5/13/2024 -- Omar Wins DFL Endorsement

Government

Ilhan Omar Wins DFL Endorsement Over Don Samuels

The Summary: U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar clinched the endorsement of the state Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party for her re-election campaign in Minnesota's 5th congressional district, gaining access to resources from the party ahead of the August primary.

Victory Over Samuels: Omar won the endorsement over Don Samuels, a former Minneapolis city council member, whom she narrowly defeated in the 2022 election.

Staying in the Race: Despite Omar's endorsement victory, Samuels vows to continue his candidacy, aiming to challenge her in the closely watched Democratic primary race, where Omar secured 133 votes compared to Samuels' 85.

Safety

Minnesota Senate Passes Stricter Gun Legislation 🏛

The Summary: The Minnesota Senate approved a bill aimed at curbing gun violence, which includes stiffer penalties for straw purchasing and bans the purchase and use of binary triggers.

Straw Purchase Penalties Increased: The legislation elevates the penalty for straw purchasing from a gross misdemeanor to a felony, with maximum prison time doubled to two years and maximum fines increased from $10,000 to $20,000.

Pushback from GOP: Republican senators voiced opposition during the debate, citing concerns about constitutional rights and the financial burden on legal gun owners to modify or surrender binary trigger accessories.

Next Steps: Before reaching Governor Walz's desk, the bill will undergo further review in a conference committee to address language discrepancies and amendments.

Government

Minnesota’s New State Flag Becomes Official

On Minnesota’s Statehood Day, the state capitol flew the new state flag for the first time. The designer of the new flag answered questions on Saturday including addressing various conspiracy theories that have circulated.

This Minnesotan already has the new flag tattoed on his back.

Sports

Wolves Drop Two At Home 🏀

The Summary: After taking the first two playoff games on the road against the Denver Nuggets, the Wolves struggled to find consistency on their home court. They head back to Denver with the series tied 2-2.

Ant Shines: Anthony Edwards has continued his playoff prowess after scoring 45 points in the game 4 loss.

What’s Next: The Wolves will play at Denver on Tuesday in Game 5. Game 6 will be played back in Minnesota on Thursday.

Other Sports:

⚾ The Minnesota Twins are 17-3 in their last 20 games after winning another series against the Toronto Blue Jays. They are now just half a game back of first place in the AL Central.

🏒 Minnesota’s PWHL team dropped another playoff game to fall behind 0-2 to Toronto in the best of 5 series. They play today at the Xcel energy center in game 3.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ After fleeing war-torn Ukraine, a couple has started a bakery business in the Twin Cities (WCCO)

❯ Myon Burrell, a man freed from life sentence in a Minneapolis murder, has been arrested again (Fox9)

❯ Police have release body cam footage of a woman killed by St. Paul officers (MPR)

❯ Twin Cities suburbs are making moves to address bike infrastructure (Star Tribune)

❯ Minnesota Supreme Court ruled the marijuana party failed to meet the state’s major party requirements (MN Reformer)

The Final Word: Pimento 🔥

This is not a paid ad by any means, but I wanted to plug the new Pimento at the Lake Bde Maka Ska Pavilion. Before the Wolves game on Saturday I made a stop at Pimento and enjoyed an order of jerk chicken and plantains. Bread and Pickle at Lake Harriet will always have my heart, but everyone should add this spot to their summer list.