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Minneapolis Mayor Proposes Cuts to Violence Interrupter Program Amidst Oversight Concerns

Minneapolis Mayor Proposes Cuts to Violence Interrupter Program Amidst Oversight Concerns

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has proposed a budget that includes a nearly $2.7 million reduction in funding for the city's violence interrupter program. This proposal follows an audit that revealed a lack of sufficient oversight within the Neighborhood Safety Department, which manages the program's contracts and contractors. The audit highlighted concerns about potential 'fraud, waste, and abuse' and limitations on the city's ability to ensure it receives the services it pays for. Mayor Frey acknowledged the program's noble intentions and committed community leaders but stated that 'clear tracking has not demonstrated the level of results taxpayers deserve.' This move has met with opposition from some Minneapolis City Council members, including Vice President Jamal Osman and Council member Jason Chavez, who argue that the program is effective and that cutting its funding would lead to an increase in crime. Mohammed Abdul-Ahad of T.O.U.C.H. Outreach, a violence interruption worker, expressed devastation ove...

Miami Commissioners Approve Record $3.7 Billion Budget with Last-Minute Changes

Miami Commissioners Approve Record $3.7 Billion Budget with Last-Minute Changes

Miami commissioners have given final approval to a record $3.7 billion city budget. The budget maintains the property tax rate unchanged but includes several last-minute modifications. These changes involve additional funding for festivals and special events, the distribution of $10.5 million in previously unexplained personnel savings across various city departments, and an anticipated nearly $1 million in additional revenue from city marinas. The final General Fund, which is the city's primary operating account, is approximately $1.3 billion, marking an increase of about $74 million from the current year. The overall budget, combining operating funds and the capital spending plan, totals around $3.7 billion. The property tax rate will remain at 7.108 mills for general operations and 0.2536 mills for debt service, resulting in a combined rate of 7.3616 mills. Despite a flat tax rate, the city expects an increase of approximately $43 million in General Fund property-tax revenue next year due to rising taxa...

Minneapolis City Council Debates Transition of Behavioral Crisis Response Program

Minneapolis City Council Debates Transition of Behavioral Crisis Response Program

The Minneapolis City Council is currently evaluating a proposed change in contractors for its Behavioral Crisis Response program. This program, initiated in December 2021, dispatches unarmed mental health professionals through 911 to respond to mental health crises that do not require armed police intervention. The city plans to transition the program from Canopy Roots, a local Black-owned company, to Community Bridges Inc., an Arizona-based behavioral health organization. The proposed contract with Community Bridges Inc. is for $5.9 million, spanning from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2028, with options for three additional one-year extensions. The Public Health, Safety and Equity Committee postponed action on September 23 until October 7, citing a need for more documentation, including the complete request for proposals, evaluation criteria, scoring results, the proposed contract, and a detailed transition plan. Council President Elliott Payne expressed concerns about the lack of an implementation pla...

Pawtucket City Council Committee Delays Recommendation on Three-Year Teachers' Contract

Pawtucket City Council Committee Delays Recommendation on Three-Year Teachers' Contract

A Pawtucket City Council committee has declined to recommend a proposed three-year contract for teachers to the full council. The contract, intended for the Pawtucket School Committee and the Pawtucket Teachers' Alliance, AFT Local 930, would cover the period from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2029. The committee's decision, made during a recent meeting, stemmed from concerns regarding the school department's ability to fund the second and third years of the agreement. While the first year appeared financially feasible, the committee member leading the Finance Committee discussion expressed uncertainty about the long-term financial implications. Instead of a full recommendation, the committee proposed that the School Committee present a one-year deal, retroactive to September 1, with the understanding that negotiations for years two and three would continue. No vote was taken on the original three-year contract proposal.

