Axios Twin Cities

May 08, 2023
Good morning! It's Monday and we're back at it.
- High of 72 with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms possible throughout the day, per NWS.
Situational awareness: We're entering the final sprint of the legislative session, with two weeks left until the adjournment deadline.
- Paid family leave is expected to come up for a vote in the Senate, while the House is scheduled to take up a health care merger bill that could impact the Fairview-Sanford proposal.
Today's newsletter is 876 words, a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: Farm bill politics
Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios
A sweeping food and agriculture bill in the works in Washington, D.C., is set to reshape the future of farming in Minnesota.
The big picture: The farm bill, which is renegotiated every five years, covers policies ranging from crop insurance to nutrition assistance.
Why it matters: Minnesota ranks fifth in the nation for agricultural production. The large and diverse farm industry here feeds the world and fuels the state's economy.
Plus: More than 400,000 state residents get food assistance through SNAP, which is covered by the bill. Eligibility rules and other elements of the benefits are a point of contention.
What they're saying: "People who are not farmers and ranchers, they do have an interest in getting affordable food in America and that's all tied in with the farm bill," U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar told Axios.
What we're hearing: Maintaining a strong crop insurance program is a top priority for local farmers.
- "It is one of the rare tools that we have to protect income or protect risk," said U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad, who is among several Minnesota lawmakers poised to play a key role in shaping the final bill.
Zoom in: Here's a look at some of the other ways the final package could make a mark on the state:
🤖 Innovation and technology: One bipartisan proposal would provide low-interest loans to farmers who want to buy precision agriculture equipment.
- "That's going to allow them to use less water and target their pesticides instead of spreading it over areas that don't need it," Klobuchar said.
🦃 Avian flu: Minnesota is the top turkey producing state in the country. That's why officials hope the final bill includes "adequate protections and support for disease management," Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen told Axios.
🧠 Mental health: Petersen said reauthorizing a proposal U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer backed in the last farm bill that directed more resources to mental health and suicide prevention programs for farmers is also a top priority.
What's next: The current farm bill is set to expire in September. Without a deal, lawmakers could temporarily extend the current version.
2. ☕️ Restaurant roundup: Food news to know
Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios
A coffee shop, restaurant and bar is opening in the old Bad Waitress spot in Northeast Minneapolis Monday, Axios confirmed.
- Called Relish, it's open from 7am to 11pm. It's owned and operated by the family behind The Coffee Shop NE.
- Expect diner food when table service starts at 11am, sandwiches and soups at lunch, and more upscale entrees for dinner, co-owner Skye Horton said.
🇱🇦 Chef Ann Ahmed of Khâluna and Lat 14 will open her new restaurant Gai Noi in Loring Park on May 23.
🥤 Hard kombucha seltzer brand Būch's taproom will begin soft openings this week, owner Ryan Appleby confirmed to Axios.
🌊 Lake Harriet food stand Bread & Pickle opens for the season on May 10, according to a release.
🍻 German restaurant Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter in St. Paul, which closed in December 2021, is reopening later this month. Expect the same decor, menu and beer taps — the only change is ownership, according to the Pioneer Press.
3. The Spoon: Worldwide combined reporting reversal
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
🚈 Minneapolis Council Member Jason Chavez called for "immediately" putting more money toward transit safety after a shooting during his visit to a Lake Street station left one person in critical condition. (Torey via Twitter)
👀 The Mayo Clinic has privately threatened to pull back on billions in planned investments in the state if DFL lawmakers move forward with a pair of bills related to hospital staffing and healthcare costs. (Minnesota Reformer)
- The Minnesota Nurses Association criticized Mayo's move as "blackmail tactics." Gov. Tim Walz said Friday that talks are ongoing.
🎓 The University of Minnesota Board of Regents meets today to interview finalists for the U's interim president opening. (Background via Axios Twin Cities)
❌ The Senate tax chair now says a proposal to raise an estimated $350 million a year via a change in corporate tax reporting rules no longer has support to clear the chamber. (Pioneer Press)
- The provision, known as worldwide combined reporting, had attracted criticism from business groups and questions about its feasibility.
4. 🏢 Pic du jour: The next apartment conversion?
The McKnight Building, pictured here at 200 S. Fifth St. Photo via city of Minneapolis
Downtown Minneapolis' McKnight Building could be the next office-to-residential conversion in the city.
What's happening: The owner, CenturyLink, wrote in a letter to the city that it's got interest from developers who want to build apartments.
- The company wants to separate the building's ownership from the larger tower in the background so it can sell it to a developer.
Why it matters: There's roughly 8 million square feet of vacant office space in downtown Minneapolis, according to a recent report by commercial real estate firm JLL.
- Meanwhile, there's continued demand for housing. This 15-story, 122-year-old building could house hundreds of people.
What we're watching: Converting office towers can be tricky, but Mayor Jacob Frey has signaled the city is willing to incentivize certain projects.
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5. 📬 Weigh in: Mama said...
Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios
Mother's Day is less than a week away!
Ahead of the holiday, we want to hear the best advice you've gotten from a mom — or mom-like figure — in your life.
- Reply to this email with those words of wisdom. Bonus points if you include a photo!
❤️ What's next: We'll share some of the best responses in an upcoming newsletter.
🚲 Nick is ready to get back on his mountain bike.
🍽️ Torey had a great meal at Khâluna over the weekend. The duck fried rice was so good.
🚗 Audrey is off today.
Today's newsletter was edited by Ross Terrell and copy edited by Nick Aspinwall.
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