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Axios Twin Cities
Caitlin Clark sells out Target Center
Caitlin Clark will pack a Minneapolis basketball arena this weekend for the third time this year as she makes her first appearance here as a pro. The big picture: Clark's Indiana Fever will take on the Lynx at Target Center at 3pm Sunday. The Lynx are expecting a sellout of 18,978 — the largest regular-season crowd in franchise history.Only Game 5 of the 2016 WNBA Finals brought a bigger crowd for a Lynx matchup. Why it matters: Clark has driven interest in the WNBA to new heights, and the Lynx will have two home games to capitalize off her popularity....
Minnesota is getting less money from gas taxes, but a hike is coming
Data: U.S. Census Bureau; Note: Three-quarter moving average. Chart: Axios VisualsMinnesota's gas taxes make up a smaller share of the state's total government revenue, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau.Why it matters: The taxes are used exclusively to pay for roads and bridges, but the amount collected has been declining in recent years due in part to the rise in electric vehicles and more fuel-efficient hybrids on state roads.By the numbers: The state collected $873 million in gas taxes in 2023, down from $937 million in 2019. Reality check: Simultaneously, overall state government revenue has been steadily...
New 2024 Minnesota State Fair food vendors revealed
The State Fair's yearslong diversification of food vendors is continuing in 2024. The big picture: This year's slate of new purveyors includes flavors from as far away as Korea and as close to home as the kitchen of acclaimed Minneapolis-based Indigenous chef Sean Sherman.Why it matters: Gluttonous fried food remains the dominant taste of the Great Minnesota Get-Together, but there's a growing appetite for new and less heart-attack-inducing options.State of play: Chocolate chip cookies, cheese curds, french fries, and pronto pups each do more than $1 million in sales over the 12 days of the fair.Yes, but: Food stands owned...
You can now order THC drinks on tap in Minnesota
Minnesota bars, restaurants, and breweries can now offer THC beverages on tap.The big picture: The new law is the latest boost for the state's burgeoning hemp-derived beverage industry and those who enjoy the buzz-inducing drinks.Bob Galligan, government relations director for the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, says Minnesota is the first state to explicitly legalize serving the drinks this way.Zoom in: Proponents argue offering the beverages on draft saves producers money on distribution and packaging — potentially lowering costs for customers.It could also allow seltzer makers to try new flavors without committing to canning.Plus: Galligan told Axios that the change is...
Twin Cities' rainy summer is about to change
A whopping 12.17 inches of rain has fallen at MSP Airport since May 19, according to the National Weather Service. Context: A normal amount of rain between May 19 and July 7 is 7.32 inches. The record for that span is nearly 15 inches. That was set in 2014 when downpours led to mudslides near the University of Minnesota. State of play: The wet, cool pattern that has dominated the early part of summer is about to change. While there's a slight chance for a couple more storms this week, temperatures will remain in the 80s and possibly the 90s by the weekend, according to the NWS. The Twin Cities has not reached 90 degrees this year. What we're watching: Waters are quickly receding on Minnesota's flooded rivers and streams. The Mississippi River is no longer at flood stage in St. Paul and the standing water on Harriet Island appears to be gone. The Minnesota River has fallen from major flood stage to minor flood stage in Savage and Jordan.
Restaurant Roundup: Lynette prepares to open, Saturday Dumpling Co. goes brick and mortar
Lynette, the café and full-service restaurant from the team behind Lyn65, will open in the former Riverview Wine Bar and Cafe space in about a month, according to local news site Longfellow Whatever.🍜 In other restaurant news, Asian Duck Cafe is now open inside MN46 Apartments on Minnehaha Avenue, per its social media. The Laotian restaurant serves pho, bánh mi, dumplings, and boba tea, with a focus on grab-and-go and delivery service.🏠 Planning next year's trip to the Wisconsin Dells? Uphoff Resorts is opening The Original 1855 Dawn Manor Restaurant, a themed "destination restaurant," bar, speakeasy, and gift...
