Bringing wellness back

1 big thing: Bringing wellness back

2. 🗞️ ICYMI: Twin Cities news to know

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Where to work out in the Twin Cities

3. 🏃1 fun thing to go: Try something new

A general view of a bootcamp and yoga workout as Fitbit Local Minneapolis launches at with a free event at Target Field

Happy Sunday! Herb Scribner here with your Sunday newsletter.

Today's theme is the connection between physical and mental fitness. 

Reminder: We want to hear your top spots to show off the Twin Cities to visitors. Weigh in via this short survey.

Today's newsletter is 530 words — a 2-minute read.

By the way ... I know you all heard from Sami Sparber already. But allow me to give myself a shoutout — I'm Herb!

I cover all things entertainment and lifestyle. That's a new role for me. You may have seen my name on some breaking news stories if you've been following Axios.

I'm a huge NBA fan (I actually like Rudy Gobert). I play NBA 2K often. I love Marvel movies and Star Wars. And, most importantly, KFC follows me on Twitter!

👋 I love feedback and chatting with readers. So feel free to email me at herb.scribner@axios.com and say hi!

Twin Cities

Picture of the Twin Cities skyline with MSP written across it.

Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporter Torey Van Oot.

Axios Twin Cities

1 big thing: Experience the arts

2. Say hi to the sky

A boy plays with water at Crown Fountain in downtown Chicago

3. Sports, sports everywhere

The clouds provide a colorful backdrop for the old scoreboard at Wrigley Field.

Happy Saturday — and happy springtime! We're back to share the best things you can do this season.

🚀 Support our growth when you become an Axios Chicago member! Plus, you’ll get exclusive perks from our local team.

Today's newsletter is 559 words — a 2-minute read.

That’s all from us this week. Did we miss anything? Email me at herb.scribner@axios.com!

This newsletter was edited by Ashley May and Hadley Malcom and copy edited by Rob Reinalda.

Chicago

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Chicago. Written by Monica Eng and Justin Kaufmann.

Axios Chicago

How to play winter tourist in the Twin Cities

1 big thing: Where to go this winter

Bryan Erickson clears snow in front of First Avenue nightclub Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 in downtown Minneapolis, Minn.

3. 1 tourist faux pas to go.... 

Good morning! We're back with another Sunday edition.

 Join the club: Axios Twin Cities needs your help to grow. Become a member starting at $50 per year and get access to insider notes from our local team.

Today's newsletter is 785 words — a 3-minute read.

🍩 Herb back again! I live in Fort Worth, Texas now, but I last visited the Twin Cities in 2018, ahead of a Kendrick Lamar show at Xcel Energy Center. 

My friend took me to the Science Museum of Minnesota, Glam Doll  for doughnut breakfast sandwiches and the now-closed Hammer and Sickle for Moscow Mules. We had a great time — I can't wait to come back! 

Got more recommendations? Send them over to herb.scribner@axios.com.

This newsletter was edited by Ross Terrell and copy edited by James Gilzow.

How to play tourist in Chicago

1 big thing: Chicago proud

A view from Navy Pier on Michingan Lake and Chicago skyline in Illinois

2. Beyond the boat tours 

3. 🍹 Food and booze 

Signs indicate the beer garden is open at the Innjoy bar in Chicago, Illinois.

🏙 Happy Saturday! We hope you get to see the green river today. 

⏰ Situational awareness: We're springing ahead this weekend. Make sure to adjust your clocks.

Join the club: Axios Chicago needs your help to grow. Become a member starting at $50/year and get access to insider notes from our local team.

Today's newsletter is 629 words — a 2.5-minute read.

1 big thing: Spring things to do

2. 💐 What you're doing this spring

3. 🗞️ ICYMI: Twin Cities news to know

Happy Sunday — and happy springtime! We're back to share some great things you can do this season.

🎧 Today's vibe: "Spring Love" by Stevie B.

Today's newsletter is 608 words — a 2.5-minute read.

👋 Have a good rest of your Sunday and don't let the scaries win. 

This newsletter was edited by Ashley May and Hadley Malcolm, and copy edited by James Gilzow.

National

A letter containing white powder sent Friday to the office of the Manhattan district attorney weighing charges against former President Trump contained no "dangerous substance" inside, according to multiple reports.

Driving the news: A spokesman for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement to Politico and CNBC that the material "was immediately contained" and that law officials in New York " determined there was no dangerous substance."

The NYPD Emergency Service Unit and the NYC Department of Environmental Protection both investigated the substance, the statement from the district attorney's office said.

According to CNBC, the NYPD considered the envelope to be non-hazardous.

