7/8/2024 -- Minneapols Park Workers Begin Strike

Minneapolis

Minneapolis Park Workers Officially On Strike For The First Time Ever

The Summary: Hundreds of Minneapolis park workers began a strike on Thursday, marking the first walkout in the park system's 141-year history. This action follows seven months of unsuccessful contract negotiations.

Rally and March: Approximately 100 union members and supporters rallied and marched in northeast Minneapolis, initiating what could be a weeklong strike.

Union's Demands: The Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 363, representing over 200 employees and more than 100 seasonal workers, have emphasized unmet demands for improvements in health care, safety procedures, and pay raises.

Final Offer: The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board presented its "last, best and final offer" on Monday, which included a 10.25% wage increase and two market adjustments for 13 positions.

Union's Response: The union rejected the offer, arguing that it would barely cover the 10% pay erosion caused by rising inflation over the past three years. They also criticized proposed concessions like overtime restrictions.

Safety

30 Arrests and 5 Citations Were Issued Over The July 4th Holiday

The Summary: Dozens of people were arrested in Dinkytown Thursday evening due to a chaotic scene involving fireworks being shot off in the streets. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed at a press conference on Friday afternoon that no one was seriously injured.

Incident Summary: Officials reported a total of 30 arrests and 5 citations related to the incidents. The majority of these incidents occurred in the Dinkytown neighborhood.

Law Enforcement Response: Chief O'Hara criticized bystanders for contributing to the problem by showing up in response to social media posts, prompting a significant law enforcement response this year.

Multi-Agency Effort: Over 200 additional officers, along with Ramsey County deputies, Minneapolis Park Police, University of Minnesota Police, and State Patrol, were deployed to handle the situation across the city.

Politics

Governor Tim Walz Pledges Support For President Joe Biden While Rep. Angie Craig Calls For Biden to Step Down

The Summary: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, chair of the Democratic Governors Association, joined several Democratic governors for a meeting with President Biden at the White House. The governors pledged their support for Biden amid concerns about his recent poor debate performance.

Gov. Walz's Statements: Walz affirmed President Biden's fitness for office despite the poor debate performance, emphasizing Biden's strong track record through the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery efforts. He highlighted the importance of working together for a victory in the upcoming November election.

Polls and Concerns: A CBS News poll shows Trump has an edge over Biden nationally and in key battleground states. The debate's impact on the campaign was discussed among governors earlier in the week and directly addressed with Biden during the White House meeting.

Angie Craig Statement: Rep. Angie Craig on Saturday became the first battleground House Democrat to call for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race in the wake of his debate performance

What Else We’re Reading…

Minneapolis installs first NARCAN vending machine to combat opioid crisis

MPR has the story about Minneapolis unveiling its first Narcan vending machine outside a south Minneapolis fire station, offering lifesaving medicine that reverses opioid overdoses for free. The vending machine, accessible 24/7, is part of an effort to combat fatal overdoses, especially in neighborhoods with high overdose rates.

Sports

Tragic Car Accident Claims Life of Vikings Rookie Khyree Jackson

The Summary: Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, along with two of his high school teammates, were killed in a three-car crash in Maryland early Saturday morning.

Crash Details: According to Maryland State Police, Jackson was a passenger in a Dodge Charger when another car attempted a high-speed lane change, striking the Charger. The Charger slid off the road and hit multiple tree stumps. The Infiniti then struck a Chevrolet Impala. No one in the other two cars were injured.

Jackson's Journey to the NFL: Jackson had a challenging path to the NFL, having quit football to work at a Chipotle and a grocery store before returning to the sport. He played at multiple junior colleges before becoming a starter at Alabama and later at Oregon.

Other Sports News

🏀 The Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards made a bold claim about his role on Team USA saying “I’m still the number one option.”

⭐ Carlos Correa was selected to his third MLB all-star game and his first with the Twins.

⚾ The Minnesota Twins won their series against the Houston Astros which ended in a game three walk-off home-run from Christian Vasquez.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ Minnesota's e-bike rebate program received 14,000 applications in 18 minutes (Bring Me The News)

❯ At a campaign rally, Minnesota Senate candidate Royce White told a crowd that “Jewish elites” run the Federal Reserve (KSTP)

❯ The city of St. Paul increased the minimum wage for small businesses (Pioneer Press)

❯ Minnesota THC shop owners are upset over new dispensary licensing rules (Axios)

❯ Minnesota set a state record with the high amounts of rainfall for the combined months of April, May and June (MPR)

The Final Word: Baby Duck Saga 🦆

As chronicled on Reddit, a Twin Cities woman witnessed a mother duck an dher ducklings fall into a gutter along 694 this past week. After getting wildlife management involved, 2 out of 5 baby ducks (less than 24 hours old) were able to be saved — read the story here and here.

-Patrick