First month of Minnesota's cannabis tax nets state nearly $600K

Plus: Dangerous heat continues after record-setting Tuesday ͏ ͏ If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may [see it online](. [Star Tribune]( Talkers TOP STORIES - First month of Minnesota's cannabis tax nets state nearly $600K: Minnesota's first batch of state cannabis taxes paints the clearest picture yet of just how much money residents and visitors are spending on legal hemp-derived THC gummies and drinks — at least $6 million last month. [Read more.]( - Twin Cities set heat record Tuesday, dangerous temps continue today: Vendors preparing for the Minnesota State Fair did their best to stay cool on what became the hottest day of the year — and the hottest Aug. 22 ever recorded in the Twin Cities. Temperatures hovered around 100 degrees, a feat that has been recorded only seven times in August since the 1880s. Oppressive humidity levels were making things feel even hotter. The Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning in effect through 10 p.m. Wednesday, with conditions expected to feel as hot as 110 degrees Wednesday. [Read more.]( - Justice Natalie Hudson will be first Black chief of Minnesota Supreme Court: Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Natalie Hudson will be the new chief justice, Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday, making her the first person of color to lead the state judiciary. To fill the vacancy created by her elevation, Walz also announced the appointment of his former staff lawyer, Karl Procaccini, to the seven-member court. [Read more.]( - Rep. Omar's World Cup trip was funded by Qatar government, disclosure shows: Qatar has been widely criticized for abusing migrant workers and criminalizing same-sex relationships, among other alleged human rights issues. DFL Rep. Ilhan Omar attended the FIFA World Cup and met with Qatari government officials while she was in the Gulf nation last November and had her food and lodging paid for by the country. The cost of her trip wasn't disclosed. [Read more.]( - Frey vetoes rideshare benefits but announces pay boost for Uber drivers: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Tuesday vetoed an ambitious plan to raise pay and protections for Uber and Lyft drivers — but also announced an agreement with Uber over pay minimums. [Read more.]( WATCH THIS Mountain lion captured on video in Duluth: Footage of the unusual sight was taken by a security camera on Aug. 20 near McQuade Harbor on the North Shore. [See the video.]( *** Talk to us! Send feedback on this newsletter, questions, story tips, ideas or anything else to [talkers@startribune.com](. *** TRENDING Peak pickle? 10 charts show Minnesota State Fair food trends, past and present: After 2022's State Fair Pickle Pizza heard round-the-state — love it or hate it, it sure generated a lot of conversation — we thought that might mark the end of our favorite sour and snappy sandwich accoutrement at the fair. But fair food innovators were like moths to a flame, and the 2023 Great Minnesota Get Together features not one, not two, but seven new foods celebrating pickles' punchy flavor profile, from fries to tacos to lemonade. Truly, 2023 marks the pickle pinnacle for the fair. [Read more.]( SPORTS BLINK Dallas star rips "disgusting fan base" after Lynx get revenge win: Three fans were ejected from Target Center after Dallas star Satou Sabally was injured — and then subjected to taunts — near the end of the Lynx's 91-86 win that reversed a 40-point loss earlier this season. [Read more.]( *** Did someone forward this newsletter to you? You can [sign up for Talkers here](. *** WORTH A CLICK A stroke stole her ability to speak at 30. Now A.I. is helping to restore it. "The brain activity of a paralyzed woman is being translated into words spoken by an avatar. This milestone could help others who have lost speech," Pam Belluck reports for the New York Times. [Read more.]( FROM THE ARCHIVES Aug. 23, 2021: Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz, right, shot flames from his bass during the band's opening song at the Hella Mega Tour at Target Field in Minneapolis. Fall Out Boy shared the bill with Green Day, Weezer and the Interrupters. (Photo: Alex Kormann/Star Tribune) Connect with Star Tribune [facebook]([twitter]([pinterest]([instagram]( [Manage email preferences]( • [Subscribe to Star Tribune]( • [Privacy Policy]( • [Unsubscribe]( This email was sent by: StarTribune, 650 3rd Ave S, Suite #1300, Minneapolis, MN, 55488 © 2023 StarTribune. All rights reserved. We value your opinion! [Give us your feedback.](