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The year might be winding down, but live theater is ramping up in the Twin Cities.

Driving the news: Acclaimed Broadway shows, including “Les Misérables” and “Beauty and the Beast,” opened in the last week alongside a host of limited-run holiday performances.

A planned strike by thousands of Twin Cities nurses was called off Tuesday following a tentative agreement to raise wages by 18% over the next three years.

Why it matters: The strike, which was set to begin this weekend and last for up to 20 days, could have further strained hospitals already overwhelmed by flu, RSV and COVID cases.

Minnesota's projected budget surplus has grown to a record $17.6 billion, state economists announced Tuesday.

State of play: State lawmakers will decide what to do with the funds as they craft a two-year budget during the upcoming legislative session.

Minneapolis, St. Paul and many other cities will approve 2023 budgets and tax levies this week.

Why it matters: There's a pretty good chance your property taxes are going up. Collectively, Minnesota school districts, cities, counties and special districts have proposed to raise tax levies by 6% from last year, according to the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

See ya, 2022: It’s time to celebrate the new year.

• Here are 15 things to add to your New Years Eve itinerary, including dance parties, fancy dinners and kid-friendly activities.

The city of Bloomington is considering spending tens of millions of dollars on a sports and entertainment complex near Mall of America.

Driving the news: The City Council is holding a public hearing on Wednesday to approve up to $95.2 million in spending on economic development projects.

Put on winter gear and grab the hot chocolate: 'Tis the season for holiday light shows! Take a walk through your neighborhood or drive across town to check out these displays.

The new and faster D Line bus service connecting Mall of America to Brooklyn Center begins Saturday.

Details: The 18-mile, $75 million line runs up Chicago Avenue in South Minneapolis, through downtown and onto Fremont Avenue in North Minneapolis.