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Axios Twin Cities
St. Paul is considering limits on new drive-thru construction
St. Paul is considering clamping down on new drive-thru lanes, especially for fast food joints and coffee shops.Why it matters: The move is part of the city's broader push to make neighborhoods more pedestrian-friendly, but opponents argue it could also limit a lucrative source of business and convenience for customers.State of play: The proposal isn't a citywide ban — like Minneapolis enacted in 2019 — but in certain zoning districts it would only allow drive-thrus at banks or pharmacies.At new fast food and coffee locations, the change would also require triple the space in a drive-thru lane for cars to...
No time or money for a big trip? Try a summer staycation in the Twin Cities
Twin Cities residents don't have to go far to "get away" this summer. Why it matters: We can't all swing a trip to Europe or a cabin invite. But a "staycation" can pack plenty of fun, rest and relaxation without the time or expense of a bigger adventure.How it works: Take a day (or more) to put regular responsibilities aside so you can explore new places, revisit old favorites or simply rest and recharge.Zoom in: Full-service hotels that offer spas, pools, on-site restaurants or other amenities that give #treatyoself vibes tend to draw in the staycation set, we learned...
Inside a Duluth high school-turned-apartment building
Going back to school isn't easy, but what if there were no classes, unlimited pickleball and views of Lake Superior?The big picture: Former schools accounted for 3% of U.S. apartment conversions in 2023, data shared with Axios shows.Offices and hotels dominate the national conversion trend, comprising 28% and 36% of newly completed projects, according to a RentCafe analysis.Why it matters: As cities and developers seek to repurpose empty space into much-needed housing, a mix of building types are on the table.Zoom in: Some of Minnesota's shuttered schools are already being flipped, including one in Duluth which opened earlier this year.Developers...
Meet the Twin Cities chef, restaurant up for James Beard Awards this year
Three big names in the Twin Cities food scene are vying for one of the restaurant industry's top honors at Monday's James Beard Awards. Why it matters: These are the Oscars of the culinary world. State of the plates: Upscale Northeast Minneapolis Mexican restaurant Oro By Nixta is one of 10 finalists for Best New Restaurant.Minneapolis chefs Ann Ahmed (Gai Noi and Khâluna) and Christina Nguyen (Hai Hai and Hola Arepa), are nominated for Best Chef, Midwest.What they're saying: "We hope this represents more than just an award nomination, but an opportunity to put Mexican food where it should be,...
Plymouth home with "indoor treehouse" hideout lists for $969,000
This unique Plymouth rambler with an indoor treehouse and slide is on the market for the first time in over 25 years.Located at 2217 Oakview Ln N, it's listed for $969,000.Why we love it: The space brings the serene forest setting inside, with a massive timber-framed three-season porch with beams strong enough to hang a bed and a hand-carved wood slide for exiting the small treehouse hideout.The home sits on 2.69 rolling acres that include a creek, over 20 species of trees, and an organic edible garden. Plus: There's a separate, screened-in structure tall enough for a ladder and a spot for a twin-sized bed.And did we mention there's a sauna in the basement?Layout: The 2,859-square-foot home is at the end of a dead-end street and has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage.Indoor features: Screened-in three-season porch, vaulted ceilings, finished basement, fireplaces, breakfast nook, slide, sauna.Exterior features: Landscaped backyard, garden, forest setting, creek, detached screened-in porch.Take a look around... All photos by Stainless Real Estate Photography, courtesy of Dave Lilja with Think Minnesota Realty.Sign up for Axios Twin Cities for free.
A special election could determine control of the Minnesota Senate
DFL state Sen. Kelly Morrison announced Thursday that she's resigning from the Minnesota Senate to focus on her campaign for Congress.The big picture: The vacancy will trigger a special election that puts Democrats' one-seat Senate majority in play this November.All 134 seats in the DFL-led House are already on the general election ballot. Catch up quick: Morrison is the frontrunner for the west metro congressional district left open after U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips' failed presidential bid. While the Deephaven Democrat doesn't have to resign to run for Congress, stepping down ahead of a Saturday deadline will allow her seat to...
St. Paul wants new powers to issue administrative fines
St. Paul city leaders want new powers to hand out fines for more city code violations.Why it matters: Proponents argue the change would give the city more leverage against violators like bad landlords or wage thieves — and give regulators ways to resolve lesser cases other than criminal charges.Catch up quick: The idea isn't new. In recent years, city officials have failed twice to add "administrative citations" to St. Paul's charter.Critics worried that departments might abuse these powers to rack up revenue through fines to low-income residents over petty offenses.Jane Prince, a former council member who opposed the idea, wrote...
