10/4/2024 -- MPD Police Chief Defends New Officers After Online Backlash

Police

New MPD Officer Hires Receive Online Backlash. Police Chief Brian O’Hara Pushes Back Calling Criticism “Disgusting”

The Summary: The Minneapolis Police Department recently added 23 officers, two of whom made history. Ikran Mohamed became the first Somali-American woman to join MPD, and Lesly Vera, a U.S. permanent resident who moved from Mexico at age four, became the first non-citizen officer.

Target of Racist Attacks: Despite the milestone, both women have faced significant hate, especially after right-wing groups on X (formerly Twitter) criticized their hiring. This backlash was amplified when X owner Elon Musk retweeted an article from Not The Bee, which criticized the recruits.

Chief O'Hara Speaks Out: Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara expressed his "disgust" over the racist abuse directed at the two women. He condemned the attacks in a radio interview with WCCO, calling the hate "gross" and "disgusting." O'Hara emphasized that both women had earned their positions and praised their courage.

State Law Amendments: In 2022, the Minnesota Legislature passed changes allowing U.S. permanent residents and other individuals eligible to work in the country under federal law to apply for police officer positions.

Transportation

Minneapolis City Council Approves Blue Line Extension To North Side 🚉

The Summary: The Minneapolis City Council approved the proposed Blue Line extension, a 13-mile light rail route that will run through the city’s north side, Robbinsdale, Crystal, and Brooklyn Park. This extension aims to improve transit access for Minneapolis residents, especially in underserved areas.

Concerns Addressed Before Approval: Concerns were raised concerns about a section of the route crossing Theodore Wirth Parkway, which may disrupt emergency vehicle traffic to North Memorial Hospital. An amendment was added encouraging the Metropolitan Council to explore alternatives such as tunnels or elevated tracks.

Preventing Resident Displacement: Council member Jeremiah Ellison emphasized the need for anti-displacement measures to protect Northside residents as the project moves forward. He urged that concerns about displacement be taken seriously to maintain the identity and community of the area.

Community Input: Residents and business owners in North Minneapolis expressed concerns during a public hearing about safety risks and how the route might limit access to certain businesses. The council acknowledged these concerns while supporting the project's long-term benefits.

Mayor Frey's Input: Mayor Jacob Frey supported the project but raised concerns about its potential negative effects on local businesses. He recommended adding a stop at Broadway and Washington avenues and addressing traffic issues in the North Loop area.

Minneapolis

New Study Says Minneapolis Residents Need To Make $93,482 To Live Comfortably 💲

A new study by GOBankingRates found that to live comfortably in Minneapolis, a person needs an annual salary of $93,482, with a total annual cost of living estimated at $46,741. The study used metrics like housing costs and median incomes. Minneapolis ranked 24th on the list of cities, with San Jose, California, requiring the highest salary of $266,000.

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Business

❯ Xcel Center Renovations: The Minnesota Wild have been seeking state funding to renovate Xcel Energy Center, but the Legislature has not yet approved the request. Wild owner Craig Leipold has expanded the project’s scope to include a convention center hotel, raising the estimated budget from $300 million to a larger figure, with the team contributing up to $250 million.

❯ BCBS Targeted In Fraud Scheme: Two Nigerian nationals have been indicted for a phishing scheme that tricked Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and other health insurers into wiring $13 million to fraudulent accounts. The scheme involved spoofed emails and domains mimicking Fairview Health Services.

❯ New Healthcare Debt Laws: Starting October 1st, new Minnesota laws will prevent healthcare providers from denying medically necessary treatments due to outstanding debt, though patients may still be required to enroll in payment plans.

What Else We’re Reading…

September Was One Of The Driest and Warmest Months in History. Drought Conditions Worsen Across The State. 🌧

The Summary: Minnesota’s drought conditions have significantly expanded, with 43% of the state now experiencing moderate drought. This is a substantial increase from the 16% classified as moderate drought just a week ago.

Lack Of Rainfall: Over the past 60 days, most regions in Minnesota are behind in rainfall by 2 to 5 inches. With no significant rain in sight and forecasts predicting continued dry weather, conditions are expected to worsen.

Weather Whiplash Threatens Minnesota’s Forests: Minnesota’s trees are feeling the effects of extreme weather conditions, causing concern among forest ecologists. According to the Center for Forest Ecology at the U of M, the combination of drought, excess rainfall, and storm damage is stressing the state’s forests.

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Sports 🏀

Huge Trade Shakes Up Timberwolves Roster 🏀

The Summary: Earlier this week, the Timberwolves traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in exchange for power forward Julius Randle, combo guard Donte DiVincenzo, small forward Keita Bates-Diop and a first round draft pick.

Why It Matters: Karl-Anthony Towns was drafted first overall by the Wolves in 2015 and has been a staple for Timberwolves basketball. With this trade, the Wolves are giving up a significant piece of their roster that led them to the Western Conference Finals last year.

The Upside: Randle is a three-time all-star is will look to fit right into the starting line-up according to head coach Chris Finch. DiVincenzo will be a three-point shooting threat having made 40% of shots from beyond the arc the last two seasons.

Goodbye KAT: Here are some of the best goodbye videos and stories — here, here, and here (my favorite story).

“I want to win a championship and this is the perfect opportunity to do that. That’s what matters. Winning matters.” -Julius Randle

Other Sports:

🏀 The Minnesota Lynx evened their playoff series with the Connecticut Sun after winning game two at home. They now head to Connecticut for games 3 and 4.

🏈 Vikings QB Sam Darnold was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for September after leading the Vikings to a 4-0 start.

⚽ The Minnesota Loons clinced a spot in the MLS playoffs after a 0-0 tie with Real Salt Lake.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ Holidazzle is returning to Minneapolis this December (Fox9)

❯ Closed during COVID, downtown St. Paul’s landmark Mickey’s Diner reopens (MPR)

❯ A Woodbury man is sueing Minneapolis and MPD alleging he was shot during peaceful protest (Kare11)

❯ Multiple investigations have been opened into illegal drug smuggling at Stillwater Prison (KSTP)

❯ An Eagan woman has admitted to buying a Tesla and new home with $1.3 million in Feeding Our Future case (Sahan Journal)

The Final Word: Marathon Weekend 🏃‍♀️

Twin Cities Marathon weekend is one of my favorite weekends of the entire year. It feels like the entire city shuts down to watch thousands of people tackle 26.2 miles along one of the most beautiful marathon courses in the country. Good luck to everyone racing! I’ll be out by Lake Harriet cheering.

-Patrick