9/2/2024 -- MPD On Pace For Increased Police Force Numbers

Safety

MPD Sees Growth In Officers — Applications Up 45% 🚔

The Summary: Minneapolis city officials are reporting that the number of sworn officers is expected to rise for the first time since 2020. The department currently has 570 sworn officers, eight more than at the end of 2023, and is on track to finish the year with more officers than last year.

Previous Decline: Between 2020 and 2022, MPD had 273 officers leave their jobs, a number police chief Brian O’Hara called “unsustainable.”

Surge in Applications: The MPD has seen a 45% increase in job applications compared to last year. Officials are attributing the surge to a recent recruitment campaign and a new police union contract offering substantial pay raises.

Contract Details: The new police union contract includes a 21.7% salary increase over three years, ensuring that a recruit at the police academy would earn approximately $85,000 annually by the third year of their contract.

"The increase in applicants is positive and promising.” -Brian O’Hara, Minneapolis Police Chief

Politics

Walz Makes Campaign Stop At Minnesota State Fair

The Summary: Gov. Tim Walz, now the Democratic vice presidential nominee, made a campaign stop at the Minnesota State Fair on Sunday. Accompanied by his family, Walz purchased a pork chop on a stick and served ice cream in the Dairy Building.

Heightened Security: Unlike previous years where Walz has been able to freely roam the fairgrounds, with this drop-in visit accompanied by plenty of security.

Campaign Trail: Since joining Kamala Harris as her running mate, Walz has focused on key battleground states. He plans to meet with labor leaders in St. Paul on Labor Day before speaking at Milwaukee's Laborfest.

Dog Park Sighting: Before the fair, Walz was spotted with his dog, Scout, at a dog park along the Mississippi River.

Business

❯ Lululemon Theft Ring: Two Crystal women have been charged with felony organized retail theft for their involvement in a scheme targeting a Minneapolis Lululemon store. The theft ring involved stealing and reselling merchandise, with both women facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

❯ Health Insurance Debacle: A Medicare Advantage patient was wrongly billed $3,300 and sent to collections due to a dispute between two UnitedHealth Group entities over whether a surgery center was in-network. Read the full Star Tribune article.

❯ St. Paul Minimum Wage Increase: In 2025, St. Paul's minimum wage will increase, with the largest raises for employees of big businesses, bringing their pay to $15.97 per hour, while smaller businesses will see more gradual increases.

What Else We’re Reading…

If It Sells, This $68M Mansion On Lake Minnetonka Could Become The Most Expensive Real Estate Sale In Minnesota

A newly listed $68 million estate on Lake Minnetonka could become Minnesota's most expensive house if it sells for the asking price. The 28,000-square-foot mansion, featuring luxury amenities like a bowling alley and $4 million in bulletproof windows, highlights a surge in high-end real estate activity in the area, with a significant increase in million-dollar home sales. Real estate agents are watching closely to see if a buyer will meet the unprecedented price, which would surpass the previous state record of $17 million.

Read more about the property and view the photos.

GAME — Mini Crossword

Over 250,000 of this food item is sold each year at the Minnesota State Fair. Think you know the answer to 4 Down? Solve the entire crossword puzzle here.

Sports

🎖 The 2024 Paris Paralympics are taking place right now in Paris with a number of athletes with Minnesota ties competing including shot putter Josh Cinnamo who is looking to win gold.

🏀 The Minnesota Lynx defeated the Chicago Sky to remain in first place in the Western Conference with just seven games remaining in the regular season.

🏈 Former Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer shared the details of his fallout with the Vikings in a Star Tribune interview.

⚽ Minnesota United defeated the last-place San Jose Earthquakes, led by two goals from Bongokuhle Hlongwane.

⚾ The Minnesota Twins won the series against the Toronto Blue Jays thanks to a 3-run, go-ahead homerun from Royce Lewis in the eigth inning on Sunday.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ Dr. Anthony Fauci will be speaking at the University of Minnesota on October 22nd. Tickets will be available September 18. (Kare11)

❯ Eight in 10 Minnesota seniors who are eligible for federal food assistance aren't receiving it (Axios)

❯ A mom has been charged in 2-year-old's fentanyl overdose death at Minneapolis homeless shelter (WCCO)

❯ The city of Minneapolis is offering residents, property owners and businesses low-cost trees (MPR)

❯ The victim of a downtown Minneapolis hit-and-run says police still haven't contacted him about crash (WCCO)

The Final Word: The last boat ride ⛵

It is officially Labor Day which is the un-official end to summer lake cabin season. I spent the weekend fishing, playing cornhole, swimming, and enjoying one last boat ride with my dog Harry.

Hope everyone is enjoying the long holiday weekend!

-Patrick