7/19/2024 -- Pay Increase for MPD Approved

Minneapolis

Minneapolis City Council Approves Pay Increase for MPD 🚔

The Summary: The Minneapolis City Council has approved a new contract with the police union, which includes historic raises for officers. The decision was reached despite some concerns over the lack of comprehensive accountability measures.

Key Details of the Contract

- Historic Raises: The contract guarantees a 21.7% pay raise over three years. Starting salaries for rookies will exceed $90,000 annually.

- Expanded Oversight: The agreement expands managerial oversight of the force, allowing more discretion in personnel management and removing certain staffing minimums.

- Support and Challenges: The contract has the support of Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O'Hara, who see it as essential for rebuilding the department post-2020. However, some council members and activists feel it lacks sufficient reform measures.

Council Approval: The Minneapolis City Council approved the measure with an 8-4 vote.

Budget Challenges: Raises and retroactive pay will be covered by the current budget, but future raises pose a $9.2 million challenge for the 2025 budget. The city is also facing a $21.6 million deficit.

Minnesota

Federal Appeals Court Rules Minnesota Can’t Bar Adults Under 21 From Carrying Guns

The Summary: A federal appeals court ruled that Minnesota's law restricting adults under 21 from obtaining a permit to carry a firearm is unconstitutional.

Details of the Case: The original complaint was iled in 2021 by members of the Second Amendment Foundation, and the Firearms Policy Coalition. They argued that the age restriction infringed on 2nd Amendment rights.

Court's Rationale: Judge Duane Benton authored the decision, stating that Minnesota's statute is inconsistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.

The Opposition: Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison expressed disappointment, stating that the ruling complicates efforts to reduce shootings and improve public safety. Ellison may appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Business

❯ Minnesota CEO Pay: The Star Tribune released their list of Minnesota’s 50 highest paid CEO’s with Charles Kummeth of Bio-Techne Corp. coming in at #1 after making $59.5M in total compensation in 2023.

❯ Arrests Outside UHC HQ: Eleven people were arrested outside UnitedHealthcare's headquarters in Minnetonka during a protest against alleged improper coverage denials by the insurer. Protestors were cited with misdemeanors and released.

❯ Icehouse Saved: Minneapolis music venue and restaurant Icehouse has settled its eviction lawsuit by restructuring its business and lease agreements, appointing Walker Art Center trustee John Higgins as the new owner.

Did You See This?

New State Flag Makes Trip To Space 🛰

A mechanical engineering team from the University of Minnesota sent the new Minnesota state flag, a U of M flag, and an American flag on a flight to space this past week. Dr. Ognjen Ilic, an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the U of M's College of Science & Engineering, led the team that sent the flags into space. Learn more here.

Sports

⚽ Minnesota United lost a 3-2 heartbreaker to DC United after giving up two goals in the final five minutes.

🏆 ESPN released their list of the top 100 athletes from the 21st century and Minnesota sports teams were well represented.

🐜Anthony Edwards scored 16 points in Team USA’s exhibition win against Team Serbia. Ant man has scored 10+ points in all of their exhibition games leading up to the Olympics.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯The Minneapolis Parks Strike has continued, affecting storm clean-up from last weekend (KSTP)

❯The University of St. Thomas is set to appeal a ruling over sports arena environmental review (Star Tribune)

❯Abbott Northwestern named best Twin Cities hospital by U.S. News and World Report (WCCO)

❯Three Twin Cities men were sentenced to prison for selling machine guns on Snapchat (Bring Me The News)

❯A home built by Prince is for sale in Golden Valley (NY Post)

❯Home sales are down in Twin Cities metro area compared to last year (Kare11)

Quick hits

Headlines From Greater Minnesota ✔

❯Approximately 1 million gallons of coal-ash water spilled near Cohasset (WCCO)

❯The number of COVID-19 infections has grown in dozens of states, including Minnesota (Kare11)

❯Trump's inner circle is adamant they can turn Minnesota red for first time since 1972 (Star Tribune)