Minnesotans who worked in essential jobs at the onset of the pandemic can apply for one-time bonus checks from the state beginning at 8am today.

The big picture: The $500 million set aside for payments, approved by the divided Legislature in late April after months of stalled negotiations, is meant to serve as a thank you for those who risked exposure to provide services we all relied on.

Who's eligible: An estimated 667,000 Minnesota workers in qualified professions who logged at least 120 hours in close proximity to others between March 15 2020 and June 30, 2021, including emergency responders, health care workers, child care providers, grocery and food service employees, bus drivers and janitors.

• Restrictions include an income cap ($185,000 for married couples and $85,000 for individuals in most professions) and a provision disqualifying people who received more than 20 weeks of unemployment benefits during the window.

How to apply: Visit https://frontlinepay.mn.gov/ to submit your information by July 22.

What to expect: The bonuses will be at least $750 but could grow to up to $1,500 based on the final number of eligible applicants.

• Payments are expected to go out to approved applicants in September, a Department of Labor and Industry spokesperson told Axios.

Go deeper on the application process, including a full list of qualified professions.

Last summer, farms across Minnesota were scorched and stressed by the historic drought. This year, an unusually cold and wet spring forced one of the latest planting seasons in recent memory.

• "Whiplash," Minnesota Farmers Union vice president Anne Schwagerl told Axios. "That's the best way I can describe it."

The big picture: Farmers in Minnesota and across the U.S. are turning to new tools, tactics and even crops as extreme weather events wreak havoc on their businesses, Torey reports for Axios Local's Climate Truths deep dive.

What they're doing: Schwagerl, who grows organic grains and raises hogs on 400 acres in Browns Valley, plants cover crops when the harvest is done to help protect her soil from erosion and weather-related damages.

• She also started planting newer, winter-friendly grains, such as Kernza.

Why it matters: The additions provide a new revenue stream in the off-season on land that would otherwise be barren and help "spread out the risk that we take every day by farming in a changing climate," she said.

• Plus: Both cover crops and grains such as Kernza may help mitigate climate change overall by capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Yes, but: These changes aren't without risk, or easy to make. Decisions about what to plant — and how — need to be made months in advance. New equipment and technology are expensive.

• "There's very little flexibility to be able to adjust to potential change that's out there," Jeffrey S. Strock, a professor and soil scientist at the University of Minnesota's Southwest Research and Outreach Center, told Axios.

Read the full story

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📈 Minnesota has a record 214,000 open jobs even as employers are upping their wages. (Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal)

✂ Target will cut prices on some products as it tries to "right-size" its inventory. Look for deals on patio furniture, kitchen equipment and other home goods. (Axios)

⛳️ No Phil Mickelson or Dustin Johnson? Blaine's 3M Open in July will be missing some high-profile golfers who are joining the new Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour. (Star Tribune)

🎡 The Ramsey County Fair has been cancelled for 2022 as organizers butted heads with county officials and struggled with increased security requirements. (Pioneer Press)

🎶 A one-block stretch of First Avenue outside of the iconic Minneapolis night club has been renamed Prince Rogers Nelson Way. (KARE 11)

• Speaking of Prince, Axios Chicago reporter Monica Eng reviewed Prince: The Immersive Experience that premiered in the Windy City (Axios Chicago)

Audrey here! I managed to snag a reservation at Mara, the new Four Seasons restaurant by Demi and Spoon and Stable chef Gavin Kaysen.

What I ordered: I tried a little bit of everything from the Mediterranean-inspired menu.

• I started with the rose and jasmine-flavored “Arpege” cocktail ($15) and ordered the creamy, yogurt-based labneh dip ($14) as an appetizer.
• I chose the lamb shank ($34) for my main, and finished with an olive oil cake ($13) for dessert.

My thoughts: My first impression of the space was “luxe night out,” and the service and food definitely delivered.

• Almost everything was unique and delicious — I’ve never tried anything like the olive oil cake, a citrusy delight topped with a labneh sorbet.
• The lamb shank was enormous, but a little under seasoned. I preferred my dining partner’s spiced pomegranate chicken ($32).

Yes, and: The cocktails, created by former Colita beverage director Adam Witherspoon, were the highlight of the meal. I went back to the attached bar for more.

Overall: If you can get in, Mara is worth the wait and price tag. The decor, service and beverage pairings took the restaurant from “nice date night” to “high-end special occasion.”

• Dinner reservations are booked through August, but the bar and breakfast service are open for walk-ins.

Read the full story for Audrey's cocktail recommendations

Minnesota has one of the best business climates for LGTBQ+ people, according to a new index by Out Leadership.

• With a score of 86 — up 2.5 points from last year — Minnesota ranked 11th on the index.

How it works: The index looked at state laws that impact LGBTQ+ people, work environment and employment and the relative difficulty transgender people face in changing gender markers on official documents.

Read a full story by Axios' Emily Peck on why this matters to businesses