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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.

Twins 2026 preview: At least there are $2 beers

The season doesn't look promising, but at least there are $2 beers.

The announcement that Target Field will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sell $2 pre-game beers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/03/twins-should-offer-cheap-beer-to-bring-fans-back" data-vars-content-id="0290e0fa-8966-4c46-816e-5863c2ba9479" data-vars-headline="Twins 2026 preview: At least there are $2 beers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/03/twins-should-offer-cheap-beer-to-bring-fans-back" target="_self">sell $2 pre-game beers</a> generated more buzz than any other Twins move this offseason.Why it matters: When cheap beers are the biggest offseason draw, it underscores how much fan interest has spiraled in recent years.

Minnesota making big push for 2028 NFL Draft

The draft would take place in downtown Minneapolis.

Minnesota leaders submitted a bid to host the 2028 NFL Draft in downtown Minneapolis. Why it matters: The three-day event in late April is a spectacle, with an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="estimated 600,000 people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44875626/attendance-green-bay-nfl-draft-hits-600000" data-vars-content-id="fdbf4d0e-e400-4fa4-a497-82b623a36b58" data-vars-headline="Minnesota making big push for 2028 NFL Draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44875626/attendance-green-bay-nfl-draft-hits-600000" target="_blank">estimated 600,000 people</a> attending last year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="draft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/04/24/vikings-nfl-draft-2025-picks-preview" data-vars-content-id="fdbf4d0e-e400-4fa4-a497-82b623a36b58" data-vars-headline="Minnesota making big push for 2028 NFL Draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/04/24/vikings-nfl-draft-2025-picks-preview" target="_self">draft</a> in Green Bay.

Saturday's Wild-Dallas game is a playoff preview

Wild GM Bill Guerin is not a fan of the playoff format and his team is likely to face Dallas in the first round.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Wild" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/23/quinn-hughes-minnesota-wild-trade-deadline" data-vars-content-id="191efec1-c38a-42b5-8715-ac1bd3c19111" data-vars-headline="Saturday&#x27;s Wild-Dallas game is a playoff preview" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/23/quinn-hughes-minnesota-wild-trade-deadline" target="_self">The Wild</a> will try to break a four-game home <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="losing streak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/takeaways-minus-injured-kirill-kaprizov-wild-take-a-rare-2-1-loss-to-blackhawks/601588412" data-vars-content-id="191efec1-c38a-42b5-8715-ac1bd3c19111" data-vars-headline="Saturday&#x27;s Wild-Dallas game is a playoff preview" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/takeaways-minus-injured-kirill-kaprizov-wild-take-a-rare-2-1-loss-to-blackhawks/601588412" target="_blank">losing streak</a> tomorrow when they host their likely first-round playoff opponents: the Dallas Stars.Why it matters: On the ice, it&#x27;s a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="litmus test" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/09/wild-season-preview-2025-2026" data-vars-content-id="191efec1-c38a-42b5-8715-ac1bd3c19111" data-vars-headline="Saturday&#x27;s Wild-Dallas game is a playoff preview" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/09/wild-season-preview-2025-2026" target="_self">litmus test</a> for both teams.

Minnesota Vikings sign Kyler Murray

QB whisperer Kevin O'Connell's next project is Kyler Murray

Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is signing with the Vikings. Why it matters: Head coach Kevin O&#x27;Connell is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="betting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/09/vikings-qb-search-kyler-kirk-rodgers" data-vars-content-id="04ab7aef-69e8-4bc3-ad32-5636b3389bc8" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Vikings sign Kyler Murray" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/09/vikings-qb-search-kyler-kirk-rodgers" target="_self">betting</a> that he can get the most out of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="supremely talented" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07b4qWDICZI" data-vars-content-id="04ab7aef-69e8-4bc3-ad32-5636b3389bc8" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Vikings sign Kyler Murray" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07b4qWDICZI" target="_blank">supremely talented</a> player who has struggled with consistency and injuries over his 7-year career. <ul><li>Murray won Rookie of the Year in 2019 and was selected to two Pro Bowls. But he also tore an ACL in 2022 and Arizona cut him after last season.</li></ul>

Cricket's rise in Minnesota reaches the state Capitol

A bipartisan bill to make it an official high school sport statewide is working its way through the Legislature.

Some Minnesota lawmakers are taking a crack at adding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cricket" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/04/24/major-league-cricket-us-expansion-grand-prairie" data-vars-content-id="7d7c4789-fca1-409f-9541-7d8ca509b8b8" data-vars-headline="Cricket&#x27;s rise in Minnesota reaches the state Capitol" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/04/24/major-league-cricket-us-expansion-grand-prairie" target="_self">cricket</a> to the state&#x27;s roster of official high school sports. Why it matters: The centuries-old sport, one of the world&#x27;s most popular games, is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gaining a growing fan base across the United States" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cricket-popularity-u-s-world-cup/" data-vars-content-id="7d7c4789-fca1-409f-9541-7d8ca509b8b8" data-vars-headline="Cricket&#x27;s rise in Minnesota reaches the state Capitol" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cricket-popularity-u-s-world-cup/" target="_blank">gaining a growing fan base across the United States</a>.<ul><li>Interest is expected to rise in the years ahead, as cricket returns to the Summer Olympics lineup in 2028.</li></ul>

Vikings QB search: Kyler, Kirk, A-Rodg or someone else?

