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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.

Restaurant roundup: Pajarito closes St. Paul location

The Edina outpost will remain open, owners said.

Midtown Global Market is welcoming two new vendors this week. After closing its LynLake restaurant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last October," data-vars-click-url="https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/plant-based-restaurant-will-leave-its-lyn-lake-storefront-at-the-end-of-october-" data-vars-content-id="4a7ae240-b179-40c0-abf2-c1483c69fad3" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Pajarito closes St. Paul location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/plant-based-restaurant-will-leave-its-lyn-lake-storefront-at-the-end-of-october-" target="_blank">last October,</a> vegan soul food spot Trio Plant-Based is reopening inside the market Friday, per a release.<ul><li>Somali eatery 7 Spices, which previously operated within Karmel Mall, will hold its grand opening Saturday to mark the end of Ramadan.</li></ul>

Tips for solo dining in the Twin Cities

Flying solo this week? Book a table for one and let the bread basket keep you company.State of the plates: Last month, we asked readers to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="share their takes and tips on solo dining" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-3ab9c240-05e8-11f1-8569-3d6a0718fe12.html?chunk=5&amp;utm_term=twsocialshare#story5 " data-vars-content-id="c61eb585-dfe9-48a0-ba28-a02718845e12" data-vars-headline="Tips for solo dining in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-3ab9c240-05e8-11f1-8569-3d6a0718fe12.html?chunk=5&amp;utm_term=twsocialshare#story5 " target="_self">share their takes and tips on solo dining</a> in light of new data showing it&#x27;s on the rise. <ul><li>As usual, the answers were *chef&#x27;s kiss.* </li></ul>

Restaurant roundup: Centro's fishing-inspired bar

Bill's Bait Shop is inspired by northern Minnesota fishing culture.

