12/20/2024 -- Tensions with Walz and Flanagan?

Crime

Swastikas Found Spray-Painted at Temple Israel in Minneapolis

The Summary: Two red swastikas were spray-painted on the entrance of Temple Israel, Minnesota's largest synagogue, in Minneapolis on Monday morning. The vandalism occurred at the Emerson Avenue S. entrance, defacing a pillar and a door.

Suspect Information: Surveillance footage captured the suspect, who wore: A white hoodie with the hood up, a black face covering, black jogger pants, and tan boots. The individual fled in a silver Honda Civic.

Community Response: Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman expressed heartbreak over the hateful imagery, emphasizing the temple's commitment to being a welcoming place for all. Despite the vandalism, Rabbi Zimmerman affirmed that Temple Israel will continue its programming, including upcoming Hanukkah celebrations.

Housing

Number Of Homeless In Minnesota Up 10% In The Past Decade

The Summary: The 2023 Minnesota Homeless Study shows a 10% increase in the state's homeless population since 2013. This triennial study is conudcted by researchers at the Wilder Foundation.

Long-Term Homelessness: According to the study, 78% of Minnesotans experiencing homelessness have lived outside for more than a year and are stuck in long-term homelessness.

Demographic Disparities: The Native American population, comprising only 2% of Minnesotans, represents 20% of the homeless population and 23% of those who are unsheltered.

Other key findings:

• Unsheltered women experience much higher rates of violence and exploitation than men.

• People experiencing unsheltered homelessness face profound substance use challenges, which often co-occur with mental health conditions.

• High rates of previous incarceration create further instability for those who are unsheltered.

Read the full study here.

Politics

Tensions Rise Between Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Amid Public Absence

The Summary: Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan have not appeared together publicly in seven weeks, which has raised eyebrows among political observers. Flanagan was notably absent from Walz's homecoming speech after the national election loss.

Alleged Causes of Tension: The reported rift between Walz and Flanagan coincided with Walz's return from the unsuccessful national campaign. Sources told Axios and Star Tribune that the Walz team was displeased with Flanagan's preparations to assume the governorship, which included conferring with potential key hires and preparing for a possible run in 2026.

Official Responses: In response to questions about the tension, Walz denied any issues during an interview on WCCO radio, suggesting that such concerns are not a major priority at this time. He attributed their lack of joint appearances to differing schedules and claimed that Flanagan's absence from events was due to other engagements.

What Else We’re Reading…

Satanist Display at Minnesota Capitol Sparks Controversey

A Satanic holiday display at the Minnesota State Capitol has sparked controversy, with the group claiming the display represents "religious plurality" and is protected by the First Amendment. Republican lawmakers like Tom Emmer and Pete Stauber criticized Governor Tim Walz for allowing the display, though the governor's office emphasized that he cannot police speech at the capitol. Despite the heated debate, the display will remain up until December 27.

Read the full story on WCCO

GAME: Where Is This?

The game is simple — click the link below to submit your answer on where this beautiful setting is in the Twin Cities.

Sports 🏀

🏀 The Minnesota Timberwolves played host to their former superstar, Karl Anthony-Towns who put on a show with his Knicks teammates in a dominating win over the Wolves. Prior to the game, the Wolves played a touching tribute video.

🏒 The Minnesota Frost defeated the Ottawa Charge 5-2. They currently sit in first place in the PWHL.

🏒 The Nottingham Panthers have retired the jersey of ice hockey player and Minnesotan Adam Johnson, who died after being injured during a match last year.

🏒 The Minnesota Wild lost 6-1 to the Florida Panthers and Brock Faber took a dangerous puck to the face/neck.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ Derek Chauvin is attempting to overturn his federal conviction with a new defense theory (Kare11)

❯ One patient’s email led to a change in M Health Fairview’s weight and BMI policy (MinnPost)

❯ Wuollet Bakery’s woes have continued to stack up, this time for its SW Minneapolis location (Bring Me The News)

❯ A south Minneapolis mosque had to cancel most programming after receiving a threat online (Sahan Journal)

❯ Minnesota is taking action to try and curb copper wire theft (Fox9)

The Final Word: Some good news 🚗

Twelve single moms in the Twin Cities received an early Christmas gift on Tuesday when they all received free cars from the Wheels for Women program at the Newgate School in Minneapolis. The vehicles were donated to the school, then refurbished by students.

-Patrick