A Minneapolis diner scrapped its prices in protest—and is somehow making more money. That’s the crux of a New York Times piece on Modern Times, a 15-year neighborhood staple that became “Post Modern Times” after owner Dylan Alverson decided he no longer wanted to collect sales tax for a government he saw as harming his community during the massive ICE operation there this winter. In January, he switched to a donation-only model “for the remainder of the government occupation,” braced for collapse, and instead watched his business surge, even though roughly half of his customers now pay nothing for their meals.

Reporter Brett Anderson outlines how the experiment has morphed from tax protest into something closer to a social and economic test case. Alverson says he’s finally earning more than he did running a conventional restaurant that pulled in $1.3 million in sales last year and still lost money, aided by merch revenue and outside donations. The change is now permanent. “I have succeeded more than I ever did when I was running a conventional business employing 22 people,” he says. “I think that’s proof that something is wrong.” The streamlined menu remains cooked from scratch; a security presence and staff mediation help manage tensions; and regulars say the space now functions as a rare zone of “economic equality.” For the financials, backlash, and industry context, read the full story at the New York Times.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Hennepin County sheriff’s deputies were fired on while serving an arrest warrant, leading to a large police presence in Minneapolis Tuesday afternoon. 

South Minneapolis large police presence

What we know:

According to the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were fired at while trying to serve an arrest warrant in the area of West 28th Street and Nicollet Avenue. 

Deputies and officers from the Minneapolis Police Department have secured the scene. The roads around the incident have been closed, and authorities are asking the public to avoid the area. 

FOX 9 crews at the scene have been told by police that the suspect is barricaded in an apartment building and has a long rifle and explosives. 

Authorities say there are no reported injuries currently. 

As of 1:30 p.m., law enforcement reports that the suspect is not yet in custody. The apartment he is in has been evacuated and crisis negotiations are ongoing. 

What we don’t know:

It is not known what the arrest warrant was for. Suspect information has not been shared. 

This is an ongoing incident. Check back for updates. 

A new federal report alleges Minnesota’s top officials failed to stop fraud even after concerns were flagged, as Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison have both defended their efforts to combat fraud over the years.