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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.

Twin Cities weekend: Hamm's Fest, welcome herons, death cafe

Six local breweries will brew tribute flights in hopes of winning the Hamm's Crown.

Things to Do

Plenty of new exhibitions are opening at local museums just in time for spring. Here are three to check out this weekend.🎨 &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Abstraction and Ourselves" data-vars-click-url="https://cafesjianarttrust.org/abstraction/" data-vars-content-id="30670d19-6a9f-4481-a48f-0b3a31a0da33" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend: Hamm&#x27;s Fest, welcome herons, death cafe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cafesjianarttrust.org/abstraction/" target="_blank">Abstraction and Ourselves</a>&quot;— Cafesjian Art Trust Museum: The Shoreview museum&#x27;s latest exhibition features large-scale abstract paintings, mixed media and glass pieces by artists like Dyani White Hawk and Georgia O&#x27;Keeffe.

Twin Cities weekend events: Pond skim, sap tap, Train Fest

Don't let temperatures in the 70s deter you from hitting the slopes this weekend.

Don&#x27;t let temperatures in the 70s deter you from hitting the slopes this weekend.What&#x27;s happening: After postponing due to weather, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Härdsmälta Festival and Pond Skim" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DhnnBf6vf/" data-vars-content-id="f0b4612b-d606-4ad8-9045-c725bb463053" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend events: Pond skim, sap tap, Train Fest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DhnnBf6vf/" target="_blank">Härdsmälta Festival and Pond Skim</a> at Hyland Hills Ski Area returns this Sunday for an afternoon of chaotic winter sports to support local food shelves.

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>

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at these 11 Twin Cities events

The holiday isn't until Tuesday, but there's no shortage of options for starting the celebration early.

St. Patrick&#x27;s Day isn&#x27;t until Tuesday, but there&#x27;s no shortage of options for starting the celebration early — with or without alcohol.<ul><li>Here are my picks for this weekend&#x27;s activities.</li></ul>

Twin Cities weekend: International Women's Day, friendship speed dating, bug ballet

Try friendship speed dating or a free self-defense class.

It&#x27;s the first full weekend of Women&#x27;s History Month, and venues, restaurants and museums have plenty of events planned — particularly for International Women&#x27;s Day on Sunday.

We review the candidates for DVS' new hold music

DVS is asking you to pick from four *piping hot* tracks for its customer service line.

Attention Muzak lovers, Minnesota Driver &amp; Vehicle Services needs your help <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="choosing new hold music" data-vars-click-url="https://dps.mn.gov/news/dvs/jazz-pop-rock-whats-your-preference" data-vars-content-id="05bd573b-e3c6-48fd-a00a-42f2608820b4" data-vars-headline="We review the candidates for DVS&#x27; new hold music" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dps.mn.gov/news/dvs/jazz-pop-rock-whats-your-preference" target="_blank">choosing new hold music</a> for its customer service line.Why it matters: DVS&#x27; survey is a rare opportunity to choose the exact manner in which you&#x27;ll be tortured for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an average of six to nine minutes" data-vars-click-url="https://dps.mn.gov/news/dvs/jazz-pop-rock-whats-your-preference" data-vars-content-id="05bd573b-e3c6-48fd-a00a-42f2608820b4" data-vars-headline="We review the candidates for DVS&#x27; new hold music" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dps.mn.gov/news/dvs/jazz-pop-rock-whats-your-preference" target="_blank">an average of six to nine minutes</a>.Yes, but: We kid! And we applaud the agency&#x27;s impulse to ask.<ul><li>&quot;Our hold music has not been updated in a while and rather than just pick something we decided to encourage customer involvement,&quot; a DVS spokesperson told Axios.</li></ul>We listened to the four piping hot tracks DVS is considering:<ul><li>&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="My Time To Fly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue7nfOW6-wg" data-vars-content-id="05bd573b-e3c6-48fd-a00a-42f2608820b4" data-vars-headline="We review the candidates for DVS&#x27; new hold music" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue7nfOW6-wg" target="_blank">My Time To Fly</a>&quot;: A riff on the opening lick of &quot;Santa Claus is Comin&#x27; To Town,&quot; but with all traces of Christmas spirit sucked out.</li><li>&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="This and That is Life" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8rQnFuICaM" data-vars-content-id="05bd573b-e3c6-48fd-a00a-42f2608820b4" data-vars-headline="We review the candidates for DVS&#x27; new hold music" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8rQnFuICaM" target="_blank">This and That is Life</a>&quot;: If it sounds oddly like the hollow instrumentals of a Jason Mraz bop with any redeeming lyrics removed, it&#x27;s because <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="that&#x27;s exactly what it is" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2I1y6vhfyc" data-vars-content-id="05bd573b-e3c6-48fd-a00a-42f2608820b4" data-vars-headline="We review the candidates for DVS&#x27; new hold music" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2I1y6vhfyc" target="_blank">that&#x27;s exactly what it is</a>.</li><li>&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Everywhere The Sun Shines" data-vars-click-url="https://soundcloud.com/shane-searles/everywhere-the-sun-shines" data-vars-content-id="05bd573b-e3c6-48fd-a00a-42f2608820b4" data-vars-headline="We review the candidates for DVS&#x27; new hold music" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://soundcloud.com/shane-searles/everywhere-the-sun-shines" target="_blank">Everywhere The Sun Shines</a>&quot;: That one <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Peter, Bjorn &amp; John song" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dpv5G0747V4" data-vars-content-id="05bd573b-e3c6-48fd-a00a-42f2608820b4" data-vars-headline="We review the candidates for DVS&#x27; new hold music" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dpv5G0747V4" target="_blank">Peter, Bjorn &amp; John song</a>, but with the whistling inexplicably turned up to 15.</li><li>&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Throw Yourself In Front Of It" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IyFQ4-72F4" data-vars-content-id="05bd573b-e3c6-48fd-a00a-42f2608820b4" data-vars-headline="We review the candidates for DVS&#x27; new hold music" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IyFQ4-72F4" target="_blank">Throw Yourself In Front Of It</a>&quot;: Like a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Red Hot Chili Peppers track" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwlogyj7nFE" data-vars-content-id="05bd573b-e3c6-48fd-a00a-42f2608820b4" data-vars-headline="We review the candidates for DVS&#x27; new hold music" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwlogyj7nFE" target="_blank">Red Hot Chili Peppers track</a> — but without the Red Hot.</li></ul>How to vote: Listen to the options by calling 469-397-3737, take an aspirin, then <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="submit your vote online" data-vars-click-url="https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/about-dvs/dvs-hold-music-survey" data-vars-content-id="05bd573b-e3c6-48fd-a00a-42f2608820b4" data-vars-headline="We review the candidates for DVS&#x27; new hold music" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/about-dvs/dvs-hold-music-survey" target="_blank">submit your vote online</a> before the end of March.<ul><li>Sorry, devotees, but write-ins for the only right choice here — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cisco&#x27;s epic hold music" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLpm4aysr8I" data-vars-content-id="05bd573b-e3c6-48fd-a00a-42f2608820b4" data-vars-headline="We review the candidates for DVS&#x27; new hold music" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLpm4aysr8I" target="_blank">Cisco&#x27;s epic hold music</a> — won&#x27;t be counted.</li></ul>

