1 big thing: It's sales tax time in the metro area

Illustration of an arrow line filled with a money pattern going upward on a graph.

2. Zoom in: Following the money 

Illustration of a city bus that says "Next Stop." 

3. How to fake it: The Delta rewards kerfuffle 

4. The Spoon: More confusion swirls around SROs

Illustration of the flags of Minneapolis and St. Paul hanging from spoons instead of flagpoles.

5. Hot Home: A Sunfish Lake stunner 

Stay booked and busy 

6. 🌹 1 rose to go

Leslie Fhima standing in w black top in front of a gold background

☕ TGIF and happy National Coffee Day. Go ahead and pour yourself another cup of java to celebrate.

A late September heatwave moves in today, with a high of 79, per the NWS. Showers and thunderstorms are possible this morning.

Situational awareness: U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer has been floated as a potential successor to lead the U.S. House should a push to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy succeed.

Yes, but: Emmer, the majority whip, has denied interest. Full story.

Today's newsletter is 991 words, a 4-minute read.

🍫 Torey heard from some kids on her block that Butterfinger is the best Halloween candy to buy. That can't be true, can it? 

🐋 Nick is reading "The North Water," which is quite dark.

🍁 Audrey is taking a day trip to hunt for fall colors.

Today's newsletter was edited by Hadley Malcolm and copyedited by Patricia Guadalupe.

Plus: 🌹 Our "Golden Bachelor" contestant

Twin Cities

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

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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting the Twin Cities.

Axios Twin Cities

Standard

1 big thing: Why we don't have Michelin stars

Illustration of a Michelin star on a spoon.

2. Behind the wheel of a St. Paul snowplow

Torey Van Oot behind the wheel of a snowplow.

3. Stat du jour: No shortage of THC

4. The Spoon: Cannabis director speaks out 

Illustration of a loon sitting on a spoon, with a cherry in its mouth.

A new career is waiting for you

5. 📫 1 PSA to go: Free tests are back 

Happy Tuesday! We sure needed that rain. 

🌧 Cloudy and another chance of showers today, with highs in the upper 60s.

Relying on us to keep you up-to-date on what's happening around town? Support our local journalism by becoming a member. You'll get insider notes, a shoutout on your birthday, and more.

Already a member? Make sure your birthday is on your account profile so we don't miss your day. 🎈 

This newsletter is 925 words, a 3.5-minute read

Congrats to Kenneth B., who was among the readers who correctly guessed that Nick took yesterday's trivia photo at Crosby Memorial Park in Serpent Lake!

❄️ Audrey wants to drive a snowplow. Is it possible to request Plowy McPlowFace?

🗣 Torey is moderating an afternoon panel on what's next for Minnesota's legal marijuana law. Should be newsy!

1 big thing: "Wild West" of edibles gets an inspector

Illustration of a marijuana leaf with bites being taken out of it until it's gone, and then growing back.

2. Quoted: Pumpkin spice pot? Don't hold your breath

Illustration of a jack-o-lantern smoking a vape pen

3. The Spoon: Finally, a win for the Vikings

Illustration of a spoon and cherry, both with arms and legs, walking. 

4. 🍁 Weigh in: Raking etiquette 

Illustration of a loon with a word balloon with a question mark coming out of its mouth.

5. 🍳 1 bodega sandwich to go 

An egg sandwich on one side; an ordering counter in the bodega on the other 

Hello! We hope you don't have a case of the Mondays. 

The record-setting heat that prompted the cancellation of the Twin Cities Marathon and 10-mile races yesterday continues, with highs in the mid-80s. 

☀️ Sounds like: (Still) "Feels Like Summer."

⚾ Situational awareness: The Twins will host the Blue Jays at Target Field in the first round of the playoffs tomorrow. 

Today's newsletter is 899 works, a 3-minute red.

🎹 Audrey is learning "Gymnopédie No. 1" on the piano.

⚾️ Nick is looking forward to the MLB playoffs this week. 

🏃‍♀️ Torey loved seeing spectators cheering rogue marathon and 10-miler runners. She wasn't racing, but she found the cowbells quite motivating on her own (very slow) morning run! 

This newsletter was edited by Hadley Malcolm and copy edited by Patricia Guadalupe.

