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Vote: Pick what new Minnesota State Fair foods Axios will try on day one

Axios Twin Cities readers are calling the shots on our annual opening-day food adventure.

State Fair

Audrey here! For the last five years, I&#x27;ve been the one choosing what new Minnesota State Fair foods the Axios Twin Cities team should try on day one of the Great Minnesota Get-Together.

What to eat — and skip — at the Minnesota State Fair

braved five hours of lines and calories to find the new fair foods actually worth your money.

Don&#x27;t say we didn&#x27;t warn you: The Minnesota State Fair&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pickle Pie" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/07/10/make-your-state-fair-food-plan" data-vars-content-id="8f371fc2-cb13-4531-8259-e24c9151706c" data-vars-headline="What to eat — and skip — at the Minnesota State Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/07/10/make-your-state-fair-food-plan" target="_self">Pickle Pie</a> may leave you wanting to puke. Driving our discomfort: We spent five hours braving the crowds, lines and calories to taste-test this year&#x27;s buzziest and most intriguing new foods. Why it matters: We did it for you! Our goal was to help readers weigh which &quot;official&quot; new foods are worth the cash (and wait) and which you can — and probably should — skip without feeling an ounce of FOMO.

Hot tip: State Fair attendance dips in warmer weather

Hoping for temps in the 90s, then going to brave the heat, might be as good a crowd-fighting strategy as any.

Here&#x27;s one strategy for beating the crowds at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/state-fair" data-vars-content-id="e6f524ea-3323-41ff-81c5-1c1b34c61c5c" data-vars-headline="Hot tip: State Fair attendance dips in warmer weather" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/state-fair" target="_self">Minnesota State Fair</a>: Hope for temps in the 90s, then go brave the heat.By the numbers: Daily attendance was 13% lower when the high was 90ºF or greater, on average, than on days with highs of 89ºF or less. That&#x27;s according to an Axios analysis of attendance and climate records since 1994.

Minnesota THC makers hold out hope for federal lifeline

A proposed one-month reprieve could create an opening for a broader fix.

Food and Drink

Minnesota makers of hemp-derived THC seltzers and gummies are holding onto hope that Congress will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reverse a 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="8c993550-a717-46c4-8229-756aaec9c807" data-vars-headline="Minnesota THC makers hold out hope for federal lifeline" 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">reverse a looming federal ban</a> on their products — even as the legal limbo prompts some to scale back operations. Why it matters: The new federal policy, set to take effect in mid-November, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="would deal a serious blow" 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="8c993550-a717-46c4-8229-756aaec9c807" data-vars-headline="Minnesota THC makers hold out hope for federal lifeline" 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">would deal a serious blow</a> to the state&#x27;s booming low-dose edibles market. <ul><li>The change could mean more financial strain for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="craft brewers, who&#x27;ve relied on the drinks to offset slumping booze sales," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/06/26/craft-beer-minnesota-declines-thc-cocktails" data-vars-content-id="8c993550-a717-46c4-8229-756aaec9c807" data-vars-headline="Minnesota THC makers hold out hope for federal lifeline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/06/26/craft-beer-minnesota-declines-thc-cocktails" target="_self">craft brewers, who&#x27;ve relied on the drinks to offset slumping booze sales,</a> and fewer options for consumers. </li></ul>

Walz moves to ban copper-nickel mining near Boundary Waters

The move puts the long-debated issue back in the spotlight ahead of the election.

Election

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sweeping move" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/08/18/walz-executive-order-block-copper-mining-near-boundary-waters" data-vars-content-id="191a6295-3bcf-4717-9f1d-a503760b4862" data-vars-headline="Walz moves to ban copper-nickel mining near Boundary Waters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/08/18/walz-executive-order-block-copper-mining-near-boundary-waters" target="_blank">sweeping move</a> to block copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters thrust a long-running debate back into the headlines — and onto the campaign trail.The big picture: The fight over the future of Twin Metals and other mining proposals reflects a wider political tension between <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boosting U.S. critical mineral output" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/10/trump-mineral-investments-evs" data-vars-content-id="191a6295-3bcf-4717-9f1d-a503760b4862" data-vars-headline="Walz moves to ban copper-nickel mining near Boundary Waters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/10/trump-mineral-investments-evs" target="_self">boosting U.S. critical mineral output</a> and prioritizing conservation.<ul><li>In issuing his executive order, the outgoing DFL governor put himself squarely on the side of environmentalists who have long lobbied for more protections.</li></ul>

Map: Minnesota primary results by county for Peggy Flanagan, Lisa Demuth

County results show metro strength for both winners — and Flanagan's reach across Greater Minnesota.

