Welcome to The Minneapolis Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Jessie Diggins wins 15-kilometer World Cup skiing event

• A deep-dive into the life of Hubert H. Humphrey

• Upcoming Minnesota Orchestra performance

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened."

– Lao Tzu

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which historic Minneapolis building, originally a flour mill, now operates as an interactive museum?

A) The Soap Factory

B) Mill City Museum

C) Minneapolis Grain Exchange

D) The Lumber Exchange Building

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Minneapolis lake known for its popular walking and biking trails is D) Bde Maka Ska.

News

💼 Business

C.H. Robinson is using artificial intelligence to automate shipping. (link)

University of Minnesota intends to buy its teaching hospital from Fairview. (link)

Cargill bought two beef and pork plants to meet demand for pre-packaged cuts. (link)

🏒 Sports

Minnesota Twins traded Nick Gordon after he lost his salary arbitration case. (link)

Kirill Kaprizov scored the tiebreaking goal, helping Minnesota Wild beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. (link)

15 youth from Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities got “player for a day” contracts with Timberwolves. (link)

Jessie Diggins won a 15-kilometer World Cup skiing event. (link)

🏦 Finance

Minnesota’s newest billion-dollar company, Entrust, bets big on ID verification tech. (link)

Xcel Energy asks for more nuclear waste storage to operate Prairie Island until 2050s. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏒 Minnesota Wild vs. Vancouver Canucks
Xcel Energy Center
Monday, Feb. 19th | (More Info)

🏀 Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Milwaukee bucks
Target center MN
Friday, Feb. 23th | (More Info)

🏀 University of Minnesota Golden Gophers Vs. Ohio State Men's Basketball
William arena Minneapolis, MN
Thursday, Feb. 22nd | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Jon Batiste First Avenue
Minneapolis, MN
Thursday, Feb. 22nd | (More Info)

🎵 Provoker
7th St Entry, Minneapolis, MN
Friday February 23rd (More Info)

🎶Minnesota Orchestra and Osmo Vänskä
Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis, MN, US
Thursday February 22nd (More Info)

Family

🐼 Minnesota Zoo
South St. Paul Minneapolis,
Wednesday, Feb. 21st | All Day (More Info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Retro-futuristic 1950s style Minneapolis with modern technology” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Minneapolis Historical Events

Franklin Steele Claims Land (1838)

In 1838, Franklin Steele's strategic claim of land on the east side of St. Anthony Falls marked a foundational moment for Minneapolis. Steele, an entrepreneur and visionary, recognized the potential of the area's natural resources, particularly the power of the falls for industrial development. His claim laid the groundwork for what would become a thriving milling center, leveraging the mighty power of the Mississippi River. St. Anthony Falls, with its significant drop and flow rate, presented an ideal location for harnessing water power, essential for the milling industry, which would later define the city's economy and identity.

Steele's foresight and actions were instrumental in the early development of Minneapolis. By establishing the first permanent settlement and securing land rights near the falls, he set in motion a series of events that attracted other entrepreneurs, investors, and settlers. The area's transformation from a frontier outpost to a bustling industrial hub was largely due to the exploitation of the falls' water power, initially spurred by Steele's land claim. His efforts in land development, city planning, and promoting the region's economic potential were pivotal in shaping the early trajectory of Minneapolis.

The legacy of Franklin Steele is firmly embedded in the history of Minneapolis. His initial land claim near St. Anthony Falls represents not just a savvy business move, but a significant historical event that catalyzed the growth and development of the city. The milling industry, powered by the falls, would go on to earn Minneapolis the title of "Mill City" and establish it as a key economic center in the region. Steele's impact on the city's formation and prosperity underscores the importance of individual vision and initiative in shaping urban landscapes.

Famous People From Minneapolis

Hubert H. Humphrey (1911–1978)

Early Life and Education (1911–1939)

Hubert H. Humphrey was born in Wallace, South Dakota, in 1911. He grew up during the Great Depression, which deeply influenced his personal and political beliefs. Humphrey attended the University of Minnesota before earning a Pharm.D. from the Capitol College of Pharmacy in Denver, which allowed him to help run his family's pharmacy back in South Dakota. His early experiences, particularly witnessing the struggles of the Great Depression, instilled in him a strong belief in the power of government to help the needy.

Rise in Minnesota Politics (1940–1948)

Humphrey's political career began to take shape in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he made a name for himself as a reformer. As the director of the War Manpower Commission in Minnesota during World War II, he gained recognition for his efforts. His political rise continued when he helped to establish the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) in 1944, merging the Democratic and Farmer-Labor parties into a powerful political force in the state. He was elected mayor of Minneapolis in 1945, where he served two terms and earned a reputation for his progressive policies on civil rights and labor.

U.S. Senator and National Figure (1949–1964)

Elected to the United States Senate in 1948, Humphrey quickly became a national figure. He was an ardent supporter of civil rights, leading the fight to include a civil rights plank in the Democratic Party platform in 1948. Throughout his Senate career, he was known for his advocacy on social issues, including civil rights, nuclear test ban treaties, and the establishment of the Peace Corps. His legislative skills and passionate oratory made him a leader in the Senate and a respected voice in the Democratic Party.

Vice Presidency and the 1968 Presidential Campaign (1965–1969)

As Vice President under President Lyndon B. Johnson from 1965 to 1969, Humphrey played a key role in promoting the administration's "Great Society" programs, which aimed to eliminate poverty and racial injustice. However, his support for the Vietnam War deeply divided his base. In 1968, Humphrey won the Democratic nomination for President but lost the general election to Richard Nixon in a closely contested race that reflected the nation's deep divisions.

Later Political Career and Legacy (1970–1978)

After his defeat in the 1968 presidential election, Humphrey returned to the Senate in 1970, where he continued to serve until his death in 1978. He remained a leading voice for liberal causes, advocating for health care reform, education, and workers' rights. His final years in the Senate were marked by efforts to bridge the gap between liberals and conservatives and to promote peace and human rights both at home and abroad.

Key Achievements:

• Instrumental in the founding of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, significantly influencing Minnesota politics.

• Served as Mayor of Minneapolis, implementing progressive policies on civil rights and labor.

• Led the push for civil rights legislation in the Senate, including efforts that culminated in the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

• As Vice President, played a vital role in advancing the "Great Society" programs, including Medicare and the Voting Rights Act.

• Advocated for the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and the establishment of the Peace Corps.

Hubert H. Humphrey was a pivotal figure in American politics, known for his unwavering commitment to civil rights, social justice, and public service. His tenure as Mayor of Minneapolis laid the groundwork for his national political career, where he championed progressive policies and sought to bridge divides during turbulent times. Humphrey's legacy is marked by his dedication to improving the lives of Americans, his significant contributions to civil rights legislation, and his influential role in shaping the Democratic Party's platform for generations.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

Poll