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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.

Mapped: How much Minnesotans spend on health care

The findings show how tough it can be to afford health care, even with insurance.

Health

Health insurance costs ate up almost 9% of the median family income in Minnesota in 2024, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2026/is-employer-coverage-affordable-how-states-stack-up" data-vars-content-id="048e1d66-1dd9-4e59-a4b2-b728a995f7c3" data-vars-headline="Mapped: How much Minnesotans spend on health care" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2026/is-employer-coverage-affordable-how-states-stack-up" target="_blank">analysis</a>.Why it matters: The findings show how tough it can be to afford health care, even with insurance.

Legislative leaders back site visits and AI tools to curb fraud in Minnesota

Fraud in state-managed programs is set to dominate the Capitol and the campaign trail this year.

The Minnesota Legislature&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to-do list for tackling fraud" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" data-vars-content-id="04a750bb-226f-4273-a0bd-2a5e09f46942" data-vars-headline="Legislative leaders back site visits and AI tools to curb fraud in Minnesota" 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">to-do list for tackling fraud</a> could include AI tools, more inspectors and structural changes to social services programs, two top leaders told Axios. Why it matters: Mounting concern — and political pressure — over fraud in state-managed programs is set to dominate the Capitol and the campaign trail this year.<ul><li>Just Thursday, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Walz administration announced" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/43450998.9215/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3RhcnRyaWJ1bmUuY29tL3N0YXRlLWZyZWV6ZXMtZW5yb2xsbWVudC1vZi1uZXctcHJvdmlkZXJzLWluLW1lZGljYWlkLXByb2dyYW1zLWF0LXJpc2stZm9yLWZyYXVkLzYwMTU2MDQ0OT91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX21pbm5lYXBvbGlzJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70Baab94071" data-vars-content-id="04a750bb-226f-4273-a0bd-2a5e09f46942" data-vars-headline="Legislative leaders back site visits and AI tools to curb fraud in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/43450998.9215/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3RhcnRyaWJ1bmUuY29tL3N0YXRlLWZyZWV6ZXMtZW5yb2xsbWVudC1vZi1uZXctcHJvdmlkZXJzLWluLW1lZGljYWlkLXByb2dyYW1zLWF0LXJpc2stZm9yLWZyYXVkLzYwMTU2MDQ0OT91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX21pbm5lYXBvbGlzJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70Baab94071" target="_self">the Walz administration announced</a> that it will freeze new provider enrollments in 13 high-risk Medicaid programs for six months.</li></ul>

Growing GLP‑1 drug costs squeeze Minnesota employers and health plans

The Metropolitan Airports Commission recently moved to cut coverage for weight loss medications, citing cost concerns.

Surging demand for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ozempic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/17/ozempic-wegovy-glp-1-prices" data-vars-content-id="cdafb224-87c2-48ce-bab4-b1429b2f372a" data-vars-headline="Growing GLP‑1 drug costs squeeze Minnesota employers and health plans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/17/ozempic-wegovy-glp-1-prices" target="_self">Ozempic</a> and other GLP-1 drugs is adding up for some Minnesota employers.Why it matters: The popular medications are changing lives and health outcomes for the better.<ul><li>But the high price tag is also driving up health care costs for employers and their workers, prompting some workplaces to scale back coverage.</li></ul>

Downtown Minneapolis' public bathroom problem

For years, downtown boosters have acknowledged a lack of loos makes the area less welcoming.

