Saturday’s No Kings event at The Commons in downtown Minneapolis brought hundreds together once again, but with a different emphasis this time around: getting out the vote. Although many speakers were critical of the current administration, the overall focus was on mobilizing people to simply go out and cast a ballot on Nov. 3.
The lawsuit brought by St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry against Mayor Kaohly Her got a bit wider over the weekend, with Henry’s attorneys adding a retaliation claim and allegations into how the city handled the initial investigation. Unclear where this is all headed, but I feel comfortable citing another police chief on this one.
The war in Iran has sent various shockwaves rippling through the U.S. economy, especially in agriculture. Initially, it sent the price of fertilizer up, and then the price of diesel, which has risen from $3.57 at this time last year to $6.13 now. But scarcity driven by the conflict (and drought) has driven up prices for crops like corn and soybeans, meaning that those who have come through the season intact are likely to make out better.
Rochester is mostly known for the Mayo Clinic, but its tourism industry is quietly booming alongside an ongoing, $5 billion investment in the Destination Medical Center. Last year, tourism in the area generated $1.1 billion in economic activity, putting it on par with the Twin Cities and Duluth. If you’re ever down there, check out ThaiPop. That place rules.
During Operation Metro Surge, the Modern Times Cafe in south Minneapolis began operating on a pay-what-you-can model and rebranded as the Post-Modern Times Cafe. But following a short closure to reassess, owner Dylan Alverson is closing the restaurant, which has operated on Chicago Ave. near Lake St. for 16 years.
The Loons have not given Minnesota soccer fans much to cheer about since the spring, with the squad winless at home since April 18. St. Louis FC came to town over the weekend on a 21-game heater and at the end of the first half with the visitors up 2-0, it appeared to be all over but the shouting. Three goals in the second half begged to differ and MNUFC walked away with a 3-2 win and a fragile glimmer of hope for the postseason.
Students at St. Thomas School of Law in downtown Minneapolis can participate in a “Federal Commutations Clinic” where they help prisoners with clemency applications. In the six years since the clinic began, the program has helped free 105 inmates.
And finally in your Minnesota news roundup: The Department of Natural Resources has awarded $7 million to 50 communities in Minnesota to help with reforestation. The grants can be used for free planting or canopy diversification, and the funds no doubt come as a welcome releaf.
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