1 big thing: How a government shutdown could impact you

A hand hitting a red button underneath the us capitol 

2. 💧 Sweet, sweet rain 

3. The Spoon: A hot marathon 

Illustration of "The Spoon" on the Grain Belt Beer sign.

4. Superior shipwreck found, 70 years later

On the job hunt? 

Minnesota teen wows on "The Voice"

5. Minnesota teen wows on "The Voice"

🚫 Situational awareness: The St. Paul City Council voted 4-3 yesterday to restrict the smoking of cannabis and cigarettes in city parks and within 25 feet of workplaces and public buildings. Background via Axios.

Today's newsletter is 937 words — a 4-minute read. 

🥣 Nick is celebrating International Poke Day by going to JJ's Poke Bowl. 

🪚 Audrey is learning how to cut through a U-Lock after she lost her bike key…again.

📕 Torey is reading "The Hotel Nantucket."

1 big thing: U.S. Bank weighs office lease renewals

US Bancorp Center in downtown Minneapolis as seen from the sky 

2. Restaurant roundup: Litt open date set

pinball bar interior with a horsehoe shaped bar

3. The Spoon: You won't Wallen to miss this news 

Illustration of two spoons with text reading "Twin Cities" that changes to "MPLS" and "St. P."

Summer 2023 was one of the Twin Cities' warmest on record

4. 🥵 Yes, it was a hot summer 

5. 🔬 1 rendering to go: The U's new chemistry hub

Good morning! We've made it to Wednesday. 

Mostly cloudy, with a high of 67, per the NWS. We could see some showers.

Today's newsletter is 909 words, a 3-minute read. 

Editor's note: Yesterday's story on Michelin stars was corrected to note that Minnesota had James Beard wins in 2018 and 2019.

😳 Torey meant to mention in yesterday's newsletter that she crashed into a snowplow when she was a teenager. Luckily, everyone was OK! 

📺 Nick is finally getting around to watching the final five episodes of "Better Call Saul." So good.

🥃 Audrey is wrapping up "Mad Men." Best show ever.

Today's newsletter was edited by Hadley Malcolm and copy edited by Patricia Guadalupe.

I've long been on the hunt for a bodega-style breakfast sandwich in the Twin Cities that rivals the heaven-sent egg-meat-and-cheese combos I ate regularly while living in New York City.

I recently stumbled across one that comes pretty darn close.

Driving my appetite: Egg On a Roll, a new, and aptly named, North Loop counter-service shop located inside the 5th Avenue Market convenience store.

What I ordered: "The Classic," featuring fluffy scrambled eggs, cheddar, diced ham, and the store's "signature sauce" on a buttery toasted brioche, for $6.99.

The made-to-order sandwich was melt-in-your-mouth good. The sauce had a bit of a kick, which contrasted well with the rich flavors.

Of note: For those who like their breakfast a little bit fancy, the menu features specials with ingredients such as chèvre and garam masala spread.

You can also build your own sandwich from a list of dozens of toppings and spreads. 

What we're hearing: I'm not the only one who's discovered this gem, which opened in mid-June. The two guys behind the grill told me they made 200-plus sandwiches on a recent Saturday.

Pro tip: You can skip the wait by ordering ahead online.

Details: Egg On a Roll is open Monday through Saturday, from 7:30am to 3:30pm, at 201 N 5th Ave. in Minneapolis.

Where to find a bodega-style egg-and-cheese in the Twin Cities

Egg in a Roll's made-to-order sandwich is melt-in-your-mouth good.

Egg on a Roll's classic sandwich. Photos: Torey Van Oot/Axios

I&#x27;ve long been on the hunt for a bodega-style breakfast sandwich in the Twin Cities that rivals the heaven-sent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="egg-meat-and-cheese" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bonappetit.com/columns/consumed/article/best-hangover-sandwich" data-vars-content-id="3cad2967-1964-4f91-b673-6d5840a1c026" data-vars-headline="Where to find a bodega-style egg-and-cheese in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bonappetit.com/columns/consumed/article/best-hangover-sandwich" target="_blank">egg-meat-and-cheese</a> combos I ate regularly while living in New York City.<ul><li>I recently stumbled across one that comes pretty darn close.</li></ul>Driving my appetite: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Egg On a Roll" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eggonarollmn.com/" data-vars-content-id="3cad2967-1964-4f91-b673-6d5840a1c026" data-vars-headline="Where to find a bodega-style egg-and-cheese in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eggonarollmn.com/" target="_blank">Egg On a Roll</a>, a new, and aptly named, North Loop counter-service shop located inside the 5th Avenue Market convenience store.

