Twin Cities

Picture of the Twin Cities skyline with MSP written across it.

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Twin Cities with Nick Halter, Torey Van Oot, and Kyle Stokes.

Axios Twin Cities

Standard

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

Axios Twin Cities Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Twin Cities Alerts

Alert

Axios Twin Cities Deep Dive

Deep Dive

Twin Cities Members

Membership

A guide to fun things to do in Twin Cities this weekend.

Axios Twin Cities Weekender

Weekender

Axios Twin Cities Partners

Map: These Minneapolis traffic lights carry hidden danger for cyclists

Without no-right-on-red rules, there's greater danger of cars hitting a cyclist traveling in an unexpected direction.

News

Most of the time in Minneapolis, it&#x27;s legal for a motorist to turn right across a two-way bike path, even when the traffic light is red, newly-released city data shows.Why it matters: These intersections &quot;are where right turn on red is most dangerous for cyclists,&quot; said Soren Stevenson, who was one of three City Council Members to request the report.<ul><li>This is because cars often hit a cyclist traveling in a direction they&#x27;re not expecting, even if the cyclist has the right-of-way.</li></ul>

Where Minnesota's top governor candidates stand on DFL trifecta laws

Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth say they're open to tweaks to some policies.

Tweaks to laws passed during the DFL trifecta could be on the table next year — regardless of who wins Minnesota&#x27;s governor&#x27;s race.Why it matters: Changes to the policies enacted in 2023 and 2024, when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democrats had full control" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/05/22/minnesota-legislaure-2023-session-what-passed-budget-taxes" data-vars-content-id="6754d765-b928-47de-b318-073c17a3942f" data-vars-headline="Where Minnesota&#x27;s top governor candidates stand on DFL trifecta laws" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/05/22/minnesota-legislaure-2023-session-what-passed-budget-taxes" target="_self">Democrats had full control</a> of state government, could directly impact benefits and bottom lines for families and businesses statewide.

Former Minneapolis Chamber CEO to be sentenced

Weinhagen is accused of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars while running the chamber

Jonathan Weinhagen, who pleaded guilty to embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="while CEO" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/06/27/jonathan-weinhagen-minneapolis-chamber-resigns" data-vars-content-id="646d052d-8238-4eb8-a257-cd37f5454265" data-vars-headline="Former Minneapolis Chamber CEO to be sentenced" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/06/27/jonathan-weinhagen-minneapolis-chamber-resigns" target="_self">while CEO</a> of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber, will be sentenced on Jan. 7, according to federal court filings.

Restaurant Roundup: Cultured Crust moves into Good Times Pizza

Tony Cu, known for reviewing food in his car, is headed to a brick and mortar kitchen.

Food and Drink

Fan favorite popup <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sushi by Baaska" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/sushibybaaska/" data-vars-content-id="a152f3fe-1e95-4e73-ad3f-5cfef3b39543" data-vars-headline="Restaurant Roundup: Cultured Crust moves into Good Times Pizza" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/sushibybaaska/" target="_blank">Sushi by Baaska</a> is opening a standalone restaurant in Minneapolis&#x27; Mill District soon, the Minnesota Star Tribune <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/sushi-by-baaska-reservations-menu-minneapolis-address/601901162" data-vars-content-id="a152f3fe-1e95-4e73-ad3f-5cfef3b39543" data-vars-headline="Restaurant Roundup: Cultured Crust moves into Good Times Pizza" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/sushi-by-baaska-reservations-menu-minneapolis-address/601901162" target="_blank">reports</a>.<ul><li>Expect an omakase counter, à la carte dining area and a private dining space inspired by Japanese basement bar dens.</li></ul>

Meet the candidates vying for St. Paul's open Ramsey County Commission seat

Ramsey County commissioners often serve long tenures — making Rafael Ortega's retirement from the District 5 seat he's held since 1994 a rare opportunity.

