Axios Twin Cities

February 06, 2025
Hello Thursday, my old friend.
💨 Skies will clear today, but it will be very windy. High of 18.
🎂 Happy birthday to our Axios Twin Cities member JoAnn Pastorius!
⚡️Situational awareness: House leaders say they've reached a deal to end the session-stalling stalemate.
- Details of the power-sharing agreement will be released this morning. What to expect via MPR News.
Today's newsletter is 817 words — a 3.5 minute read.
1 big thing: Decision near on Wolves/Lynx ownership
A 10-month battle for control of the Timberwolves and Lynx is likely to be settled within the next four days.
Driving the news: While the decision by a three-member arbitration board could technically be appealed, the losing side would have to clear a high bar to convince a federal judge to even consider overruling the decision, according to Sportico.
Why it matters: Awarding ownership to the duo of Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore would usher in a new era for the two basketball franchises. If Glen Taylor keeps the clubs, it would raise some major questions about what comes next.
Catch up quick: The Lore-Rodriguez team was preparing to make a final payment last March to take control of the team before Taylor called the $1.5 billion deal off, alleging they had missed benchmarks in the contract.
What we're watching: If the board sides with A-Rod and Lore, the two will have 90 days to gain approval from the NBA Board of Governors. Sportico reported that the duo had put the $942 million they still owe on the deal in escrow.
- They have brought in billionaire Michael Bloomberg as a limited partner and, according to a June report in The Athletic, were developing plans for a privately financed arena to replace Target Center.
The other side: If Taylor wins, he keeps the teams. But the 83-year-old has not identified an heir apparent to take over, raising questions about whether he would turn around and put the teams right back on the market.
- The Timberwolves' value has increased from $1.5 billion to $3 billion in the last four years and the Lynx are worth $85 million, according to Sportico.
- Taylor has said proceeds from the sale will go to his charitable foundation.
What's next: The board will rule no later than Monday, though a decision could come earlier, according to a report by Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic and confirmed by Axios.
2. Special election scheduled
The special election to fill a vacant Roseville House seat was at the center of the just-resolved power-sharing stand-off in the House will take place on March 11, Gov. Tim Walz announced yesterday.
Why it matters: The outcome in House District 40B is expected to return the House to a 67-67 tie.
Catch up fast: A judge's ruling that DFL Rep.-elect Curtis Johnson couldn't take office because he failed to meet residency requirements gave House Republicans a temporary 67-66 advantage.
- The shift triggered a fight over control of the chamber that had Democrats boycotting the opening weeks of the session.
Friction point: Walz originally called a late January election to fill the seat. But the state Supreme Court later ruled that he jumped the gun, prompting the delay.
3. The Spoon: Tommy Kramer opens up about dementia
🏈 Doctors believe former Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer suffered at least 14 concussions while playing in the NFL. He announced last fall he has dementia. (KARE 11)
A controversial anti-sex trafficking group is planning to move into a new city-owned public safety center at the site of the former Third Police Precinct. (Star Tribune)
👩🎨 Artists and art suppliers say a new state ban on cadmium paint is a "crushing blow" for their craft. (MinnPost)
- "You simply can't oil paint without cadmium," artist Caitlin Karolczak said.
💰 Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse will headline Spoon and Stable's upcoming guest chef series. The full tasting menu will set you back $495, including drinks and tip. (Star Tribune)
🦫 A state senator has proposed reversing a recent law that banned the consumption of nuisance beavers in Minnesota. (Fox9)
- Last year's law sparked a robust debate that included another state senator declaring "I have eaten them. It is pretty good."
4. What to know about Delta's new Sky Club rules
Delta customers with American Express credit cards, take note: The days of unlimited trips to the the airline's Sky Club lounges are over.
Driving the news: Starting this month, Amex cardholders will have a limited number of visits to Sky Club lounges during the calendar year.
- Platinum card members will have 10 visits, according to Delta. SkyMiles Reserve cardholders will max out at 15.
Why it matters: Access to the lounges, which feature buffets, full-service bars and (in some locations) private bathrooms and showers, is one of the perks of carrying a Delta Amex.
- But the popularity of the partnership has contributed to overcrowding in the lounges, which are designed for space, comfort and amenities.
Catch up quick: In fall 2023, Delta faced backlash from customers after the airline announced changes to the SkyMiles status program and lounge access, Axios' Joann Muller previously reported.
- In response, the airline walked back some of those proposed changes by upping Reserve members' visit limit from 10 to 15 and dialing down the spending threshold to achieve elite frequent flyer status.
The fine print: Cardholders who use up all their visits can pay $50 to access the lounge.
Caveat: Cardholders who spend $75,000 with the card in a calendar year unlock unlimited visits.
🔎 Nick has spent an absurd amount of time looking at Hennepin County property maps to see where a new basketball arena could feasibly be built.
💰Torey encourages all the college journalists out there to apply for MNSPJ's annual scholarship!
✌️ Kyle was off yesterday.
This newsletter was edited by Everett Cook.
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