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Minnesota Senate primary heats up as ICE backlash boosts Flanagan among DFL delegates

But many insiders say her DFL rival still has a strong path to the primary.

News

Sharp-elbowed attacks over ICE, fraud and electability are flying in the high-stakes U.S. Senate primary between <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Rep. Angie Craig" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/04/29/angie-craig-running-minnesota-senate-2026" data-vars-content-id="9e3101ca-afec-4a8d-a624-410e801bf0ff" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Senate primary heats up as ICE backlash boosts Flanagan among DFL delegates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/04/29/angie-craig-running-minnesota-senate-2026" target="_self">U.S. Rep. Angie Craig</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/02/13/walz-flanagan-us-senate-tina-smith-race-democrats" data-vars-content-id="9e3101ca-afec-4a8d-a624-410e801bf0ff" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Senate primary heats up as ICE backlash boosts Flanagan among DFL delegates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/02/13/walz-flanagan-us-senate-tina-smith-race-democrats" target="_self">Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan</a>.Why it matters: Political fallout over Operation Metro Surge has stoked a race that was already seen as a proxy battle over the future of the Democratic Party.

St. Paul takes center stage in nationwide "No Kings" protests

Bernie Sanders and Bruce Springsteen are set to join crowds as the Twin Cities host a flagship rally.

Tens of thousands of Minnesotans are expected to march to the State Capitol Saturday for a star-studded No Kings rally. The big picture: Progressive political groups, labor unions and human and civil rights organizations expect the nationwide anti-Trump demonstrations to surpass last year&#x27;s No Kings rallies in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="June" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/14/photos-no-kings-protests-downtown-chicago-trump" data-vars-content-id="31898c9e-f969-402c-bf9f-623b8475a9a1" data-vars-headline="St. Paul takes center stage in nationwide &quot;No Kings&quot; protests" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/14/photos-no-kings-protests-downtown-chicago-trump" target="_self">June</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="October" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/18/no-kings-protests-october-18-turnout" data-vars-content-id="31898c9e-f969-402c-bf9f-623b8475a9a1" data-vars-headline="St. Paul takes center stage in nationwide &quot;No Kings&quot; protests" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/18/no-kings-protests-october-18-turnout" target="_self">October</a>.<ul><li>St. Paul will serve as the &quot;flagship&quot; protest, according to organizers, with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, Joan Baez, Maggie Rogers, Jane Fonda and Bruce Springsteen scheduled to attend. </li></ul>

State Rep. Elliott Engen arrested on DWI suspicion

The 27-year-old was booked at 4:42am Friday morning in the Ramsey County jail.

State Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Elliott Engen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/03/03/minnesota-republicans-bills-dont-pass" data-vars-content-id="936859ba-4d1e-4a2d-b5be-c73ca7c10308" data-vars-headline="State Rep. Elliott Engen arrested on DWI suspicion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/03/03/minnesota-republicans-bills-dont-pass" target="_self">Elliott Engen</a>, a GOP candidate for state auditor, was arrested and booked in the Ramsey County jail on suspicion of DWI, according to county records. The 27-year-old from White Bear Township was booked at 4:42am Friday on charges of fourth-degree DWI, according to a news release from the department. He was released less than two hours later.

Kado No Mise chef is Minnesota's only James Beard finalist

Shigeyuki Furukawa is up for the Midwest's best chef.

Food and Drink

Kado No Mise chef Shigeyuki Furukawa was named a James Beard Award finalist Tuesday for the Midwest&#x27;s best chef.Why it matters: Out of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="10 Minnesota restaurants and chefs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/21/minnesota-james-beard-semifinalists" data-vars-content-id="21195618-766b-4272-b977-0f77534a08a2" data-vars-headline="Kado No Mise chef is Minnesota&#x27;s only James Beard finalist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/21/minnesota-james-beard-semifinalists" target="_self">10 Minnesota restaurants and chefs</a> who were previously named semifinalists in the Oscar awards of the foodie world, Furukawa is the only nominee who made the shortlist.

How data centers could help revive downtowns

While data centers are controversial in the suburbs, they're finding a place in downtowns

Data centers have become a point of tension in Twin Cities suburbs, but for downtown developers, they could be a goldmine.Why it matters: The collapse of office tower values has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pushed property taxes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/05/minneapolis-property-tax-hike-levy-increase" data-vars-content-id="e0938e99-9bf0-48ea-86bc-0ff98a5ab6fb" data-vars-headline="How data centers could help revive downtowns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/05/minneapolis-property-tax-hike-levy-increase" target="_self">pushed property taxes</a> higher for residents. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/21/minnesotas-data-center-boom-concerns-electrical-supply" data-vars-content-id="e0938e99-9bf0-48ea-86bc-0ff98a5ab6fb" data-vars-headline="How data centers could help revive downtowns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/21/minnesotas-data-center-boom-concerns-electrical-supply" target="_self">Data centers</a> could help boost those values again, spur more residential and commercial development and even help heat other buildings.

