10/26/2023 -- Winter is Here, Mpls Downtown Struggles, Halloween Events

Weather

Winter is Here — Halloween Snow Incoming

The Summary: Temperatures on Friday are forecasted to drop into the 40s during the day and 20s at night. There is a 40% chance of snow on Saturday, but accumulation is not anticipated. High temperatures will stay in the 30s into early November, about 20 degrees below the usual low 50s for this time of year.

A repeat of 1991? Despite the earlier than usual snow, don’t expect anything like the blizzard of 1991 when the Twin Cities had 28 inches of snow accumulation on Halloween.

Expect a warmer winter: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting warmer than average temperatures this winter in Minnesota.

Downtown Mpls

Minneapolis Ranks Third-Worst in Downtown Recovery Among U.S. and Canadian Cities

The Summary: New Data out of the University of Toronto shows that Minneapolis ranks as the third-worst city in downtown recovery across the U.S. and Canada, with visits at only 56% of 2019 levels.

New Leadership in Downtown: Adam Duininck has been named the new president and CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council. Duininck has a background in government affairs and policy and is tasked with enhancing the vibrancy of downtown Minneapolis as the area faces ongoing challenges including high office vacancy, crime, and cancelled events.

New Publication Covering Downtown: The online publication Minneapolis Voices, creator of Southwest Voices and Minneapolis School Voices, has launched an new branch of their company called Downtown Voices that will be dedicated to covering downtown Minneapolis.

What we’re reading: The Wall Street Journal recently profiled downtown Minneapolis and its ongoing struggles.

Politics

❯ Dean Phillips Presidential Campaign Bus Spotted: Despite not having officially announced his presidential bid, Dean Phillips’ campaign bus was spotted in New Hampshire. According to WCCO, Phillips is expected to announce his bid on Friday.

❯ Rep. Ilhan Omar Breaks Ranks: Omar, who represents Minneapolis, was one of just 10 House members to vote against a resolution supporting Israel's right to self-defense in the wake of attacks by Hamas. Omar felt it didn't adequately acknowledge and mourn the Palestinians killed by Israel in retaliation. Betty McCollum, the representative from St. Paul, called for an immediate ceasefire on all sides.

❯ Tom Emmer’s House Speaker Bid is Short Lived: Within three hours of winning the GOP nomination to become speaker of the house, Tom Emmer quickly retreated and withdrew his bid. Former President Trump took to Truth Social and declared the congressman from Minnesota as “totally out-of-touch with Republican Voters” and a “Globalist RINO.” These comments came shortly after Tom Emmer tweeted that he “looked forward to continuing [his] strong working relationship” with Trump.

Business

❯ Minnesota Named Tech Hub by President Biden: The Minneapolis Saint Paul Economic Development Partnership-led consortium, Minnesota MedTech Hub 3.0, has been designated as a federally-recognized Tech Hub. This designation enables them to apply for federal grants of up to $75 million with the goal of fostering economic growth, innovation, and job creation across the United States.

❯ Twin Cities Retailers Face Staffing Challenges This Holiday Season: Rising payroll costs, added benefits, and increased competition for workers are prompting retailers to reassess their staffing levels and may lead to shorter store hours during the holiday shopping season.

Sports

🏀 T-Wolves Struggle: In their season opening matchup against the Toronto Raptors, the Timberwolves shot just 34% from the field in a 94-97 loss (SB Nation)

🏈 Vikings Get Huge Win: The Vikings beat the 49ers in primetime on Monday and were bolstered by a strong offensive line and 378 passing yards from Kirk Cousins (Strib)

⚽ Aurora Add Team: The Minnesota Aurora, the pre-professional women’s soccer team, added a developmental team – a step that Aurora leaders help them in their bid to join the NWSL (TCB)

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Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ Teen’s birthday party in Maple Grove is busted by police; 11 loaded high-power guns seized. (WCCO)

❯ Huntington Bank closing 11 branches in Twin Cities (Kare11)

❯ St. Paul man goes to Tel Aviv to help Americans evacuate (MPR News)

❯ Traffic in the Twin Cities has increased beyond pre-pandemic levels except the morning rush (Star Tribune)

❯ Ten North Minneapolis tenants filed a lawsuit against the City of Minneapolis, claiming unfair housing code enforcement and discrimination (KSTP)

❯ A former Minneapolis police officer is given 15-day sentence for assaulting a man during the Floyd unrest (MPR News)

Things To Do

Keeping You Busy This Weekend 🎃

Spooky Pop-Up Pizza at France 44: The Southwest Minneapolis liquor store is putting on a FREE pop-up pizza event. France 44 will be providing a variety of pizzas featuring fresh ingredients from their meat and cheese shop. Event is Friday, October 27^th from 5-8pm – no ticket required.

Get Out in Concert: The Minnesota Orchestra is performing the accompanying music to Jordan Peele’s thriller movie, Get Out. The performance is on Friday, October 27^th at 7pm. Tickets start at $25.

Minneapolis Parks Board Fall Fest: Taking place at The Commons Park, Fall Fest will include LED mini-golf, cornhole, bonfires, live music, and drag bingo. The event is free and will take place from 4-9pm on Friday, October 27^th.

👻 Twin Cities Halloween events: Halloween Party at Updown (October 27 and 28. Free) Spooktober Fest at Utepils (October 27 and 28. Free) Halloween Bar Crawl Minneapolis (October 27 and 28. $20) Halloween Bar Crawl St. Paul (October 28^th $20) Third Annual Hallowhiskey Party at O'Shaughnessy Distilling Co (October 28. Free)

🦇 Family Friendly Events: Not So Scary Trick or Treat (Midtown Global Market, October 27. Free.) Spooktacular at Minnesota Children’s Museum (October 27 and 28. $25) Boonion Depot (October 29. Free)

The Final Word: Blizzard photos/stories wanted!❄

With snow incoming this weekend, it got me thinking that the 1991 Blizzard on Halloween might be one of the more culturally significant moments in Twin Cities history. Did you live through the 1991 Blizzard? Send me your photos or stories and I’ll feature them in the next newsletter.

-Patrick