👮 Did St. Paul police violate policy against protestors?

St. Paul police scrutinized for ICE protest response

Local group Communities United Against Police Brutality (CUAPB) claims St. Paul police violated use-of-force policy while responding to protesters during a federal immigration operation on Nov. 25. CUAPB President Michelle Gross wrote that police pepper-sprayed people legally protesting, shot pepper balls “indiscriminately” into the crowd, and targeted “clearly identifiable members of the media.” The City Council plans to formally initiate an investigation into the police conduct at today’s meeting. [Pioneer Press]

• Rewind: Pioneer Press reporter Mara Gottfried wrote that federal officers began pursuing Jeffrey Lopez-Suazo while surveilling the area to arrest a different man. Lopez-Suazo struck the side of an ICE vehicle and then ran back into the home that officers were watching. St. Paul police were then sent to secure the perimeter as agents arrested Lopez-Suazo and the protest formed. [Pioneer Press]
• ICE arrest at private university: Augsburg University’s president is speaking out after federal agents detained a student last weekend. Paul Pribbenow decried the arrest as illegal since it took place on private property without a warrant. [Star Tribune]

One-day school boycott: A group of Hmong parents in St. Paul Public Schools plans to keep their kids home next Monday. The parents are boycotting the district for overcrowding problems at Txuj Ci HMong Language and Culture. An organizer said she expects more than 2,000 students could stay home. [Sahan Journal]

Pay raise: Minneapolis City Council members took one step closer to raising salaries for the mayor and for themselves. This follows a recommendation from the city’s clerk, since Mayor Jacob Frey’s salary is about $57,000 lower than comparable city peers. The council members make more than their peers, but their peers’ pay is also expected to increase. [Star Tribune]

Spa scoop: Watershed Spa is expanding to the North Loop in January, along with their St. Anthony Main location. Highlights of the new location include an indoor-outdoor pool designed for a “shared soaking experience.” You can also get a private herbal bath if you prefer. I’m admittedly a Watershed Spa cult follower after I got an awesome (and affordable) full-body massage. [MSP Mag]

Pies and ice cream: OG Zaza is bringing its sixth metro location to Grand Avenue next to Grand Ole Creamery. What a great combo. [Pioneer Press]

Anti-trans discrimination at county jail: Hennepin County Jail is now required to place transgender inmates in a unit that matches their gender identity and use their chosen names and pronouns. The policy changes stem from a 2023 lawsuit filed by nonprofit Gender Justice, when a trans man was transferred to the women’s unit and was asked invasive questions about his genitalia. [Bring Me The News]

Wednesday, Dec 10

• 🧵 Mending Night 🆓 | Twin Cities Maker Artifactory
• 🎬 Lisztomania (50th Anniversary Screening) | The Trylon
• ⛰️ Banff Mountain Film Festival | Riverview Theater
• 💃 Pop Up Dance Party 🆓 | Bryant Square
• 🪕 Monroe Crossing: A Bluegrass Christmas | Crooners
• 🏒 USA Hockey Rivalry Series Watch Party | A Bar of Their Own
• 🍿 Hundreds of Beavers | Parkway Theater

Thursday, Dec 11

• 🎸 Alan Sparhawk + Trampled by Turtles In-Store Performance and Signing | Electric Fetus
• 🍲 Bring Them Home (Screening + Meal) 🆓 | Minneapolis American Indian Center
• 🍽️ Julbord Festive Dining Experience | PAIKKA
• 🧵 Braids: A Conversation with Dyani White Hawk and Jovan C. Speller 🆓 | Walker Art Center
• 💘 Mistletoe Mystery Pairing Singles Event | Salt + Flour Kitchen
• 🖤 The Cure: The Show of a Lost World | Landmark Lagoon Cinema
• 🎶 Your Smith | First Avenue

• Grants Manager at Urban Roots | $62k per year
• Assistant Production Editor at American Academy of Neurology | $23.75 to $28.49 per hour
• Director at Harry Kay Center for Leadership Excellence | $70k - $90k per year
• Accounting Specialist at McKnight Foundation | $78k per year
• Community-Engaged Research Coordinator at UMN Center for Changing Landscapes | $32.75 - $35.00 per hour