11/22/2024 -- Frey Vetoes Labor Standards Board Proposal

Government

Mayor Frey Vetoes Proposed Labor Standards Board

Background: The Minneapolis City Council recently passed a measure to create a Labor Standards Board aimed at giving workers a greater voice in policy-making. The proposal passed with a 9-3 vote, which is considered a veto-proof majority if all supporting members maintain their stance.

Opposition to the Board: The proposed board faced significant opposition from nearly 400 business owners who sent a letter to Mayor Jacob Frey expressing their concerns. Business groups argued that the proposal did not adequately consider their perspectives and expressed discomfort about their representation in the decision-making process.

Mayor Frey's Veto: On Thursday, Mayor Jacob Frey vetoed the Labor Standards Board proposal, stating that it was not "fair and balanced." He emphasized the importance of business participation for the board to function effectively and pointed out that under the council's proposal, business involvement would be negligible.

Mayor's Counter-Proposal: In response to the concerns raised, Frey suggested that a more equitable structure should include a 50/50 split between employees and employers on the board.

Next Steps: The city council may consider attempting to override Frey's veto. If all nine membe rs who supported the original proposal stand firm in their positions, they could potentially move forward with creating the Labor Standards Board despite the mayor's objections.

Safety

Twin Cities E. Coli Outbreak Triggers Massive Nation-Wide Recall Of Ground Beef 🤮

The Summary: Wolverine Packing Co. of Detroit has issued a recall of 167,277 pounds of ground beef products following an E. coli outbreak linked to several restaurants in the Twin Cities. The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service reported that 17 confirmed cases of E. coli have emerged in the Twin Cities.

Affected Restaurants: The recalled ground beef was supplied to multiple locations, including Red Cow and Hen House Eatery in Minneapolis. Both restaurants are cooperating with health officials during the investigation.

Details of the Recall: The recall affects fresh ground beef products with a "use by" date of November 14, 2024, and frozen products with a production date of October 22, 2024. Consumers are advised to check their meat products for these labels and to discard or return any affected items.

Politics

❯ Ken Martin Throws Hat In The Ring: Minnesota DFL Chair Ken Martin has announced his candidacy for the chair of the Democratic National Committee. In his announcement, Martin emphasized the need for Democrats to better communicate their values and priorities to voters across the political spectrum.

❯ Mpls Mayoral Challenger: According to Southwest Voices, Minnesota Senator Omar Fateh has announced his candidacy for mayor of Minneapolis, joining DeWayne Davis in challenging incumbent Jacob Frey in the 2025 election.

❯ MN Voter Turnout: Minnesota currently leads the nation in voter turnout for the 2024 election, with 76.3% of eligible voters casting ballots, though neighboring Wisconsin could surpass it once all votes are finalized and verified.

❯ Dems and GOP Agree to Split: Minnesota House leaders have agreed to an even split in committee control for the 2025 legislative session, with Republicans and Democrats co-chairing each panel and an equal number of members from each party.

What Else We’re Reading…

New Eagle Cam In Minnesota Draws International Audience 🦅

A new eagle camera went live in Minnesota on Thursday, providing eagle enthusiasts worldwide with a fresh view of a different nesting pair after the collapse of the previous nest. The previous camera had viewers in all 50 states and 160 countries. The new camera, set up by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is located in a different area, though the old EagleCam will remain active as the original pair has relocated nearby.

Read the full story on the AP News

Watch the live feed on Youtube

GAME: Weekly News Quiz

Did you pay attention to the news this week? Take our 5 question news quiz and find out.

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Sports 🏀

🏀 The Minnesota Timberwolves lost a tough one against Toronto thanks to some late game mistakes. The loss extends their losing streak in Toronto to 20 games.

🏀 The Gopher Men’s Basketball is finding ways to win basketball games despite having a low producing offense. This time they defeated Cleveland State by a score of 58-47.

🏒 The Minnesota Wild defeated the St. Louis Blues 4-2 on Tuesday. With a 12-3-3 record, they continue to hover near the top of the NHL standings.

🏀 The Gopher Women’s Basketball team is off to a hot start for the 2024-2025 season. Their most recent win over Eastern Illinois improved their record to 6-0.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ A rally was held on Sunday after two transgender women attacked near Minneapolis light rail station (WCCO)

❯ Robbinsdale schools are set to make budget cuts to address $20M shortfall error (MPR)

❯ Girlfriend of man who killed 3 Burnsville first responders is expected to plead guilty to weapons charges (Kare11)

❯ A new lawsuit is claiming that St. Paul Public Schools ‘misused’ federal COVID funding violating federal law (KSTP)

The Final Word: The Marijuana Survey 🚬

PSA: if you want to weigh in on the use of marijuana within Minneapolis parks system, you can fill out this 11 question survey.

-Patrick