Food and Drink

Axios Twin Cities, anchored by Torey Van Oot, Nick Halter and Audrey Kennedy, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard

Shopping for many goods and services across the seven-county Twin Cities metro area will get more expensive starting this weekend.

What's happening: Sales tax hikes approved by the DFL-controlled state Legislature this year take effect on Oct. 1, adding a combined one cent on the dollar to purchases ranging from toys and tools to electronics and furniture.

State of what you'll pay: The increases, which will generate hundreds of millions of dollars for affordable housing and public transportation, will bring the total sales tax rate above 8% in much of the metro.

Rates in Minneapolis, Edina, Maple Grove, and St. Paul will hover at around 9%. The rate for hotels, which are subject to additional lodging taxes, will come in at more than 10% in some places.

How it works: The increases apply to goods and eligible services bought in the seven counties, as well as purchases made online or delivered to customers living in that area.

Food, clothing, and medicine are exempt from all sales taxes in Minnesota.

What they're saying: Supporters say improving public transit and access to affordable housing is good for residents and the region's overall economy. Republicans have slammed tax hikes as excessive, , especially in light of the state's surplus, and some critics argue that they'll hit lower-income Minnesotans the most.

What we're hearing: Minnesota Retailers Association president Bruce Nustad told us that some store owners are growing concerned that shoppers will seek lower prices by buying elsewhere. That could be especially true for those located in the outer metro area, where it would be easier for residents to drive to a seller with lower sales taxes.

"We're getting psychologically up to a point where consumers do start to notice these things," Nustad said.

What we're watching: Several communities, including St. Paul and Golden Valley, could see their prices rise even higher if voters approve local tax hikes on the ballot this November.

The sales tax increase taking effect Oct. 1 is made up of two separate tax hikes.

🚌  A new 0.75% tax, passed as part of a transportation spending bill, is expected to raise $560 million in the next fiscal year for transit projects such as bus systems and light rail.

House Transportation Chair Frank Hornstein (DFL-Minneapolis) told Axios that the money is intended to "support the nuts and bolts of the system," like improving service of rapid buses that run on the busier city streets and upgrading transit shelters "so people aren't freezing when they're waiting."

The Metropolitan Council's share of the funds is also expected to help cover costs related to public safety, cleaning and repair work and adding zero-emission buses.

Of note: There's a one-year prohibition on using the funds for light rail construction.

"This is really not meant to cover the shortfall [for the Southwest LRT]," Hornstein said.

🏠 A separate 0.25% increase, included in a housing bill, will generate an estimated $150-$200 million over the first two years.

Metro area cities and counties get about three-quarters of that tax revenue to pay for emergency rental assistance and affordable housing projects.

The remaining money will be used to fund a new program providing vouchers to subsidize rent for an estimated 5,000 low-income residents.

What to expect: House Housing Committee Chair Michael Howard (DFL-Bloomington) told Axios that the state's voucher program should be up and running next year. Some counties are already making plans for how to spend their share when distributions begin next summer.

"The virtue of doing this is the predictable, dependable investment that's at a scope that we've never seen before," he said. "That will hopefully pay big dividends in the long term."

Shopping in the Twin Cities to get more expensive this weekend due to sales tax hike

A Twin Cities metro-wide sales tax increase takes effect Oct. 1.

Shopping for many goods and services across the seven-county Twin Cities metro area will get more expensive starting this weekend.What&#x27;s happening: Sales tax hikes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="approved by the DFL-controlled state Legislature" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/05/22/minnesota-legislaure-2023-session-what-passed-budget-taxes" data-vars-content-id="52d2f6bf-db29-49aa-be4e-ada9462b0c8f" data-vars-headline="Shopping in the Twin Cities to get more expensive this weekend due to sales tax hike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/05/22/minnesota-legislaure-2023-session-what-passed-budget-taxes" target="_self">approved by the DFL-controlled state Legislature</a> this year take effect on Oct. 1, adding a combined one cent on the dollar to purchases ranging from toys and tools to electronics and furniture.

News

Business

The Minnesota agency tasked with regulating the state's burgeoning THC edible industry now has an inspector fully dedicated to enforcement.