Twin Cities weekend guide: Skyway 5K, mattress racing, garden show

"Run where no one has run before" at a unique St. Paul 5K.

&quot;Run where no one has run before&quot; at a unique 5K this Saturday — inside the St. Paul skyways.What&#x27;s happening: Organizers received approval to host a first-of-its-kind run through the climate-controlled maze in downtown St. Paul.

Twin Cities weekend guide: Winter Beer Dabbler, curling competition, fish fry

Try your hand at the unique winter sport during Sociable Cider Werks' Bonspiel.

Feeling inspired after watching Olympic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="curling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/02/11/curling-clubs-filling-olympics-ice-time-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="3425e87e-99c5-426a-a56a-c46eda8c5e87" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Winter Beer Dabbler, curling competition, fish fry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/02/11/curling-clubs-filling-olympics-ice-time-minnesota" target="_self">curling</a>? Try your hand at the unique winter sport during Sociable Cider Werks&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bonspiel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ap22sNLmH/" data-vars-content-id="3425e87e-99c5-426a-a56a-c46eda8c5e87" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Winter Beer Dabbler, curling competition, fish fry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ap22sNLmH/" target="_blank">Bonspiel</a>, a curling tournament for beginners and pros alike.

Twin Cities weekend: Valentine's Day, Lunar New Year, jug band battles

After-hours zoo access, name a bug after your ex and more.

Next Tuesday marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year, and if you want to get a head start celebrating the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Year of the Fire Horse" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/fire-horse-meaning-astrology" data-vars-content-id="38f31215-9595-495c-a3e3-0ada36362e42" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend: Valentine&#x27;s Day, Lunar New Year, jug band battles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/fire-horse-meaning-astrology" target="_self">Year of the Fire Horse</a>, we know where to go.

Five unique Valentine's Day events in the Twin Cities

Spend the day with a partner, a friend or flying solo.

Valentine&#x27;s Day is Saturday, and if you&#x27;re struggling to get a dinner reservation, we have some … alternative suggestions.<ul><li>Here are five unique ways to spend the day with a partner, a friend or flying solo.</li></ul>

Things to Do 🗓

Twin Cities weekend: Hamm's Fest, welcome herons, death cafe

Twin Cities weekend events: Pond skim, sap tap, Train Fest

Tips for solo dining in the Twin Cities

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at these 11 Twin Cities events

Twin Cities weekend: International Women's Day, friendship speed dating, bug ballet