10/11/2024 -- Pohlad's Put Twins Up For Sale

Business

For Sale! Pohlad Family Announces Intention To Sell Minnesota Twins After 40 Years Of Ownership⚾

The Summary: The Pohlad family, owners of the Minnesota Twins for 40 years, has announced plans to sell the MLB franchise. Joe Pohlad, executive chair, announced the decision in a statement on Thursday. Carl Pohlad originally purchased the team for $44 million, and it is now valued at $1.46 billion.

Success and Criticism: Along with two World Series titles, the family faced criticism for prioritizing profits over competitive spending. Recent payroll cuts, following a disappointing 2024 season, intensified fan discontent.

Next Steps: The sale process could take around six months, involving identifying potential buyers, negotiations, and approval by MLB owners. The Pohlad family has also said they want to ensure the Twins remain in Minnesota.

Did You Know: Before the Pohlad family purchased the Minnesota Twins in 1984, Donald Trump had a higher bid for the team but was ultimately passed on.

“For the past 40 seasons, the Minnesota Twins have been part of our family’s heart and soul. This team is woven into the fabric of our lives.” -Joe Pohlad

Police

Mayor Jacob Frey Vetoes Carbon Emission Fee Proposed By City Council

The Summary: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey vetoed the City Council’s proposed carbon emission fee, citing legal concerns. The council had voted to impose a $452-per-ton fee on the city’s 36 largest carbon dioxide emitters, aiming to reduce emissions by 6% by 2025.

Legal Concerns: Frey supported the initiative's goal but expressed concerns that the fee could be an unauthorized tax under state law, as the city can only impose regulatory fees to recover costs.

Council's Reaction: Council Member Robin Wonsley, who spearheaded the proposal, criticized the veto, stating the fee was essential to meet the city’s climate goals. The council may attempt to override the veto, requiring a two-thirds majority vote.

Safety

Large Fire Displaces Dozens in South Minneapolis, Including New Affordable Housing Units

The Summary: A fire in south Minneapolis injured three people, including two firefighters, and displaced around 50 residents. The fire started late Wednesday night in a garage on the 5600 block of Lyndale Avenue South, before spreading to two nearby residential buildings, including the Metro Inn, a converted motel that serves as affordable housing.

Injuries and Damage: One resident was hospitalized due to respiratory issues, while the firefighters suffered shoulder and knee injuries. The garage and several vehicles were completely destroyed, and major damage was done to the neighboring apartment building and former motel. Of the 38 units in the Metro Inn, 16 were deemed uninhabitable.

Affordable Housing Impact: Agate Housing, which operates the Metro Inn, is working with affected residents to find alternative housing. Many of the displaced residents are low-income individuals.

What Else We’re Reading…

Prior Lake and Byron Have Declined Option To Join Minnesota’s Free School Meals Program

Nearly all Minnesota schools now offer free breakfast and lunch, but Prior Lake and Byron High Schools opted out due to concerns about meal flexibility and portion sizes under federal standards. Prior Lake schools cited community feedback, showing a preference for more variety, while Byron emphasized student satisfaction with current portion sizes and reduced food waste. Some parents oppose the decision, arguing it leaves financially struggling families at a disadvantage, but both districts remain committed to ensuring no student goes hungry.

Read the full story on WCCO.

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Sports 🏀

CLUTCH! Lynx Steal Game 1 Of WNBA Finals After Trailing By 18 🏀

The Summary: Hope you didn’t go to bed early because the Lynx came back from down 18 to win game one of the WNBA Finals on the road against the New York Liberty.

How It Went Down: After being down by 18 in the first half, the Lynx chipped away, going on an 18-2 run to end the game which was capped off by an unbelievable four point play from Courtney Williams. The Lynx ultimately secured the win in overtime.

Historic Win: The 18 point comeback is tied for the largest comeback in WNBA finals history. At the beginning of the 4th quarter, the Liberty had a 98.6% chance of winning according to ESPN.

On The Line: The Lynx are looking to win their 5th WNBA championship which would be the most of any WNBA franchise in history.

Up Next: The Liberty and Lynx will play game 2 of their best of 5 series in New York on Saturday. Games 3 and 4 will be in Minnesota on Wednesday and Friday of next week.

Other Sports:

⚾ The Minnesota Twins announced that their games in the 2025 season will be produced and televised by the MLB.

🏒 The Minnesota Wild won their season opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets by a score of 3-2.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ The Twin Cities is expected to see the steepest drop in new apartments being built in the country (Axios)

❯ Twin Cities hospitals have cancelled surgeries amid IV fluid shortage concerns after Hurricane Helene (Fox9)

❯ A St. Paul charter school is at risk of shutting down if budget cuts aren't made (Kare11)

❯ Six kids were arrested after a string of armed robberies and crashes in south Minneapolis (Bring Me The News)

❯ Assaults and threats against ambulance crews have doubled in Hennepin County (KSTP)

The Final Word: LYNX

My heart is still racing as I’m writing this because I just finished watching the Lynx historic game 1 win. One of the best basketball games I have ever watched. Make sure to get your game 3 tickets here — the upper level of Target Center will be open for their home games in the finals.

-Patrick