Welcome to our weekly newsletter. On Fridays, we share things we've published, popular links from our daily newsletter, and a curation of stuff to do over the weekend.

Hot off the presses

Melissa Whitler covered the delayed Minneapolis Public Schools' school board finance committee meeting. The committee delayed the meeting by two weeks to see if the state would pull through on some additional funding from the $9 billion surplus. So far: Nope.

Farmers market vendor spotlight

Our farmers market vendor today is ooyoo, makers of super interesting dessert spreads like Earl Grey and Coffee Moxie, inspired by modern trends in Korea and old-school recipes. The company was created after a chance meeting between a Korean and a Minnesotan, both traveling abroad, brought the couple together. You can find them at the Linden Hills Farmers Market this summer.

Here's a roundup of what we published this week

Educators knew data would show a pandemic-related learning gap in our district. Melissa reported on a presentation about plans to address the learning gap and a variety of literacy programs at a recent school board meeting. "What we’re seeing in terms of discrepancy gaps, literacy scores, math scores, those are unacceptable,” said Senior Academic Officer Aimee Fearing.

Southwest Voices reader Brian Hammer wrote this sweet, sweet story about how lilacs can bring us together.

You may have heard about the new Lake of the Isles-adjacent pencil sculpture that's being carved from a damaged old oak tree. But did you know an artisanal pencil sharpener will be at the sculpture's official party tomorrow at 2 p.m.? I wrote about it.  

Here's what our daily subscribers dug into this week

Heavy Table's Eli Radtke hung out, late-night, in Minneapolis. Live vicariously by reading the article and/or or follow in their footsteps.

Many of you were curious about the 42nd Street bollards and crosswalks and I am glad we could deliver the details/hyperlink.

Side Chick has closed to rebrand. Before I had this job, I was a media studies professor with a focus on critical feminist studies. Serendipitously, I was interviewed by Heavy Table about Side Chick's original branding. And look at me now. I am reporting about myself.

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Psssssst. How's it going? Did you enjoy the weather this week? Drink enough water? Come visit us at Open Streets on Sunday. 38th & Lyndale Avenue.

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OUT & ABOUT 🛵

Our events calendar is filled with unique events happening around town. You can submit events to be added to our calendar here. If you subscribe to the calendar, the events go straight to your personal calendar. Or you can add just the events you like.  🤯

Friday

Emerson Avenue, a high-energy horn dance band plays at the Lake Harriet Bandshell tonight.

The American Swedish Institute is having a yard party with live jazz music. Starts at 5 p.m

Granada Theater is hosting "Everybody’s Going UPTOWN,"  a Prince dance night with former Paisley Park resident DJ, Dudley D, Espada, and Mike 2600.

"Back to the Future" is screening at Armatage Park after sunset.

Gigi's Cafe is hosting a neighborhood music showcase from 5 - 7 p.m.

Saturday

My neighbor, Walker Methodist, is holding a 5K at Lake Harriet.

Soo Line Garden is having its 30th anniversary party. Swing by the garden to say hello, get a tour, and enjoy live music and crafts for kids.

Dan Israel is playing at the Lake Harriet Bandshell followed by a screening of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone."

Sunday

Lyndale Open Streets is happening on Lyndale from 22nd to 42nd. Walk, bike, roll, stop into a few great businesses, and come say hello!

Walk a few blocks off Lyndale and visit Abdi-Mayfield Family Farm's Pop-Up Starter Plant Sale at the Color Wheel Gallery. It runs 1 - 5 p.m. with non-GMO, organic heritage plants from their farm in Lindstrom. Plus baby chicks and a baby goat!

If you need a break from Open Streets, check out a performance by Sawyer’s Dream at 2 p.m. or relax after Open Streets and enjoy Issues, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band at 5:30 p.m. All at the Lake Harriet Bandshell.

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One year ago today, Winston Smith was killed by law enforcement at the top of the Seven Points parking garage. Community members gathered and created a makeshift memorial before the parking lot was barricaded.

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