8/9/2024 -- Walz takes center stage

Politics

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Takes Center Stage After Being Chosen As Kamala Harris’ Running Mate

The Summary: On Monday, Kamala Harris announced she had chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. According to multiple reports, the decision came down between Walz and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

Rally in Philly: Walz was officially introduced at a rally in Philadelphia. His full speech can be watched here.

Facing the Heat: Since being launched onto the the national political stage, Walz has faced quick attacks from Republicans including his DUI charge in 1995, his military record, and his handling of the 2020 unrest in Minneapolis — a newly surfaced video shows Trump praising how Walz handled the 2020 riots.

Teacher and Coach: Democrats have been highlighting Walz' time as a teacher and football coach at Mankato West. During the announcement rally, Harris affectionately referred to Walz as “Coach” numerous times.

GOP Reaction: Some Republicans, including Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer, have expressed relief with the Walz pick saying he is an easier target than Josh Shapiro.

Minnesota History: Should the Harris/Walz ticket win in November, Tim Walz would become the third Minnesotan to become Vice President — the other two were Walter Mondale and Hubert Humphrey.

Viral Merch: Soon after the VP announcement, the Harris campaign launched a camo “Harris/Walz” hat that sold out within hours.

Government

Historic Pay Raise Proposal For Hennepin County Commissioners Has Been Withdrawn 💲

The Summary: Hennepin County commissioners were scheduled to vote on a proposed 49% pay increase that would have raised their salaries from $122,225 to $182,141. The proposal was introduced by Board Chair Irene Fernando and initially approved by a 4-2 vote.

Withdrawal Due to Public Opposition: The commissioners decided to withdraw the proposal after receiving significant opposition from Hennepin County residents. Fernando explained that she ultimately chose to withdraw the proposal to allow for the development of alternative compensation methods.

Union Workers' Protest: During the board meeting, members of the AFSCME Local 34 union, representing county workers, protested against the proposed pay raise.

Additional Withdrawals: In addition to the commissioners' pay raise, proposed salary increases for the sheriff and county attorney were also withdrawn during Tuesday’s meeting.

Business

❯ 2024 Best of Business: Twin Cities Business Magazine has released their 2024 Best Of Business List highlighting the best Twin Cities vendors and service providers.

❯ New Hospital Regulations: Minnesota hospitals now face penalties of up to $60,000 if they fail to notify the public six months in advance of closures or significant service reductions, particularly in rural areas.

What Else We’re Reading…

Who would take over for Walz as Minnesota’s Governor?

A Harris/Walz victory in November would result in Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan being promoted to Governor of Minnesota. As a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, she could become both the first woman and the first Native woman to lead the state. Learn more about Flanagan:

New York Times profile

Star Tribune Profile

Sports

🏈 The Minnesota Vikings play their first preseason game of the season against the Oakland Raiders this weekend. Sam Darnold is expected to start at quarterback.

⚾ The Minnesota Twins lost two out of three to the Chicago Cubs this week. They play the AL Central leading Cleveland Guaridans in a four game series this weekend.

🏐 Edina’s Jordan Thompson helped lead Team USA Volleyball to a victory over Brazil. They will face Italy in the gold medal match.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ A transgender librarian is suing Holy Angels alleging she was let go after coming out (WCCO)

❯ A cartel-backed Minnesota man was charged in drug-trafficking ring (Fox9)

❯ A Minneapolis daycare worker has been arrested on child porn charges (Kare11)

❯ An owl at the Minnesota Zoo was eaten by a tiger after it flew away from its handler (WCCO)

❯ The city of Blaine fell for a scam that cost taxpayers $1.5M then tried to keep it quiet (Kare11)

The Final Word: Walz Mania

The news of Minnesota’s own Tim Walz becoming Kamala Harris’ running mate set social media ablaze this week. Here are some of my favorite (politically agnostic) memes that I found from my endless scrolling on X: here, here, and here.

-Patrick