If a backgammon revival crosses the nation, it started here
A new backgammon league is starting in the Twin Cities, with games rotating between Utepils Brewing and Padraigs Brewing (Northeast).
Northstar Backgammon Club started because backgammon enthusiasts want the game to get more exposure. It’s a quick game to learn and from there, it’s all about strategy.
“Players encounter probability, risk management, long-term planning, and the kind of real-world decision-making that never comes with a guaranteed answer,” a press release announcing the league reads (Thanks to league co-founder and West Maka Ska resident Kurt Thompson for sending it over to us).
Northstar Backgammon Club is also teaching a class this fall through Minneapolis Community Education.
“The best thing about backgammon is that the joy of teaching it is every bit as great as playing it,” league co-founder Hugh Morris said. Morris, who lives in Bryn Mawr, learned from seasoned players who took the time to teach him. “Northstar Backgammon exists to carry that tradition forward and to make sure the next generation of players gets the same gift we did.”
League play started Oct. 13 at Padraigs Brewing. More details are online. The first Monday at Utepils there is also a backgammon night. Get to learning!
Hundreds stood in the rain to oppose the MPS school transformation plan
As rain poured down, over 400 MPS community members from across the district piled onto the front steps of the John B. Davis center steps to share stories about how their schools are organizing against the transformation plan.
The Save Our Schools rally was organized by the Minneapolis Federation of Educators.
“This is High School Musical, we’re all in this together,” MFE Teacher Chapter President Marsha Howard said before the rally started.
Funding neighborhood organizations
Something that hasn’t gotten a lot of attention this budget season is how neighborhood organizations will fare, and there are cuts for them, too.
Former Sencha Tea manager (Hennepin Avenue S.) Damla Erten now works with the Fulton Neighborhood Organization and has been an outspoken advocate for her communities for decades.
She wrote an opinion piece for Southwest Voices, arguing for full funding of neighborhood organizations in the 2027-28 City budget.
The mayor’s proposed 2027-28 budget would eliminate the $500,00 Partnership Engagement Fund for neighborhood organizations. The Department of Neighborhood and Community Relations, which manages the city’s neighborhood organizations, is also slated to be absorbed into the City’s Communications Department.
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