Seven Twin Cities metro festivals to visit this weekend
"Elder emos, unite!" Insight Brewing in Northeast Minneapolis is throwing Wort Tour this Saturday, made for any millennials still nostalgic for the days of Warped Tour.What to expect: All-day music from local punk, rock and ska bands, a pop-up skate park with open skating and a barrel jumping contest (with cash prizes), themed flash tattoos, a vendor market, a limited-edition charity beer and more.A portion of the proceeds from beer sales, raffles and auctions will be donated to youth skating charity Co-Vert.Details: Saturday, June 8, from 1–10pm. $5 entry, ages 18 and under free.In other entertainment news:🐥 "The World's Largest...
Mike Bloomberg has joined A-Rod and Marc Lore's bid to buy the Timberwolves, per a report
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has joined Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez in their yearslong attempt to purchase the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, according to The Athletic.Why it matters: Bloomberg's estimated $106 billion net worth may assuage growing fan concern that Lore and A-Rod won't be able to pay for an expensive player roster and a new arena, as the Wolves come off their best season in 20 years. Catch up fast: Current owner Glen Taylor in late March called off a deal to sell the teams to A-Rod and Lore that had been in the works for...
Minnesota's only Alamo Drafthouse Cinema abruptly closes in Woodbury
Woodbury's Alamo Drafthouse Cinema closed with no notice on Thursday, shuttering Minnesota's only outpost of the upscale movie theater chain. Why it matters: The Austin-based company is beloved by fans for its premium moviegoing experience, with amenities like recliners and a full restaurant menu with cocktails and a long list of craft beers.What happened: The franchisee, who owns five additional locations in North Texas that also shut down, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, an Alamo Drafthouse spokesperson told Dallas-based news station WFAA.Guest counts still haven't rebounded from the pandemic and other economic factors, with the first quarter of 2024 being "the worst performing quarter in movie-going history," according to a press release from the theater's franchise partner Two Is One, One is None.Yes, but: This might not be the end for the Woodbury spot. The chain is working to get the location back up and running, the spokesperson said. Sign up for Axios Twin Cities for free.
Minneapolis lands on USPS list of cities with most dog attacks
The Twin Cities' bad dogs went after enough mail carriers to land Minneapolis on the U.S. Postal Service's list of cities with the most dog attacks.By the numbers: There were 27 dog attacks on mail carriers at Minneapolis addresses in 2023 — the 15th-highest total in the nation.St. Paul landed just off USPS' Top 20 list with 13 bites, ranking the city 25th.The fine print: You're not off the hook, Bloomington, Coon Rapids, or Plymouth dog owners! You probably have a Minneapolis address, so your pups might be included in these snippy statistics.Why it matters: In addition to causing injuries, dog bites are a big liability. If your pup injures a mail carrier, the average homeowner's insurance claim is around $58,000.Zoom out: Los Angeles topped the list with 65 dog attacks in 2023, followed by Houston (56), Chicago (48), St. Louis (46), and Cleveland (44).Nationwide, dog attacks increased by 9% from 2022, with 5,800 last year.Sign up for Axios Twin Cities for free.
Minnesota' e-bike rebate application website crashed, prompting social media fury
As eager Minnesotans logged on this morning hoping to snag a new state-funded electric bike rebate, the website quickly crashed and prompted a social media firestorm. Why it matters: Whether it's Taylor Swift tickets or St. Paul swimming lessons, few things upset people more than glitches like this. State of play: After two and a half hours of limbo, the Minnesota Department of Revenue, which is administering the rebates, announced the application process would be postponed and apologized for the inconvenience. "We are working with our external technology vendors engaged for this program to understand and fix the technical issues...
The Twins, Lynx and United offer hope to depressed Timberwolves fans
When heartbroken Timberwolves fans are finally ready to love again, there are some other Minnesota sports teams ready to fill the void. These three are off to promising starts: 🏀 The Lynx improved to 6-2 on Sunday, powered by star forward Napheesa Collier, who is averaging 21 points and 11 rebounds a game. ⚾️ The Twins won nine of their last 13 games and are currently in position to qualify for the playoffs. One of their best players, third baseman Royce Lewis, returned from an injury last night and hit a home run.⚽️ Minnesota United FC has the third-best record in Major League Soccer's Western Conference, a strong debut for the Loons' young coach Eric Ramsay, who was previously an assistant for Manchester United. Sign up for Axios Twin Cities for free.
