Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis officials may be near agreement on federal oversight of MPD
Minneapolis leaders will meet Monday morning to review a tentative agreement on a federal consent decree.
The consent decree — a federal tool for oversight of police — will likely mandate extensive reforms to the Minneapolis Police Department. City officials have been working with the Department of Justice to reach an agreement since June 2023, when a federal investigation found patterns of racism and excessive force in MPD.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey last week scheduled Monday morning’s special city council meeting. The council, mayor and city attorney are expected to hold a closed-door briefing on the agreement, followed by a public vote. If approved, the agreement will be filed in federal court.
The Department of Justice opened its investigation in 2021 after the police murder of George Floyd the previous year. After extensive interviews with members of the community and department personnel, it concluded that MPD used dangerous techniques and weapons against people unnecessarily, and treated residents differently based on race. It also alleged the department mishandles complaints and accountability for officers.
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Marcia Howard, a local teacher and activist, takes notes during a June 2023 community morning meeting to discuss the findings of a comprehensive investigation into the city’s police department.
Kerem Yücel | MPR News
The report recommended a revamp to use-of-force policies, training and reporting. Those are changes that could be mandated in a consent decree.
Other consent decrees in cities including New Orleans, Seattle, Portland and Cleveland have mandated a variety of reforms, such as civilian oversight of police, altered use-of-force policies and new training on weapons use and engaging with people with mental illness.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara has experience administering a consent decree. He came to Minneapolis from Newark, which has been under a consent decree since 2016.
Addressing Minneapolis officers last week, O’Hara said he’ll remain committed to improving staffing levels and supporting officers’ safety and mental health, as the department prepares to take on the change likely required by a consent decree.
“When we focus on the right priorities, supporting one another, engaging with our community and remaining committed to our shared values, we can and we will navigate this process successfully and emerge stronger,” O’Hara said.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara speaks at a press conference on Aug. 7, 2023.
Jon Collins | MPR News
The decree would remain in place until an independent monitor determines the city has met all the requirements — likely several years later.
If enacted, Minneapolis would be the first city in the nation under both federal and state consent decrees. A state-level settlement agreement was reached in 2023, after an investigation by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights also found a pattern of racism in the department.
The department is approaching March deadlines under the state agreement. It will need to have new policies governing use of force, body camera use and interactions with minors. It’s also required to make substantial progress on a backlog of complaints against officers.
Advocates for a consent decree are hoping to see it finalized before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who opposed federal oversight of police departments during his first term in office.
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis salon mixes rock and roll with haircuts: Inside HiFi Hair and Records
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A Minneapolis salon is turning heads by mixing rock and roll with haircuts, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for music lovers.
A salon where music and haircuts go hand in hand
What we know:
HiFi Hair and Records sits on the edge of downtown Minneapolis, marked by a leopard print awning and a vibe that’s all about community through music.
“I tried to model it after a barbershop,” said Jonny Clifford, owner of the salon.
Clifford opened the shop in 2011, inspired by his father who introduced him to music and was battling terminal cancer at the time.
The salon brings together the hum of blow dryers and the sounds of rock and roll, with Clifford saying, “Music is the uniter. Most everyone who is alive today grew up on rock and roll.”
He added a record store the following year, letting customers browse new and used vinyl and CDs while waiting for their appointment.
“I jokingly refer to it as the coolest waiting room in the city,” said Clifford.
The shop is filled with memorabilia from music legends like Elvis, David Bowie and The Monkees. There’s even a wall dedicated to Minnesota’s local music scene.
Clifford said, “We’ve got Bobby V who I think never gets enough credit for his contributions to music in Minnesota.”
Clifford’s journey from punk haircuts to community hub
Why you should care:
Clifford started cutting hair in the early 1980s because he and his friends in southwest Minneapolis couldn’t afford the punk haircuts they wanted.
Now, he not only looks the part—”Ronny Wood, Jeff Beck, Keith Richards, I’m always like old Keith Richards or young Keith Richards”—but he helps others feel like rock stars too.
“People are like make me look like a rock star and that is sort of a universal term right. Everyone wants to look like a rock star,” said Clifford.
His goal is simple:
“If I can make a living and raise my family, pay my bills, have a business and be a part of a community, that is important to me. I win. That’s everything,” said Clifford.
He is passionate about giving a boost to local musicians, saying, “I think they need it more. I love Lady Gaga and The Rolling Stones, but they are doing fine. Our local people haven’t made it national yet. They could use a voice. They could use a boost, and they need to be heard.”
The salon’s rhythm is all about joy, music and community, and Clifford plans to keep it going.
“Til I kick over. I’ll probably be back standing behind the chair. And someone will complain I didn’t finish their haircut,” said Clifford.
HiFi Hair and Records continues to be a place where music and style meet, giving Minnesota’s music scene a little extra volume.
Minneapolis, MN
Edina shooting leaves 1 dead, suspects on run
EDINA, Minn. (FOX 9) – A deadly shooting in Edina sparked a massive police response and forced a lockdown at nearby businesses at Southdale Mall on Wednesday as police are searching for the suspects.
Deadly Edina shooting
What we know:
Edina police responded around 12:30 p.m. to the report of a shooting along West 66th Street near Southdale Mall.
At the scene, officers found one victim with a gunshot wound. Officers tried to revive the victim but say they ultimately died from their wounds.
Local perspective:
Police say the suspects ran from the scene. As a precaution, they advised nearby businesses to go into lockdown. FOX 9 learned that MHealth Fairview also went into lockdown procedures as a precaution.
Aerial video from the scene showed the investigation appeared to be focused around an apartment building across from the mall. Police say the apartment building is described as a transitional housing.
Avoid the area
Big picture view:
Police are asking the public to avoid the area as the investigation is underway. Officers have blocked off West 66th for the time being.
Police say they are looking for more than one suspect involved in the shooting.
What we don’t know:
Police say some people were taken into custody at the scene but it’s unclear what their role was in relation to the shooting.
Law enforcement near the 3300 block of W. 66th Street in Edina. (FOX 9)
Minneapolis, MN
Ellison, Minneapolis, St. Paul update lawsuit against Operation Metro Surge with new data
(ABC 6 News) – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Minneapolis and Saint Paul updated their lawsuit over Operation Metro Surge with new survey data on economic harm.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego conducted two surveys tied to the amended lawsuit. The lawsuit says the federal operation violated the Constitution and caused lasting economic damage.
The first survey was done between February and March and included nearly 1,400 residents. It found workers lost more than $240 million in wages during the operation.
A separate newly released survey of about 900 businesses found more than $600 million in lost revenue. The updated lawsuit from Keith Ellison and the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul adds that new data to its claims.
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