🧣 Some good news: a local non-profit “scarf-bombed” several local parks in the Twin Cities.

Police

Minneapolis City Council Approves Federal Consent Decree, Vows To Improve Police Accountability 🚓

The Summary: The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice to reform policing practices within the Minneapolis Police Department.

Background: The consent decree was set in motion in the summer of 2023 after an investigation found that the department routinely discriminated against minority residents, needlessly used deadly force, and violated First Amendment rights of protesters and journalists.

Next Steps: The consent decree will be presented to a federal judge, who will oversee its implementation. The Minneapolis Police Department will be required to institute various reforms and policies to address the issues identified in the Department of Justice's investigation.

Key Changes in the Consent Decree

• Creation of a Force Review Board

• Adoption of strategies to enhance collaboration between police and community members

• Additional training on behavioral health responses

• New policies related to First Amendment rights for community members and journalists

• Close tracking and investigation of police misconduct allegations

• Improved officer training

“My mission has been clear: reduce serious crime while earning community trust and rebuilding pride in the Minneapolis Police Department. The federal consent decree supports that mission.” - Brian O’Hara, MPD Chief

Politics

Walz and MN GOP Clash Over Timing Of Crucial Legislative Special Election

The Summary: The Minnesota Republican Party has filed a petition with the Minnesota Supreme Court to halt the special election in House District 40B, challenging the timing and legality of the upcoming vote.

Background: The initial election in November 2024 was won by Democrat Curtis Johnson, but Republican Paul Wikstrom successfully challenged Johnson's residency. A judge ruled that Johnson did not meet the state's residency requirements, which mandate that a candidate must live in the district for six months at the time of the general election.

Details of the Petition: Republicans argue that Governor Tim Walz is violating election laws by scheduling the special election. The GOP claims the timing of the election is improper and potentially unlawful.

Political Implications: The special election is crucial because it could potentially break the current 67-66 Republican majority in the Minnesota House. House Democrats have considered “walking out” of the chambers during the first two weeks to prevent republicans from electing a majority leader since 68 members are needed to create a quorum to do business.

Business

❯ Brewery Lawsuit: Finnegans Brew Co., a downtown Minneapolis brewery that closed last summer, is facing a lawsuit from its former landlord for allegedly owing $461,049 in unpaid rent and fees since 2021. Following its closure, Finnegans formed a partnership with Fulton Beer, shifting its production to Fulton's northeast Minneapolis facility.

❯ New Cannabis Director:Charlene Briner, the interim director of Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management, is stepping down just weeks before the state begins accepting business license applications for legal marijuana businesses. Eric Taubel, the office's general counsel, will succeed her as interim director. It’s the third director since August 2023.

❯ Twins Sale Update: The Minnesota Twins, put up for sale in October, are expected to have a new owner by Opening Day on March 27, with a complete and immediate transfer of control. The sale process has attracted multiple interested buyers, with the Ishbia brothers (Mat and Justin) being a notable potential ownership group.

What Else We’re Reading…

Vaccination Rates For School-Aged Children In Minnesota Are On The Decline 💉

Vaccination rates for school-aged children in Minnesota and across the nation have declined as more families seek nonmedical exemptions for required vaccinations. This trend has led to an eight-year high in pertussis cases in Minnesota in 2024 and a measles outbreak in the Twin Cities. The decline in immunization rates, particularly for the MMR vaccine, has left children in schools and child care operations more vulnerable to preventable diseases, prompting experts to emphasize the importance of maintaining a critical mass of immunized children.

GAME: Guess The House Price 🏠 💲

The game is simple — we show you one photo of a Twin Cities house that is currently for sale and you guess the listing price.

This unique house is located in Southwest Minneapolis, just east of Lake Harriet. and features 5 beds and 4 baths. The total square footage is 3,702 ft.

Need more help? View additional photos here (no spoilers).

➡ Answer is at the bottom of the newsletter.

Sports 🏀

🏀 The Minnesota Timberwolves are undefeated since a young cancer patient gave Anthony Edwards an orange bracelet to wear. In their win last night, Ant Man had yet another electrifying dunk.

🏀 The Gopher Women’s basketball team has improved their record to 16-1 on the season after defeating Rutgers. They travel to #8 ranked Maryland on Tuesday for thier hardest test of the season.

🏒 The Minnesota Frost won in overtime against Boston thanks to an absolute rocket from Taylor Heise.

🏀 The Gopher Men’s basketball team suffered a tough loss at home to Ohio State. They had a great chance to win in the first overtime but a brutal sequence of events led to their defeat.

🏒 The Minnesota Wild split their last two games with a win over the St. Louis Blues and a blowout loss last night against the Colorado Avalanche.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ A new social club is hoping to bring an elevated experience to getting high (MSR)

❯ The Minneapolis Police Department welcomed their largest class of recruits in five years (WCCO)

❯ A large fire destroyed a Minneapolis encampment on Monday (MPR)

❯ An Ontario political leader joked about Canada absorbing Minnesota (CBS)

❯ A St. Cloud woman is going to jail for playing a major role in a Mexican drug cartel scheme (Kare11)

The Final Word: Hopeful for the Vikings 💜

On Monday I asked all of you what your expectations were headed into the playoffs. Well, the leading answer by far was that we are all preparing to be disappointed. But, I did have one hopeful Vikings fan who just moved to town:

“I am a new Vikings fan - just moved here a year ago. To me, they can do no wrong. They have my Purple Heart. ”

-Patrick

Guess The House Price Answer 🏠 💲

The correct answer for the SW Minneapolis house is $815,000.

Check out the zillow listing.