Other options include Geno Smith, Malik Willis and a familiar face: Kirk Cousins

NFL free agency negotiations begin Monday morning and the Vikings are once again <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in the market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nfl.com/news/vikings-hc-kevin-o-connell-looks-to-add-depth-competition-to-qb-room-during-2026-offseason" data-vars-content-id="e99e131c-4cff-4be3-abf5-2fa9b05e793b" data-vars-headline="Vikings QB search: Kyler, Kirk, A-Rodg or someone else?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nfl.com/news/vikings-hc-kevin-o-connell-looks-to-add-depth-competition-to-qb-room-during-2026-offseason" target="_blank">in the market</a> for a new quarterback. Why it matters: The Vikings&#x27; approach in free agency will signal how much faith they still have in J.J. McCarthy, who missed his 2024 rookie season to injury and had an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="up-and-down" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/12/19/vikings-mccarthy-face-test-giants-packers-lions" data-vars-content-id="e99e131c-4cff-4be3-abf5-2fa9b05e793b" data-vars-headline="Vikings QB search: Kyler, Kirk, A-Rodg or someone else?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/12/19/vikings-mccarthy-face-test-giants-packers-lions" target="_self">up-and-down</a> 2025 campaign.

10 Minnesotans set for 2026 Milan Cortina Paralympics

Medal hopes are high as the Paralympic Winter Games open Friday in Italy.

Minnesota will have 10 athletes competing at the 2026 Milan Cortina Paralympic Winter Games, which start Friday.Why it matters: The competition gives Minnesotans another chance to cheer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="for gold on the world stage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/20/minnesota-medal-count-womens-hockey-gold-medal" data-vars-content-id="947a7de4-94e3-42d5-90a6-9add0b244c35" data-vars-headline="10 Minnesotans set for 2026 Milan Cortina Paralympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/20/minnesota-medal-count-womens-hockey-gold-medal" target="_self">for gold on the world stage</a>.

St. Thomas basketball's road to the Big Dance

St. Thomas is eligible for both the men's and women's NCAA Tournament this year for the first time

The University of St. Thomas basketball teams are each three wins away from making the NCAA Tournament in their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first year of eligibility" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/03/20/st-thomas-basketball-march-madness" data-vars-content-id="927b8958-1fcc-41c3-8cba-944746894398" data-vars-headline="St. Thomas basketball&#x27;s road to the Big Dance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/03/20/st-thomas-basketball-march-madness" target="_self">first year of eligibility</a>. Why it matters: Seeing the Tommies play a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Blue Blood" data-vars-click-url="https://sports.betmgm.com/en/blog/ncaab/what-is-a-college-basketball-blue-blood-sgc/" data-vars-content-id="927b8958-1fcc-41c3-8cba-944746894398" data-vars-headline="St. Thomas basketball&#x27;s road to the Big Dance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sports.betmgm.com/en/blog/ncaab/what-is-a-college-basketball-blue-blood-sgc/" target="_blank">Blue Blood</a> school in the opening round of March Madness would be great entertainment in Minnesota, even for non-alumni. A potential upset would be icing on the cake.

MNUFC preview: Lots of new faces — including a famous one

James Rodríguez is arguably the most globally famous athlete to sign with a Minnesota sports franchise.

Sports

Arguably the most globally famous athlete to ever sign with a Minnesota sports franchise could make his debut Saturday at the Loons&#x27; home opener at Allianz Field.Stunning stat: Minnesota United FC&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Rodríguez" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/09/james-rodriguez-minnesota-united-mnufc" data-vars-content-id="d5714195-dadc-46db-ad23-2e406214e74b" data-vars-headline="MNUFC preview: Lots of new faces — including a famous one" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/09/james-rodriguez-minnesota-united-mnufc" target="_self">James Rodríguez</a> — whose breakout for Colombia at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2014 World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8XsmIfQr6o" data-vars-content-id="d5714195-dadc-46db-ad23-2e406214e74b" data-vars-headline="MNUFC preview: Lots of new faces — including a famous one" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8XsmIfQr6o" target="_blank">2014 World Cup</a> led to stints with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich — has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="51.7 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/jamesrodriguez10/" data-vars-content-id="d5714195-dadc-46db-ad23-2e406214e74b" data-vars-headline="MNUFC preview: Lots of new faces — including a famous one" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/jamesrodriguez10/" target="_blank">51.7 million</a> Instagram followers.

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.

Sports 🏅

Target Field unveils new food, drinks for 2026 season

Twins 2026 preview: At least there are $2 beers

Minnesota making big push for 2028 NFL Draft

Hockey community mourns Jessi Pierce and her children, who died in house fire

Saturday's Wild-Dallas game is a playoff preview