Minneapolis leaders grapple over budget, police reform ahead of MPD contract vote
A Minneapolis City Council committee could decide Monday whether to advance a new contract with the police officers union to a final vote.The big picture: The fate of the union deal is tangled in a debate between Mayor Jacob Frey and council leaders about funding both the contract and civilian-led public safety projects — while also leading an overhaul of the Minneapolis Police Department.What's inside: The tentative agreement includes a 21.7% salary increase for MPD officers that would increase the city's ongoing costs by $9.1 million starting next year.State of play: Several council members want assurances that Frey won't cover...
Twin Cities home prices rise as summer market sizzles
Data: Redfin; Chart: Axios VisualsIt could be a sizzling summer for some Twin Cities home sellers, local real estate agent Joey Oslund says.Why it matters: With the most fruitful house-selling season in full swing, we're checking out where the market stands.What they're saying: "If the pictures look good, if it feels good when you're in the house and if it's priced competitively, I tell my buyers they're potentially going to be in a multiple-offer situation," Oslund tells Axios.One of his recent listings in Rogers flew off the market, garnering seven offers before selling for about $40,000 over the original asking...
Twin Cities weekend guide: Taste of MN, Marvel-themed baseball, Hot Wheels races
Prepare your taste buds: Minnesota's massive festival Taste of Minnesota returns this weekend for an all-day smorgasbord with 60 food vendors, entertainment, and art.What to expect: Five "neighborhoods" of food and fun, like fair-themed "Magic Midway," four stages with all-day live music and wrestling, artist markets, and a family activity zone.But, you might have to battle crowds. Last year's festival, which came after an eight-year hiatus, drew more than 100,000 people over two days.Details: Saturday and Sunday, 11am-8pm. Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis. Free, but attendees are encouraged to RSVP.More things to do...🤣 Bring your best mom jokes to Phoenix...
We tried renting a paddleboard on Lake Nokomis. Here's how it went.
One of my summer goals is to spend more time by — and on — the water. So when we decided to launch a mini-series on ways to take advantage of the warm weather, I knew where to start. What I tried: I'd long been interested in taking a paddleboard out on Lake Nokomis. Signage promising buoys with yoga poses to try on the board sealed the deal. How it works: I showed up with a friend at the Wheel Fun rental stand next to the main beach around 11am on a recent weekday. After handing them a license and...
Minnesotas best 25-, 50- and 70-mile bike rides
By now, you know the Twin Cities are great for bicycling, but deciding where to go for a long ride can be overwhelming. We've got you covered.Why it matters: Biking is good exercise, loads of fun and offers views of the state's beauty that can't be seen from a car. Be smart: Trail construction is frequent during Minnesota summers. Be sure to check for any closures ahead of time.Here are three great rides of varying distances in Minnesota: 🏙 Grand Rounds of MinneapolisWhy we love it: You spend most of the ride just feet from the city's best natural assets:...
Biden's debate performance puts Minnesota more in play, election forecaster says
A top election forecaster predicts that Minnesota's presidential race will be even more competitive in the wake of President Biden's debate performance. The big picture: The rating change is the latest sign that questions about Biden's age and fitness for office could put more states in play this November if he remains the nominee.Driving the news: On Wednesday, Sabato's Crystal Ball updated its outlook for Minnesota and its 10 electoral college votes from "Likely Democratic" to "Leans Democratic."Michigan, also part of the "blue wall" of must-win states for Democrats across the Upper Midwest, went from "Leans Democratic" to "Toss-up." What...
Minneapolis parks workers set July 4 strike date
More than 200 workers who maintain Minneapolis parks and golf courses plan to launch a weeklong strike on July 4, their union has announced.Why it matters: Unless a deal is reached, the work stoppage would come at one of the busiest times of the year for outdoor recreation.The big picture: Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board arborists, parkkeepers, and other maintenance workers in LIUNA Local 363 have been working without a contract for seven months.What they're saying: "Our asks are simple: worker safety, usable healthcare, and fair pay," union official A.J. Lange said in a statement last week.At a news conference, Lange said the union was asking for pay increases and a $5 market adjustment to make up for what amounts to a 10% cut to their real incomes from inflation, according to video from FOX 9.Park Board officials tell Axios that if a strike occurs, they have a plan to "prioritize and adjust maintenance services to minimize impacts to park visitors."The park board says its latest offer would boost wages by 10.25% over three years, plus 50-cent "market correction" boosts in hourly wages for certain workers in years two and three of the contract.
