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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Minneapolis, MN

Home Care Minneapolis, MN

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Milwaukee Avenue Historic District in Minneapolis, MN gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Minneapolis, MN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Minneapolis, MN

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care comes in to help my dad a shower at night. When the guy came out to interview, he was really good and helpful, but it was just hard to find someone to help with dad been a little bit bigger and heavier. They like the person that they had come out a couple of times. The caregiver is good.”

Gloria285054

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Minneapolis, MN?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Minneapolis, MN

Types of Elderly Care in Minneapolis, MN

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Minneapolis, MN
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Minneapolis, MN
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis, MN with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Minneapolis, MN
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Capital Grille or visit Hinkle-Murphy House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Minneapolis, MN

Benefits of Home Care in Minneapolis, MN

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Minneapolis, MN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Minneapolis, MN

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your MN's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Minneapolis, MN

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Minneapolis, MN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Minneapolis, MN

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Minneapolis, MN

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Jones-Harrison Senior Living
  • Angels Assisted Living Inc
  • The Pillars of Prospect Park
  • Minnehaha Senior Living
  • The Waters on 50th
  • Abiitan Mill City
Home Care Minneapolis, MN

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Minneapolis, MN

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Minneapolis, MN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Minneapolis, MN

Latest News in Minneapolis, MN

Vikings Say Goodbye to Young Offensive Lineman

Already, the Vikings saying goodbye to a particular offensive lineman is becoming a bit of a habit.Undrafted rookie Tristan Leigh got brought to the Twin Cities following the 2026 NFL Draft. He didn’t crack the 53-man roster but did find a home on the practice squad. What has followed has been the roster version of a yo-yo as Minnesota grinds the depth in search of the needed solutions as the season progresses. Per the team itself, Leigh has yet again been shown the door.Vikings Say Goodbye to Young OLConsider th...

Already, the Vikings saying goodbye to a particular offensive lineman is becoming a bit of a habit.

Undrafted rookie Tristan Leigh got brought to the Twin Cities following the 2026 NFL Draft. He didn’t crack the 53-man roster but did find a home on the practice squad. What has followed has been the roster version of a yo-yo as Minnesota grinds the depth in search of the needed solutions as the season progresses. Per the team itself, Leigh has yet again been shown the door.

Vikings Say Goodbye to Young OL

Consider the roster moves involving Minnesota and Leigh:

Been a wild ride, eh?

Moving on from him comes due to the need to create open room to re-sign Jihad Ward. The simple one-for-one math involves Brian Flores beefing up his side of the trenches while Kevin O’Connell gets a touch thinner on his side of the trenches.

The word on Leigh is that he’s an upside option coming off a poor college career. Or, at least, one that was somewhat disappointing since he arrived at Clemson with some promise and expectations.

A diamond in the rough, Leigh appears to be somebody worth investing in, albeit in a manner that’s away from the spotlight of Sunday pressure.

The Vikings currently boast a deep offensive tackle spot due to the presence of LT1 Christian Darrisaw alongside RT1 Brian O’Neill. Next up is OT3 Ryan Van Demark and rookie OT4 Caleb Tiernan, both of whom have been worked into the mix in Week 4 and Week 5 due to injuries opening the door to playing time.

Moving forward, Tristan Leigh is a name to remember since Minnesota has tipped its hand several times. The leadership evidently thinks he boasts some potential. Not so much that they won’t let him out of their sight but enough to bring him back if there’s an open slot.

Next up for Minnesota is a Week 7 game against the Indianapolis Colts.

How to Watch Iowa vs. Minnesota: TV Channel, Live Stream, Time - October 24, 2026

The No. 15 Iowa Hawkeyes travel to Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a CFB Week 8 Big 10 rivalry matchup on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. ET on FS1.Minnesota enters this game at 4-2 overall and has gone 3-1 at home this season, making Huntington Bank Stadium a reliable fortress through the first half of the schedule. The Golden Gophers are averaging 28.8 points per game and have posted a turnover margin of plus-1 on the season. After dropping their most recent c...

The No. 15 Iowa Hawkeyes travel to Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a CFB Week 8 Big 10 rivalry matchup on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. ET on FS1.

