Minneapolis, MN

Uber and Lyft leaving Minneapolis? Ride-hail apps oppose new ordinance

Published

2 years ago

February 28, 2024

Uber and Lyft leaving Minneapolis?

As the Minneapolis City Council considers an ordinance to ensure Uber and Lyft driver get paid minimum wage, the ride-hail apps are warning they could leave the city.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Ride-hailing apps Uber and Lyft may end service in Minneapolis as the city council considers an ordinance that would ensure drivers make minimum wage.

Mayor Jacob Frey vetoed the ordinance last August after the council initially approved it. Last year, the council didn’t have enough to override the veto. But this year, with new council members, there may be enough votes to override a veto.

The city council’s Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee heard and approved the renewed ordinance on Tuesday. It is scheduled to be heard by the full council on March 7.

If approved by the full council, the ordinance would guarantee drivers working within the Minneapolis city limits make the minimum wage of $15 per hour. The ordinance would require drivers to earn $1.40 per mile and 51 cents per minute or $5 per ride — whichever is greater.

In a statement, Lyft argued its drivers already make a fair wage but said: “The Council’s proposed bill, however, ignores economic reality. It pushes the same egregious mandates that were vetoed by the Mayor last year, and it could make rides on Lyft too expensive for too many. Should it become law, Lyft would be forced to cease operations in Minneapolis and possibly the rest of the state when it takes effect.”

In a letter to council members, Lyft claims the median driver in the Twin Cities region earns $25.94 per “engaged hour” after expenses like gas. That figure includes tips and other bonuses.

But, drivers who spoke for the bill at Tuesday’s hearing, say they aren’t being treated fairly.

“I believe in working and working hard and that’s what I’ve been doing,” said one driver speaking to the council. “But what’s missing in this equation is fairness.”

The committee passed the ordinance by a vote of five to one, sending it to the full council.

Council Member Aurin Chowdhury apologized before the vote, expressing concern over the pay disparities highlighted by drivers. “Even more glaring to see some of the images that you brought forward… of a ride costing $93 and just getting paid $11.49 for that ride and driving 18 miles, that’s not right,” said Chowdhury.

Council members supporting the ordinance say it’s necessary to align with minimum wage requirements that other businesses already comply with.

Uber and Lyft say the increases are not realistic for them to stay in business in Minneapolis. Lyft puts it in the strongest terms, warning that the company may leave the city, potentially the entire state, as early as April if the ordinance is approved.

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Minneapolis, MN

San Antonio visits Minnesota with 2-1 series lead – WTOP News

Published

4 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Press Room

San Antonio Spurs (62-20, second in the Western Conference) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33, sixth in the Western Conference) Minneapolis; Sunday,…

San Antonio Spurs (62-20, second in the Western Conference) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (49-33, sixth in the Western Conference)

Minneapolis; Sunday, 7:30 p.m. EDT

LINE: Spurs -4.5; over/under is 215.5

WESTERN CONFERENCE SECOND ROUND: Spurs lead series 2-1

BOTTOM LINE: The San Antonio Spurs visit the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference second round with a 2-1 lead in the series. The Spurs won the last meeting 115-108 on Saturday, led by 39 points from Victor Wembanyama. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 32.

The Timberwolves are 31-21 against Western Conference opponents. Minnesota is sixth in the Western Conference with 33.0 defensive rebounds per game led by Rudy Gobert averaging 7.5.

The Spurs are 36-16 against Western Conference opponents. San Antonio is fourth in the Western Conference with 16.3 fast break points per game led by Julian Champagnie averaging 3.0.

The Timberwolves’ 13.8 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.8 more made shots on average than the 13.0 per game the Spurs allow. The Spurs average 13.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.5 more made shots on average than the 12.1 per game the Timberwolves allow.

TOP PERFORMERS: Julius Randle is averaging 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and five assists for the Timberwolves. Naz Reid is averaging 1.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Wembanyama is averaging 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 blocks for the Spurs. De’Aaron Fox is averaging 18.6 points and 6.2 assists over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Timberwolves: 6-4, averaging 111.1 points, 47.3 rebounds, 24.9 assists, 6.1 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 45.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.1 points per game.

Spurs: 7-3, averaging 116.9 points, 46.5 rebounds, 25.9 assists, 7.7 steals and 7.7 blocks per game while shooting 48.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 105.5 points.

INJURIES: Timberwolves: Donte DiVincenzo: out for season (leg).

Spurs: David Jones Garcia: out for season (ankle).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Copyright
© 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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Minneapolis, MN

‘The power of truth:’ How high school students reported on the ICE surge in their front yard

Published

16 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Press Room

‘The power of truth:’ How high school students reported on the ICE surge in their front yard

Student journalists at Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis witnessed federal agents shove staffers and students and deploy pepper spray on school grounds last January. That inspired them to report stories of how that event and the ICE surge impacted their colleagues and communities.

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