3/24/2025 -- $75M budget deficit for Mpls schools

🏀 If you haven’t already, you have to read this story about the Timberwolves deciding to start Joe Ingles so his son with autism could watch him play.

Education

Minneapolis Public Schools Grapple with $75 Million Budget Deficit 💲

The Summary: Minneapolis Public Schools is dealing with a $75 million budget deficit for the upcoming school year. Proposed cuts will affect special education and school nutrition, with some layoffs already announced. The district operates at 65% of its enrollment capacity, contributing to financial challenges.

Broader Financial Struggles: Many Twin Cities school districts are facing budget deficits, totaling $280 million collectively. St. Paul Public Schools alone faces a $51 million shortfall.

Steps Toward Financial Stability: MPS officials are exploring ways to manage the deficit, including restructuring programs and monitoring potential federal funding changes. Concerns about federal cuts to special education and Title 1 funding could exacerbate the financial situation. The district must balance fiscal realities with student needs.

Government

Jacob Frey Reaffirms City as Safe Haven for Undocumented Immigrants and Transgender Community

The Summary: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey declared the city will remain a safe haven for undocumented immigrants and the transgender community. He made this statement during a town hall hosted by U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar on Friday.

Federal Funding Concerns: Frey addressed threats from the federal government regarding potential funding cuts if the city fails to comply with federal immigration policies. He emphasized that the $70 million annual funding is crucial for the city's core functions.

Justice Department's Stance: The Justice Department plans to target state and local officials who do not comply with the Trump administration's deportation efforts. This decision escalates tensions between sanctuary cities like Minneapolis and the federal government.

Proposed State Legislation: A bill sponsored by Rep. Max Rymer (R-North Branch) aims to restrict Minnesota law enforcement and government agencies from limiting cooperation with federal immigration officials. The bill has sparked debate between supporters citing the need for federal compliance and opponents concerned about potential targeting of minority communities.

What Else We’re Reading…

Trash Talk: Dispute in St. Paul Could Lead To Garbage Collection Delays

The St. Paul City Council voted to block FCC Environmental from using a site at 560 Randolph Avenue for a $25 million garbage truck facility, citing zoning concerns and neighborhood opposition. Mayor Melvin Carter criticized the decision, warning it could disrupt trash collection services set to begin April 1 under a new city contract with FCC. While the council argues that FCC can proceed without the facility, Carter has suggested declaring a local emergency to ensure uninterrupted service.

Sports 🏀

🏀 Four champions were crowned at the Boys High School Basketball State Tournament: Dawson-Boyd, Albany, Alexandria, and Wayzata.

🤼‍♂️ Gopher Wrestling’s Gable Stevenson was defeated in a massive upset at the NCAA wrestling championships.

🏒 The Gopher Women’s Hockey team lost in the semifinals of the Frozen Four to the Wiscons Badgers who scored 6 goals.

🏀 The Gopher women’s basketball team won their first two games of the WBIT to advance to the quarterfinals. They will take on Gonzaga on Thursday at home.

⚽ The Minnesota United Loons tied the LA Galaxy on Saturday thanks to a late goal in the 90th minute from the Galaxy.

🏒 The Minnesota Wild have extended their win streak to three games thanks to their most recent win against the Buffalo Sabres.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities & Greater Minnesota ✔

❯ According to MPD, shootings in North Minneapolis are at a 10-year low (Fox9)

❯ Tim Walz thinks one of Trump’s next moves will be to arrest political opponents (Daily Beast)

❯ Dangerous Man Brewing will be halting production for good at the end of March (Kare11)

❯ St. Paul residents angered by plans to cut down dozens of trees in Como Park (WCCO)

The Final Word: Update The Skyline? 🌇

Star Tribune Columnist, Evan Ramstad, recently wrote a piece (gifted link) suggesting that Minneapolis & St. Paul consider tearing down some of the under utilized commercial buildings — something that is happening in other metro areas like Detroit.

What do you think? Should the Twin Cities consider making some changes to the towers in their downtown areas?

-Patrick