Skip to Content
Opinion

Hope You’ve Got a Long Weekend. If Not, You’ve Still Got This Friday Open Thread.

What on your minds this Friday, Racket pals?

9:47 AM CDT on June 30, 2023

Wouldn’t you rather be watching a laser show?

|Jingda Chen

Well, there's sure plenty to talk about this long 4th of July weekend.

As we celebrate (or don't) an always fraught holiday, the city of Minneapolis is making some *extremely Minnesotan voice* interesting choices. Taste of Minnesota returns this weekend, which means "downtown Minneapolis is back" again, etc. But the Stone Arch Bridge will be closed before sundown (a decision made without community input, and apparently not made by the MPRB), signaling that not everyone is welcome to our "revitalized" urban space. And though I've personally never been a big fireworks guy, it's hard to get excited about a big civic laser show on Boom Island.

In short, Independence Day is dumb, the rulers of downtown Minneapolis don't care what you think, and, uh, laser show. On the plus side, a long weekend (if you're fortunate enough to have one) gives you plenty of time to catch up on any Racket stories you missed.

As always, talk about whatever you want in the comments. We'll be back on Wednesday, which seems like ages from now.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More Stories

MN Democrats Vote Resoundingly to End Angie Craig’s YouTube Ads

Plus Frey's budget proposal, a new queer publication, and MN's new pro volleyball team in today's Flyover news roundup.

How to Spend a Day at Asia Village

Eat, drink, and shop your way through Blaine's new Asian superstore.

August 12, 2026

21 Hours at the Minnesota Fringe Festival

I’m back from a four-day theater jag to share with you once again what I saw, what I’d  see again, and what I wish I hadn’t.

Xcel Energy, Whose CEO Makes $16M, Gets OK to Jack Rates by $211M

Plus Flock opposition, leaked data center audio, and primary fever in today's Flyover news roundup.

August 11, 2026

Guitars by the Lake, Fests on the Porch: Your Complete Concert Calendar: August 11-17

Pretty much all the music you can catch in the Twin Cities this week.

August 11, 2026