Richmond Relaunches Real Estate Tax Sales Program to Recover $24 Million in Overdue Property Taxes

Richmond Relaunches Real Estate Tax Sales Program to Recover $24 Million in Overdue Property Taxes

The City of Richmond is set to relaunch its Real Estate Tax Sales Program in November, aiming to recover over $24 million in overdue property taxes. Richmond Mayor Danny Avula stated that improving revenue collection is crucial for managing the increasing costs of government operations. As of August 31, the city identified more than $24 million in outstanding property taxes. The program, which was previously paused in 2023 by the Levar Stoney administration, allows for the seizure and sale of properties that meet specific criteria under state law. A key requirement is that a property must be at least two years behind on its taxes. City officials have already identified 85 properties that meet this threshold, accounting for approximately $5.4 million in missing tax revenue. Additionally, 21 blighted properties could also qualify, as state law only requires them to be in arrears for one year. Despite the enforcement mechanism, Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II emphasized that the program's focus is...

El Paso City Council seeks Meta grant to fund safety projects

El Paso City Council seeks Meta grant to fund safety projects

Meta could provide $4 million after the El Paso City Council approved a grant application for park upgrades, safer school routes and solar lighting.

Minneapolis Fire Department Welcomes 17 New Cadets After Intensive Training

Minneapolis Fire Department Welcomes 17 New Cadets After Intensive Training

The Minneapolis Fire Department (MFD) has celebrated the graduation of 17 new fire cadets from its Fire Academy. The ceremony took place at the Capri Theater, marking the completion of an intensive three-month training program. These new firefighters have acquired cutting-edge skills designed to equip them for saving lives and protecting property during emergencies. Mayor Jacob Frey highlighted that this graduating class brings diverse experiences and perspectives, along with a strong commitment to public service. The 17 cadets, comprising 12 men and five women, contribute to the department's growing diversity and come from various professional backgrounds, including financial and healthcare sectors, paramedics, and former 911 dispatchers. For some, firefighting is a family tradition, with relatives already serving in the MFD or other fire agencies. Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette and newly inaugurated Minneapolis Fire Chief Reginald Freeman commended the graduates for their dedication and sacr...

Game 162: Rangers at Twins

Game 162: Rangers at Twins

Senator Blumenthal Leads Forum on Deadly ICE Shootings, Criticizes DHS Practices

Senator Blumenthal Leads Forum on Deadly ICE Shootings, Criticizes DHS Practices

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) recently led a forum addressing deadly shootings involving federal immigration agents, featuring testimony from the families of victims. Brent Ganger, brother of Renée Good, who was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, shared his experience, stating that his sister's death made him realize that no one in the country is untouchable. Senator Blumenthal expressed deep regret and criticized the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for failing to implement promised changes in its practices following these incidents. He highlighted that despite public outcry and assurances, DHS has repeatedly fallen short of its commitments to reform. The forum underscored ongoing concerns about accountability and operational procedures within federal immigration enforcement agencies.

Cincinnati Enquirer

What to know about Hamilton County Issue 10

What to know about Hamilton County Issue 10

Hamilton County voters will decide whether to increase property taxes to pay for children's services this November. Here's what to know.

Minneapolis Public Schools Faces Backlog of 700 Student Enrollments Amidst Proposed Closures

Minneapolis Public Schools Faces Backlog of 700 Student Enrollments Amidst Proposed Closures

Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) is currently facing a backlog of nearly 700 student enrollments, three weeks into the school year. This issue comes as the district has proposed closing up to 16 schools as part of a 'transformation' plan aimed at shifting spending towards students and staff, rather than cutting costs. District officials confirmed the backlog in a statement, noting that most of the pending applications were submitted after the school year began and include students seeking transfers within MPS. Superintendent Lisa Sayles-Adams explained that the district cannot receive full federal funding without meeting minimum attendance thresholds, contributing to budgetary challenges. The district served approximately 28,000 K-12 students last year, with current enrollment data not yet available.

Motorist Flees Scene After Crashing into Light Rail Train in Downtown Minneapolis

Motorist Flees Scene After Crashing into Light Rail Train in Downtown Minneapolis

Metro Transit police are actively searching for a motorist who fled the scene after crashing into a light rail train in downtown Minneapolis. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at approximately 2 p.m. at the intersection of South Fifth Street and Portland Avenue. According to police, the motorist ran a red light, striking the light rail train. The train operator, who was the only individual on board as the train was not in service, was not injured in the collision. Following the crash, the driver of the vehicle immediately left the area. Emergency services were able to clear the tracks within about 30 minutes, and train service has since returned to normal operations. Metro Transit police have initiated an investigation into the incident to identify and apprehend the motorist involved.