Allina Health agrees to Sutter acquisition

Following the merger, they will be one of the largest health systems in the U.S.

Business

Minneapolis-based Allina Health <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="says" data-vars-click-url="https://www.allinahealth.org/about-us/news-releases/2026/allina-health-announcement" data-vars-content-id="39acd50a-3e7a-48c8-98c6-09b7f3fbdf07" data-vars-headline="Allina Health agrees to Sutter acquisition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.allinahealth.org/about-us/news-releases/2026/allina-health-announcement" target="_blank">says</a> it has agreed to be acquired by Sacramento-based Sutter Health, making the combined company one of the largest health systems in the U.S.Why it matters: If the deal closes, it means 12 metro hospitals — including Minneapolis&#x27; Abbott Northwestern, St. Paul&#x27;s United and Coon Rapids&#x27; Mercy — will have a new operator.

Gas prices rise in Minnesota as oil spikes after Iran strikes

Prices at the pump are now over $3 a gallon.

Gasoline prices are jumping as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="oil prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/03/oil-prices-iran-trump-rubio-mitigate-costs" data-vars-content-id="e1607373-f6d5-4452-b8e0-54b35ce3d893" data-vars-headline="Gas prices rise in Minnesota as oil spikes after Iran strikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/03/oil-prices-iran-trump-rubio-mitigate-costs" target="_self">oil prices</a> spike following the U.S. and Israel <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="strikes on Iran" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/02/3-us-fighter-jets-friendly-fire-kuwait" data-vars-content-id="e1607373-f6d5-4452-b8e0-54b35ce3d893" data-vars-headline="Gas prices rise in Minnesota as oil spikes after Iran strikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/02/3-us-fighter-jets-friendly-fire-kuwait" target="_self">strikes on Iran</a>, reflecting market fears of extended geopolitical upheaval.Why it matters: Americans use about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="370 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=23&amp;t=10" data-vars-content-id="e1607373-f6d5-4452-b8e0-54b35ce3d893" data-vars-headline="Gas prices rise in Minnesota as oil spikes after Iran strikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=23&amp;t=10" target="_blank">370 million</a> gallons of gas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=pet&amp;s=mgfupus2&amp;f=m" data-vars-content-id="e1607373-f6d5-4452-b8e0-54b35ce3d893" data-vars-headline="Gas prices rise in Minnesota as oil spikes after Iran strikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=pet&amp;s=mgfupus2&amp;f=m" target="_blank">per day</a>, so price increases have an immediate effect on their pocketbook and mood about the economy.

New Target CEO's plan to get back to "Tar-zhay"

After years of declining revenue, Target's new CEO unveils his turnaround plan

New Target CEO <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michael Fiddelke" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/19/target-stock-earnings-holidays-black-friday" data-vars-content-id="05d07e3e-c2dc-42a4-969b-be49716d4ad1" data-vars-headline="New Target CEO&#x27;s plan to get back to &quot;Tar-zhay&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/19/target-stock-earnings-holidays-black-friday" target="_self">Michael Fiddelke</a> laid out his plan to turn around the struggling Minneapolis retailer on Tuesday. Why it matters: Fiddelke is not only trying to win back shoppers, but also assure <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="skeptics on Wall Street" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/20/target-picks-michael-fiddelke-as-ceo-to-replace-brian-cornell.html" data-vars-content-id="05d07e3e-c2dc-42a4-969b-be49716d4ad1" data-vars-headline="New Target CEO&#x27;s plan to get back to &quot;Tar-zhay&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/20/target-picks-michael-fiddelke-as-ceo-to-replace-brian-cornell.html" target="_blank">skeptics on Wall Street</a> that an insider can bring about significant change.

Former Revival building sold for Tibetan/Indian restaurant

Inti Kitchen & Bar will open in May, serving authentic Indian and Tibetan

Revival&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="former building" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/21/restaurant-shocker-revival-calls-it-quits" data-vars-content-id="9c6f964b-97ac-4021-9c8b-d93e4c3562fa" data-vars-headline="Former Revival building sold for Tibetan/Indian restaurant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/21/restaurant-shocker-revival-calls-it-quits" target="_self">former building</a> in South Minneapolis will become an Indian and Tibetan restaurant. The latest: Choegyal Tenzin confirmed to Axios he bought the building, at 4537 Nicollet Ave S.

