The hottest happy hour in the Twin Cities this weekend might be at your neighborhood nursing home.

Driving the cheers: A new Minnesota law clarifying that nursing homes and other assisted living facilities can serve beer and wine during social events without a liquor license kicks in on Saturday.

What they're saying: "Happy hour is our connection, laughter, sharing stories from our lives. It brings friends together and helps make everyday moments special," Anita LeBrun, a Champlin senior who lobbied for the bipartisan law, told reporters at a recent signing ceremony.

The big picture: The "Grandparents Happy Hour" measure is part of a slate of measures taking effect this weekend.

• The statutes cleared the narrowly divided Legislature earlier this year.

Zoom in: Here are some more notable new laws to have on your radar:

🔎 State agencies get more power to freeze payments to suspected fraudsters under a package of reforms that also extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting cases.

• A separate provision seeks to crack down on "ghost students" enrolling in state colleges and universities.

🥚 Food banks can accept — and give away — cartons of donated eggs even after the "quality assurance date" has passed.

• Between the lines: Eggs are still safe to eat at that point, and supporters say the change will help keep food bank shelves stocked while reducing food waste.

₿ "Crypto ATMs" are banned under a law prompted by concerns about scams targeting seniors.

⬆️ The legal age to purchase kratom — a widely available substance that health officials warn can have opioid-like effects — increases from 18 to 21.

🪖 Minnesota veterans who missed out on graduating high school because they were serving in the Korean or Vietnam wars can request a diploma.

🚔 The penalty for impersonating a police officer is increasing under a slate of public safety changes prompted by last summer's fatal attacks targeting state lawmakers.

⚖️ Worth noting: As we reported earlier this week, Minnesota's prediction markets ban was paused by the courts before it could take effect as scheduled.

• Another law banning "nudification" apps and websites that use AI to turn photos into sexually explicit images and videos without consent is also facing a legal challenge.

📜 Go Deeper with a list of more new laws, via the Minnesota House Public Information Service.

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🏆 You can see the Stanley Cup IRL today in Eden Prairie.

What's happening: The Carolina Hurricanes' Jackson Blake is bringing the trophy back to his hometown rink this morning — and the public can come snap pics from 10am to noon.

What we're watching: What Blake does with the rest of his day with the world's most famous punch bowl.

• Drink beer out of it? Eat cereal out of it — or hot dogs? Strap it to a Harley? Baptize a baby in it?

Details

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her said yesterday that she intends to remain in office following the public disclosure of an investigation into allegations that she made sexually inappropriate comments to city employees. (Star Tribune)

• "I recognize that some of my attempts at humor fell short of the standard I expect of myself," she said in a statement as she pledged to serve the city "with integrity and dedication."

🏢 A data center developer signed a purchase agreement for the Star Tribune's former North Loop printing plant. (Star Tribune/Background via Axios)

🏛️ State Sen. Omar Fateh (DFL-Minneapolis) joined legislators from across the country in calling for state-level legislation allowing Americans to sue ICE agents for alleged constitutional violations. (Background via Axios Denver)

• Fateh, who represents the district where Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed, pledged to "renew the fight" to pass the proposal when Minnesota's Legislature returns next year.

🏫 University of Minnesota is closing its only residence hall on the St. Paul campus. (Bring Me The News)

🪏 Drug delivery manufacturer LTS Therapy Systems broke ground yesterday on a $30 million expansion of its West St. Paul campus.

• Officials say the move will expand research and production capabilities and add about 50 jobs.

Sixteen quirky roadside attractions entered. Two remain.

And only one can be crowned Axios Twin Cities readers' favorite Minnesota photo op. It will be either…

• Garrison's Wally Walleye
• or Bemidji's Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox.

Click here to vote for the winner, which we'll announce tomorrow.

• Thanks to readers who cast more than 750 votes in yesterday's final four poll!

We didn't need Yelp to know Minnesota has the best state fair food in the U.S., but Yelp was nice enough to confirm it anyway.

The big picture: The Great Minnesota Get-Together landed at No. 1 on Yelp's new ranking out this morning, which was based on the website's reviews.

• Rounding out the top six: Wisconsin, Iowa, New York, Indiana and the vaunted Texas State Fair. (As if any of them had a chance.)

What's next: The 2026 Fair is now officially less than a month away.

• Nine new vendors and 36 foods are making their debuts on Aug. 27.

👋 Torey here, fresh off my six-week sabbatical!

I spent the first half of my break in relaxation mode, vacationing with my family in The Gunks, an area of New York state that's known for rock climbing, hiking and other outdoor fun.

Then, shortly after arriving home, we... brought home a puppy!

• His name is Topo, and he's a very good (and very naughty) boy.

🐾 He's still learning his manners (and getting his boosters), but I'd love to hear your recs for dog parks, walking trails and pup-friendly destinations so we're ready to roll when he can be unleashed (get it?!) into the world!

• Hit reply with suggestions!