Voters in parts of St. Paul will do something on Election Day that they haven&#x27;t done in 30 years: choose a new Ramsey County commissioner.Why it matters: County governments often fly under the radar, but in Minnesota they wield massive power over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="social safety net programs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/19/property-tax-increases-minnesota-minneapolis-metro" data-vars-content-id="e4806b3f-ddb6-4b01-a0bc-e96608b421a0" data-vars-headline="Meet the candidates vying for St. Paul&#x27;s open Ramsey County Commission 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/2025/11/19/property-tax-increases-minnesota-minneapolis-metro" target="_self">social safety net programs</a> — everything from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homelessness response" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/03/mayor-kaohly-her-homelessness-controversy-harassment-allegation" data-vars-content-id="e4806b3f-ddb6-4b01-a0bc-e96608b421a0" data-vars-headline="Meet the candidates vying for St. Paul&#x27;s open Ramsey County Commission 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/2026/08/03/mayor-kaohly-her-homelessness-controversy-harassment-allegation" target="_self">homelessness response</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="food benefits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.minnpost.com/metro/2023/04/in-hennepin-county-has-a-new-application-process-made-it-harder-to-access-social-safety-net-programs/" data-vars-content-id="e4806b3f-ddb6-4b01-a0bc-e96608b421a0" data-vars-headline="Meet the candidates vying for St. Paul&#x27;s open Ramsey County Commission seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.minnpost.com/metro/2023/04/in-hennepin-county-has-a-new-application-process-made-it-harder-to-access-social-safety-net-programs/" target="_blank">food benefits</a>. They also oversee a huge portfolio of infrastructure, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/09/10/downtown-st-paul-transit-lines-streetcar-rapid-bus" data-vars-content-id="e4806b3f-ddb6-4b01-a0bc-e96608b421a0" data-vars-headline="Meet the candidates vying for St. Paul&#x27;s open Ramsey County Commission 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/2024/09/10/downtown-st-paul-transit-lines-streetcar-rapid-bus" target="_self">transit</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public safety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/30/minnesota-jails-ice-immigration-detainers" data-vars-content-id="e4806b3f-ddb6-4b01-a0bc-e96608b421a0" data-vars-headline="Meet the candidates vying for St. Paul&#x27;s open Ramsey County Commission 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/2026/01/30/minnesota-jails-ice-immigration-detainers" target="_self">public safety</a> and housing programs.

Minnesota 2026 election guide: Attorney general, secretary of state and auditor 

Three statewide contests could shape how Minnesota handles elections, fraud and public spending.

All of Minnesota&#x27;s constitutional offices are on the ballot next Tuesday.Why it matters: While the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Senate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/10/16/minnesota-senate-debate-2026-watch-listen-time" data-vars-content-id="c22f1d1d-ecef-4ec0-8198-2b926e5963ff" data-vars-headline="Minnesota 2026 election guide: Attorney general, secretary of state and auditor " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/10/16/minnesota-senate-debate-2026-watch-listen-time" target="_self">U.S. Senate</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="governor&#x27;s races" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/10/23/minnesota-governor-election-2026-dfl-trifecta-laws-klobuchar-demuth" data-vars-content-id="c22f1d1d-ecef-4ec0-8198-2b926e5963ff" data-vars-headline="Minnesota 2026 election guide: Attorney general, secretary of state and auditor " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/10/23/minnesota-governor-election-2026-dfl-trifecta-laws-klobuchar-demuth" target="_self">governor&#x27;s races</a> have sucked up most of the oxygen, the outcome of other statewide contests could also have major impacts on Minnesotans&#x27; lives.

Minneapolis weighs dissolving public safety office

A series of worrisome audits and blown budgets has raised questions about the Office of Community Safety's oversight capacity.

The Minneapolis City Council has advanced a proposal to dissolve the Office of Community Safety (OCS).Why it matters: A series of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="worrisome audits" data-vars-click-url="https://kstp.com/tracking-your-tax-dollars/minneapolis-audit-finds-gaps-in-behavioral-crisis-response-program-oversight/" data-vars-content-id="7c42d4cd-7055-40f1-9c49-68ffc487fb90" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis weighs dissolving public safety office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kstp.com/tracking-your-tax-dollars/minneapolis-audit-finds-gaps-in-behavioral-crisis-response-program-oversight/" target="_blank">worrisome audits</a> and blown budgets has raised questions about OCS&#x27; ability to coordinate Minneapolis&#x27; police and fire departments with the city&#x27;s many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="experiments with unarmed public safety workers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/07/02/minneapolis-police-union-contract-mpd-reforms#:~:text=What%20remains%20from,public%20safety%20programs." data-vars-content-id="7c42d4cd-7055-40f1-9c49-68ffc487fb90" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis weighs dissolving public safety office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/07/02/minneapolis-police-union-contract-mpd-reforms#:~:text=What%20remains%20from,public%20safety%20programs." target="_self">experiments with unarmed public safety workers</a>.

