2/3/2025 -- Ken Martin Ascents To DNC Chair

🧊 The varying temps in the Twin Cities have made for some interesting looking ice formations on the Mississippi River. Photo credit: Matt Birkholz

Politics

Minnesota's Ken Martin Ascends to DNC Chair, Pledges Party Renewal After 2024 Losses

The Summary: Ken Martin, the leader of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, has been elected as the new chair of the Democratic National Committee.

Background and Election: Martin, a 51-year-old longtime Democratic strategist, secured his victory on the first ballot, defeating Wisconsin Democratic Chair Ben Wikler.

Martin's Vision and Priorities: In his new role, Martin has outlined several key priorities:

• Rebuilding Party Infrastructure: He plans to restore and augment the party's national infrastructure to contest races across the country.

• Refocusing on Working-Class Voters: Martin aims to strengthen the Democratic message to appeal to working-class Americans.

• Improving Rapid Response: He intends to enhance the party's ability to quickly respond to and counter Trump administration actions.

"We're coming. This is a new Democratic Party. We're taking the gloves off." -Ken Martin

Crime

Minneapolis to Pay $600,000 in Settlement Over Ex-Officer Chauvin's Pre-Floyd Misconduct

The Summary: The city of Minneapolis has agreed to pay $600,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by Patty Day. The case involves allegations of excessive force and wrongful arrest against former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, who was later convicted for the murder of George Floyd.

Incident Details: On January 17, 2020, Day, who was intoxicated and experiencing personal difficulties, became stuck in the snow. Officers Chauvin and Ellen Jensen responded to the scene. According to the lawsuit, the officers forcefully removed Day from her vehicle and pinned her to the ground, with Chauvin allegedly kneeling on her back in a manner similar to the later incident with George Floyd.

Legal Proceedings: Day filed the lawsuit in May, claiming she suffered injuries from the encounter. A judge later ruled that the officers lacked probable cause for the arrest and suppressed blood alcohol test evidence, leading to the dismissal of a drunken driving charge against Day.

Settlement Breakdown: The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved the $600,000 settlement.This settlement adds to the over $36 million the city has paid to resolve police misconduct cases involving Chauvin, including a $27 million settlement with the Floyd family.

Government

Movement In The Minnesota Legislature As Dems Win Control Of Senate and GOP Sues Hosue Democrats

The Summary: Democratic candidate Doron Clark has won a special election for Senate District 60, which includes parts of northeastern Minneapolis. Clark defeated Republican candidate Abigail Wolters, giving Democrats control of the Minnesota Senate.

Background: The special election was held to fill the vacancy left by the passing of former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic. Prior to this election, the state Senate was evenly split at 33-33.

Impact on State Legislature: With Clark's victory, Democrats now hold a majority in the Minnesota Senate. However, the state House remains in a 67-67 tie following a recent court ruling that disqualified a Democratic candidate due to residency requirements.

Current Political Situation: The Minnesota House is experiencing a deadlock, with Democrats boycotting the session until a power-sharing agreement is reached. House Republicans have filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Steve Simon, accusing him of unlawfully blocking GOP motions in the chamber.

What Else We’re Reading…

Activists Are Calling For Consumers To Boycott Target 🎯

Civil rights activists in Minneapolis have called for a national boycott of Target Corporation over its decision to phase out diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The boycott, set to begin on February 1st, is in response to Target joining other major companies in scaling back DEI efforts amid pressure from conservatives and the Trump administration. Organizers, including local Black Lives Matter groups, are urging consumers to support Black-owned businesses directly while cutting ties with Target.

Sports 🏒

🏒 The Gopher Men’s hockey rebounded by sweeping border rival Wisconsin. They are currently ranked #4 in the country.

🏀 The Gopher Men’s Basketball team’s lost a tough one to Washington, one of the worst teams in the Big 10. They currently sit outside of the top 15 in the Big 10, the number of teams who will make the postseason conference tournament.

🏀 The Minnesota Timberwolves five game win streak was snapped by the Washington Wizards. They are facing some key injuries with Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Anthony Edwards sidelined.

🏒 The Minnesota Wild were blanked by the Ottawa Senators on Saturday by a score of 6-0. The Canadian fans also had something to say during the Star Spangled Banner.

🏀 The Gopher women’s basketball team lost steam in the second half against #1 UCLA, eventually losing 79-53.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities & Greater Minnesota ✔

❯ You might know some contestents on the upcoming season of Love Is Blind which was filmed in Minneapolis (MPR)

❯ Twelve people were arrested in St. Paul on suspicion of trafficking fentanyl (Kare11)

❯ U of M officials say they will comply with ICE immigration orders (MN Daily)

❯ Governor Tim Walz had some strong words about Trump’s federal funding freeze (MSNBC)

The Final Word: Gopher Bar 🌭

I stopped by the Gopher Bar in St. Paul on Saturday before going to the Wolves game. I had never been before, but the no-frills dive bar did not disappoint with great Coney style hot dogs and cheap beer — what more can you want?

Definitely check it out when you’re in St. Paul.

-Patrick