Movies, Vikings, and Legal Battles: What’s Happening in Minnesota This Week

This week’s edition covers stories 
from November 14th to November 20th, 2024.
Today’s issue is 718 words, a 6-minute read.

Hey folks, Mateo here.

Well, the weather took a turn this week. We experienced one of Minnesota’s first real snowfalls this year, and temperatures dropped significantly in a short period of time. The first snowfall typically reminds us that winter is right around the corner, and that it is time to really bundle up before you leave the house. Speaking of leaving the house, movie fanatics are expected to rush to the theaters this weekend for Wicked and/or Gladiator II, both expected to have major success at the box office. Meanwhile, with cannabis business licenses facing scrutiny and legal action intensifying at George Floyd Square, Minneapolis is navigating a mix of challenges. On a lighter note, the Vikings are still in the playoff race, hoping to close the gap with Detroit as the season heads into the final stretch.

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Licensing Turmoil: Hundreds Rejected in Minnesota’s Cannabis Equity Program

Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) recently rejected two-thirds of applicants for social equity cannabis business licenses, sparking frustration among hopeful entrepreneurs. Social equity licenses aim to benefit individuals impacted by the cannabis prohibition and those from high-poverty areas. Applicants and attorneys criticized the process, citing minor clerical errors as the basis for rejections without opportunities to correct them, unlike 300 applicants who were allowed revisions. Critics argue this inconsistent approach undermines fairness and could lead to litigation, potentially delaying the planned lottery for the first 282 licenses. The OCM defended the rejections, citing non-compliance with standards and alleged attempts to “game the system”. Despite the controversy, state officials commended the OCM for addressing challenges that have plagued cannabis legalization elsewhere.

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Seeking Justice: Businesses at George Floyd Square Sue Minneapolis for $30M

Business owners near George Floyd Square, including Unity Foods (formerly Cup Foods), have filed a $30 million lawsuit against the city of Minneapolis, claiming neglect and economic harm. They allege the city’s actions, such as inadequate police presence, rising crime, and infrastructural neglect, turned the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue into a “no-go zone” for law enforcement, driving down property values and revenues. Their attorney, Michael Healey, argues the city has failed to support the area since George Floyd’s murder in 2020, worsening safety and economic issues while leaving businesses to shoulder the burden.

This legal action follows a prior lawsuit that was dismissed earlier this year and seeks to compel the city to begin eminent domain proceedings or provide compensation. While Minneapolis has proposed a multi-year redevelopment plan for the square, business owners remain skeptical about their future, citing ongoing crime and delayed progress. The case emphasizes the broader challenges of balancing memorialization with economic sustainability in a community still navigating the impacts of Floyd’s murder.

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Box Office Boost: All Eyes on Wicked and Gladiator II

The release of Wicked and Gladiator II this weekend marks a critical moment for Hollywood’s struggling fall box office, which has suffered from a string of high-profile flops despite a strong summer showing. These two star-studded blockbusters are anticipated to inject new life into theaters, with projections suggesting opening weekends of $100 million for Wicked and $65 million for Gladiator II. Analysts compare their combined appeal to last year’s “Barbenheimer” phenomenon, though their success is unlikely to reach the same heights. With the crucial Thanksgiving period approaching and Moana 2 also on the horizon, the performance of these films will play a pivotal role in stabilizing the industry during a challenging year.

Eyes on the Prize: Vikings Chase Detroit in NFC North Standings

The NFL season is over halfway complete, and the Vikings have managed to stay in the mix, although they have not appeared quite as dominant as early this season. After Week 11 (of 18), the Vikes are 8-2, and are currently sitting in 2nd place in the extremely competitive NFC North division. 8-2 is a very respectable record and pace that could lead to a playoff berth this year if they keep it up. That being said, anything can happen over the next seven weeks, and with four divisional games remaining, there could be some movement in the standings. The Vikings round out their next few weeks with upcoming games against Chicago, Arizona, and Atlanta, where they will hope to continue this successful season and catch up to Detroit (9-1) in the NFC North standings.

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Stay informed, stay connected. 

See you next week! 

–
Mateo and the NewPrensa team

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