Why it matters: The 2022 law legalizing food and beverages containing 5mg or less of hemp-derived THC lacked resources for oversight and enforcement, creating what multiple officials have described as a "Wild West" of edible sales.

Driving the news: The Minnesota Department of Health in August reassigned one of its two medical cannabis inspectors to focus full-time on the hemp-derived THC industry.

An estimated 90% of the 60 businesses that person has visited so far were non-compliant on at least one aspect of the law, Office of Medical Cannabis director Chris Tholkes told Axios during a panel discussion last week hosted by the law firm Winthrop & Weinstine last week.

What they're saying. While some violations were "really egregious," many cases involved sellers who said they were unaware of current rules surrounding labeling, serving sizes, potency limits, and product display, Tholkes said.

"A lot of times the shop folks are assuming that ... if the wholesaler is providing it to them, it must be okay. And that's not always the case."

Reality check: As of mid-last week, More than 1,500 businesses had registered to sell or make low-dose edibles, a count Tholkes said "feels low" given the range of stores offering the popular products. The figure grew to over 2,000 as of Friday.

That means one inspector doing dozens of enforcement checks is barely scratching the surface.

What we're watching: Tholkes said the agency for now is focused on education, providing background sheets and correction orders asking sellers to address issues within 30 days.

But state and local officials will have a range of tools to "take prompt action" against repeat offenders, DFL Rep. Zack Stephenson, a sponsor of the state's legal cannabis legislation, said during the panel.

That includes the ability to strip retailers of their liquor or tobacco licenses, or asking a court to shut down a non-compliant business.

What we're hearing: Dave Ladd, president of the Minnesota Industrial Hemp Association, told Axios that members welcome efforts to ensure products are safe and sold properly, as long as the law is enforced on a "level playing field."

He wasn't surprised by the high rate of issues in the inspector's sample given widespread confusion about the rules, but said members are trying in good faith to navigate "this new regulatory landscape."

Between the lines: Just last month, a hemp business owner tapped to lead the state's new Office of Cannabis Management resigned one day after her job was announced amid scrutiny of her company's products.

The short-lived appointee, Erin DuPree, has said she never knowingly sold illegal products and that a compliance team ensured her sales were allowed under the law.

Of note: The state Board of Pharmacy, which oversaw the hemp-derived edibles for the first year they were legal, did assign a pharmacy surveyor to investigate complaints related to THC products part-time. But that staffer didn't have the authority to conduct proactive inspections under the 2022 law, the board's executive director told Axios. 

What's next: Tholkes said the division is in the process of hiring more enforcement staff as it stands up a full unit dedicated to hemp-derived sales.

Eventually, licensing and regulation of the low-dose edibles will be transferred to the Office of Cannabis Management.

Minnesota now has full-time inspector for THC edibles

An estimated 90% of the 60 businesses that person has visited so far were non-compliant.

cannabis

An illustration of a marijuana leaf on a yellow background

The Minnesota agency tasked with regulating the state&#x27;s burgeoning THC edible industry now has an inspector fully dedicated to enforcement.Why it matters: The 2022 law legalizing food and beverages containing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="5mg or less of hemp-derived THC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/07/07/edibles-minnesota-businesses-legalized" data-vars-content-id="5616726e-9ef6-4b9b-95af-5cff9c6c7e9b" data-vars-headline="Minnesota now has full-time inspector for THC edibles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/07/07/edibles-minnesota-businesses-legalized" target="_self">5mg or less of hemp-derived THC</a> lacked resources for oversight and enforcement, creating what multiple officials have described as a &quot;Wild West&quot; of edible sales.

Des Moines

Axios Des Moines

Crisp & Green Salad opened last Saturday in the Jordan Creek Town Center area in West Des Moines.

What to expect: The Minnesota-based chain serves things like salads, grain bowls and smoothies. You can go with their signature recipes or build your own.

It also hosts free workout classes on many weekends.

Zoom in: Our Axios Twin Cities colleague Torey Van Oot, a Crisp & Green regular, dished on her go-to orders:

🇬🇷 Big appetite? Go for a grain bowl. The portions are generous — I can often stretch one into two meals. My go-to is the "Ahh Greek out!?"

🥗 The "You Feta Believe It," featuring roasted chicken, strawberries, and, yes, feta, is a fan favorite.

