MINNEAPOLIS — Several business owners at the struggling corner where George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020 are suing the city to demand it take over their properties and compensate them.

The owners of the Cup Foods convenience store and other businesses operating near 38th Street and Chicago Avenue argue that the city’s failure to address deterioration and crime in the neighborhood has ruined their businesses and constitutes an unlawful taking of their property without just compensation, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported Thursday. They’re seeking $30 million in damages.

The area, now known as George Floyd Square, has become a place of pilgrimage for social justice supporters from across the country, and the store has renamed itself Unity Foods. But business owners say they haven’t benefitted, while activists and officials remain divided over how to transform the intersection while keeping it as a permanent memorial.

Floyd died after a white officer pinned his neck to the pavement outside Cup Foods for 9 1/2 minutes despite the Black man’s pleas of “I can’t breathe.” The ensuing protests, which turned violent at times, tested the leadership of Gov. Tim Walz at one of the state’s most consequential moments, and sparking a nationwide reckoning over racism and police misconduct. The officer, Derek Chauvin, was convicted of murder.

The legal action, filed last week in Hennepin County District Court, argues that the businesses have lost revenue, real estate value, reputation, and tenant and rental income. It argues that the city’s decisions led to higher crime and created a “no go zone” for police in the area. It replaces an earlier lawsuit by the businesses that was dismissed two months ago.

Michael Healey, the lawyer representing the businesses, told the Star Tribune there are two possible outcomes. The businesses “could conceivably keep the property if a settlement is reached with the city on the diminished value,” he said. The other possibility is that the city could begin the process of taking the properties and compensating the owners.

A city spokesperson said in a statement that while it can’t comment on pending litigation, the city “understands the challenges that residents and businesses have confronted in the wake of George Floyd’s murder.“

ST JAMES, Minn. — A national meatpacking company will pay a fine of $2 million for alleged child labor violations at its plant in St. James, Minn. 

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) announced the consent order signed by Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp., on Nov. 13, which includes the largest penalty ever recovered by the agency. 

DLI conducted an investigation that covered two years between April 13, 2021, and April 13, 2023. Investigators allege that Smithfield employed at least 11 children between the ages of 14 and 17 at the St. James plant during that time, three who started working for the company when they were 14. 

Among the other violations cited by DLI:

• Smithfield allowed nine of the 11 minor children to work after the hours allowed by state law – after 9 p.m. for those under 16 years old and after 11 p.m. before a school day for those 16 or 17 years old.
• All 11 minor children performed hazardous work for Smithfield, including working near chemicals or other hazardous substances, operating power-driven machinery (meat grinders, slicers and power-driven conveyor belts), and operating nonautomatic elevators, lifts or hoisting machines, including motorized pallet jacks and lift pallet jacks.

“It is unacceptable for a company to employ minor children to perform hazardous work late at night. This illegal behavior impacts children’s health, safety and well-being and their ability to focus on their education and their future,” said DLI Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach. 

“DLI’s resolution with Smithfield sends a strong message to employers, including in the meat processing industry, that child labor violations will not be tolerated in Minnesota.”

While agreeing to the $2 million fine, Smithfield made clear in the consent order documents that the company disputes the allegations by DLI and denies violating Minnesota child labor laws. 

Along with the fine, the consent order requires Smithfield to conduct industry outreach related to child labor compliance, require child labor compliance from its staffing agencies and sanitation contractors, and take other steps to ensure future child labor compliance.

To submit a child labor complaint or to ask questions about child labor restrictions and requirements, contact DLI’s Labor Standards Division by calling 651-284-5075 or via email.

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Celebrate the holidays with Salvation Army and a variety of local celebrities at the upcoming “Tree of Lights” event in St. Paul. 

The free event will occur at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 16 at Rice Park. Basketball Hall of Famer Lindsay Whalen, Grammy winners The Sounds of Blackness, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and additional local favorites will attend. 

For the ultimate holiday experience, the trees at Rice Park will have an LED light display synchronized to holiday music, and the Salvation Army will serve up hot chocolate and cookies.