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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.

Lawmakers debate change to make Senate less "hostile" to moms

Lawmakers say long hours and strict rules make parenting at the Capitol especially hard for moms.

The Minnesota Senate will vote on Wednesday on a proposal to let legislators bring their children into the chamber during floor sessions. Why it matters: Long days and late-night votes present logistical challenges for the growing cohort of lawmakers who balance parenting with policymaking. <ul><li>The schedule can be especially tough for new moms who serve in St. Paul.</li></ul>

Trail Mix: Republican recruit wanted in top Senate district

Plus: Mayor Frey on whether he'd seek a U.S. Senate seat

Politics

Minnesota Senate Republicans are still searching for a serious recruit for a Maple Grove swing seat that could decide the majority next year. State of play: Warren Limmer&#x27;s retirement creates an opening in Senate District 37. <ul><li>While Limmer has kept the area in Republican hands for three decades, demographic shifts have made the district a top battleground.</li></ul>

Minnesota leaders reassess César Chávez legacy after abuse allegations

Gov. Tim Walz won't mark Chávez Day as officials weigh renaming schools, streets and more.

Minnesota officials are reckoning with local ties to César Chávez in light of explosive new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sexual abuse allegations" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/44797088.10177/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDMvMTgvY2VzYXItY2hhdmV6LXNleHVhbC1hYnVzZS1hbGxlZ2F0aW9ucy1kb2xvcmVzLWh1ZXJ0YT91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX3NhbmZyYW5jaXNjbyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70B65239cd1" data-vars-content-id="19d7cc67-7ee0-49f1-9c7e-b82990081a7c" data-vars-headline="Minnesota leaders reassess César Chávez legacy after abuse allegations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/44797088.10177/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDMvMTgvY2VzYXItY2hhdmV6LXNleHVhbC1hYnVzZS1hbGxlZ2F0aW9ucy1kb2xvcmVzLWh1ZXJ0YT91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX3NhbmZyYW5jaXNjbyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70B65239cd1" target="_self">sexual abuse allegations</a> against the late labor leader. Why it matters: Chávez&#x27;s role as a central figure in the fight for farmworker rights prompted local officials to name schools, streets and holidays in his honor. <ul><li>That legacy is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="now in question" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/44797088.10177/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL3Nhbi1hbnRvbmlvLzIwMjYvMDMvMTgvY2VzYXItY2hhdmV6LXNleHVhbC1hYnVzZS1hbGxlZ2F0aW9ucz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX3NhbmZyYW5jaXNjbyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70B390fd58b" data-vars-content-id="19d7cc67-7ee0-49f1-9c7e-b82990081a7c" data-vars-headline="Minnesota leaders reassess César Chávez legacy after abuse allegations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/44797088.10177/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL3Nhbi1hbnRvbmlvLzIwMjYvMDMvMTgvY2VzYXItY2hhdmV6LXNleHVhbC1hYnVzZS1hbGxlZ2F0aW9ucz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX3NhbmZyYW5jaXNjbyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70B390fd58b" target="_self">now in question</a> following accusations from several minors and women, including fellow civil rights icon <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dolores Huerta" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/44797088.10177/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjQvMDcvMjUva2FtYWxhLWhhcnJpcy1kb2xvcmVzLWh1ZXJ0YS1sYXRpbm8tdm90ZXJzP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfc2FuZnJhbmNpc2NvJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70B289821fa" data-vars-content-id="19d7cc67-7ee0-49f1-9c7e-b82990081a7c" data-vars-headline="Minnesota leaders reassess César Chávez legacy after abuse allegations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/44797088.10177/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjQvMDcvMjUva2FtYWxhLWhhcnJpcy1kb2xvcmVzLWh1ZXJ0YS1sYXRpbm8tdm90ZXJzP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfc2FuZnJhbmNpc2NvJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70B289821fa" target="_self">Dolores Huerta</a>.</li></ul>

Walz's plan to transform human services faces tough sledding at Capitol

The Minnesota governor argues that streamlining and centralizing the process will help address fraud.