“We are aware of the incident. It’s under active investigation," the NYPD said in a statement to Axios. "The NYPD takes all such threats seriously.”

Bragg's office did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

Context: Bragg on Friday was threatened with assassination in a letter containing a white powder, Axios' Sophia Cai reports.

Per NBC News, the letter had a typewritten note reading, “ALVIN: I AM GOING TO KILL YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!”″

The incident happened after Trump called for protests and warned of violence in a Truth Social post, saying "Our country is being destroyed, as they tell us to be peaceful!"

Trump also called Bragg — who is considering issuing charges against Trump over alleged hush money paid to an adult film star — an "animal" who "doesn't care about right or wrong."

Worth noting: Law enforcement officials said the office has received hundreds of threats in recent weeks over the investigation into Trump, per CNBC. Bragg was specifically threatened with direct harm, an official said.

Go deeper: Trump's anger over N.Y. case challenges campaign

Trump's anger over N.Y. case challenges campaign

White powder sent to Manhattan DA probing Trump deemed non-hazardous

A spokesman for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement that the material "was immediately contained."

A New York Police Department (NYPD) Emergency Service unit officer outside the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg 

NYPID officer outside the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Photo: Angus Mordant/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Donald Trump

Politics & Policy

Dozens of scientists, experts and tech leaders, including Twitter and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, recently signed a letter calling on labs generating artificial intelligence (AI) to slow down production so potential risks can be studied —and researched.

Why it matters: AI programs like ChatGPT and GPT-4 have come a long way in capturing public interest, but they still have trouble convincing tech's biggest leaders that society is ready for them.

Driving the news: Musk, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, 2020 presidential candidate Andrew Yang and more than 1,000 others signed an open letter to AI labs urging them to "immediately pause" production of AI models more powerful than GPT-4 — the most recent update of its text generator engine — for at least six months.

"This does not mean a pause on AI development in general," the letter states, but rather "a stepping back from the dangerous race to ever-larger unpredictable black-box models with emergent capabilities."

"If such a pause cannot be enacted quickly, governments should step in and institute a moratorium," adds the letter, which comes from the Future of Life Institute, a nonprofit that campaigns for responsible use of artificial intelligence.

Context: The letter specifically mentions GPT-4, a generative AI tool that is considered more powerful than OpenAI's ChatGPT.

GPT-4 can pass most AP exams and score in the 90th percentile of the standard bar exam taken by lawyers. One study found it can also spout misinformation.

Here are some key lines from the open letter:

On misinformation: “Contemporary AI systems are now becoming human-competitive at general tasks, and we must ask ourselves: Should we let machines flood our information channels with propaganda and untruth?"

On replacing humans: "Should we automate away all the jobs, including the fulfilling ones? Should we develop nonhuman minds that might eventually outnumber, outsmart, obsolete and replace us? Should we risk loss of control of our civilization?"

On purpose of AI: "Powerful AI systems should be developed only once we are confident that their effects will be positive and their risks will be manageable."

The letter urged AI labs and experts to work together "to jointly develop and implement" safety protocols for AI design and development, which should then be "audited and overseen by independent outside experts."

Our thought bubble via Axios' Peter Allen Clark: Few, if any, tech advancements are coupled with the level of forethought and even-mindedness the letter’s authors request. In the U.S., market forces have long been the primary driver for the growth of specific innovations.

Furthermore, an outreach to policymakers seems likely to land on deaf ears. U.S. lawmakers are woefully behind on how technological advancements impact the country — they’re still struggling to deal with the advent of social media.

Exclusive: GPT-4 readily spouts misinformation, study finds

Key lines from Elon Musk, others' call to pause AI development

"Should we let machines flood our information channels with propaganda and untruth?"

Elon Musk speaks during a press conference. Photo: Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

ChatGPT

Dozens of scientists, experts and tech leaders, including Twitter and Tesla CEO <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Elon Musk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/economy-business/elon-musk" data-vars-content-id="50c5c0b3-fa42-40c0-9074-10a3f16369a4" data-vars-headline="Key lines from Elon Musk, others&#x27; call to pause AI development" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/economy-business/elon-musk" target="_self">Elon Musk</a>, recently signed a letter calling on labs generating artificial intelligence (AI) to slow down production so potential risks can be studied —and researched.Why it matters: AI programs like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ChatGPT" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/24/chatgpt-openai-iphone-boom" data-vars-content-id="50c5c0b3-fa42-40c0-9074-10a3f16369a4" data-vars-headline="Key lines from Elon Musk, others&#x27; call to pause AI development" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/24/chatgpt-openai-iphone-boom" target="_self">ChatGPT</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="GPT-4" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/14/openai-gpt-4-release-chatgpt" data-vars-content-id="50c5c0b3-fa42-40c0-9074-10a3f16369a4" data-vars-headline="Key lines from Elon Musk, others&#x27; call to pause AI development" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/14/openai-gpt-4-release-chatgpt" target="_self">GPT-4</a> have come a long way in capturing public interest, but they still have trouble convincing tech&#x27;s biggest leaders that society is ready for them.

