Axios Twin Cities

🇱🇻 The 15th annual Latvian Song and Dance festival is happening now in downtown St. Paul. The Ordway, St. Paul Cathedral, Xcel Energy Center and others are hosting performances through July 4 — check out the lineup. Prices vary. 🎩 Prom season isn't over yet! If you missed out, make up for it at Back 2 The Prom at the Granada Theater on Friday, a queer-centered community prom and drag show. 18+, $10. 🎭 Queer artists showcase Q-STAGE returns to Red Eye Theater with two new plays this weekend only: "KINFOLX," where a queer council debates leaving Earth, and...

This week's Hot Homes collection includes a sunny Dutch Colonial and a sleek one-story in Highland Park. Why we love it: This cozy abode is within walking distance to trails and other popular neighborhood spots. Location: Robbinsdale. Specs: Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, 2,059 square feet. Listed by: Julie Olsen at...

Data: Minnesota Department of Health; Chart: Thomas Oide/AxiosHundreds of millions of dollars stemming from a major settlement related to the opioid epidemic will begin flowing to Minnesota this month. The big picture: Minnesota's state and local governments are set to see $300 million over the next 18 years as part of a 46-state, $26 billion settlement with Johnson & Johnson and three other drug companies. That settlement was finalized in February.The first payments, estimated to total $66 million, should arrive this month, according to the attorney general's office. Why it matters: The opioid epidemic has had far-reaching impacts for families...

The skies will be dark in St. Paul and Minneapolis this 4th of July as both cities are skipping fireworks again.Why it matters: Fireworks are an Independence Day staple, but due to COVID restrictions, high costs, staffing shortages and other logistical challenges, we haven’t had city-sponsored displays in years. Minneapolis’ last show was in 2019; St. Paul’s was in 2017. What they’re saying: Minneapolis, which chose not to hold the annual Red, White and Boom fireworks show over the Mississippi River, cited park staff shortages and construction at Father Hennepin Park. There wasn’t a safe location to stage them on...

Did you and your dog develop separation anxiety during the pandemic? Fear not! There are plenty of places that will now serve both you and your pup during a night out on the town. Here are three places to treat your dog this summer.Unleashed Hounds and Hops: This North Loop spot does it all: it’s an indoor/outdoor dog park, restaurant and brewery with events like doggie date nights, pet markets and Treat Tuesdays.Unlike most dog-friendly establishments, you’ll need to register your dog, provide vaccination records and pay a fee ($9 for a day pass) before visiting.Howe Daily Kitchen & Bar:...

Delta Air Lines has issued a systemwide waiver for travelers to rebook at no charge July 1-4, a sign that there is likely to be mass cancellations this holiday weekend. Last weekend, Delta, the dominant carrier at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, canceled more than 600 flights and delayed more than 2,000.How it works: Travelers can rebook on delta.com for anytime between now and July 8 without paying a fee or fare difference. State of play: The core issue, writes Thrifty Traveler's Kyle Potter, is that Delta is experiencing a pilot shortage. Delta pilots wrote an open letter last month raising alarm about working excess overtime hours to keep the airline running.What's ahead: The Delta pilots will be picketing at MSP Airport Thursday as part of a nationwide effort by their union to get a better contract from the airline, writes Axios Atlanta's Emma Hurt. Of note: Because the pilots — members of the Delta unit of the Air Line Pilots Association — are picketing on their days off, service will not be affected.

Data: S&P Global Mobility; Chart: Jared Whalen/AxiosThe Twin Cities have been slower to adopt electric vehicles than other major metro areas across the country, though local sales are picking up.Driving the news: In April 2022, only about 2.7% of new vehicle registrations in the Twin Cities were electric, lagging far behind other big metros, according to recent numbers from S&P Global Mobility.Only about 0.4% of vehicles on Minnesota roads as of April were electric, so new sales levels of 2.7% means progress.State of play: Gov. Tim Walz created a "clean cars" plan requiring manufacturers to deliver more EVs...

Whether you're looking for a family lake retreat or a couples' getaway, here are six beautiful Airbnb escapes, all under four hours driving distance from the Twin Cities. 1. Your own private island If you want some peace and quiet during your next vacation, have you considered renting a private island?Features: Unlimited lake access, a rustic cabin that sleeps nine, additional screen house, electricity and running water, a bonfire pit and maintained trails to explore the forest. Of note: You’ll need your own boat to get there. Or, you can rent the owner’s for $175 a day. July and...

Stumps are starting to proliferate Minneapolis and St. Paul boulevards as city park departments struggle to keep up with their tree removal programs. Driving the news: The current wait period for stump removal after a tree is cut down is about 3 or 4 years, and the backlog could get worse.Why it matters: It's not a huge deal — the stumps are mostly just an eye sore — but the backlog is evidence of how costly and time consuming it's been for cities to deal with the invasive emerald ash borer beetle that has wiped out trees all over the...

The Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade could catapult the abortion rights debate back to the forefront of the midterm campaigns, including Minnesota's race for governor. The big picture: Democrats in Minnesota and across the nation see the loss of federal abortion protections as a potential game-changer that could turn out their voters in a November midterm that polling and the political environment otherwise suggest will lead to GOP gains, Axios' Lachlan Markay reports.Yes, but: The issue could fire up Republicans, too. And some strategists say other concerns, such as crime and rising prices, will be bigger vote drivers....