Big vote totals in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs fueled Lisa Demuth and Peggy Flanagan&#x27;s landslide wins in their respective GOP gubernatorial and DFL U.S. Senate primaries.Why it matters: Minnesotans living in the vote-heavy metro will play a pivotal role in picking the winners of the high-stakes races for governor and U.S. senator this fall.<ul><li>How voters break in suburban swing districts will also determine control of the narrowly divided state Legislature. </li></ul>

Big takeaways from Minnesota's primary election results

The results set the stage for high-stakes November battles.

News

The marquee matchups are set for Minnesota&#x27;s high-stakes midterm election. The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/peggy-flanagan-democratic-primary-minnesota-senate-results" data-vars-content-id="fd38de84-6c08-4404-8077-762a50f18d26" data-vars-headline="Big takeaways from Minnesota&#x27;s primary election results" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/peggy-flanagan-democratic-primary-minnesota-senate-results" target="_self"> Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan</a>, a progressive Democrat, and Republican Michele Tafoya, a well-known former sideline reporter, will face off for the open U.S. Senate seat. <ul><li>In the governor&#x27;s race, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/lisa-demuth-minnesota-gop-gubernatorial-primary-results" data-vars-content-id="fd38de84-6c08-4404-8077-762a50f18d26" data-vars-headline="Big takeaways from Minnesota&#x27;s primary election results" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/lisa-demuth-minnesota-gop-gubernatorial-primary-results" target="_self">Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth</a> handily defeated candidates backed by President Trump and her own party to go up against U.S. Sen. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amy Klobuchar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/klobuchar-minnesota-democratic-primary-governor" data-vars-content-id="fd38de84-6c08-4404-8077-762a50f18d26" data-vars-headline="Big takeaways from Minnesota&#x27;s primary election results" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/klobuchar-minnesota-democratic-primary-governor" target="_self">Amy Klobuchar</a>.</li></ul>

Peggy Flanagan wins Democratic primary for Minnesota's open U.S. Senate seat

Flanagan's victory over U.S. Rep. Angie Craig is seen as a win for progressives.

Politics

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/30/minnesota-senate-primary-flanagan-craig-ice-raids-dfl-endorsement-delegates" data-vars-content-id="11e14895-e73e-4285-847b-b14b377eda6d" data-vars-headline="Peggy Flanagan wins Democratic primary for Minnesota&#x27;s open U.S. Senate seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/30/minnesota-senate-primary-flanagan-craig-ice-raids-dfl-endorsement-delegates" target="_self">Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan</a> defeated U.S. Rep. Angie Craig to win Tuesday&#x27;s Democratic primary for Minnesota&#x27;s open U.S. Senate seat, the AP projects. Why it matters: Flanagan&#x27;s victory over the moderate congresswoman is another win for progressives in the broader fight over the future of the Democratic Party.

Lisa Demuth defeats Mike Lindell to win Minnesota GOP gubernatorial primary 

Demuth is expected to face U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar on the November ballot.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/02/lisa-demuth-minnesota-governor-republican-primary-tim-walz" data-vars-content-id="ec0f4290-a781-481a-a799-d667dc8ec390" data-vars-headline="Lisa Demuth defeats Mike Lindell to win Minnesota GOP gubernatorial primary " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/02/lisa-demuth-minnesota-governor-republican-primary-tim-walz" target="_self">Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth</a> is the winner of Tuesday’s GOP gubernatorial primary, the AP projects.The big picture: Demuth, the highest-ranking Republican in state elected office, defeated rivals backed by President Trump and the state GOP to secure the nomination for the open seat.<ul><li>She&#x27;ll face U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, the Democratic nominee, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on the November ballot." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/klobuchar-minnesota-democratic-primary-governor" data-vars-content-id="ec0f4290-a781-481a-a799-d667dc8ec390" data-vars-headline="Lisa Demuth defeats Mike Lindell to win Minnesota GOP gubernatorial primary " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/klobuchar-minnesota-democratic-primary-governor" target="_self">on the November ballot.</a></li></ul>

Amy Klobuchar wins Minnesota Democratic primary for governor

Klobuchar will face the GOP nominee in November.

