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?

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 from Racket

Sports Betting Is Illegal in MN… Except Thanks to ‘Prediction Markets,’ It’s Not

Plus a cool new resource for worker-run newsrooms, another collection of ICE headlines, and how to help Central in today's Flyover news roundup.

February 26, 2026

On the Big Screen This Week: Italian Films and Evil Corporations

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

February 26, 2026

This Corduroy Jacket Is the One Thing St. Paul Resistance Dads Can’t Resist

How a St. Paul Saints jacket became THE must-own local clothing item last weekend.

February 26, 2026

Patel’s Beer-Slammin’ Locker Room Party? Blame It on the Wild.

Plus the MN arrests at the State of the Union address, more ICE updates, and good news for the new paid leave program in today's Flyover news roundup.

5 Things to Know About Dahlia, Northeast’s Hottest New Bakery/Cafe

This former pop-up darling goes brick 'n' mortar with jumbo croissants, killer classics, and a lively latte menu that gives back.

February 25, 2026
See all posts