Why it matters: Axios Twin Cities, anchored by Torey Van Oot and Nick Halter, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
The Minneapolis and St. Paul city councils are moving closer to eliminating parking minimums.
How it works: Both cities currently require developers to include a certain number of parking stalls within most buildings outside of their downtowns. Proposals in both cities would allow developers to include as little parking as they want.
Why it matters: Supporters say doing away with minimums will make housing more affordable and reduce vehicle ownership and use. Opponents say it will lead to jammed on-street parking in their neighborhoods and business districts.]
Local TV still rules the news scene here in the Twin Cities.
Driving the news: Roughly four in 10 residents in our coverage area prefer to get their news from the broadcasts, according to a Pew Research Center survey.
The big picture: Nationwide, there's been a bigger shift toward digital outlets. Pew found that a majority (52%) of Americans now prefer to get news updates online, compared to just 35% who turn to TV.
What you like: Weather, crime and traffic/transportation are the top three topics of interest among the local audience.
Our take: The Twin Cities is lucky to be home to a strong and robust media scene. We were pleased to see those surveyed give local outlets high marks for accuracy and community engagement.
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Diners returning to their favorite restaurants after the long COVID winter are noticing a new item on the menu: a service charge with a note about a no-tipping or tipping-not-expected policy.
Why it's happening now: It's essentially a reset for a lot of eateries across the area as they spin back up and try to find new workers.
The Giant Slide will be open for a short State Fair preview this month. Photo: Leila Navidi/Star Tribune via Getty Images
The Minnesota State Fair announced a limited Kickoff to Summer for the end of May, giving us a taste of what's to come in late August when the real Great Minnesota Get-Together is back.
What's happening: The May 27-31 mini-fair will allow people to walk around, buy food, listen to music and visit attractions — unlike last year's drive-thru replacement.