It is the twelfth day of the MPS educators strike. One contract issue that MPS and MFT 59 have not settled on is protections for teachers of color from layoffs and excessing outside of seniority order. Excessing refers to reducing staff at a particular school because of a reduction in available positions. Under the current contract for teachers, layoffs and excessing are based on “last in, first out." Melissa Whitler writes about how this practice has disproportionately impacted teachers of color for decades.

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When I finished watching City Council Vice President Linea Palmisano's public safety conversation on Monday night, I wrote to Charlie, "That was quite a meeting. Very intense." I took some time to process the two-hour conversation and read numerous reflections that you sent in (thank you for that).

In my piece on the conversation, I write that the community is grappling with trauma and disappointment in the public safety system. And I think those two emotions are commonly felt by our neighbors throughout the city.

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Pardon me as I bring some levity to a heavy reporting week. I am thrilled to tell you that is a pop-punk/emo showdown tomorrow night on Lyndale Ave.

That's right. Two pop-punk/emo events on the same night, mere blocks away from each other. My 2003 heart is aflutter.

Your contenders:
James Ballentine "Uptown" VFW Post 246:
Lace up your Vans and pretend you're at Warped Tour with bands PUNX and Blink $1.82 for When We Were Punx: A Tribute to Emo/Pop Punk. Get your tickets today and save $5.
vs.
Up Down: Sing your black heart out during Sugar, We're Goin Up-Down | Up-Down Emo Night Vol 1. They will be playing emo and pop-punk hits with drink specials, giveaways, and $2 pizza slices. You can even request your favorite songs in the event's Facebook post (how retro).

I will be out covering both events on Instagram, so keep an eye on our account for some wicked live reporting. Say hi if you see me out!

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LINK ROUNDUP 🔗

Yesterday, the city council's Policy and Government Oversight committee voted to advance a tentative police officer contract to the full city council without making a recommendation of whether it should be approved or denied. (KARE 11)

During his presentation on the "strong mayor" system to the City Council, Mayor Jacob Frey proposed adding a new Office of Community Safetyto oversee five key city departments, including the MPD. (Bring Me the News)

I was floored when I found out how long our educators unions have existed in Minnesota. Take a guess and then check your answer as you read about the Minnesota teacher union history. (Education Minnesota)

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‍COMMUNITY ACTION 💪

We've reached the third and final phase of the city's tree sale. Starting today, any property owner can now order up to two trees per address.

The Park Board is meeting tonight. On the agenda, a resolution approving the MPD collective bargaining agreement that the POGO committee also discussed yesterday. The resolution is under "consent business" which means its considered routine and non-controversial items, so I wouldn't expect discussion around the resolution. As always, the public can share their opinions with the Park Board at the beginning of the meeting. Call 612-230-6400 by noon to be placed on the speaker sign-up sheet or can sign-up in-person at the meeting prior to the start of open time. You can watch the meeting live on the Park Board's YouTube channel.

Tonight the Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association is hosting a virtual discussion on "how we can restore hope and public trust in Minneapolis through mental healthcare services and restorative practices."

You can make your own DIY air purifier with a box fan and some filters. To see a prototype, stop by Boiler Room Coffee in Stevens Square, where I first saw one of these in action.

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OUT & ABOUT 🛵

‍Tonight at Icehouse: Stone Baby, a performance that blurs the intersection of theater and live music by challenging the boundaries of each. This is a rescheduled show from January 2022 but tickets are still available.

Save the date and reserve your seats now: K'óoben is hosting a very delicious-sounding pop-up with Christian de Léon at his restaurant, Iconos Gastro Cantina, on Sunday night. Send them an Instagram message to reserve a spot.