Sports betting comes to Minnesota via prediction markets

Some Minnesota lawmakers want to regulate or ban prediction markets.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-running debate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/09/experts-warn-minnesota-perils-sporting-gambling" data-vars-content-id="d8f33bf2-608f-462f-9f8e-82ca804597e6" data-vars-headline="Sports betting comes to Minnesota via prediction markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/09/experts-warn-minnesota-perils-sporting-gambling" target="_self">long-running debate</a> at the Minnesota Capitol over sports gambling is moot for now: Prediction markets essentially allow gamblers to wager on anything they could with a sportsbook — and more.Why it matters: Opponents say prediction markets operate like the wild west — and the state of Minnesota, Indian tribes and casinos don&#x27;t get a cut of their revenue, as they would from sportsbooks.

Church's brewery proposal gets thumbs down at City Hall

Mount Olivet's plans to build a brewery in Southwest Minneapolis were denied by a city commission

Mount Olivet&#x27;s plan to demolish an old church building in Southwest Minneapolis to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="make way for a brewery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/24/mount-olivet-brewery-coffee-house-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="f751b91c-1184-43d8-aaf7-46c6f26b8374" data-vars-headline="Church&#x27;s brewery proposal gets thumbs down at City Hall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/24/mount-olivet-brewery-coffee-house-minneapolis" target="_self">make way for a brewery</a> landed with a thud at City Hall. The latest: The city&#x27;s Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously Tuesday against an application to tear down the 87-year-old 1700 Chapel on 50th Street.

ICE surge gives Minnesota businesses COVID flashbacks

Some businesses face conditions "as bad, if not worse" than COVID — but dim prospects for COVID-style aid.

Ingrid Christensen runs an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigrant-powered business" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/12/16/ice-immigrant-business-minneapolis-metro-surge" data-vars-content-id="fa83011a-78b6-4847-89b8-4a12fe447eed" data-vars-headline="ICE surge gives Minnesota businesses COVID flashbacks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/12/16/ice-immigrant-business-minneapolis-metro-surge" target="_self">immigrant-powered business</a> in the Twin Cities. The last two months have felt like reliving the COVID crisis, she told Axios.Why it matters: The Trump administration&#x27;s immigration enforcement blitz has blown a hole in the Twin Cities&#x27; economy, costing businesses an estimated $100 million <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in Minneapolis alone" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2026/02/09/minneapolis-recovery-operation-metro-surge.html" data-vars-content-id="fa83011a-78b6-4847-89b8-4a12fe447eed" data-vars-headline="ICE surge gives Minnesota businesses COVID flashbacks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2026/02/09/minneapolis-recovery-operation-metro-surge.html" target="_blank">in Minneapolis alone</a>.

ICE surge boosts Twin Cities hotels, but owners warn of long-term damage

The presence of 3,000 to 4,000 immigration agents in hotels has triggered protests, scared workers and derailed events.

With thousands of federal agents <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="descending on the Twin Cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/15/twin-cities-occupied-by-federal-agents-turmoil" data-vars-content-id="3c343b04-86de-46a8-8aa2-020d1bade24a" data-vars-headline="ICE surge boosts Twin Cities hotels, but owners warn of long-term damage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/15/twin-cities-occupied-by-federal-agents-turmoil" target="_self">descending on the Twin Cities</a>, the region&#x27;s hotels reported an unusually strong January for bookings and sales, but some owners say this could be catastrophic for business. Why it matters: The presence of 3,000 to 4,000 immigration agents in hotels has triggered protests, scared workers from showing up and derailed events.

Brian Cornell's up-and-down tenure as Target CEO

As Brian Cornell prepares to leave Target after 12 years, a look at what he did

Brian Cornell&#x27;s missteps at the end of his tenure as CEO of Target will likely overshadow the bold moves he took 12 years ago to get the struggling company back on solid ground. The big picture: Cornell, who hands over the reins <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to Michael Fiddelke" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/19/target-stock-earnings-holidays-black-friday" data-vars-content-id="c07d11cb-8fd5-4100-b77c-7daf3c3b4180" data-vars-headline="Brian Cornell&#x27;s up-and-down tenure as Target CEO" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/19/target-stock-earnings-holidays-black-friday" target="_self">to Michael Fiddelke</a> on Sunday, leaves behind a mixed legacy at the Minneapolis-based retailer.

Axios Closer

A line chart that tracks average monthly gas prices per gallon in the Twin Cities and nationally from March 2025 to March 2026. Twin Cities prices range from $2.75 to $3.11, slightly below the national range of $2.82 to $3.18. Prices peak in April 2025 and March 2026.

Business 🏦

How data centers could help revive downtowns

Allina Health agrees to Sutter acquisition

Gas prices rise in Minnesota as oil spikes after Iran strikes

New Target CEO's plan to get back to "Tar-zhay"

Former Revival building sold for Tibetan/Indian restaurant