Minnesota enters this game at 4-2 overall and has gone 3-1 at home this season, making Huntington Bank Stadium a reliable fortress through the first half of the schedule. The Golden Gophers are averaging 28.8 points per game and have posted a turnover margin of plus-1 on the season. After dropping their most recent contest to fall into a one-game losing streak, Minnesota is motivated to protect home turf against a division opponent with legitimate Big 10 title aspirations.

Iowa arrives carrying a 5-1 record, good for sixth in its division. The Hawkeyes have been one of the more complete teams in the Big 10 this fall, averaging 31.0 points and 403.2 yards per game while holding opponents to just 87 points scored against them all season. The ground game has been especially productive, with Iowa rushing for 194 yards per game. The Hawkeyes have gone 2-0 on the road, and a victory on Saturday would sharpen their conference positioning heading into the second half of the year.

Below are the details on how to watch.

How to Watch Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers

Players To Watch

Minnesota's clearest path in this matchup runs through Drake Lindsey, because the Gophers have leaned far more on the pass than the run through six games. Lindsey leads Minnesota with 1,335 passing yards and 9 touchdown passes, and the team is averaging 236.5 passing yards per game compared with 104.8 rushing yards per game.

That puts him squarely against an Iowa defense that has been one of the sharper units in the conference. The Hawkeyes have allowed 14.5 points per game and rank 10th nationally with 19 sacks, so Lindsey's decision making and pocket management will matter from the opening series. Minnesota has allowed only 4 sacks all season, which makes this a clean strength on strength test. IF Lindsey handles pressure and keeps the offense on schedule at Huntington Bank Stadium on October 24, the Gophers can make this rivalry game feel tight deep into the afternoon.

When Minnesota needs balance, Darius Taylor is the player who can give the offense a different shape against Iowa. He leads the Gophers with 155 rushing yards and has also been active as a receiver with 154 receiving yards, a dual role that stands out for a team still searching for more production on the ground.

The matchup angle is straightforward. Minnesota ranks 129th in rushing yards per game at 104.8, so any lift from Taylor would ease the burden on Lindsey and help the Gophers avoid obvious passing downs against Iowa's pass rush. Taylor's value here is about versatility as much as volume, because touches in space can stress a defense differently than straight inside runs. IF he can turn short gains into chain-moving plays, Minnesota's offense has a better chance to control tempo and keep Iowa's defense from dictating the game.

In a game where explosive plays could swing field position fast, Jeremy Hecklinski stands out as another Iowa playmaker with proven production. His appeal in this matchup is tied to how Minnesota has played around the margins. The Gophers have forced 8 takeaways and recovered 7 fumbles, so ball security and composure are a real part of the assignment for any Iowa passer involved.

At the same time, Minnesota has committed 34 penalties, a sign that disciplined offense can create extra opportunities. Hecklinski is worth tracking because any meaningful snaps from him could change the rhythm of the game, and productive series from the Iowa quarterback would put stress on Minnesota's defense.

Learn more about Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers and check the full schedule on FOX Sports!

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Massive Minneapolis fire threatens oldest Dakota language archive in Minnesota

The BriefMINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Minneapolis fire crews are battling a massive three-alarm fire at a building on East Franklin Avenue on Sunday.Massive fire in MinneapolisWhat we know:Minneapolis fire crews responded around 4:03 p.m. to a fire at a commercial building at 1300 E. Franklin Ave., near the corner of East Franklin Avenue and 13th Avenue South.The building appears to be a former dollar store and officials said the structure still ...

The Brief

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Minneapolis fire crews are battling a massive three-alarm fire at a building on East Franklin Avenue on Sunday.

Massive fire in Minneapolis

What we know:

Minneapolis fire crews responded around 4:03 p.m. to a fire at a commercial building at 1300 E. Franklin Ave., near the corner of East Franklin Avenue and 13th Avenue South.

The building appears to be a former dollar store and officials said the structure still had heavy shelving and large amounts of store products inside – which made it difficult to reach the fire.

