The scars are still visible from last summer's riots on Lake Street, but the South Minneapolis corridor is coming back to life in a big way.

Why it matters: Lake Street is a vibrant and diverse corridor, a place where people live, shop, eat and play. Its rebound is vital to the broader community.

Flashback: A year ago this week, more than 400 Lake Street businesses were damaged in riots following the murder of George Floyd.

The state of play: The Lake Street Council estimates that 90% of those businesses have reopened, with most choosing to stay on the corridor.

• That includes big grocers — Target, Cub Foods and both Aldi stores — that were damaged but not destroyed.
• Midtown Global Market, Mercado Central and Chicago Lake Liquors are also back.
• Yes, but: There are still vacant lots that offer little sign of the auto-parts shops, pharmacies and restaurants that once stood there.

Some good news: Construction on many of those lots has commenced.

• Midtown Corner, the affordable apartment complex at Lake and Hiawatha that burned down midway through construction, is being rebuilt. It'll open in the fall.
• And, Midtown Global Market's owner is planning to redevelop the site of a nearby two-story building that was destroyed. Plans are up in the air, but it could include a business incubator and affordable housing.

By the numbers: The Lake Street Council — which raised $12 million after the riots — has provided $5.7 million in grants to help 360 businesses with repairs and replacing inventory, equipment or other furnishings.

• Less than half of the damage inflicted on businesses was covered by insurance, according to the council.
• Of note: The Minneapolis Foundation is raising $20 million for Lake Street as well as Broadway and University avenues. (We'll have more on those corridors for you later this week.)

What's ahead: Small businesses still need help from the city, state and federal government. Most of the reinvestment so far has come from private sources, said Allison Sharkey, executive director of the Lake Street Council.

• "Anytime there's a big disaster — usually a natural disaster — you can generally count on the federal and state governments to step in and and provide support, and that hasn't happened yet."

Full story: Minneapolis' Lake Street comes back to life year after unrest

Hundreds gathered yesterday at George Floyd Square and The Commons downtown to pay their respects to George Floyd a year after his death.

• "I'm out here to remember George Floyd as the echoing beacon for continued protest and justice," Derek Armstrong, 43, told the Star Tribune.

Social media reports earlier in the day said more than 20 shots were fired a block away, disrupting the setup of the event.

• Police said an individual who was shot showed up at a local hospital; the incident is under investigation. It's unclear if the shooting was related to events in the area.

Meanwhile, demonstrations took place all over the country, including at the "Stay in the Streets" march in Los Angeles (pictured below).

• More than 60,000 Minnesota kids between 12 and 15 have gotten the first dose of Pfizer vaccine — about 20% of the 300,000 who fall into that age group. (Pioneer Press)
• A former co-owner of Indeed Brewing accused her co-founders of creating a hostile work environment. They're bringing in an outside firm for a workplace audit. (Mpls-St. Paul Magazine)
• Columnist Myron Medcalf asked some of Minnesota's most powerful white leaders in business and government about their intentions, and he got some honest answers. (Star Tribune)

There are only two serious contenders for NBA Rookie of the Year, Charlotte's LaMelo Ball and Minnesota's Anthony Edwards.

Nick from Axios Twin Cities and Michael Graff from Axios Charlotte decided to make the case for our hometown players.

But first, the numbers:

Anthony Edwards

• 72 games (23-49 record)
• 19.3 points per game, 4.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists

LaMelo Ball

• 51 games (33-39 record)
• 15.7 points per game, 5.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists

Nick's case: Edwards has been a scoring machine for the second half of the season and improved his efficiency after a shaky start. He's a human highlight reel who shows flashes of Dwyane Wade.

• Don't read too much into the win-loss records. The Wolves play in the rugged Western Conference. LaMelo plays in the Eastern Conference, which is basically the minor league of the NBA.
• As a bonus, Ant is funny, charming and the kind of guy fans will love for years to come.

Michael's case: Melo isn’t just a basketball player. Melo is a movement. An artist. An expression.

• The Hornets Fan Shop sold more Ball jerseys in the first 45 days after the draft than five previous drafts combined. He gave this city that once was all Muggsy and Grandmama a basketball personality again.
• And if you need stats, he has 'em: First among rookies in assists and steals, second in rebounds and points.
• Or just watch any of his alley-oop passes to Miles Bridges.

🏀 The bottom line: There's no loser in this debate. It appears both teams have budding superstars.

After going to a limited drive-in model last summer, Minneapolis Music & Movies in the Parks is back for a full schedule this year.

What's happening: Movies started last night and music begins Monday evening at Lake Harriet Bandshell.

• A full schedule is here.

🎬 Nick's picks: "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" on July 27 at Father Hennepin Bluff Park and "The Goonies" on July 29 at Keewaydin Park.