From the Valley to D.C., Big Tech players like Facebook, Google and Amazon are under more scrutiny than ever as new technology develops and privacy and antitrust concerns grow in lockstep with companies’ ambitions.

Technology

YouTube is "not really a social media platform," but rather a place to connect with creators, the company's CEO Neal Mohan told Axios' Sara Fischer at the What's Next Summit.

Driving the news: “It’s a place where you come to consume all things video …that’s the core use case of what our platform is … as opposed to try and connect with your friends and sharing content with your friends," he said.

"When you are looking to connect with content through video, YouTube is the place you come to do that," he said.

"You're really there to connect with your favorite content creators, to really connect with the content that's in the video," he said.

He said "the magic of YouTube" happens when people connect with their favorite creators.

The big picture: The platform is finding its way into your living room, which is the company's "largest and fastest growing screen," Mohan said.

YouTube TV will be home to the NFL's Sunday Ticket package, which is YouTube's first real push into live sports. The company previously streamed some MLB games.

"YouTube is a place where there's a lot of sports consumption," Mohan said.

Though Mohan did not commit to not raising the prices again within the next year, he said he would commit to "an awesome experience for our customers and great add on packages like Sunday Ticket. That's what I'm very excited about."

YouTube isn't a social media platform, CEO says

YouTube said the living room is the company's "largest and fastest growing screen."

Axios' What's Next Summit in Washington, D.C. on March 29. Photo: Axios

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan at Axios' What's Next Summit in Washington, D.C. on March 29. Photo: Axios

YouTube

YouTube is &quot;not really a social media platform,&quot; but rather a place to connect with creators, the company&#x27;s CEO Neal Mohan told Axios&#x27; Sara Fischer at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="What&#x27;s Next Summit" data-vars-click-url="https://axioswns2023virtual.splashthat.com/" data-vars-content-id="6236df4d-910e-4d13-8dc3-7a350388234a" data-vars-headline="YouTube isn&#x27;t a social media platform, CEO says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axioswns2023virtual.splashthat.com/" target="_blank">What&#x27;s Next Summit</a>.Driving the news: “It’s a place where you come to consume all things video …that’s the core use case of what our platform is … as opposed to try and connect with your friends and sharing content with your friends,&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="he said." data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/axios/status/1641172930720837632" data-vars-content-id="6236df4d-910e-4d13-8dc3-7a350388234a" data-vars-headline="YouTube isn&#x27;t a social media platform, CEO says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/axios/status/1641172930720837632" target="_blank">he said.</a>

After a record economic expansion, the coronavirus pandemic sent the U.S. economy into a recession as unemployment soared to staggering heights. The country now faces urgent questions about how much stimulus is needed for reeling consumers and businesses, and what a recovery might look like.

Economy & Business

Generate

Axios Generate

Deadly and destructive tornadoes spiraled through parts of Mississippi and Alabama overnight Friday, killing at least 26 people, injuring dozens, and destroying homes and towns.

The latest: The National Weather Service said Saturday that the deadly tornado which struck the small towns of Rolling Fork and Silver City in southwest Mississippi has been given a preliminary rating of EF-4 -- the second highest. 

An EF-4 rating comes from the Enhanced Fujita scale, which categorizes tornados from 0 to 5, with 5 being the most catastrophic damage. EF-4 tornados have wind speeds between 166 to 200 mph.

In a tweet, the agency added that the tornado traveled 59 miles, beginning in Issaquena County and moving northeast toward Holmes County. 

The tornado was approximately 3/4 a mile wide and lasted for over an hour. 

Four other tornadoes that hit rural areas across northern Mississippi were given preliminary ratings of EF-1. A rating has not been given to the tornado which struck Amory, Mississippi.

Details: The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) confirmed 25 deaths and dozens of injuries Saturday afternoon. Four people previously missing have been accounted for, though there was no information given on their conditions. 

Deaths were reported across multiple counties, including Humphreys, Carroll, Monroe, and Sharkey, according to local news reports. Sharkey County Coroner Angelia Easton told ABC News that 13 people were killed in the storm. Rolling Fork is located in Sharkey County.