Two Minneapolis firefighters were hospitalized with minor burns and heat exhaustion while battling a three-alarm fire at a commercial building Sunday. Assistant Fire Chief Melanie Rucker said crews encountered heavy fire and a large volume of items inside before evacuating the building as conditions worsened and portions of the roof began collapsing.

What they're saying:

Fire crews entered the building after getting initial reports of "possibly unhoused" people fleeing the structure who may have set the fire. As the fire intensified, crews were forced to evacuate the building.

As fire crews tried to get out of the building, officials say some of the shelving fell, blocking two firefighters' exit and requiring a "may day" call.

Both firefighters were able to get out, but officials say they both suffered injuries. They were taken to a hospital for further evaluation and have since been released.

Local perspective:

The fire impacted two connecting buildings on the block. FOX 9 is told the neighboring building held Native American records that cannot be replaced.

"The oldest Dakota language archive in the state of Minnesota is in there," said Fawn Youngbear-Tibbets, the executive director of Wicoie Nandagikaden. "We've been working really hard to digitize it but not everything has been digitized yet."

Three-alarm fire called

Big picture view:

A second and third alarm were called to bring additional firefighters and equipment to the scene. Assistant Fire Chief Melanie Rucker said about 50 to 60 firefighters were at the scene late Sunday afternoon.

After the mayday call, firefighters battled the fire from the outside, using ladders to try to knock down the flames. Rucker told media members the roof had started to collapse during the afternoon hours.

What they're saying:

"The safety of our firefighters and our community is always our top priority," Rucker said. "Our crews responded quickly, acted courageously, and handled extremely dangerous conditions with professionalism."

Rucker said crews would be on scene through the evening on Sunday to deal with the fire.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Source: Information from the Minneapolis Fire Department.

Dogstar with special guest The Backfires The Fillmore, Minneapolis, MN | October 23, 2026

This is yet another show I went to knowing very little about either band. I had heard a couple of Dogstar songs, but I still wasn’t really familiar with their catalog. For me, these are some of the best shows I go to, because I’m always looking to expose myself to new songs, new artists, and music I’m not familiar with. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll always go see my favorite artists as much as I possibly can, but music is so transformative that I don’t want to miss out on something great.I have to give...

This is yet another show I went to knowing very little about either band. I had heard a couple of Dogstar songs, but I still wasn’t really familiar with their catalog. For me, these are some of the best shows I go to, because I’m always looking to expose myself to new songs, new artists, and music I’m not familiar with. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll always go see my favorite artists as much as I possibly can, but music is so transformative that I don’t want to miss out on something great.

I have to give a quick plug to the Fillmore. It’s my favorite venue in the Twin Cities. The staff is always so kind, the sight lines are great, and it’s just an incredible place to see a live show.

The Backfires

I always make it a point to show up for the opening act, because you never know if you’re seeing a band that could blow up and become huge. The Backfires were a lot of fun to listen to.

I never want to put a band in a box, but when I’m writing these reviews and you’re reading them, maybe without ever having heard these bands, I have to give you some context for what I’m hearing. Alex Gomez, the lead singer, had a real Liam Gallagher from Oasis vibe going. They aren’t really like the band Oasis, they just have that vibe. The songs were very strong and pop oriented, but relatively moody. They were definitely trying to steer you in a direction.

They opened with their song “Stardust,” which really set the mood for the entire show. The crowd showed up early to see them, and the band really encouraged everyone to get involved, especially on the last song, “I Want You.” That’s the one I liked best, because it was up tempo and different from the other songs they had been playing.

They’re originally from London, and this was their first time in the Twin Cities. They were a really good opening act for Dogstar, and I would definitely go see them again. As always, check them out on Spotify. They have a lot of songs up that you can listen to and get a taste.

Dogstar

As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t know what to expect from Dogstar either. They did an in-store appearance in Los Angeles when I was out there for a show (I can’t even remember which one anymore), and the line wrapped around the block. I’m sure a lot of those people were there just to meet Keanu Reeves, the movie star, and I’m guessing many of them had no idea about the band he’s in.

