An unexpected surge in new students has created a split personality of sorts for Minneapolis Public Schools - closed schools in the North Side, overcrowded schools with waiting lists in the more affluent neighborhoods to the south, Corey Mitchell reports. The unpredictable changes means the school district has to modify its enrollment fix from 2009, and parents should expect that changes in school assignments are the constant, not the exception.
Strip clubs should do their part to help prevent sexual exploitation of minors, so goes the logic of a "pole tax" that City Attorney Susan Segal will propose as part of the city's legislative agenda, Eric Roper reports. So far, groups that stand to benefit aren't crazy about the idea.
The state made a million dollars in forgivable home repair loans available to victims of the May 22 tornado, but apparently no one made sure that people could actually borrow the money. So only five homeowners have gotten the loans, Randy Furst reports. A city survey also gave a clearer picture of the problems still remaining - nearly 500 homes have visible damage.
The graffiti and smashed windows of the abandoned government buildings surrounding Coldwater Spring make it a forbidding place for visitors, but this historic and for some, sacred, spot near Fort Snelling will be restored to a more natural and inviting place, Tom Meersman reports.
The 1st Cup Cafe has had more than its share of visits from city health inspectors, who have cited it for 84 violations during six inspections since last year. Yet the city will give it a chance to keep serving, after the owner agreed to improve his practices, Jane Friedmann of the Whistleblower team reports. Meanwhile, only healthy fare will be on the menu at City Hall after a split council approved a new policy designed to fight fat among city staff.