In Morgan County, Alabama, a man died after his mobile home overturned during a tornado, the sheriff's office said in a tweet. 

Video footage and photos captured the damage. One video showed extensive damage to Silver City, Mississippi, from the "large and extremely dangerous" tornado.

A view of the damage after a tornado tore through Mississippi on March 25, 2023. (Photo by Fatih Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Zoom in:  Silver City and Rolling Fork, both rural towns in the southwest, and Amory in the northeast, all sustained significant tornado damage.

After striking Rolling Fork, radar imagery showed tornado debris carried to 25,000 feet, raining down on towns miles ahead of the storm in an indication of the tornado’s intensity.

"Looking to my left and looking to my right, all I see is devastated buildings, flat grounds where physical buildings used to stand," Walker Eldridge, mayor of Rolling Fork, a town in southwest Mississippi decimated by a wedge tornado, told Fox News. "It's a terrible situation here."

In northeast Mississippi, WTVA meteorologist Matt Laubhan uttered a prayer, "Dear Jesus, please help them. Amen," during a live broadcast after a radar update showed a significant debris ball as the storm moved toward Amory.

Shortly after the storm hit, several storm spotters who tracked the tornado took to Twitter to appeal for people to hurry to Rolling Fork and Silver City to help with rescue efforts.

In Amory, the National Guard Armory, an Exxon gas station, and several other businesses were significantly damaged or destroyed. Damage was also reported at the local high school, and to homes throughout the town of around 6,500. 

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) declared a state of emergency in the counties impacted by the tornadoes, saying the state will "marshal every available resource on behalf of our neighbors in need. We’re here for the long haul."

Reeves said Saturday afternoon "the scale of the damage and loss is evident everywhere affected today. Homes, businesses … entire communities."

President Biden also issued a major disaster declaration for the impacted areas on Saturday, allowing residents and business owners access to federal aid.

What they're saying: Biden issued a statement Saturday expressing his condolences and called images from Mississippi "heartbreaking."

"While we are still assessing the full extent of the damage, we know that many of our fellow Americans are not only grieving for family and friends, they’ve lost their homes and businesses."

Reeves confirmed he spoke with Biden, adding that "the flood of support from governors, businesses, charities, and federal admin has been tremendous—matches the community here on the ground."

Of note: Multiple tornado emergencies were issued last night, the most dire tornado alert issued by the NWS. A tornado emergency alert indicates a confirmed, ongoing tornado is hitting, or will soon hit, a populated area.

Nighttime tornadoes are deadlier than those that strike during the day, in part because people are less attuned to sources for tornado warnings. 

Multiple risk factors scientists have been warning about for years combined last night to create this unfolding disaster.

Rural Mississippi has a high concentration of mobile homes, which can sustain serious damage even during weak tornadoes. 

A view of damage after a tornado tore through Mississippi on March 25, 2023. (Photo by Fatih Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Editor's note: This story has been updated throughout to include new details and photos.

"Terrible situation" unfolds in Mississippi after violent tornado outbreak

At least 25 people died in Mississippi and 1 in Alabama as a result of the storms, with the small towns of Rolling Fork, Silver City, and Amory sustaining the most damage.

Kenterica Sardin, 23, stands where her bedroom once was after being damaged from a series of powerful storms and at least one tornado on March 25, 2023 in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. At least 26 people have reportedly been killed with dozens more injured following devastating storms across western Mississippi. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)

Weather

Deadly and destructive tornadoes spiraled through parts of Mississippi and Alabama overnight Friday, killing at least 26 people, injuring dozens, and destroying homes and towns.The latest: The National Weather Service said Saturday that the deadly tornado which struck the small towns of Rolling Fork and Silver City in southwest Mississippi has been given a preliminary rating of EF-4 -- the second highest.

Ominous forecasts about the impact of climate change serve as the backdrop for the world — led by U.S. lawmakers and companies — to debate big action on the problem, which could upend energy systems and our way of life.

Energy & Environment

It may not feel like it right now, but spring is technically here.

Why it matters: You've probably forgotten what beautiful weather and warm temperatures feel like. Can we just stop with this whole snow thing?

To get you prepped for the spring season, here's a look at what to do as the weather warms.

"Art in Bloom" at Minneapolis Institute of Arts showcases local florists' art-inspired creations. Photo courtesy of Minneapolis Institute of Arts

"Art in Bloom" at Minneapolis Institute of Arts showcases local florists' art-inspired creations. Photo: Courtesy of Minneapolis Institute of Arts

The Arboretum has 1,200 acres of gardens, plant collections and trails to see. There are also a number of events — from a pancake breakfast to a full pink moon hike — to participate in this spring.

