Secrets of the City

Gov. Mark Dayton said he and other state officials are looking into a secure funding source to pay the state’s share of the new Minnesota Vikings stadium Wednesday.

Officials had counted on additional revenue from electronic pull tabs and bingo games to help pay for the stadium, but the money hasn’t come close to the projected amounts. Originally, the state estimated $225 for the pull tabs’ daily revenue. In March, the daily revenue per machine was only $87. Dayton said in a news conference, the possible secret funding source is “something you’ve never imagined.” He also stated it’s not a sports memorabilia tax.

Dayton said state leaders will release what the secret source is soon. The state needs about $30 million a year to pay its share of the new $975 million stadium.

With the national premiere of “Constitution USA with Peter Sagal” last night, Twin Cities Public Television (tpt) is inviting us to geek out on how the foundation of the United States of America works today, across the country and here at home.

The series shadows Peter Sagal, host of NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!, as he travels the country seeking out meaty discussions on the U.S. Constitution with experts and civilians alike. The newest arm of tpt, Open Air, has partnered with the Theater of Public Policy to continue these discussions—with some added sketch comedy—live at Amsterdam Bar & Hall with “Red White & Brew.”

Stream last night’s episode online before you head to the event, tonight at 6 p.m. (get tickets ahead of time), and catch following episodes every Tuesday at 8. Missing out on tonight’s action? Another improv/confab is scheduled for May 22.

Some Minnesotans don’t take issue with the label “tree hugger.” In fact, a few folks really um . . . “embrace” the term. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum hopes to bring together all the most dedicated tree lovers for an actual tree hugging event this Friday. They’re hoping to break the world record for the largest tree hug. (Yup, there is such a thing.)

If more than 702 folks people show up, the record will be ours.

Local Megabus travelers, rejoice! The big double decker bus will roll into a new stop in the metro area, this time in St. Paul. The express bus service best known for ultra cheap seats will now stop at the Midway Shopping Center. If you’re  planning a trip to Madison, Milwaukee or Chicago, consider this new St. Paul stop to shave a good 20-30 minutes off your travel time, not to mention save yourself a pretty penny.

Service and stop locations may be expanding, but ticket prices will stay the same. Typically, you can expect to buy a round trip seat under $40. Just think of all the Chicago-style hot dogs you can gobble up with the money you save on travel!