State officials say they've seen "robust interest" in Minnesota's paid leave program since its January launch.

Why it matters: Nearly 75,000 Minnesotans took advantage of the program in the first six months, allowing them up to 12 weeks — or longer in some situations — to bond with a newborn, recover from a medical issue or care for a sick family member.

By the numbers: The state appropriated $688 million to launch the program and it's come in about $70 million under budget, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

• The state has approved about 63% of the 117,000 unique applications it has received, with an average weekly benefit of $1,083.
• Just over half of the 75,000 approvals have been for parental bonding.

What they're saying: DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek told reporters that his department has disproven the critics who thought the launch would be similar to the state's bungled driver's license and vehicle registration system rollout in 2017.

• "The overwhelming sentiment has been that people are appreciative for the customer service they're getting, and the effectiveness of the program," he said.

Yes, but: There are reports of new parents and people with health problems struggling to get approved for payments, often reapplying several times and waiting weeks for payment.

Plus, some small businesses, especially with limited staffing, say the administrative work and loss of employees has been onerous on their operations, according to a March survey by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

That's not the case for Greg Conley, human resources coordinator for the popular Northern Waters Smokehaus in Duluth's Canal Park. He said one of his employees was injured outside of work and was able to take the leave.

• "It didn't cost our company a bunch of money," he told reporters. "We didn't end up extending weeks of sick time to this person to keep them intact, and the person was really grateful."

How it works: A 0.88% payroll tax funds the program. Employers can pay it all or split it with employees.

What we're watching: Pay attention to whether the 0.88% payroll tax generates enough revenue to sustain the program. Republicans warned of soaring costs when the Legislature approved the program in 2023.

• Other states have had to raise the tax, though Minnesota's rate is capped at 1.2% by state law.
• DEED Deputy Commissioner Evan Rowe said the 2027 tax rate will be announced at the end of this month, following an actuarial analysis.

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This fall's Twin Cities Marathon will be the last to be held in early October as organizers deal with rising autumn temperatures.

Starting in 2027, the marathon will be run between Oct. 10 to 17, instead of the first Sunday in October.

Flashback: Extreme heat caused the cancellation of the marathon in 2023, when the mercury hit 92. A similar heat wave just missed the race last fall.

What they're saying: "Shifting the date gives us a much better shot at ideal weather, which keeps participants safe and helps them accomplish the finish line experience they worked for," race director Ed Whetham said in a news release.

Of note for parent runners: The race will be held the weekend before the annual MEA school break.

☢️ As momentum builds to lift Minnesota's 32-year ban on nuclear energy, all three leading Republican gubernatorial candidates say they support a repeal. (Star Tribune)

• A spokesperson for Democrat Amy Klobuchar told the paper she is "open to a change to the moratorium if it can be proven to be done safely and bring down costs for consumers."

St. Paul bicyclist Ricki Larson, 69, died Friday after his family took him off life support. Larson was biking on Highland Parkway June 27 when he collided with a car door that had just been opened by a parked motorist, according to police. (KSTP)

A man in his 20s died early Sunday morning after a firework exploded in his hand while he was on the roof of an abandoned building in Shoreview's former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant site. (Fox 9)

🗓️ Mark your calendar with our Event Board.

Family Day at Mia Jul 12: Check out Mia's free monthly event for families, kids, and the young at heart. Explore the seven elements of art and learn about natural dye processes with Mashkiki Studios in Target Park.

"There has been belief within the organization that they are getting an absolutely full audience and full consideration (from LeBron James)"

Context: The generational superstar is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers and deciding where to close out his career.

• James' agent spoke highly of Minnesota on a recent podcast, which has fueled speculation that something unthinkable just a few years ago could happen: One of the best players in NBA history might choose the Wolves.

Go deeper: Several Axios Local reporters pitched their cities to LeBron.

💭 Nick made his case for Minneapolis (it boils down to one word: Ant). But he thinks his Axios Cleveland colleague Sam Allard nailed the truth:

• "... This media circus (orchestrated in familiar fashion by LeBron and his agent, Rich Paul) is little more than fodder for the opening act of an upcoming farewell tour documentary — the inevitable framing of which will be the King returning home for a grand-finale reunion.
• "Sorry to the dreamers and the haters, but it's always been Cleveland."