🧍‍♀️🧍‍♂️ The Star Tribune thinks complaining about how hard it is to make friends in Minnesota is “out” for 2025. What do you think?

Police

Minneapolis and DOJ Reach Tentative Agreement for Federal Consent Decree Mandating Police Reforms 🚔

The Summary; The city of Minneapolis and the U.S. Department of Justice have tentatively agreed on a federal consent decree that could mandate extensive reforms to the Minneapolis Police Department. This agreement comes after a DOJ investigation in June 2023 found that MPD had engaged in a pattern of civil rights violations, including the use of "unjustified deadly force" and racial discrimination.

Timeline and Approval Process: Mayor Jacob Frey has called for a special city council meeting on Monday, which will include a closed-door briefing with the city attorney. Following this, elected officials are expected to vote on the document during a public hearing. The goal is to file the agreement in federal court before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025

Political Context: The timing of this agreement is crucial due to the incoming Trump administration. During his first term, Trump opposed consent decrees, viewing them as anti-police.

Implications for Minneapolis: If finalized, Minneapolis would become the first city in the nation bound by both state and federal consent decrees mandating court-enforceable reforms.

Business

Xcel Energy Proposes Significant Rate Increases for 2025-2026 ⚡

The Summary: Xcel Energy, Minnesota's largest energy supplier, has submitted a two-year proposal to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) for substantial electricity rate increases in 2025 and 2026.

Proposed Increases: For 2025, Xcel is requesting an increase of approximately 9.6%, which would result in an additional $9.89 on the average residential customer's monthly electric bill. In 2026, the company is seeking an additional increase of 3.6%.

Interim Rate Increase: While the MPUC reviews Xcel's proposal, an interim rate increase has already been approved. This interim increase of 5.2% will take effect on January 1, 2025, adding $5.39 to the average residential customer's monthly bill.

Timeline and Decision: Xcel Energy submitted its proposal on November 1. The interim rate increase began on January 1st and customers can expect a decision from the MPUC regarding the proposed rate increases in the summer of 2026.

Justification for Increases: Xcel Energy has justified its proposed rate hikes by stating that the revenue will enhance system reliability and support investments in clean energy projects.

What Else We’re Reading…

Minnesota Task Force Pushes for Decriminalization of “Magic Mushrooms” 🍄

Minnesota's Psychedelic Medicine Task Force released a report on January 1st recommending the decriminalization of psilocybin mushrooms, along with establishing a state-regulated clinical program and funding further research into psychedelics. The task force specifically focused on natural psilocybin mushrooms and avoided recommending decriminalization of synthetic drugs like MDMA and LSD. Veterans and researchers on the task force highlighted potential therapeutic benefits for treating mood disorders, anxiety, and treatment-resistant PTSD, while also expressing caution about creating a regulated and controlled environment for potential medical use.

GAME: Three Headlines and a Lie

The game is simple — we give you four headlines, three that are real and one that is fake. Can you spot the fraudulent headline?

❯ The Minnesota town of Luverne is building what could become the world’s biggest nutcracker (full story)

❯ Hundreds of people were spotted running in downtown Minneapolis wearing red underwear (full story)

❯ Vikings QB Sam Darnold says he is “nervous” about playing the Detroit Lions (full story)

❯ A Minnesota man recently won a national mustache competition (full story)

Sports 🏒

🏀 The Minnesota Timberwolves lost a nailbiter to the Boston Celtics at home. On a separate note, you can vote for Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Julius Randle for the All-Star game.

🏒 The Minnesota Frost defeated Boston to reclaim first place in the PWHL standings.

🏒 The Minnesota Wild won another game in overtime, this time against the Washington Capitals. They had a shorthanded goal in the first period of the game.

🏀 The Gopher Men’s and Women’s basketball teams lost to Purdue and defeated Wisconsin, respectively.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ The Twin Cities broke a weather record that was originally set in 1931 (Fox9)

❯ Two Minnesotans started their 2025 off by becoming millionaires (Kare11)

❯ Abortions performed in Minnesota were up 16% from 2022 to 2023 (MPR)

❯ Former residents of the condemned Lowry Apartments have now been forced out of temporary housing (WCCO)

❯ Minneapolis saw a slight uptick in murders from 2023 (MN Reformer)

The Final Word: Trip Recommendation ✈

Alright everyone, I have booked flights for an April trip to Portugal. If anyone has been to Lisbon or anywhere else in the country, drop me a line by responding to this email — I’d love to hear recommendations.

-Patrick