After <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="purchasing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-a8f3b920-fe02-11f0-b921-292720f21773.html?chunk=5&amp;utm_term=emshare#story5" data-vars-content-id="a9d0939e-91ae-49ca-8220-06721a0ac46e" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Centro&#x27;s fishing-inspired bar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-a8f3b920-fe02-11f0-b921-292720f21773.html?chunk=5&amp;utm_term=emshare#story5" target="_self">purchasing</a> the former Chicago Taste Authority property last month, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Centro" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/06/30/centro-restaurant-group-crunchwrap-new-locations" data-vars-content-id="a9d0939e-91ae-49ca-8220-06721a0ac46e" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Centro&#x27;s fishing-inspired bar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/06/30/centro-restaurant-group-crunchwrap-new-locations" target="_self">Centro</a> Restaurant Group announced it will open Bill&#x27;s Bait Shop, a bar and restaurant inspired by northern Minnesota fishing culture.<ul><li>Expect the atmosphere of your neighborhood dive bar and a &quot;comforting, approachable&quot; menu, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2026/03/05/bills-bait-shop-centro-restaurant-group.html" data-vars-content-id="a9d0939e-91ae-49ca-8220-06721a0ac46e" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Centro&#x27;s fishing-inspired bar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2026/03/05/bills-bait-shop-centro-restaurant-group.html" target="_blank">Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal</a>. It will tentatively open in June.</li></ul>🍻 Dangerous Man Brewing will revive its Northeast Minneapolis taproom, this time in the soon-to-be-vacated HeadFlyer Brewing space, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota Star Tribune reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/dangerous-man-brewing-new-taproom-headflyer-closing-northeast-minneapolis-craft-beer/601591017" data-vars-content-id="a9d0939e-91ae-49ca-8220-06721a0ac46e" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Centro&#x27;s fishing-inspired bar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/dangerous-man-brewing-new-taproom-headflyer-closing-northeast-minneapolis-craft-beer/601591017" target="_blank">Minnesota Star Tribune reports</a>.<ul><li>Look for an end-of-spring opening. </li></ul>🍝 Risata Cucina, a modern Italian-American restaurant from industry veterans, is now open in downtown Robbinsdale.<ul><li>Expect a wide variety of pastas — all under $25 — and one of the largest amaro collections in the state, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mpls.St.Paul Magazine" data-vars-click-url="https://mspmag.com/eat-and-drink/foodie/sneak-peek-risata-cucina-italian-restaurant-robbinsdale-minnesota/" data-vars-content-id="a9d0939e-91ae-49ca-8220-06721a0ac46e" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Centro&#x27;s fishing-inspired bar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mspmag.com/eat-and-drink/foodie/sneak-peek-risata-cucina-italian-restaurant-robbinsdale-minnesota/" target="_blank">Mpls.St.Paul Magazine</a>.</li></ul>🛒 David Fhima&#x27;s new grocery store venture The Global Table is set to open inside the new Coborn&#x27;s in Plymouth on March 12, per a release.🚴 A new brewery — and then some — is in the works on the corner of 45th and Minnehaha. Mixed Culture Brewing, run by industry veterans, will operate as a coffee shop in the morning before transitioning to a taproom with live music and a large beer garden, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Longfellow Whatever reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.longfellowwhatever.com/brewery-planned-for-former-minnehaha-ave-bike-shop/" data-vars-content-id="a9d0939e-91ae-49ca-8220-06721a0ac46e" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Centro&#x27;s fishing-inspired bar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.longfellowwhatever.com/brewery-planned-for-former-minnehaha-ave-bike-shop/" target="_blank">Longfellow Whatever reports</a>.<ul><li>Owners also plan to host a bike shop in the space, which was formerly home to One on One Bike Shop. Expect an opening sometime this year.</li></ul>🍭 Oppa Sweets, the whimsical cotton candy stand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="we wrote about last week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-0851a820-17d8-11f1-9bc1-834d39a8ccdc.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_minneapolis&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="a9d0939e-91ae-49ca-8220-06721a0ac46e" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Centro&#x27;s fishing-inspired bar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-0851a820-17d8-11f1-9bc1-834d39a8ccdc.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_minneapolis&amp;stream=top" target="_self">we wrote about last week</a>, is &quot;temporarily&quot; closing its Mall of America outpost at the end of a month, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per its social media" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVhjiJcDYKh/" data-vars-content-id="a9d0939e-91ae-49ca-8220-06721a0ac46e" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Centro&#x27;s fishing-inspired bar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVhjiJcDYKh/" target="_blank">per its social media</a>. Its Maplewood Mall location will remain open.👋 Downtown Wayzata restaurant ninetwentyfive is becoming Belle &amp; Grey, an all-day spot under the same ownership, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per its social media" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVHjrO-DTiA/" data-vars-content-id="a9d0939e-91ae-49ca-8220-06721a0ac46e" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Centro&#x27;s fishing-inspired bar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVHjrO-DTiA/" target="_blank">per its social media</a>. Expect a spring debut.

Fhima's Minneapolis closes, but restaurateur has new downtown plans

Look for the owner of Fhima's to open a new skyway restaurant soon.

After 10 years in downtown Minneapolis&#x27; City Center building, French-Moroccan restaurant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fhima&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/03/17/david-fhima-chef-new-restaurants-chicago-soldier-field-golden-bachelor" data-vars-content-id="c4e7f433-ddf8-4b0d-9f85-211efa705f4b" data-vars-headline="Fhima&#x27;s Minneapolis closes, but restaurateur has new downtown plans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/03/17/david-fhima-chef-new-restaurants-chicago-soldier-field-golden-bachelor" target="_self">Fhima&#x27;s</a> quietly closed on Saturday night.What they&#x27;re saying: Owner David Fhima told Axios multiple factors led to what he described as a &quot;heartbreaking&quot; decision.

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.

Fish Fry Fridays: Twin Cities locations for Lent

Ukrainian American Community Center has a fish and pierogi dinner.

Lent is back and that means fish fry specials have returned for the traditional Catholic meat-free Fridays. Zoom in: Here&#x27;s a roundup of seven spots to try in the Twin Cities.