Politics & Policy

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/22/amy-klobuchar-minnesota-governor-fundraising-filing" data-vars-content-id="4d069a10-5e78-406f-aed4-3b9da0e32772" data-vars-headline="Amy Klobuchar wins Minnesota Democratic primary for governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/22/amy-klobuchar-minnesota-governor-fundraising-filing" target="_self">U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar</a> sailed to victory in Minnesota&#x27;s Democratic primary for governor on Tuesday. The big picture: Polling indicates that the four-term senator and 2020 presidential candidate will be a formidable contender in Democrats&#x27; bid to hold the open seat this November.

Contested races fuel high turnout in Minnesota's primary elections

Tuesday's races will test the power of party endorsements — and Trump's clout.

Hotly contested races for open seats are driving high turnout in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota&#x27;s midterm primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/10/minnesota-primary-election-hennepin-county-attorney-legislature-auditor-cd2" data-vars-content-id="ceb5a312-d7b5-47cb-95ce-e6c26643d7b7" data-vars-headline="Contested races fuel high turnout in Minnesota&#x27;s primary elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/10/minnesota-primary-election-hennepin-county-attorney-legislature-auditor-cd2" target="_self">Minnesota&#x27;s midterm primary</a>. Why it matters: The outcome of Tuesday&#x27;s elections will shape the high-stakes November matchups — and Minnesota&#x27;s political landscape more broadly.

How to vote early in Minnesota's August primary

Early voting for Minnesota's August primary election starts Friday, June 26.

Early voting for Minnesota&#x27;s August primary election <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="starts Friday, June 26" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote/vote-early-in-person/" data-vars-content-id="d1ddf47d-79f3-4ba7-bd25-dbe57dba73b9" data-vars-headline="How to vote early in Minnesota&#x27;s August primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote/vote-early-in-person/" target="_blank">starts Friday, June 26</a>.Why it matters: The winners of the DFL and GOP contests advance to the November ballot.<ul><li>For races expected to be less competitive in the general election, the primary effectively determines who will fill the seat next year.</li></ul>

Minnesota Democrats look to turn ICE watch volunteers into GOTV force

The DFL says thousands of new activists could help power its midterm ground game.

Minnesota Democrats are trying to turn tens of thousands of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;ICE watch&quot; volunteers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/26/ice-watch-rapid-response-minnesota-network" data-vars-content-id="129c72cf-4bc1-4646-b880-9bc23c06c345" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Democrats look to turn ICE watch volunteers into GOTV force" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/26/ice-watch-rapid-response-minnesota-network" target="_self">&quot;ICE watch&quot; volunteers</a> into a &quot;GOTV army&quot; of door-knockers and &quot;poll protectors&quot; ahead of the midterm elections. Why it matters: Boots on the ground can make a big difference in close campaigns.

Kaohly Her pulls off upset in St. Paul mayor's race

She'll be the first woman and first Hmong American mayor of St. Paul.

State Rep. Kaohly Her pulled off a stunning upset in the St. Paul mayor&#x27;s race, ousting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="her former boss" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/04/st-paul-mayoral-race-kaohly-vang-her-announces-run" data-vars-content-id="30b0753f-851c-4a1b-a3d0-5e13a217f782" data-vars-headline="Kaohly Her pulls off upset in St. Paul mayor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/04/st-paul-mayoral-race-kaohly-vang-her-announces-run" target="_self">her former boss</a> — two-term incumbent Melvin Carter — just three months after launching her challenge.Why it matters: The 52-year-old Her, a Laos-born child of refugees, will be the first woman and first Hmong American to serve as mayor of St. Paul.

A map of Minnesota counties, each labeled with a dot showing the top vote-getter in the Minnesota DFL U.S. Senate primary election. Current Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan won the election on the strength of large vote margins in the Twin Cities metro. U.S. Rep. Angie Craig racked up small wins in rural counties and those that formed the core of her suburban Congressional district south of Minneapolis.

Election 🗳️

Walz moves to ban copper-nickel mining near Boundary Waters

Map: Minnesota primary results by county for Peggy Flanagan, Lisa Demuth

Big takeaways from Minnesota's primary election results

Peggy Flanagan wins Democratic primary for Minnesota's open U.S. Senate seat

Lisa Demuth defeats Mike Lindell to win Minnesota GOP gubernatorial primary