11/1/2024 -- New Minneapolis Action Plan Announced

Minneapolis

Minneapolis Unveils Downtown Action Plan Including A Proposed Social District 🏙

The Summary: Mayor Jacob Frey introduced the Downtown Action Plan to revitalize downtown Minneapolis, emphasizing a shift from the “old normal” to a vibrant, reimagined city core. The plan features a series of action steps aimed at stimulating economic recovery and repositioning downtown as a dynamic hub for residents and visitors.

Nicollet Mall and Pedestrian Focus: A primary focus of the plan is transforming Nicollet Mall into a pedestrian-only zone, enhancing its appeal with outdoor seating, public art, green spaces, and potential amenities like ice skating. Mayor Frey hopes this change will establish Nicollet Mall as a “pedestrian utopia.”

Warehouse District and Social Districts: To further enhance downtown’s appeal, the plan aims to make the Warehouse District a premier destination for entertainment and nightlife. Proposed upgrades include improved lighting, new signage, billboards, and infrastructure for year-round events. Additionally, a “social district” permitting open alcohol containers is being considered.

Supporting Economic Growth and Investments: The Downtown Action Plan promotes converting vacant office spaces into housing and easing restrictions on property reuse to attract investors.

Crime

Minneapolis Man Arrested Early Monday Morning Following Community Outcry 🚓

The Summary: John Sawchak was arrested after a standoff following accusations of shooting his neighbor, Davis Moturi, during an ongoing dispute. The conflict, escalating over a year, reportedly involved threats Sawchak made against Moturi, which were repeatedly reported to police but not acted upon. Sawchak now faces charges of attempted murder, assault, and harassment.

City Council and Community Response

- City Action: At an October 31 meeting, Minneapolis City Council approved an audit led by City Council member Robin Wonsley. This review will examine police response to Moturi’s complainats and is expected by June 2025.

- Community Advocacy: Activist groups, including Communities United Against Police Brutality, are demanding further accountability. They are calling for a third-party investigation, financial support for Moturi’s recovery, and Police Chief O’Hara’s removal.

MPD and Mayor’s Statements

- Chief Brian O'Hara: "We failed this victim.” Admitted failures in the police response, acknowledging that police should have acted sooner given the risk Sawchak posed. O’Hara announced a full internal review committing to making procedural improvements.

- Mayor Jacob Frey: Supported O’Hara’s review and expressed condolences to Moturi’s family, emphasizing the challenges faced by police in de-escalating this volatile situation.

Court Proceedings: Sawchak made his first court appearance Tuesday, where a judge set bail at $1 million.

Politics

With Just Four Days Until The Election, Here Are The Headlines Driving The News 📰

🏠 Residency Controversy: A Roseville area candidate for Minnesota House is being accused of not living in the district he hopes to represent. Republican candidate for House District 40B Paul Wikstrom is claiming his DFL opponent Curtis Johnson does not live at the Roseville address he listed on candidate paperwork and still resides at his home in nearby Little Canada.

💲 Election Money: Outside groups are channeling significant funding into Minnesota's elections to help Democrats retain control of the state government, with over $17 million spent in key legislative races.

📊 Minnesota Polling: In Minnesota, Vice President Kamala Harris holds a narrow 48%-45% lead over former President Donald Trump, with minimal undecided voters left.

👩‍⚖️ Election Judge Ruling: The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that Hennepin County must select election judges for its absentee ballot board from the Republican Party's official list, addressing the party's claim that the county violated election law by appointing judges not on the list.

🏛 Transition of Power: A KSTP/SurveyUSA poll shows that 76% of Minnesotans have at least some confidence in election security, though only 46% are confident in a peaceful transition of power following the presidential election.

✔ Political Endorsement: The Star Tribune doubled down on the decision made earlier this fall to not endorse any politicians running for office during this election cycle.

What Else We’re Reading…

A Minnesota Woman Has Been Accused Of Voter Fraud After Casting Ballot Using Dead Mother’s Name 🗳

Danielle Miller is facing felony charges for allegedly committing voter fraud by casting an absentee ballot for her deceased mother in support of Donald Trump. Miller admitted to filling out and signing her late mother's ballot and acting as a witness, stating her mother had wanted to vote for Trump before passing away. The Itasca County Auditor flagged the ballots for fraud due to suspicious signatures, leading to a sheriff's office investigation and Miller’s upcoming court appearance on December 4.

Read the full story on Fox9.

GAME: Wordle

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Sports ⚽

Minnesota Loons Start Playoffs With Penalty Shoot-Out Win ⚽

The Summary: The Loons entered the MLS playoffs as the 6th seed and travelled to Utah to play Real Salt Lake in the first-round, best-of-three matchup.

Stealing Game 1: The Loons won game one on the road in a penalty shoot-out. Check out the game clinching miss by Real Salt Lake.

Up Next: The Loons are back at home this Saturday for game 2 of the series. A win would advance Minnesota to the MLS playoff semifinals.

Go Watch In Person: Tickets are on sale starting at $42 for Saturday’s game at Allianz Field.

Other Sports News

⚾ Minnesota Twins first basemen Alex Kirilloff announced his retirement at the age of 26. Kiriloff was once one of the most promising young hitters in the MLB but struggled with injuries for much of his career.

🏒 The Minnesota Wiild defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins to improve their record to 6-1-2. They are back at home on Sunday against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

🏀 The Minnesota Timberwolves lost to the Dallas Mavericks in a game where they were plagued by missed freethrows and turnovers. On the bright side, Anthony Edwards went on a tear in the first quarter scoring 24 points.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ Two people are dead and one is seriously injured following a 2nd fatal encampment shooting in as many days (KSTP)

❯ As Minneapolis Schools struggle with enrollment, a Richfield school is turning students away (Sahan Journal)

❯ A civil suit has been dismissed against trooper accused of fatally shooting Ricky Cobb II during traffic stop (Kare11)

❯ Minneapolis has adopted new zoning rules for cannabis businesses, removing a proposed 300-foot buffer between dispensaries (MPR)

❯ Netflix reality show 'Love Is Blind'season set in Minneapolis will debut on Valentine's Day (Bring Me The News)

The Final Word: Howl-Oween 🐶

Hope everyone had a great Halloween last night! I stayed in with my dog Harry who was dressed up like a very scary dinosaur.

-Patrick