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Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporters Nick Halter, Audrey Kennedy and Torey Van Oot.

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Minneapolis weighs penalty for hotels that housed ICE agents

Two downtown hotels could lose their liquor licenses for possibly housing ICE agents during Operation Metro Surge.

News

The Minneapolis City Council could decide Thursday whether two downtown hotels should lose their liquor licenses for possibly housing ICE agents during <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Operation Metro Surge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/12/trump-ice-metro-surge-ends-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="54e61ac8-1bf8-48ca-998c-5be6e77cca6d" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis weighs penalty for hotels that housed ICE agents" 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">Operation Metro Surge</a>.Why it matters: Hospitality advocates say revocations would send a chilling message to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a hospitality industry facing uncertainty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/04/hotels-suffer-ice-agents-protests-vandalism-events" data-vars-content-id="54e61ac8-1bf8-48ca-998c-5be6e77cca6d" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis weighs penalty for hotels that housed ICE agents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/04/hotels-suffer-ice-agents-protests-vandalism-events" target="_self">a hospitality industry facing uncertainty</a> in the aftermath of the Trump administration&#x27;s deportation blitz.<ul><li>But some hotel employees and union representatives argue federal agents&#x27; presence created safety concerns that justify a city intervention.</li></ul>

Nicollet Avenue bridge over Minnehaha to close for 2 years

The Nicollet Avenue bridge over Minnehaha Creek will close for two years

The heavily used Nicollet Avenue bridge over Minnehaha Creek will close on March 3 for major rehab and won&#x27;t reopen for two years. Why it matters: This <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/nicollet-ave-bridge/" data-vars-content-id="83be5056-132c-4258-a23b-05cf3b99ffdd" data-vars-headline="Nicollet Avenue bridge over Minnehaha to close for 2 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/nicollet-ave-bridge/" target="_blank">project</a> will send the roughly 14,000 vehicles that use the bridge on an average day to nearby streets, and also re-route users of the highly popular Minnehaha Parkway below.

Minnesota's Olympic gold drought ends with thrilling women's hockey win

Minnesotans have several more shots to make the podium before the Games wrap Sunday.

Sports

The Minnesotan-powered <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. women&#x27;s hockey team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/06/minnesota-olympians-womens-hockey-milan" data-vars-content-id="6f9ab92b-7911-4285-aa44-bb55e7b6acec" data-vars-headline="Minnesota&#x27;s Olympic gold drought ends with thrilling women&#x27;s hockey win" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/06/minnesota-olympians-womens-hockey-milan" target="_self">U.S. women&#x27;s hockey team</a> toppled Canada in overtime to win Olympic gold Thursday. Why it matters: The dramatic 2-1 victory is golden redemption for a team of stars — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eight of whom have Minnesota ties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/06/minnesota-olympians-womens-hockey-milan" data-vars-content-id="6f9ab92b-7911-4285-aa44-bb55e7b6acec" data-vars-headline="Minnesota&#x27;s Olympic gold drought ends with thrilling women&#x27;s hockey win" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/06/minnesota-olympians-womens-hockey-milan" target="_self">eight of whom have Minnesota ties</a> — that came up short four years ago.<ul><li>The all-North American final — which ended on a sick dangle by Megan Keller — doubled as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="made-to-order marketing material" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/21/pwhl-olympics-womens-hockey-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="6f9ab92b-7911-4285-aa44-bb55e7b6acec" data-vars-headline="Minnesota&#x27;s Olympic gold drought ends with thrilling women&#x27;s hockey win" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/21/pwhl-olympics-womens-hockey-minnesota" target="_self">made-to-order marketing material</a> for the fledgling Professional Women&#x27;s Hockey League.</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.

Food and Drink

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>

Our favorite Twin Cities restaurants for non-alcoholic beverages

Audrey visited six spots last week in search of the best non-alcoholic beverages in town.

If you&#x27;re still attempting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dry January" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/08/dry-january-twin-cities-restaurant-mocktail-menu-non-alcoholic-beers" data-vars-content-id="2c55b642-d49b-434a-b453-025456149713" data-vars-headline="Our favorite Twin Cities restaurants for non-alcoholic beverages" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/08/dry-january-twin-cities-restaurant-mocktail-menu-non-alcoholic-beers" target="_self">Dry January</a>, I visited six spots last week in search of the best non-alcoholic beverages in the Twin Cities.<ul><li>Here are three places — all with at least five mocktails each — I recommend. </li></ul>

Petite León to close Dec. 31 for new cocktail bar concept

The Kingfield restaurant announced its impending closure this fall.

Fine dining restaurant Petite León is officially shutting down Dec. 31 to transition into Company Bar, a neighborhood cocktail spot with lower prices. Catch up quick: The Kingfield restaurant announced its impending closure this fall — eight months after the departure of its James Beard-nominated chef Jorge Guzmán — in part due to the changing economy.

Restaurant Roundup: Savory Bakehouse moves to St. Paul, Dreamstate Cafe now open

The popular Longfellow bakery had outgrown its 370-square-foot space, owners said.