Where Minneapolis police reform stands on eve of new contract vote
Four years after George Floyd's murder, Minneapolis has a long way to go to deliver on a promised radical transformation of policing and public safety, although some progress has been made, city officials and community leaders tell Axios.Why it matters: Minneapolis will soon be under two court orders to implement sweeping reforms.They stem from state and federal investigations that affirmed what some residents had said for decades: Minneapolis Police Department officers routinely used overly excessive force, especially against Black and Native American people.Driving the news: On July 18, the city council is expected to vote on the latest milestone in...
Minneapolis police chief aims to be visible advocate for officers — and for reform
One month before Brian O'Hara officially took the job as Minneapolis' police chief, he helped chase down a suspect in the Phillips neighborhood. On foot.Why it matters: The incident is emblematic of O'Hara's approach to the job — including wanting to be present at crime scenes, he told Axios in an interview.He wants to be roused from bed for emergencies. His public advocacy has also won the trust of the rank-and-file, some officers say.Flashback: As Sgt. Andrew Schroeder showed O'Hara around town in September 2022, they spotted a man they believed to have a gun.The future chief threw on Schroeder's vest...
Here's where to watch July 4 fireworks in the Twin Cities
Fireworks will light skies across the Twin Cities this July 4. Why it matters: Independence Day just isn't the same without these dazzling displays. What's new: Fireworks will return to the Minneapolis riverfront for the first time since the pandemic as part of the park board's "Red White and Boom!" celebration. What to expect: The 16-minute show, set off from a spot between Boom Island and the Stone Arch Bridge, is scheduled to begin around 10pm, the Star Tribune reports. Live music and food kick off at 6pm.Per usual, it's BYO chair or blanket. The park board has more...
Minnesota THC shop owners upset over new dispensary licensing rules
When Dean Anderson signed a long-term lease to open a low-dose THC shop in Southwest Minneapolis in April, he had hopes to eventually turn the store into a full-scale marijuana dispensary.Yes, but: His future is looking much less certain these days following what he's calling a "bait and switch" by state lawmakers.Why it matters: Changes to the state's recreational cannabis law, approved by the Legislature in May, have Anderson and other shop owners now feeling like getting a license will be a long shot.State of play: A wave of THC shops have opened all over the metro in the past...
Minnesotans may see a 50 cent fee their next Amazon order. Here's why.
Minnesotans who order $100 or more of clothing, toys, household supplies, and other goods delivered to their door will pay a 50-cent fee starting July 1. The big picture: The retail delivery fee, approved by the DFL-majority Legislature as part of a broader transportation funding law in 2023, is expected to raise about $64 million annually for roads and transit. The new tax, sometimes called the "Amazon fee," doesn't apply to food — including restaurant meals — nor to medicine, baby products, or curbside pickup orders. It will be labeled a "Road Improvement and Food Delivery Fee" on receipts.What...
St. Paul's new link to Black history
A Minnesota historian has discovered new records showing that prominent Black abolitionist Moses Dickson — who was heavily involved in the Underground Railroad — lived in St. Paul for several years in the 1850s.Why it matters: Independent historian Karen Sieber's discovery raises the possibility that pre-statehood Minnesota may have been far more important to the anti-slavery movement than previously understood.The intrigue: Multiple historical sources say Dickson was active in the Underground Railroad during the same period. However, Sieber has yet to find a record that clearly shows he helped Black people escape slavery during his time in Minnesota.What they're saying: Evidence...
A day in the life of a Minnesota homesteader
Social media is teeming with Minnesotans living off the land. But you don't need acres to become a bit more self-sufficient, says Katie Krejci, who hunts, gardens and forages on a wooded 240-acre homestead near Duluth.Why it matters: Some people are leaning into lifestyles such as homesteading in attempts to improve their health and make environmentally friendly choices.What they're saying: "I like to do things on my own and don't like to be dependent on others," Krejci tells Axios.Even a city lot can yield a bounty — think fruit trees, veggies and grape vines snaking up a fence, says Krejci,...
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