5/5/2025 -- Witty Road Signs Are Here To Stay

😟 The elimination of the Wild from the NHL playoffs once again reminded us how cursed Minnesota sports fans are.*

*The women’s pro teams have been pretty dang good, though. S/o Lynx and Frost.

Transportation

Senate Rejects Amendment to Ban Witty Messages on MnDOT Road Signs

The Summary: State Sen. Steve Drazkowski introduced an amendment to a transportation funding bill that would require the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to use only straightforward language on digital road signs. The amendment specifically sought to ban witticisms, slang, pop culture references, and any language that might not be universally understood, arguing that such messages distract drivers and create cognitive overload.

Arguments for the Amendment: Drazkowski criticized MnDOT’s use of witty or playful messages-such as “Only the hot dish should be baked. Don’t drive high”-calling them “Big Brother type messages” that force drivers to decipher meanings while driving, which he believes is dangerous. He cited research warning that cognitive overload from such signs can increase distractions and the risk of accidents. Drazkowski referenced federal recommendations to phase out signs with obscure or pop-culture references for similar reasons.

Counterarguments and Senate ResponseL Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart countered that MnDOT’s signs are safe and serve as an engaging way to promote road safety, especially for younger audiences. She stated that research does not show an increase in accidents due to the witty signs. Despite Drazkowski’s concerns, the amendment did not pass.

Government

Thousands Rally at State Capitol for Immigrant and Workers’ Rights on May Day

The Summary: On May 1, over 4,000 people rallied at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul for a May Day event focused on immigrant and workers’ rights. The demonstration was organized by about 50 community groups and labor unions.

Key Issues and Messages: Speakers at the rally, including Sara Nelson of the Association of Flight Attendants, criticized recent federal job cuts by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and voiced opposition to Trump administration policies affecting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, and the economy.

Ongoing Protest Movement: Organizers noted that the Twin Cities have seen a surge in large-scale and rapid-response protests in recent months, with tens of thousands participating in rallies on various issues.

What Else We’re Reading…

Mpls St. Paul Mag Releases “2025 Best Of Twin Cities” Readers Poll Results

Mpls.St.Paul Magazine surveyed readers across more than 100 categories to discover their picks for the very best in the Twin Cities. The poll covers everything from retail and arts to dining, sports, events, and more.

GAME: Mini Crossword

Sports 🏒

🏒 The Minnesota Frost won their final two games of the regular season to seucre the fourth and final spot in the PWHL playoffs. Their first game of the playoffs will be either May 7th or May 8th.

⚾ The Minnesota Twins won their series on the road against the Boston Red Sox. They are now 15-20 on the season.

🏀 The MN Loons beat Austin 3-0 on Saturday. They currently sit in 2nd place in the MLS Western Conference.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities & Greater Minnesota ✔

❯ Rochester woman accused of using N-word in viral video has raised over $600K to relocate (Bring Me The News)

❯ A Minnesota state trooper is facing new charges in 'horrifying' sexual abuse case (Fox9)

❯ The Department of Justice is launching an investigation into the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office (KSTP)

❯ A fourth victim killed in the South Minneapolis shootings has been identified (MPR)

The Final Word: Sweet Springtime 🌷

I spent so much of this weekend outside and even made the annual trip to Bachman’s to get my yard and garden ready for the summer — hopefully you all had som great outdoor time as well. If anyone has good suggestions for keeping rabbits out of a vegetable garden, please drop me an email!

-Patrick