Every Day I Need Access to my business? The Star Tribune’s Miguel Otárola reports: “Business owners knew their jobs would get more difficult once work began on two major construction projects at 50th and France, one of Edina’s premier shopping districts. … Yet for some, the growing pains have been too much to bear, with businesses reporting a drop in customer traffic, declining revenue and difficulty attracting new employees, according to a city memo released last month. … At least four stores have closed since construction began in January. … ‘I have never heard more complaints,’ said Bill Neuendorf, Edina’s economic development manager.”
Erik Paulsen, welcome to the #resistance. MPR’s Brian Bakst reports: “U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen, a suburban Republican fighting an electoral headwind, is making a public break with President Donald Trump in his first television spot. … The ad, which was released Wednesday, focuses on an issue far from his Twin Cities district. In the 30-second spot, Paulsen highlights a personal admiration for the outdoors and efforts to resist accelerated mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in far northern Minnesota. Trump’s administration has worked to authorize two mining projects that have caused strains in the area. … ‘I camp and canoe with my family in Minnesota’s Yellowstone, the Boundary Waters,’ Paulsen says. ‘So when President Trump tried to take away important environmental protections for the Boundary Waters, I said, “No way.”’”
Well, it’s an argument. MPR’s Tom Crann and Emma Sapong report: “The Minneapolis council member who reportedly has the poorest meeting attendance record of all members said her absence isn’t a gauge of her effectiveness. … Alondra Cano also said the Star Tribune’s story last week reporting that she missed ‘eight of 11 council committee or full council meetings’ is one-sided because it doesn’t take into account other meetings she attends, like those in the community. … ‘In general, you have to weigh the overall product of the office,’ she said.”
In St. Paul, Bird is a four-letter word. WCCO’s Mary McGuire reports: “The city of Saint Paul is asking a California-based company to get electric scooters off their sidewalks. … Similar to Uber or Lyft, Bird allows users to rent these electric scooters for a $1 fee, plus 15 cents for every minute you use them. … Sounds easy and convenient, right? Unlike the scooters, not so fast. … The St. Paul Public Works Department claims the company didn’t get permission to place their scooters around the city, violating an ordinance which requires a permit for any use of public space or right of way.”
Very important related video/local angle:
In other news…
Very odd story: “St. Paul council candidate arrested, banned from library, says he was defending teen” [Pioneer Press]
Also in St. Paul council news: “Case against St. Paul Council Member Dai Thao should proceed, prosecutor says” [Star Tribune]
That seems a little young: “MN man charged with DWI, letting 1-year-old drive” [KARE]
Another day, another tick-borne disease: “Wis. Confirms 1st Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Death” [KSTP]
Better than air-dropping them: “Semi full of turkeys overturns near Spicer” [West Central Tribune]
Never sausage a useful report: “Best hot dog in St. Paul, Woodbury, Stillwater, MN” [Pioneer Press]
Didn’t know beans about Bean Hole Days: “Lowering the Beans: A Pequot Lakes tradition” [Brainerd Dispatch]
Good news: “Paralyzed hockey player Jack Jablonski can wiggle his toes and he has the video to prove it” [Pioneer Press]
Don’t drive anywhere this weekend: “Heads-up: Key I-35W, I-494 stretches closing this weekend” [MPR]
Maybe bike instead: “The 8 best bike rides in Minnesota” [City Pages]
Just not here: “The 8 worst bike lanes in Minneapolis & St. Paul” [City Pages]
Minnesota’s Yellowstone???
Who says that? The Boundary Waters is the Boundary Waters, no hot springs or geysers, no hordes of summer tourists, just trees, lakes, rocks and quiet.