Downtown Minneapolis has a &quot;leaking&quot; problem: There aren&#x27;t enough good spots to take one.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shortage of public restrooms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/08/10/south-minneapolis-target-closes-bathrooms-citing-health-safety-concerns" data-vars-content-id="f4c8a32a-1861-4841-8d15-33ecb2bec401" data-vars-headline="Downtown Minneapolis&#x27; public bathroom problem" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/08/10/south-minneapolis-target-closes-bathrooms-citing-health-safety-concerns" target="_self">shortage of public restrooms</a> isn&#x27;t only a problem for unsheltered people or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="touring rock stars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/04/11/downtown-minneapolis-public-restrooms-dilemma-flea" data-vars-content-id="f4c8a32a-1861-4841-8d15-33ecb2bec401" data-vars-headline="Downtown Minneapolis&#x27; public bathroom problem" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/04/11/downtown-minneapolis-public-restrooms-dilemma-flea" target="_self">touring rock stars</a>.<ul><li>For <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/project-focuses-on-more-public-restrooms-in-downtown-minneapolis/89-2aeff2aa-921c-499e-9eeb-da4fa3e9c943" data-vars-content-id="f4c8a32a-1861-4841-8d15-33ecb2bec401" data-vars-headline="Downtown Minneapolis&#x27; public bathroom problem" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/project-focuses-on-more-public-restrooms-in-downtown-minneapolis/89-2aeff2aa-921c-499e-9eeb-da4fa3e9c943" target="_blank">years</a>, downtown boosters have acknowledged a lack of loos makes the area less welcoming for a wide range of people — from people with disabilities to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parents with young children" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/10/17/minneapolis-skyway-things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="f4c8a32a-1861-4841-8d15-33ecb2bec401" data-vars-headline="Downtown Minneapolis&#x27; public bathroom problem" 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/minneapolis-skyway-things-to-do" target="_self">parents with young children</a>.</li></ul>

One year on, trial looms in UnitedHealthcare CEO slaying

Thursday marks one year since UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed.

Thursday marks one year since UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shot and killed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/04/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-killed-shot" data-vars-content-id="190c3bde-1f01-4e90-8a3a-87138977163d" data-vars-headline="One year on, trial looms in UnitedHealthcare CEO slaying" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/04/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-killed-shot" target="_self">shot and killed</a> while entering an investor conference in New York City.The big picture: The slaying of the Twin Cities resident on a busy street shocked the country, sparking national conversations about both <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="security for high-profile executives" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/04/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-security" data-vars-content-id="190c3bde-1f01-4e90-8a3a-87138977163d" data-vars-headline="One year on, trial looms in UnitedHealthcare CEO slaying" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/04/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-security" target="_self">security for high-profile executives</a> and the insurance industry more broadly.<ul><li>While many condemned the brazen murder, the killing unleashed a wave of social media-fueled rage against health insurers. </li></ul>

U of M says Fairview deal is "hostile takeover" of med school

Fairview says its proposal would sustain the state's largest trainer of doctors with ongoing funding.

Fairview Health Services would remain a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major funder of the University of Minnesota Medical School" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/01/13/university-of-minnesota-to-seek-control-of-campus-hospitals-as-part-of-fairview-sanford-merger" data-vars-content-id="a3c2cdc1-2cef-41bb-bd56-e6b15f0c3eea" data-vars-headline="U of M says Fairview deal is &quot;hostile takeover&quot; of med school" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/01/13/university-of-minnesota-to-seek-control-of-campus-hospitals-as-part-of-fairview-sanford-merger" target="_self">major funder of the University of Minnesota Medical School</a> under a 10-year deal that the university&#x27;s leaders are decrying as a &quot;hostile takeover.&quot;Why it matters: The proposal Fairview unveiled Wednesday would continue a partnership that has sustained the state&#x27;s largest med school with $100 million in annual funding in recent years.<ul><li>The current partnership expires at the end of 2026, and Attorney General Keith Ellison said the U — which trains 70% of Minnesota&#x27;s doctors — can&#x27;t afford to lose this funding amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal cuts to medical research" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/29/federal-health-science-funding-states-map" data-vars-content-id="a3c2cdc1-2cef-41bb-bd56-e6b15f0c3eea" data-vars-headline="U of M says Fairview deal is &quot;hostile takeover&quot; of med school" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/29/federal-health-science-funding-states-map" target="_self">federal cuts to medical research</a>.</li></ul>

Health insurance rate hikes hit Minnesota as open enrollment begins

Costs could rise even more for some if federal credits expire as planned.