Axios' Audrey Kennedy recommends visiting Art In Bloom, a free exhibit April 27-30. Local florists create arrangements inspired by pieces in Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection.

There's a free guided tour and plenty of family-friendly activities, like creating a fresh flower art project that you get to take home.

Of note: The Como Conservatory's spring flower show debuted Saturday. It's free and open daily through April 30.

St. Paul Brewing is built on the remains of the historic Hamm's Brewery. Photo courtesy of St. Paul Brewing

St. Paul Brewing is built on the remains of the historic Hamm's Brewery. Photo: Courtesy of St. Paul Brewing

Enjoy the warming weather at these local outdoor spots.

🏖 For the view: Spring Park's Back Channel Brewing offers a beachy, open-air vibe on the shore of Lake Minnetonka.

🎶 For live music: Aster Cafe offers a variety of live music, like jazz Sunday brunches, on the courtyard patio.

🐶For the whole family: The eclectic Saint Paul Brewing, built in the historic Hamm's Brewery, has a spacious dog-friendly patio and outdoor pizza oven.

🍹 For drinks: Hai Hai's tropical craft cocktails are best served outside.

Here are some of our favorite places to eat this spring:

Photo: Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images

The Minnesota Twins return to Target Field on April 6 to play the Houston Astros in their home opener.

⚽ Minnesota United FC plays all summer at Allianz Field.

⚾ St. Paul Saints kick off their home season at CHS Field on April 4.

While you're there, check out the new foods like Bloody Mary burgers and baseball-themed cocktails.

embers of the Sendero Flamenco & Studio Sendero gave dance demonstration during the St. Paul Art Crawl 2017.

Members Sendero Flamenco & Studio Sendero dance during the St. Paul Art Crawl 2017. Photo: Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images

Dozens of private Twin Cities artist lofts, studios and galleries will open for the public to explore during this spring's art crawls.

The IMS Art Crawl in Minneapolis May 3-4 hosts more than 20 artists, with live performances and plenty of art for sale during the back-to-back evenings.

The Saint Paul Art Crawl — the nation's longest-running art crawl — spans 21 venues over four weekends in April and May.

Torey’s dog Kirby (in the water) and his friend Gus hanging at Minnehaha off-leash Photo: Torey Van Oot/Axios

Torey’s dog Kirby (in the water) and his friend Gus hang out off-leash at Minnehaha. Photo: Torey Van Oot/Axios

Many of our favorite walking trails are open for the season, or take your dog to one of the local off-leash parks. You can walk those trails with or without snow.

There are also plenty of local bike routes to explore, including one with skyline views of both Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Browse Minnesota-grown produce at the Mill City Farmers Market this year. Photo courtesy of Mill City Farmers Market

Browse Minnesota-grown produce at the Mill City Farmers Market this year. Photo: Courtesy of Mill City Farmers Market

Hmongtown Marketplace is an indoor/outdoor Asian market that has items available year-round. The outdoor market runs June to October.

The downtown St. Paul Farmers' Market is open every Saturday from 9am-1pm; the outdoor market is now heated on colder days.

Minneapolis Farmers Market— one of the largest markets in the state —  will reopen its outdoor venue for three weekends in April, kicking off on April 1.

Yes, but: Don't expect to see much variety in the produce selection until  June. 

Discovery Bay was open during the recent "Zoo After Hours" event. Photo: Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images

Turn it up at the zoo with Zoo After Hours,  a recurring ages 18+ night for zoo fans looking for a kids-free experience.

Beer, wine and zoo-themed cocktails are available for purchase.

7 ways to make your spring awesome in the Twin Cities

Here's a look at what to do as the weather warms.

It may not feel like it right now, but spring is technically here.Why it matters: You&#x27;ve probably forgotten what beautiful weather and warm temperatures feel like. Can we just stop with this <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whole snow thing" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/FOX9/status/1637820262874841090" data-vars-content-id="d4b79235-0b4a-4dc3-a081-b50b1584eca4" data-vars-headline="7 ways to make your spring awesome in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/FOX9/status/1637820262874841090" target="_blank">whole snow thing</a>?

Herb Scribner

Stories

YouTube isn't a social media platform, CEO says

Key lines from Elon Musk, others' call to pause AI development

"Terrible situation" unfolds in Mississippi after violent tornado outbreak

7 ways to make your spring awesome in the Twin Cities

White powder sent to Manhattan DA probing Trump deemed non-hazardous

Newsletter editions

🌼 Spring things guide

🌷 Springtime fun

❄️ Play Twin Cities tourist

🧳How to play tourist

🧘 Brawn for your brain