Minnesota panel selects six finalists for state flag redesign

Sorry loon lovers: The many flags featuring the state bird failed to take flight, though a loon-centric design did make the final round for the seal.

Catch up fast: The state Legislature created a commission to redesign both emblems in response to concerns that the current ones are both racist and ugly.

• The redesign bill's sponsor, DFL Rep. Mike Freiberg, has called the existing flag a "cluttered and genocidal mess."

Zoom In: Tuesday's hours-long process for picking the finalists involved stickers, simulations, and a piano rendition of "You're a Grand Old Flag."

What's next: The commission, which faces an end-of-year deadline for adopting the new designs, will meet again on Dec. 12 to get more public input, per MPR News.

• They could tweak or merge the current designs for the final product.

The bottom line: Unless the Legislature vetoes the picks, the new flag will hit masts next May.

Zoom in via the @AxiosTwinCities Instagram