The Twin Cities housing market is one of the least "overvalued" major metropolitan areas in the country, according to a recent analysis.What's happening: Buyers in the Twin Cities are paying about 19% more for a home than what they should have expected considering past trend lines, according to researchers at Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University.That ranks 76th out of the 100 largest metro areas in the U.S.Zoom out: 15 metro areas have housing markets overpriced by more than 50%. The top three include Boise, Idaho; Austin, Texas; and Ogden, Utah.How it works: Researchers ranked the most...

Life Time is dusting off plans for an apartment tower at Southdale Center, but the newest iteration is taller and in a slightly different location.Details: The tower would stand 32 stories and have 300 luxury apartments, according to plans submitted to the city of Edina. It would be under the Chanhassen-based company's new "Life Time Living" brand.Instead of redeveloping the former Herberger's store at the mall, Life Time and Simon Property Group would build the tower on what is currently a surface parking lot and transit stop at the northeast corner of the mall property.It would be connected to...

Abortion will remain legal in Minnesota for the foreseeable future following the Supreme Court's ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, but the decision is expected to increase demand for the procedure from out-of-state patients. What SCOTUS said: The decision in Dobbs v. Jackson, issued Friday morning, effectively ends all federal protections...

This week's "hot homes" collection includes a Highland Park abode with trendy finishes and a bright bungalow in Longfellow.Situational awareness: Twin Cities' housing supply in May increased for the first time in two years, per new data from Minneapolis Area REALTORS and the Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS.Meanwhile, the median sales price climbed to $375,000, those groups found.654 37th Ave. N.E. - $240,000Why we love it: Move right in to this cheerful home with a large family room, hardwood floors and white kitchen cabinetry.Location: Columbia Park (Minneapolis).Specs: Three bedrooms, one bathroom, 1,324 square feet.Listed by: Jerome Moscowitz and Debra...

🪐 Get up very early on Saturday for Planet Party at the Bell Museum. From 4am-5am, all seven planets (plus Pluto) will be visible in the night sky. Telescopes will be provided. Free, but registration required. 🖼 If you want to see some non-immersive Van Gogh, Minneapolis Institute of Art has a new exhibition opening Saturday featuring five paintings by the artist. $16. 🚲 Show off your pre-2000s ride at the Vintage Bike Show at One on One Bicycle Studio on Saturday. BYOB (Bring your own bike stand). Free. 🎡 It’s a great weekend for festivals. Blaine Festival, Eagan...

"Invasive carp" doesn't sound mouth watering. But how about copi?Driving the news: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources launched a campaign Wednesday to rename the pestilent fish, according to Axios Chicago's Monica Eng.They chose "copi" in part because of its copious numbers, but it's a name free of copyright issues and negative cultural connotations.Until now, Illinois had still called them Asian carp. Minnesota changed their name to "invasive carp," in 2014 due to concerns that the moniker casts people from Asian cultures in a negative light.Regardless of their name, the fish are highly destructive to lakes and rivers, consuming...

Data: University of Minnesota; Chart: Thomas Oide/Axios VisualsFootball players continue to lead fellow Gophers when it comes to scoring promotional deals off the field, data obtained by Axios shows. Driving the news: Student athletes at the University of Minnesota's flagship campus disclosed more than 90 agreements to capitalize on their "name, image and likeness" since November.More than a quarter of those deals involved players on the Golden Gophers football team. The big picture: The disclosures, which do not include individual student names, illustrate how new NIL rules played out during the first school year the NCAA allowed student athletes to...

Minnesotans can cast their ballots for the state's Aug. 9 primary election starting Friday, June 24. Why it matters: These contests will determine which candidates faceoff in the high-stakes November midterm election. Plus, in Southern Minnesota's 1st Congressional District, voters in a special election will decide who fills the rest of late GOP U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn's term in Congress. The big picture: Unlike in 2018, there are very few competitive primaries on the statewide level. But the outcome of contested races down ballot could have a big impact on state and local politics. Zoom in: The most closely watched...

Chet Holmgren has a chance to become the highest-selected Minnesota-raised player in the NBA Draft since Kevin McHale. What's happening: The Minneapolis native is a consensus top-four pick in mock drafts, with a few experts predicting he will be the first player selected. Catch up quick: McHale was drafted third in 1980 by the Boston Celtics. If Holmgren goes first — to Orlando — he would be paired with his former Minnehaha Academy teammate, Jalen Suggs. If Orlando passes, Oklahoma City is likely to nab the smooth, shot-blocking big man. Two other Minnesotans — David Roddy and Kendall Brown — are also expected to be drafted tonight, according to the Star Tribune. What's up with the Wolves: The Wolves are scheduled to pick 19th. Two players to watch: Kentucky guard TyTy Washington Jr. and Santa Clara guard Jalen Williams.

This summer’s big resurgence in air travel has hit some turbulence in the form of rapidly rising flight prices. “Flying” the news: After years stuck at home due to the pandemic, people are ready to board a plane again. But with domestic demand high, those cheap last-minute pandemic flights might seem like a thing of the past.The big picture: A renewed interest in jet-setting and rising prices, including at the gas pump, are driving up costs for air travel and other forms of summer fun.The average price of a round-trip domestic ticket has jumped more than $200 since January,...