Sticker shock is expected to spread fast this open enrollment season.The big picture: After eating rising costs for everything from eggs to electricity in recent years, many Minnesotans are bracing for another price jump they can&#x27;t avoid: their health insurance rates.

This 3D-printed "human tissue" could sharpen doctors' surgical skills

The Minnesota innovation could transform medical training and innovation.

University of Minnesota researchers are using <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="3D printers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2023/05/02/3d-printing" data-vars-content-id="662b946f-bc45-4061-bf9b-e2f67a0fdad2" data-vars-headline="This 3D-printed &quot;human tissue&quot; could sharpen doctors&#x27; surgical skills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2023/05/02/3d-printing" target="_self">3D printers</a> to produce &quot;realistic human tissue&quot; for use in medical training. Why it matters: Practicing surgical techniques and other procedures on (close to) the real thing could help med students and doctors up their skills —potentially improving patient outcomes.

Medicaid changes look like $160 million and mounds of paperwork

Cash-strapped counties may have to raise property taxes to help cover the costs.

Nearly 300,000 pieces of paper related to applications for Medicaid and other forms of public assistance passed through the government office in rural Stearns County, Minnesota, last year.Why it matters: That figure will grow exponentially once Republicans&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sweeping overhaul" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/07/medicaid-impacts-tax-bill-delayed" data-vars-content-id="0a74305a-b0b9-4b4a-bf88-024622669ff3" data-vars-headline="Medicaid changes look like $160 million and mounds of paperwork" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/07/medicaid-impacts-tax-bill-delayed" target="_self">sweeping overhaul</a> of Medicaid takes effect, Melissa Huberty, administrator of the county&#x27;s human services department, tells Axios.

Why saunas are heating up at Twin Cities fire stations

Research isn't conclusive, but firefighters increasingly swear by their post-fire sauna.

Fighting fire is sweaty work, but Minneapolis firefighters are still cheering the installation of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="saunas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/01/21/sauna-growth-minnesota-entrepreneurs-wellness" data-vars-content-id="84f2ef59-1da0-46c1-a17e-72d386e26082" data-vars-headline="Why saunas are heating up at Twin Cities fire stations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/01/21/sauna-growth-minnesota-entrepreneurs-wellness" target="_self">saunas</a> in five stations this year.Why it matters: Minneapolis&#x27; fire department is the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YD9eIw1-VM" data-vars-content-id="84f2ef59-1da0-46c1-a17e-72d386e26082" data-vars-headline="Why saunas are heating up at Twin Cities fire stations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YD9eIw1-VM" target="_blank">latest</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="install saunas" data-vars-click-url="https://ctif.org/news/us-fire-departments-turning-detox-saunas-fight-cancer-threat-are-they-effective" data-vars-content-id="84f2ef59-1da0-46c1-a17e-72d386e26082" data-vars-headline="Why saunas are heating up at Twin Cities fire stations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ctif.org/news/us-fire-departments-turning-detox-saunas-fight-cancer-threat-are-they-effective" target="_blank">install saunas</a> on the theory they could reduce firefighters&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="alarmingly high cancer risk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mass.gov/info-details/information-and-statistics-about-cancer-in-the-fire-service" data-vars-content-id="84f2ef59-1da0-46c1-a17e-72d386e26082" data-vars-headline="Why saunas are heating up at Twin Cities fire stations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mass.gov/info-details/information-and-statistics-about-cancer-in-the-fire-service" target="_blank">alarmingly high cancer risk</a>.<ul><li>St. Paul already has saunas in all of its stations for a similar reason.</li></ul>

Health 🩺

Mapped: How much Minnesotans spend on health care

MNSure enrollment dips as costs surge statewide

Legislative leaders back site visits and AI tools to curb fraud in Minnesota

Growing GLP‑1 drug costs squeeze Minnesota employers and health plans

Twin Cities hospitals rank top for maternity care