Savory Bakehouse is moving from Longfellow to St. Paul, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Longfellow Whatever" data-vars-click-url="https://www.longfellowwhatever.com/savory-bakehouse-is-moving-to-st-paul/" data-vars-content-id="9124012b-e638-4682-8905-e7abf011574f" data-vars-headline="Restaurant Roundup: Savory Bakehouse moves to St. Paul, Dreamstate Cafe now open" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.longfellowwhatever.com/savory-bakehouse-is-moving-to-st-paul/" target="_blank">Longfellow Whatever</a>. Owners said they had outgrown the 370-square-foot space, and the new spot near the State Fairgrounds will be quadruple the size.<ul><li>The shop will continue to operate in its current location through the holidays before the move in early 2026.</li></ul>

Lifelong Minnesotan tries lutefisk for the first time

Lutefisk for Minnesotans is a way to celebrate their roots in Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

I&#x27;m a nearly lifelong Minnesotan with a fair amount of Swedish ancestry, but until I walked down the steps of a Lutheran church basement Friday evening, I had never tried lutefisk.Why it matters: Lutefisk for Minnesotans — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="45% of whom have Scandinavian ancestry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/why-do-scandinavians-get-all-the-attention-when-there-are-more-minnesotans-of-german-descent/567108972" data-vars-content-id="c857a82b-7538-4da4-adaf-53b83a9d6382" data-vars-headline="Lifelong Minnesotan tries lutefisk for the first time" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/why-do-scandinavians-get-all-the-attention-when-there-are-more-minnesotans-of-german-descent/567108972" target="_blank">45% of whom have Scandinavian ancestry</a> — is a way to celebrate their roots in Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

Bellecour reopens in North Loop, OG Zaza expands to Grand Ole Creamery

Gavin Kaysen's bakery has returned as an all-day bistro.

After closing this May, Gavin Kaysen&#x27;s bakery <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bellecour" data-vars-click-url="https://bellecourmn.com/" data-vars-content-id="f71b543c-5621-4e06-95cf-7fcda4a5ee9e" data-vars-headline="Bellecour reopens in North Loop, OG Zaza expands to Grand Ole Creamery" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bellecourmn.com/" target="_blank">Bellecour</a> has returned as an all-day bistro in a new North Loop location.What to expect: A casual, counter-service bakery and cafe until 5pm, when the space will transition into a full-service restaurant with French-inspired fare.<ul><li>The bakery and cafe reopens Thursday morning, with dinner service beginning Dec. 6, per a release. Reservations recommended.</li></ul>

Thanksgiving leftover recipes to make your mouth water

The turkey somehow tastes better on Day 2.

Creative <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="home chefs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/01/09/twin-cites-recipes-owamni-young-joni-hmong-kitchen" data-vars-content-id="45219ce9-e9d0-4f94-b330-43e728614589" data-vars-headline="Thanksgiving leftover recipes to make your mouth water" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/01/09/twin-cites-recipes-owamni-young-joni-hmong-kitchen" target="_self">home chefs</a> across the Twin Cities will spend the weekend transforming dry turkey and days-old stuffing into waffles, soups and hashes.Why it matters: For many, Thanksgiving leftovers can be better than the main meal.

U of M getting back into the table grape game

The U hopes one of its new apples or grapes is the next big hit.

The University of Minnesota is releasing a series of three new seedless grape varieties, the first time it has developed grapes for the table — not the bottle — in 45 years.Why it matters: The U&#x27;s fruit breeding program — which created the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blockbuster Honeycrisp" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/17/honeycrisp-cosmo-snapdragon-apple-market" data-vars-content-id="55c4e1a3-a5ae-4e07-ba83-4d91bf639bca" data-vars-headline="U of M getting back into the table grape game" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/17/honeycrisp-cosmo-snapdragon-apple-market" target="_self">blockbuster Honeycrisp</a> — is hoping the grapes, as well as two new apple varieties, are the next hit.

Krispy Kreme opens first Minnesota location in 17 years

The Kaplan family, who were first in line, arrived at noon the day before.

Hundreds of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="doughnut lovers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/05/09/best-donuts-minneapolis-stpaul-2025" data-vars-content-id="1f7e9361-1e0f-4228-bf04-6cf83b695b55" data-vars-headline="Krispy Kreme opens first Minnesota location in 17 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/05/09/best-donuts-minneapolis-stpaul-2025" target="_self">doughnut lovers</a> flocked to Fridley on Wednesday to celebrate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Krispy Kreme" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ9fO-bDZGR/?img_index=1" data-vars-content-id="1f7e9361-1e0f-4228-bf04-6cf83b695b55" data-vars-headline="Krispy Kreme opens first Minnesota location in 17 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ9fO-bDZGR/?img_index=1" target="_blank">Krispy Kreme</a>&#x27;s return to the Twin Cities.<ul><li>By 7am, traffic on nearby roads was backed up and the line for the chain&#x27;s signature warm, glazed treat wrapped around the block.</li></ul>

Food and Drink 🍽

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

10 Minnesota chefs, restaurants named James Beard semifinalists

Our favorite Twin Cities restaurants for non-alcoholic beverages

Petite León to close Dec. 31 for new cocktail bar concept

Restaurant Roundup: Savory Bakehouse moves to St. Paul, Dreamstate Cafe now open