But act fast. The seasonal summer salad is expected to be phased out for the year soon!

🍌 The "Date Night" smoothie is filling enough for a full meal. It combines banana, medjool dates, almond butter, cacao nibs and vanilla pea protein. For a lighter drink, go for the berry-forward "Purple Rain," named in honor of a Minnesota icon!

🧀 Pro tip: You can add a parmesan crisp to any salad for a small fee. It's worth it!

If you go: Crisp & Green Salad is open at 141 South Jordan Creek Pkwy. in West Des Moines

Crisp & Green Salad opens in West Des Moines

The popular salad chain opened in the Jordan Creek Town Center area.

Crisp &amp; Green Salad opened last Saturday in the Jordan Creek Town Center area in West Des Moines.What to expect: The Minnesota-based chain serves things like salads, grain bowls and smoothies. You can go with their signature recipes or build your own.

Axios Des Moines, anchored by Jason Clayworth and Linh Ta, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.

An impending federal government shutdown could impact services and pay for thousands of Minnesotans as soon as this weekend. 

Driving the news: Congress faces a Sept. 30 deadline to fund the government. Deals can — and do — come together quickly, but it's not looking good. 

The big picture: If a government shutdown takes place, federal functions deemed non-essential could be suspended, affecting health programs, government assistance, Food and Drug Administration inspections, and small business loans, Axios' Sareen Habeshian writes.

Paychecks will be paused for all federal employees, whether they're deemed essential or not.

Zoom in: About 17,000 Minnesotans are employed by the federal government, per the Star Tribune. Hundreds of thousands more rely on federal aid programs.

Zoom out: Mail delivery, Social Security payments, and health care for veterans and Medicare and Medicaid recipients will continue across the nation.

Commercial air travel will also continue, though TSA and air traffic controllers will be working without pay, which could lead to staffing issues if people decide not to show up for work.

Yes, but: The Small Business Administration, the Federal Housing Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Department of Agriculture will stop processing some new loans, per a memo from the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, an advisory arm of congressional Democrats. 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding will continue through October, but a federal program that offers food aid and other services to low-income mothers would be reduced immediately. 

The Social Security Administration would pause benefit verifications and earnings record corrections and updates, and Medicare would be unable to send replacement cards. 

Plus: National parks facilities that require staff, including restrooms, visitors' centers, and campgrounds, would be paused during a shutdown.

That could mean reduced access and services at Voyageur in northern Minnesota.

What we're watching: Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday that while Minnesota is less dependent on federal workers than many other states, his administration is looking at ways the state government might be able to step in to keep impacted benefits flowing.

"At this point in time, my pledge to Minnesotans is just to make sure that [for] these essential services, there will be no gap," he told reporters, noting that a shutdown could also slow the state's efforts to secure a variety of federal grants.

Keep reading: How a government shutdown could affect you

What a government shutdown would mean for Minnesota residents

The state government is looking at ways it can lessen the blow.

Illustration of the Capitol dome opening up to reveal an emergency button with a hand hovering above about to press it. 

An impending <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal government shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/25/us-government-shutdown-september" data-vars-content-id="a33bc5f4-28ea-4bf1-95a7-81a64758b6dd" data-vars-headline="What a government shutdown would mean for Minnesota residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/25/us-government-shutdown-september" target="_self">federal government shutdown</a> could impact services and pay for thousands of Minnesotans as soon as this weekend. Driving the news: Congress faces a Sept. 30 deadline to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fund the government" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/20/government-shutdown-congress-republicans" data-vars-content-id="a33bc5f4-28ea-4bf1-95a7-81a64758b6dd" data-vars-headline="What a government shutdown would mean for Minnesota residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/20/government-shutdown-congress-republicans" target="_self">fund the government</a>. Deals can — and do — come together quickly, but it&#x27;s not looking good.

Torey Van Oot

Stories

Minnesota now has full-time inspector for THC edibles

Crisp & Green Salad opens in West Des Moines

Where to find a bodega-style egg-and-cheese in the Twin Cities

Shopping in the Twin Cities to get more expensive this weekend due to sales tax hike

What a government shutdown would mean for Minnesota residents

Newsletter editions

🍃 Edibles crackdown

💰 Sales tax hikes

🏛 Shutdown's local impact

👀 U.S. Bank's office options

⭐️ No Michelin stars