They’re a three piece, and as I stood back and listened, they really reminded me of the ’80s. I mean that in the very best sense. They could have been a band right in the middle of everything going on around the pop bands of that era. And I don’t mean Huey Lewis and the News. I mean more like Love and Rockets, The Cure, The Replacements, and others I would consider more alternative rock, but nothing like the Seattle sound of the early 1990s. For those of you reading this who live in Minneapolis, it had a very First Ave feeling, straight out of the 1980s.

I knew I was going to like them before they even came out. Bands usually choose the songs played over the PA while the roadies are setting up their gear, and I was very pleasantly surprised to hear one of my favorite Cheap Trick songs, “Reach Out,” in that rotation. I was probably the only one there who knew that song, and that’s OK too. When you’re getting to know a band, you always wonder what their influences were. It helps tie things together. I’ve discovered so much music that was recommended to me by bands I really like.

They included one cover in their set, The Beatles’ “Helter Skelter.” Other than that, it was all original material. They opened with “Siren” and closed with “Breach.”

I wish I had prepared more and listened to more of their music before the show, but like all of us, we get so busy and sometimes it just doesn’t work out that way. I really enjoyed what I heard tonight, and I’ll definitely pick up some of their records and give them a spin. Their music is right in my wheelhouse.

I think this was the last night of the tour, but I’m not positive. If they sound like something you’d be interested in, keep an eye out online to see if they’re coming anywhere near you soon.

DOGSTAR

THE BACKFIRES

MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Minneapolis Opens Public Hearing on Rules Governing Houses, Duplexes and Triplexes October 26

The proposed zoning and subdivision updates concern how small residential projects are designed and reviewed, with additional legislative decisions still ahead.MINNEAPOLIS, MN (October 24, 2026). Minneapolis residents will have an opportunity Monday to address proposed changes to development rules for housing with one, two or three units, a category that includes detached houses, duplexes and triplexes.The City Planning Commission hearing is scheduled for October 26 at 4:30 p.m. The ...

The proposed zoning and subdivision updates concern how small residential projects are designed and reviewed, with additional legislative decisions still ahead.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (October 24, 2026). Minneapolis residents will have an opportunity Monday to address proposed changes to development rules for housing with one, two or three units, a category that includes detached houses, duplexes and triplexes.

The City Planning Commission hearing is scheduled for October 26 at 4:30 p.m. The city’s published notice identifies the meeting location as Room 350, Public Service Center, 250 South Fourth Street.

The proposal addresses development and subdivision standards. It remains under review, with subsequent consideration by the Business, Housing & Zoning Committee and City Council still ahead. The city has not established an effective date.

How the Review Works

Minneapolis’ explanation of the initiative describes a site-plan system in which design choices receive points. A proposed home must meet a minimum point requirement.

The city says its current review framework dates to 2005 and that the updates are intended to improve usability, enforcement and alignment with contemporary city plans.

The ordinance review reaches several parts of the zoning code, including development standards, definitions and built-form provisions, as well as land-subdivision regulations. The hearing therefore concerns rules that can affect multiple future applications rather than approval of a single building.

The official legislative reference is 2026-01012, titled residential dwelling regulation updates for one to three units.

Why Property-Specific Information Matters

A citywide rule change does not establish that every property can accommodate the same project.

Minneapolis’ existing “missing middle” resources guide property owners through zoning maps, lot characteristics and housing types. Those materials cover a broader range of small residential buildings, including accessory dwelling units and buildings containing more units than the category addressed by Monday’s hearing.

The worksheets are intended to help residents organize questions before speaking with a planner. They provide useful background for homeowners considering a project and neighbors trying to understand what a particular site may allow.

Participation and Next Steps

The city’s public-notice guidance says attendees can register to speak beginning 30 minutes before a meeting. Residents should confirm the agenda and participation instructions before attending.

The city requests at least five business days’ notice for ASL or spoken-language interpreters. That requested lead time has already passed for Monday, so anyone needing assistance should contact the city promptly to ask what arrangements remain possible.

Project questions can be directed to planner Janelle Widmeier at 612-673-3156 or [email protected].

Background and legislative references are available on the city’s Housing With 1 to 3 Units page.

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