10/21/2024 -- Lynx Come Up Short In WNBA Finals

Lynx

Minnesota Lynx Come Up Short In WNBA Finals After Controversial Foul Call Forced Overtime

The Summary: The Minnesota Lynx lost in the deciding game 5 of the WNBA Finals, securing the championship for the New York Liberty.

Defensive Battle: Both teams struggled to to put points on the board with the final score, which included an overtime period, ending 67-62.

The Foul Call: The Lynx found themselves up two points with just six seconds left in regulation when a foul was called sending Breanna Stewart to the line to tie the game. The Lynx challenged the call but it was unsuccesful. Head coach Cheryl Reeve did not mince words in her post-game press conference about the foul call.

Record Attendance: It was a historic season for the WNBA with attendance records broken left and right. The WNBA Finals were no different with both the Lynx and LIberty setting records during the finals.

“That was not a foul.” -Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve

Education

New Financial Projections Show Trouble For Minneapolis Schools 💲

The Summary: According to new reporting from the Minnesota Reformer, Minneapolis Public Schools are facing a significant financial crisis, with projections showing the district will run out of reserves by the next school year without major budget cuts or additional funding. The latest financial forecast estimates a $84 million deficit for the 2025-26 school year.

Possible State Intervention: The district’s reserves are expected to fall to a -$14.9 million balance by next year, just shy of the -2.5% statutory operating debt that would trigger state intervention. Even if voters approve a $20 million levy increase in November, the financial outlook remains bleak without further changes.

Enrollment Challenges and Funding Gaps: Enrollment plays a key role in MPS funding, and while the district expects a slight uptick due to an increase in kindergarten enrollment, overall projections still show declines.

Uncertain Future: Despite these challenges, MPS has not yet proposed specific budget solutions. The financial forecast sets a baseline for future budget planning but leaves the question of how to balance the budget unresolved.

Politics

Rev. DeWayne Davis Announces Candidacy For Mayor of Minneapolis

The Summary: Reverend Dr. DeWayne Davis, lead minister of Plymouth Congregational Church since 2020, has officially announced his candidacy for the 2025 Minneapolis mayoral race, becoming the first major challenger to Mayor Jacob Frey. Davis’s campaign is chaired by former City Council Vice-President Elizabeth Glidden.

Campaign Focus: Davis emphasized his commitment to dignity, living wages, and community safety in his announcement. He has been an advocate for affordable housing and LGBTQ+ equality throughout his career, and his platform focuses on creating a safer, more inclusive Minneapolis.

Background and Experience: Davis brings experience in public service and advocacy. He serves on the Hennepin Healthcare Community Advisory Board and previously held roles on the OutFront MN board, where he worked on LGBTQ+ issues. He also has experience in state government serving as the first Black, gay chaplain of the Minnesota Senate in 2023.

Personal Background: Raised in Mississippi, Davis is the youngest of 15 siblings and now lives in North Minneapolis with his husband, Kareem Murphy.

GAME — Mini Crossword

In Minnesota, we like to call these gray ducks. Think you know the answer? Solve the entire crossword puzzle here.

Sports

🏈 The Minnesota Vikings lost on a last second field goal to the Detroit Lions putting an end to their undefeated season.

🏒 The Gopher Men’s Hockey team swept the University of Minnesota-Duluth over the weekend in a series where they scored 12 goals.

⚽ The Minnesota Loons won their final game of the season and will face Real Salt Lake in the opening round of the playoffs

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ House prices in the Twin Cities area are rising far less than in the rest of the country (Star Tribune)

❯ Ever wondered what one of the office buildings convereted into apartments looks like? Axios took a tour inside. (Axios)

❯ St. Paul residents are demanding action on crime in the Midway neighborhood (Fox9)

❯ Officials say there was ‘no evidence of tampering’ after mail ballots left unattended near Minneapolis (CNN)

The Final Word: Heartbreak

What a fun season for the Minnesota Lynx. This team was so inspiring in many ways and I found myself swept up in how likeable and tenacious they were. I happily rode the bandwagon this season but am looking forward to many more Lynx games and wins in the future.

-Patrick