There's no need (to stop) to pay at MSP Airport's new store
A cashier-free store powered by AI and Amazon is coming to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.Why it matters: Travelers rushing to make a flight in Terminal 2 won't have to wait in line to pay once the kiosk debuts.The big picture: Amazon's "Just Walk Out" technology is popping up at airports, amusement parks, and stadiums across the country even though it was shelved for grocery stores.The company told Axios in April that it plans to double the number of third-party stores using its service globally this year.How it works: Customers swipe a card to enter the store via turnstiles at the...
What's opening in the former Fool Me Once, Blue Door Pub spaces
The original Blue Door Pub space on Selby Avenue, which closed in 2021, will soon be home to a new restaurant. State of play: Local Rumor will serve New American food, beer, and cocktails, according to public documents from the neighborhood council.Owner Scott Cochran said in April that he hopes to open early this month, though the building appeared to still be under construction in late May, Audrey confirmed.🤔 Fool Me Once's LynLake space has already found a tenant just one month after closing. Signs are already up for "Beckett's," a new sports bar with at least a dozen TVs,...
Hennepin County prosecutor defends dropping state trooper's murder charge
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty on Monday defended her decision to drop charges against a state trooper who shot and killed a Black motorist, Ricky Cobb II, last year.Why it matters: Moriarty's dismissal of the three charges — second-degree unintentional murder, manslaughter, and assault — against trooper Ryan Londregan brings an end to a prosecution that had become politically supercharged.The big picture: The case is the most recent example of the challenges in prosecuting an officer who uses deadly force.Moriarty's decision angered some of her political supporters who were drawn to her campaign promises to hold officers accountable in use-of-force...
The Vikings made Justin Jefferson the highest-paid non-QB in the NFL
The Vikings are making Justin Jefferson the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL after agreeing to a four-year, $140 million extension, according to multiple reports. Why it matters: The deal keeps one of the most electrifying athletes in a purple jersey through 2028 and provides rookie J.J. McCarthy the best tool a young quarterback could ask for.By the numbers: With an average annual salary of $35 million, Jefferson has set a new bar for guys who don't throw the ball, surpassing San Francisco pass rusher Nick Bosa's $34 million average. Data: Spotrac. Table: Simran Parwani/AxiosBetween the lines: That's a boatload of...
For MSP travelers, summer 2024 is the summer of Europe
Twin Cities travelers this summer will have more choices than ever for flying directly to European cities.Why it matters: European vacations are fantastic, and all this new competition means sweet deals. Plus, the new routes are great for Twin Cities-based businesses with clients and operations across the pond.Driving the news: German airline Lufthansa's first-ever flight from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to Frankfurt goes wheels up on Tuesday afternoon.State of play: This summer there will be 14% more seats on planes flying from MSP Airport to Europe than the all-time high in 2019, according to the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns...
Plans for a new Minnesota long-distance hiking trail get a funding boost
As soon as this summer, hikers might be able to trek the first sections of Minnesota's newest long-distance trail southeast of Rochester. The big picture: The Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail — stitched together through more than 100 miles of stunning river valleys and steep bluffs — could become southeast Minnesota's answer to the Superior Hiking Trail, a popular backpacking route along the North Shore.Driving the news: After years as an all-volunteer effort, Gov. Tim Walz recently approved $426,000 that could make the Driftless Hiking Trail a reality.Organizers will use the new state money to hire a full-time person, buy equipment...
The best hikes in the Twin Cities region
If you're looking to hit the trails without hitting cabin traffic, here are ideas from Axios Twin Cities readers about hikes within the metro area:Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Bloomington — Max S. suggested a roughly 10-mile route between two big transit stops that wind through the scenic river bottoms. Just off Max's route is the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge, which officials reopened to trail traffic in 2016.Wood-Rill Scientific and Natural Area, Long Lake — Just north of Wayzata, this "beautiful forested area with hills and valleys and ponds" is a mainstay for reader Kathy H.Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Eagan — Val...
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Axios Twin Cities, anchored by Torey Van Oot and Nick Halter, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.
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