We launched Southwest Voices last October. One of the many things that's a bit strange about launching a local news service during a pandemic is that we haven't really gotten the chance to celebrate that with all of you.Next Monday, that changes.

‍We are throwing a Welcome To Summer Party at LynLake Brewery on Monday, May 23rd from 5 - 8 p.m. This will be a chance to celebrate with this great, growing community of people that have helped us get off the ground. There's a flyer below, and it would be a big help if you'd share it on social media. We'd love to see you there. Bring a friend or two.

We published a bunch of your thoughts (positive and negative!) about our recent stories, including a bunch of submissions about the Soo Line garden and a couple on the Malt Shop, extended hours for Minneapolis schools, and more.

Monday Meeting Review

Note: each link will send you to the meeting agenda, if it's already available.

Minneapolis City Council and committees

On Tuesday, the city's Business, Inspections, Housing & Zoning Committee meets at 1:30.

On Wednesday, the Budget Committee meets at 10:00 a.m. and the Public Health & Safety Committee meets at 1:30 p.m.

On Thursday, the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee meets at 1:30 p.m.

On Friday, the Budget Committee meets at 10:00 a.m.

MPS School Board

‍On Tuesday, the Finance Committee meets at 5:00 p.m.

Hennepin County

‍On Tuesday, the Hennepin County board meets at 1:30 p.m.

Met Council

‍On Wednesday, the Met Council's Committee of the Whole meets at 4:00 p.m.

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

‍On Wednesday, the Park Board meets from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.

LINK ROUNDUP

The DFL held endorsing conventions for County and City candidates over the weekend. Mary Moriarty won the endorsement for County Attorney, while Dawanna Witt won the endorsement for Hennepin County Sheriff. We'll have something on the city convention later this week. (Star Tribune)

A look at the case against a Minneapolis campaign volunteer who is accused of lying to federal investigators about absentee ballots. (Sahan Journal)

Happy 1st birthday, Lake and Bryant Cafe! (Instagram)

The Star Tribune covers the budget gap in the Minneapolis Public Schools system. (Star Tribune)

Ka Vang, the first head of equity, diversity and inclusion at Meet Minneapolis, talks about why she loves the city and what she hopes to bring to the role. (Sahan Journal)

Two local art collectors are putting a big chunk of their collection on display at the Minneapolis Institute of Art soon. (Star Tribune)

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Public Works is holding a virtual neighborhood pre-construction meeting on the Bryant Ave S reconstruction between Lake Street and 50th St W from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Rent Stabilization Work Group has applications open now. Apply here.

Did you know that the Twin Cities is home to the first 100% renewably powered municipally-owned carshare in the country?

OUT & ABOUT ‍

Professional actors, former incarcerated people, and prison employees are teaming up for The Labyrinth & the Minotaur: The Incarceration Play Project, from May 13-22 at the Mixed Blood Theater.

Uproar Comedy Open Mic is back at Bryant Lake Bowl tonight at 7:00 p.m.