Your Daily Guide

Coming Soon to a Polling Place Near You

The Department of Justice has notified Hennepin and Ramsey counties that it will send federal election monitors to the polls next week. The department plans to send 1,000 monitors nationwide, called the “largest monitoring effort” the DOJ has ever conducted. Under the Voting Rights Act, the DOJ has the power to send in monitors to ensure compliance with federal and state laws. These monitors are typically DOJ staff or lawyers. [NPR / MPR News]

• ‘It will go smoothly’: For months, Secretary of State Steve Simon has given several interviews to local press to assuage voter concerns about election security and fairness (he’s also running for re-election). According to Simon, the DOJ has routinely sent monitors in past administrations. But they cannot act disruptively and must stay 100 feet away from the polling place entrance. [MPR News / Sahan Journal]
• Neighbors tap in: MPR News’ Jon Collins reports Unidos MN, which organized ICE observers during Operation Metro Surge, is turning to election defense. Participants are trained on voters’ rights, driving neighbors to the polls, and voting early. [MPR News]

Gun reform fallout: The parents of Harper Moyski, who was killed during the Annunciation School shooting, have endorsed Sen. Amy Klobuchar for governor. Jackie Flavin and Mike Moyski say Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth “lied to us” when she blocked a bill regulating AR-15 rifles and high-capacity magazines. [MPR News]

‘Never give up’: When Allison Lussier was found dead in her apartment in 2024, her family never stopped believing the murderer was her ex-boyfriend. Officials initially ruled out foul play, but a Star Tribune report revealed several mistakes made by Minneapolis police in their investigation. After nearly three years, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty charged Lussier’s ex-boyfriend as the killer. [Star Tribune]

Closing the loop: The Loop Mpls is closing next month after 20 years in North Loop. Owner Rocket Restaurant Group also closed its St. Louis Park location last month. [Bring Me The News]

Free costumes: St. Paul’s Public Works hosts a yearly costume swap, and the last day to browse their selection is next Wednesday. It’s a great way to get a new costume for free while clearing out your own closet. I took Sean last year to try out some costumes (he went home as Cat in the Hat). [🎥 City Cast Twin Cities]

From the archives: Long-time creative Seitu K. Jones is showcasing 40 years of art for the first time at the Minnesota Museum of American Art. Sahan Journal reports Jones is known for his public artwork and 2,000-person dinner in the street, but this exhibition will showcase the drawings, photos, and ceramics the public hasn’t seen yet. [Sahan Journal]

• Sheet Metal Inspector at the City of Saint Paul | $111k–$116k per year
• Donor Engagement Manager at Luther Seminary | $70k–$72k per year
• Senior Associate, Equity Policy at Fresh Energy | $56k–$64k per year
• Facilities Coordinator at Walker Art Center | $23–$25 per hour
• Holiday Decor Decorators at Festivities | $20–$25 per hour (Seasonal)