A pitch from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Tim Walz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/05/tim-walz-drop-out-minnesota-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="4c808a4b-c698-4e87-8ec4-81a43df67237" data-vars-headline="Walz&#x27;s plan to transform human services faces tough sledding at Capitol" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/05/tim-walz-drop-out-minnesota-governor-race" target="_self">Gov. Tim Walz</a> to dramatically overhaul how Minnesota delivers its human services programs was declared &quot;DOA&quot; by at least one key legislator before the ink even dried. Why it matters: Virtually everyone at the Capitol agrees that Minnesota has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a fraud problem" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" data-vars-content-id="4c808a4b-c698-4e87-8ec4-81a43df67237" data-vars-headline="Walz&#x27;s plan to transform human services faces tough sledding at Capitol" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" target="_self">a fraud problem</a>, but they can&#x27;t yet reach a consensus on how to fix it.

Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Tim Walz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/05/tim-walz-drop-out-minnesota-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="0ccd2cf0-d092-46d0-9acc-2277fd337c7f" data-vars-headline="Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/05/tim-walz-drop-out-minnesota-governor-race" target="_self">Gov. Tim Walz</a> returns to the Capitol Hill hot seat this week. What&#x27;s happening: The governor, along with Attorney General Keith Ellison, will testify Wednesday before the House Oversight Committee on fraud and &quot;misuse of federal funds.&quot;The big picture: The hearing is the latest front in an escalating political battle between state and federal officials over whether Minnesota has done enough to stop <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="significant fraud in Medicaid-funded social services programs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" data-vars-content-id="0ccd2cf0-d092-46d0-9acc-2277fd337c7f" data-vars-headline="Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" target="_self">significant fraud in Medicaid-funded social services programs</a>. <ul><li>The congressional scrutiny brings even more national attention to an issue expected to dominate Minnesota&#x27;s midterm campaigns. </li></ul>Catch up fast: Fallout over fraud has upended state politics — and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/29/klobuchar-minnesota-governor-walz" data-vars-content-id="0ccd2cf0-d092-46d0-9acc-2277fd337c7f" data-vars-headline="Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/29/klobuchar-minnesota-governor-walz" target="_self">governor&#x27;s race</a>. Billions in federal dollars <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="are in limbo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/20/minnesota-fraud-funding-pause-medicaid-budget" data-vars-content-id="0ccd2cf0-d092-46d0-9acc-2277fd337c7f" data-vars-headline="Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/20/minnesota-fraud-funding-pause-medicaid-budget" target="_self">are in limbo</a> amid a dispute with the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services over the state&#x27;s response. <ul><li>The White House also used the issue as its justification for launching<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" the 10-week immigration crackdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/12/trump-ice-metro-surge-ends-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="0ccd2cf0-d092-46d0-9acc-2277fd337c7f" data-vars-headline="Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/12/trump-ice-metro-surge-ends-minneapolis" target="_self"> the 10-week immigration crackdown</a> that roiled the Twin Cities.</li></ul>Threat level: While the committee&#x27;s power to act on its findings is limited, Walz and Ellison will both testify under oath. <ul><li>That means they&#x27;re legally bound to tell the truth — intentional false statements could carry legal consequences — and answers could be used in future probes conducted by the Department of Justice. </li></ul>What to expect: Fireworks, in the form of probing questions and political theater. These hearings are often designed to produce made-for-social-media exchanges, with members teeing up pointed queries meant to amplify their side&#x27;s view.<ul><li>Walz will defend the steps his administration has taken to address the issue and push back against what he&#x27;s called a campaign of &quot;political retribution&quot; by the White House.</li></ul>Between the lines: Representatives sometimes use the appearances to grill testifiers on unrelated topics.<ul><li>At last June&#x27;s oversight hearing on immigration policy, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) asked Walz if he was &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="still friends with school shooters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/nancy-mace-blasts-tim-walz-fails-define-woman" data-vars-content-id="0ccd2cf0-d092-46d0-9acc-2277fd337c7f" data-vars-headline="Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/nancy-mace-blasts-tim-walz-fails-define-woman" target="_blank">still friends with school shooters</a>&quot; — a reference to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a 2024 debate gaffe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wired.com/story/vp-debate-tim-walz-friends-school-shooters/" data-vars-content-id="0ccd2cf0-d092-46d0-9acc-2277fd337c7f" data-vars-headline="Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wired.com/story/vp-debate-tim-walz-friends-school-shooters/" target="_blank">a 2024 debate gaffe</a> — and &quot;What is a woman?&quot;</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;Americans deserve answers about the rampant misuse of taxpayer dollars... that occurred on [Walz&#x27;s and Ellison&#x27;s] watch,&quot; House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) said in a statement.<ul><li>The goals, he said, are to ensure &quot;transparency and accountability&quot; and &quot;advance solutions to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse and impose stronger penalties on those who defraud taxpayers.&quot;</li><li>State Republicans say the hearings will provide needed scrutiny after years of lackluster oversight. </li></ul>The other side: &quot;The governor takes Congress seriously, and his hope is that Congress will take Congress seriously,&quot; Walz spokesperson Teddy Tschann told Axios. <ul><li>Ellison spokesman Brian Evans said the attorney general will &quot;discuss his strong record of prosecuting people who steal from Medicaid&quot; and &quot;make the case that turning fraud into a partisan political issue will do nothing to actually help protect Minnesotans&#x27; tax dollars.&quot; </li></ul>The intrigue: Walz&#x27;s office <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spent over $400,000 on lawyers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/07/09/gov-tim-walz-defends-430000-ask-for-legal-counsel-used-to-prep-for-congressional-hearing" data-vars-content-id="0ccd2cf0-d092-46d0-9acc-2277fd337c7f" data-vars-headline="Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/07/09/gov-tim-walz-defends-430000-ask-for-legal-counsel-used-to-prep-for-congressional-hearing" target="_blank">spent over $400,000 on lawyers</a> to prepare him for last summer&#x27;s immigration hearing.<ul><li>The administration hired the same firm ahead of this appearance, but a cost estimate was not immediately available. </li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: Wednesday&#x27;s meeting — the second of two hearings on the topic— won&#x27;t be the last time Minnesota&#x27;s fraud issue lands in the national spotlight.<ul><li>Trump <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recently tasked Vice President JD Vance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/jd-vance/vance-trump-war-fraud-suspending-medicaid-payments-minnesota-rcna260655" data-vars-content-id="0ccd2cf0-d092-46d0-9acc-2277fd337c7f" data-vars-headline="Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/jd-vance/vance-trump-war-fraud-suspending-medicaid-payments-minnesota-rcna260655" target="_blank">recently tasked Vice President JD Vance</a> with leading a &quot;war on fraud,&quot; suggesting the issue could have legs beyond Minnesota.</li></ul>Tune in: The hearing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="streams online" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b87f2TLR3m0" data-vars-content-id="0ccd2cf0-d092-46d0-9acc-2277fd337c7f" data-vars-headline="Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b87f2TLR3m0" target="_blank">streams online</a> starting at 8am CT.

