival-in-bloomington/article_c5be492b-9318-4d80-a465-a055878aaae0.html"],"started_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","last_evidence_at":"2026-10-04T12:44:43.965Z","status":"stale","hero":null,"hero_credit":null,"display_title":"Free mental health music festival takes over Central Station Park Sunday","display_lede":"The Wellness Experience Festival brings live music, yoga, sound baths and family activities to Central Station Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4. 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