Having trouble getting a Minnesota driver's license? Here's why.

Plus: A mobile bookshop on wheels [Plus: A mobile bookshop on wheels] View this email as a [web page]( [Star Tribune]( [Essential Minnesota logo] ESSENTIAL MINNESOTA Good morning, Minnesota! Have you made those plans for the Fourth yet? 🎆 On to the news! [Zoë Jackson] By Zoë Jackson TODAY’S TOP STORIES - [Several new Minnesota laws go into effect today. Here's what you need to know.]( - [I tried being friends with AI. It helped me be a better human.]( - [Apartment construction in the Twin Cities ground to a halt during June]( - [Former head of Hennepin County public defender's office admits to drunken driving in Wayzata]( - ['Sacred responsibility': After 20 years, Bemidji Veterans Home opens with a long wait list](   Having trouble getting a Minnesota driver's license? Here's why. Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune Securing a driver's license — whether you are just celebrating sweet 16 or moving to a new state — is always a headache. But the Minnesota Division of Driver and Vehicle Services is experiencing growing pains that have made it even more challenging lately for drivers to secure licenses that will get them out on the roads. Between last October and May, the agency had about 100,000 more requests for licensing services — including renewals — than in the same period the year prior. Over the last year, a law change allowed people to obtain licenses without proof of legal residency. DVS estimated about 80,000 Minnesotans became eligible. And do you remember that whole Real ID thing that's been pushed off year after year? Well, that finally goes into effect in 2025, meaning more applications are coming in as folks try to get ahead of it. [image] Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune If your teenager is turning 16 or your license is expiring soon, you may want to start looking for an appointment earlier than ever before. [Read more here.]( Related coverage - [For an undocumented mom who needs to take her children to school, driving brings fear]( - [Unauthorized immigrants eligible for Minnesota driver's licenses now]( [READ MORE](     A new charity book truck is raising money for local causes by bringing books to events A Chaska woman couldn't score an interview to work at the library as she looked to change careers. So she decided to start her own project to get more books out into the community — while also helping others. The Little Charity Book Truck will be popping up at farmers markets, coffee shops and community festivals around the Twin Cities this summer. [Read more here.]( Provided photo GOING OUT - [Critics' picks: The 10 best things to do and see in the Twin Cities this week]( - [Popular pop-up Saturday Dumpling Co. is opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Minneapolis]( IN OTHER NEWS - [Can you fix it? Yes, you can. Minnesota’s Right to Repair bill is now in effect. - Sahan Journal]( - [Elementary students fundraise to save classroom after voters reject levies - Minnesota Reformer]( [Share this newsletter with friends]( Do you enjoy Essential Minnesota? Encourage your friends and family to [sign up](. You also can share it using the links below. MORE FROM THE STAR TRIBUNE - [Flooding results in a visit to Valleyfair by kayak]( - [Gymnast Shane Wiskus, with Olympic dream turned to 'nightmare,' steps away from the spotlight]( 'PEOPLE CALL US HEROES' John Nguyen/Star Tribune These Minnesotans are taking one for the team. Have you ever heard of the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District? Its employees act as magnets for mosquitoes to determine what spots in the Twin Cities metro area need treatment. [Read more here.](     THE MINNESOTA GOODBYE [This boat DOES float](. I enjoyed this read from our Matt McKinney about a sailboat built to go around the world that has stayed in the family — and in the Midwest. The photos (by one of our awesome interns!) will make you want to hit the water as soon as possible. [Read more about it here.]( Thanks for reading Zoe Jackson, reporter David Taintor, editor [Email]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Manage email preferences]( • [Subscribe to Star Tribune]( • [Privacy Policy]([Unsubscribe from this newsletter]( [Unsubscribe from this newsletter]( [Manage]( your preferences | [Opt Out]( using TrueRemove™ Got this as a forward? [Sign up]( to receive our future emails. View this email [online](. 650 3rd Ave. S. Suite 1300 | Minneapolis, MN 55488 US This email was sent to {EMAIL}. To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.