Transportation

Minneapolis City Council Overrides Mayor Frey’s Rideshare Veto – Uber/Lyft Plan To Leave May 1st 🚗

The Summary: On Thursday, the Minneapolis City Council voted to override Mayor Frey’s veto, solidifying a pay increase for rideshare drivers. 

Uber and Lyft's Response: In response to the ordinance, Uber and Lyft announced plans to cease operations in Minneapolis, including the airport, starting May 1st. Despite previous threats, this marks the first time either company has taken such action due to a minimum pay measure.

Potential Alternatives: Other rideshare services like InDrive and Empower have expressed a readiness to enter the Minneapolis market should Uber and Lyft leave. 

State Action: Attention now turns to the capitol where a state law could possibly override the ordinance put in place by the Minneapolis City Council.

“Everyone wants to see Uber and Lyft drivers get paid more. But getting a raise doesn't do a whole lot of good if you lose your job.” -Mayor Jacob Frey

“Today’s vote showed Uber, Lyft, and the Mayor that the Minneapolis City Council will not allow the East African community, or any community, to be exploited for cheap labor.” -City Councilman Jamal Osman

Police

Girlfriend Indicted for Providing Firearms in Burnsville Shooting Tragedy 🚨

The Summary: According to new federal charges, the firearms used in the shooting of three Burnsville first responders were purchased by the shooter's girlfriend, Ashley Dyrdahl, just weeks before the incident that resulted in the death of two cops and one firefighter. 

Obtaining The Weapons: Text exchanges between the couple reveal Dyrdahl's active involvement in acquiring weapons, including discussions about background checks and firearm specifications.

The Charges: Dyrdahl has been indicted on 11 counts including conspiracy and straw purchasing which carries a maximum jail sentence of 15 years.

Government

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter Holds State of the City Address – Here Are The Key Takeaways ✔

✔ 5 Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Downtown Revitalization: Carter emphasized plans for downtown revitalization, including a $2 million request for renovating the Xcel Energy Center and incentivizing office-to-housing conversions.

2️⃣ Workforce Development: The mayor proposed initiatives to connect St. Paul workers with local jobs, such as eliminating degree requirements for city positions and supporting small businesses in hiring at-risk populations.

3️⃣ Housing Discussions: Carter announced intentions to initiate comprehensive community discussions about housing policies, fueled by new funding sources and aimed at addressing affordable housing and rent stabilization.

4️⃣ Sales Tax-Funded Projects: He introduced the "Common Cent" projects, funded by a 1% sales tax, which will invest nearly $1 billion in streets and parks over 20 years

5️⃣ Innovative Snow Management: The mayor outlined plans to test new snow management strategies, potentially replacing snow emergencies with rotating parking rules

Business

❯ MSP Airport #1 Again: The MSP Airport has been named the top airport in North America for the third consecutive year by passenger surveys conducted by Airports Council International. It’s the 7th time in 8 years the airport has earned the distinction. 

❯ $800M Data Center: Meta, the parent company of Facebook, revealed plans for a new 700,000 square foot data center in Rosemount, known as "Project Bigfoot," set to create 1,000 construction jobs and 100 permanent positions.

❯ New 3M CEO: Mike Roman is retiring after a tumultuous tenure marked by sluggish sales and legal battles and is set to be succeeded by William Brown on May 1. Brown was previously CEO at L3Harris Technologies, a tech company and defense contractor.

What Else We’re Reading…

Vice President Kamala Harris Visits Planned Parenthood in Minneapolis

On Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris visited a Planned Parenthood in Minneapolis that performs abortion services. During her speech, Harris spoke about the guarnateeing a women’s right to choose what she does with her body. The visit comes as part of her nationwide "Fight for Reproductive Freedoms" tour.

Sports

Kirk Cousins Bids Farewell to Minnesota 🏈

Goodbye Kirk 👋

The Summary: Vikings Quarterback Kirk Cousins will be suiting up for the Atlanta Falcons this season, and the acquisition of his services wasn't cheap. Cousins and the Falcons agreed to a four-year, $180 million contract, which includes a $50 million signing bonus.

Darnold Incoming: Less than 12 hours later, the Vikings signed NFL journeyman Sam Darnold to a one-year, $10M deal.

NFL Draft: Many football analysts are expecting the Vikings to draft a young QB with a first round pick.

Running Back Help: The Vikings also traded for Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones from their division rival.

In Other Sports News…

🏀 The Gopher Men’s Basketball team ended their season on Thursday with a loss to Michigan State in the Big 10 Tournament. After being predicted to finish last in the conference, the Gophers ended up winning nine conference en route to a 9th place finish.

🏀 The girls high school state basketball tournament is underway. Hopkins and Minnetonka are set to face off in the 4A championship.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ Ice out was declared on Lake Minnetonka this week just a few days shy of the 1878 record (KSTP)

❯ New reporting shows the outer ring of the Twin Cities suburbs are experiencing the most population growth in Minnesota (MN Reformer)

❯ Minneapolis is a finalist to host WWE WrestleMania in 2025 (Bring Me The News)

❯ Basilica Block Party has announced their lineup including acts like Goo Goo Dolls and Counting Crows (MPR)

❯ Minneapolis spent $100k+ per day to keep ice rinks open for eight days of skating (Star Tribune)

❯ Police are investigating a bomb threat that targeted a NE Minneapolis brewery's drag queen storytime event (WCCO)

Beyond the Twin Cities

Headlines From Greater Minnesota ✔

❯ Moorhead City Council passes Gaza cease-fire resolution (MPR)

❯ Investigators ruled out Tesla as vehicle of interest in crash that killed doctor near Lake Mille Lacs (WCCO)

❯ Duluth is investigating options to protect Park Point as Kathy Cargill invests more (Bring Me The News)

❯ Wildfire triggers Split Rock Lighthouse evacuation on the north shore (Kare11)

The Final Word: Sunset Bliss 🌅

The sunset on my run around Lake Harriet was incredible last night — check it out here. Have a great weekend, everyone!

-Patrick