10/12/2023 -- Twins Lose, TC Residents React to Israel/Palestine, Solar Eclipse

Israel/Palestine

Twin Cities Residents React to the Attacks on Israel

The Summary: In the Twin Cities, two gatherings with opposing perspectives were held in response to recent attacks in southern Israel and retaliatory airstrikes in Gaza. One gathering at a synagogue in St. Louis Park expressed support for Israel's defense against attacks by Hamas. People at the other gathering near Midtown Global Market demanded an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory, with participants mourning lives lost on both sides and praying for justice and peace.

The Context: Since the original attack on Israel by Hamas, more than 1,000 people have been killed in Israel and more than 900 people are dead in Gaza – at least 22 of the people killed were Americans. President Biden called Hamas’ attack on Israel “an act of sheer evil” and declared that “The United States has Israel’s back.”

What they’re saying: Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas, told WCCO that Jews in the Twin Cities are frightened about “antisemitism at home, and what that means for all of us, as a Jewish community.”

What they’re saying: At a Palestinian protest in Minneapolis, protestor Maysoon Wazwaz told MPR: “Israel has been ethnically cleansing the Palestinian villages since its inception…They cannot oppress the people and then be shocked when the people respond.”

DFL Weighs In: After the Twin Cities chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America issued a “statement of solidarity with Palestine,” the Minnesota DFL chair, Ken Martin, quickly rebuked the statement calling it “appalling.” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who is Jewish, also criticized the chapter’s statement, as did state Republican leaders.

Sports

Minnesota Twins Playoff Run Comes to and End

The Summary: The Minnesota Twins 2023 season came to a close after dropping Game 4 of the ALDS to the defending World Series Champion Houston Astros. For the 7^th consecutive season, the Astros have advanced to the ALCS round of the playoffs – something the Twins have not done since 2002.

How it went down: After taking a quick first inning lead thanks to a Royce Lewis solo homerun, the Twins offense went silent for the remainder of the game. The Astros’ Jose Abreu continued his strong postseason performance by hitting a two-run-home run that proved to be the winning runs. Despite a strong outing by five different Twins bullpen pitchers, they were unable to gain enough offensive momentum to come back from a 3-1 deficit.

A Season to Remember: While postseason heartbreak is not unusual for Twins fans, this season brought more success than fans have seen in 20 years. Their game 1 of the Wild Card series against the Toronto Blue Jays broke an 18 game playoff losing streak and their eventual series clinching game 2 victory broke a playoff series losing streak that dated back to 2002.

Reason to Be Optimistic: Let’s find the silver lining, ok? Much of the Twins success this season, especially during the second half, came as a result of three rookies: Matt Wallner, Royce Lewis, and Edourd Julien. The Twins closed many gaps in the bullpen, have a true starting ace in Pablo Lopez, get Carlos Correa for another five years, and have two of the best minor league prospects in Walker Jenkins Brooks Lee.

Minnesota Politics

Tom Emmer (R-MN) Eyes Promotion to House Majority Leader

Republicans have endorsed House Majority Leader Steve Scalise as the next speaker, potentially leading to Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer's ascent to the No. 2 position in GOP leadership. Emmer, who supports Scalise, serves as the majority whip, and he would face internal deliberations and competition in his bid to become the majority leader. Other candidates expected to run for the No. 2 position include Reps. Elise Stefanik and Kevin Hern, and the outcome depends on GOP leadership debates and the slim majority Republicans hold in the chamber.

Dean Phillips Will Decide on Presidential Run Soon – May Also Face His Own Primary Challenger

Presidential Run: Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips is still considering a run for the White House in the 2024 presidential primaries, believing that his party should field an alternative candidate to challenge President Joe Biden. Phillips, who recently stepped down from his position as co-chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Caucus due to misalignment in views, plans to make a decision in the next few weeks.

Primary Challenge at Home: A Democratic National Committee official, Ron Harris, is preparing campaign infrastructure for a potential primary bid against Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota. Harris has hired George Hornedo, a former top aide to Pete Buttigieg's 2020 presidential campaign, indicating his seriousness about running. Phillips has never faced a serious primary challenger and has won all three of his general elections by over 10 percentage points.

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Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities

🚨 Minnesota DFL State lawmaker Brion Marie Curran arrested on suspicion of third-degree DWI (KSTP)

🎃 Minnesota horticulture teacher Travis Gienger set a world record with a 2,749-pound pumpkin at the 50th World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off (AP News)

👩‍⚖️ Justice Amy Coney Barrett's upcoming speech at the University of Minnesota has prompted protests and boycotts from student groups (Star Tribune)

🏒 From one season to the next: The Minnesota Wild kick off their 2023-2024 campaign at home against the Florida Panthers. Read their season preview → (The Athletic)

❄ Minneapolis' Holidazzle has been canceled due to insufficient funding, with organizers citing "sponsorship fatigue" from companies already supporting various city events (WCCO)

🏈 The Minnesota Vikings have placed receiver Justin Jefferson on injured reserve due to a strained hamstring but believe he will return later this season (ESPN)

✔ A task force is exploring changes to the Met Council's governing structure in response to issues with the Southwest Light Rail project, which faces cost overruns and delays (WCCO)

🏥 A new report shows insured patients with everyday healthcare needs are often sued for overdue medical bills in Minnesota (Star Tribune)

Things To Do

Keeping You Busy This Weekend

View the Solar Eclipse: A partial solar eclipse will be visible in Minnesota around 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, with approximately 45% sun coverage. Minnesota hasn't witnessed a visible solar eclipse since 2017 and the upcoming annular eclipse will be the final one seen from the U.S. until 2039. There will be numerous events held throughout the Twin Cities including viewing parties at the Bell Museum in Falcon Heights, Commons Park in Fridley, Science Museum of MN in St. Paul, and Wild River State Park.

Bread and Pickle Closing Weekend: Get your last summer favorites at the Bread & Pickle on Lake Harriet. The Southwest Minneapolis staple is set to close on October 15^th. My personal recommendation is the cheeseburger, fries, Arnold Palmer, AND finish it off with a root beer float.

Lakes & Legends Brewing: Puppy Party Adoption Event: Healing Hearts Rescue hosts a "pet the stress away" adoption event once a month in a local taproom, allowing people to interact with and potentially adopt puppies and foster dogs. This event is free and welcomes dogs, kids, and outside food, with varying food options available each week, so it's a great opportunity to spend time with adorable dogs and find a new furry companion.

Minneapolis Vintage Market at Machine Shop: Discover the best vintage clothing, accessories, and home goods vendors in a spacious industrial venue in Minnesota. The event offers free entry for general admission from 12-4 PM and an early bird ticket option for entry at 11 AM for $10. Get Tickets Here.

Twin Cities Book Festival: Rain Taxi's Twin Cities Book Festival, an event that has been running for over two decades in various formats, will take place in person at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 14th, from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The festival is free and open to the public, offering book enthusiasts the chance to browse books, interact with authors and publishers, and participate in various reading-related activities.

The Final Word

Despite the Twins coming up short in the MLB playoffs, it was truly awesome to witness the enthusiasm and energy at Target Field the last two weeks. Brighter days are head Twins fans – have faith!

-Patrick