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.

Lawmakers weigh delay of in-state testing for THC seltzers

The lower-potency THC products will still need to be cleared by accredited labs elsewhere.

Minnesota lawmakers are weighing a one-year delay of in-state testing requirements for the low-dose <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="THC seltzers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/10/17/thc-beverages-coffee-soda-seltzers" data-vars-content-id="ae702abe-83a2-4f57-b33a-fec8c5b4d655" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers weigh delay of in-state testing for THC seltzers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/10/17/thc-beverages-coffee-soda-seltzers" target="_self">THC seltzers</a> and gummies that have flooded breweries and liquor stores. Why it matters: The move could <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="alleviate a backlog at state labs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/testing-backlog-is-latest-bottleneck-for-minnesotas-recreational-marijuana-market/601583708" data-vars-content-id="ae702abe-83a2-4f57-b33a-fec8c5b4d655" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers weigh delay of in-state testing for THC seltzers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/testing-backlog-is-latest-bottleneck-for-minnesotas-recreational-marijuana-market/601583708" target="_blank">alleviate a backlog at state labs</a> and offer some immediate relief to an industry that&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="facing existential threats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/10/shutdown-deal-kill-minnesota-thc-seltzer-edible-industry" data-vars-content-id="ae702abe-83a2-4f57-b33a-fec8c5b4d655" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers weigh delay of in-state testing for THC seltzers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/10/shutdown-deal-kill-minnesota-thc-seltzer-edible-industry" target="_self">facing existential threats</a> due to competition from the new adult-use cannabis market and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="looming federal ban." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/10/shutdown-deal-kill-minnesota-thc-seltzer-edible-industry" data-vars-content-id="ae702abe-83a2-4f57-b33a-fec8c5b4d655" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers weigh delay of in-state testing for THC seltzers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/10/shutdown-deal-kill-minnesota-thc-seltzer-edible-industry" target="_self">looming federal ban.</a>

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