We tried it: Dahlia pastries at new brick-and-mortar are worth the wait

Audrey here! I finally had the chance to try pop-up bakery <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dahlia&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eatatdahlia.com/" data-vars-content-id="5c1944a6-041d-487f-89bf-5b65649e1212" data-vars-headline="We tried it: Dahlia pastries at new brick-and-mortar are worth the wait" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eatatdahlia.com/" target="_blank">Dahlia&#x27;s</a> new brick-and-mortar in Northeast Minneapolis, and it&#x27;s absolutely worth waiting in any weekend lines.Dig in: The bakery operates in the same colorful space as MN Nice Cream. Dahlia runs from 8am-1pm, and the ice cream shop takes over at 2pm. Seating is limited, as is parking.<ul><li>In addition to a half-dozen elaborate pastries, the menu has expanded to add savory and sweet mains like smoked salmon toast and focaccia French toast bites.</li></ul>What to try: The caramel morning bun topped with brown butter icing was enormous and delicious without being overly sweet, as was the banana cream pie croissant (stuffed with banana cream pudding!).<ul><li>My unexpected favorite? Dahlia&#x27;s wild rice chicken soup, accompanied by the greatest homemade Parmesan garlic knot I&#x27;ve ever had. </li></ul>Stop by: Dahlia is open Thursday-Sunday at 807 Broadway St NE.<ul><li>Prices start at $7.75 for pastries and $10 for mains.</li></ul>

Restaurant Roundup: Dahlia debuts, Hey Y'all closes, Company Bar moves in

Here's some of the food news you may have missed this month.

Plenty of restaurants have made moves in the new year. Here&#x27;s some of the food news you may have missed this month.

10 Minnesota chefs, restaurants named James Beard semifinalists

The Oscars of the culinary world released the long list Wednesday.

Ten Minnesota chefs and restaurants were named semifinalists for this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/22/11-restaurants-chefs-james-beard-award-semifinalists" data-vars-content-id="c24b6280-10cd-468f-a93c-d3acc802f284" data-vars-headline="10 Minnesota chefs, restaurants named James Beard semifinalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/22/11-restaurants-chefs-james-beard-award-semifinalists" target="_self">James Beard Awards</a>.Dig in: Ann Ahmed of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Khâluna" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/01/11/khaluna-minneapolis-review-what-to-order" data-vars-content-id="c24b6280-10cd-468f-a93c-d3acc802f284" data-vars-headline="10 Minnesota chefs, restaurants named James Beard semifinalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/01/11/khaluna-minneapolis-review-what-to-order" target="_self">Khâluna</a> and Alma&#x27;s Alex Roberts were nominated in the national Outstanding Chef category, while Bar La Grassa is up for Outstanding Restaurant.<ul><li>Shigeyuki Furukawa (Kado No Mise), Diane Moua (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Diane&#x27;s Place" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/09/03/diane-s-place-named-best-restaurant-by-food-wine" data-vars-content-id="c24b6280-10cd-468f-a93c-d3acc802f284" data-vars-headline="10 Minnesota chefs, restaurants named James Beard semifinalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/09/03/diane-s-place-named-best-restaurant-by-food-wine" target="_self">Diane&#x27;s Place</a>), <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Yia Vang" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/08/03/chef-yia-vang-hmong-kitchen-vinai-screen-time" data-vars-content-id="c24b6280-10cd-468f-a93c-d3acc802f284" data-vars-headline="10 Minnesota chefs, restaurants named James Beard semifinalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/08/03/chef-yia-vang-hmong-kitchen-vinai-screen-time" target="_self">Yia Vang</a> (Vinai) and Gustavo Romero and Kate Romero (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oro by Nixta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/06/07/james-beard-oro-nixta-ann-ahmed-christina-nguyen-khaluna-hai-hai" data-vars-content-id="c24b6280-10cd-468f-a93c-d3acc802f284" data-vars-headline="10 Minnesota chefs, restaurants named James Beard semifinalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/06/07/james-beard-oro-nixta-ann-ahmed-christina-nguyen-khaluna-hai-hai" target="_self">Oro by Nixta</a>) are competing for Best Chef-Midwest.</li></ul>

Food and Drink 🍽

Target Field unveils new food, drinks for 2026 season

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

Restaurant roundup: Pajarito closes St. Paul location

Tips for solo dining in the Twin Cities

Restaurant roundup: Centro's fishing-inspired bar