Hennepin County prosecutor candidates debate Moriarty's legacy

Neither Cedrick Frazier nor Anders Folk want to be the next Moriarty. That doesn't mean she hasn't left her mark on the office.

Neither candidate in the Hennepin County Attorney&#x27;s race wants to be the next <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mary Moriarty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/03/18/governor-walz-moriarty-trooper-murder-case-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="16d2f911-99be-4da6-8d99-265d657dd8fd" data-vars-headline="Hennepin County prosecutor candidates debate Moriarty&#x27;s legacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/03/18/governor-walz-moriarty-trooper-murder-case-minneapolis" target="_self">Mary Moriarty</a> — but each would carry forward parts of her approach if elected, interviews with Axios reveal.The big picture: When she took office in 2023, Moriarty&#x27;s less punitive, data-driven approach seemed exactly what the county wanted as it re-examined its justice system post-George Floyd.

Top Minnesota governor candidates say they're open to arena subsidies

Minnesota's next governor could face big funding requests from the Timberwolves, Wild and Vikings.

Minnesota&#x27;s top gubernatorial candidates aren&#x27;t closing the door on offering public subsidies for pro sports stadium projects. Why it matters: The issue could become a major flashpoint in the next four years as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Timberwolves/Lynx" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/09/22/new-wolves-ownership-still-wants-downtown-arena" data-vars-content-id="1bd4440d-3835-4310-a9ff-acdfbc1d4051" data-vars-headline="Top Minnesota governor candidates say they&#x27;re open to arena subsidies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/09/22/new-wolves-ownership-still-wants-downtown-arena" target="_self">Timberwolves/Lynx</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wild " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/10/02/minnesota-wild-arena-xcel-renovations-budget-state-funding" data-vars-content-id="1bd4440d-3835-4310-a9ff-acdfbc1d4051" data-vars-headline="Top Minnesota governor candidates say they&#x27;re open to arena subsidies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/10/02/minnesota-wild-arena-xcel-renovations-budget-state-funding" target="_self">Wild </a>and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vikings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/09/18/us-bank-stadium-10-years-vikings-minneapois" data-vars-content-id="1bd4440d-3835-4310-a9ff-acdfbc1d4051" data-vars-headline="Top Minnesota governor candidates say they&#x27;re open to arena subsidies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/09/18/us-bank-stadium-10-years-vikings-minneapois" target="_self">Vikings</a> are all seeking state funds to build new facilities or make improvements to existing ones.

U.S. Senate showdown: Minnesota rivals to face off in sole debate

Recent polls show a close contest between Democrat Peggy Flanagan and Republican Michele Tafoya.

Minnesota U.S. Senate candidates <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="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="fa3337fb-7b59-48cd-ab9c-088a6c62ea10" data-vars-headline="U.S. Senate showdown: Minnesota rivals to face off in sole debate" 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">Peggy Flanagan</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michele Tafoya" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/michele-tafoya-republican-senate-primary-minnesota-results" data-vars-content-id="fa3337fb-7b59-48cd-ab9c-088a6c62ea10" data-vars-headline="U.S. Senate showdown: Minnesota rivals to face off in sole debate" 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/michele-tafoya-republican-senate-primary-minnesota-results" target="_self">Michele Tafoya</a> face off in a debate hosted by MPR News Friday.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the only confirmed chance for voters to hear — and see — the rivals go head-to-head on the issues before the Nov. 3 midterm election.

How Minnesota could spend its $200 million Meta settlement

A landmark Meta settlement could fund youth mental health programs, but lawmakers must act first.

Politics

The hundreds of millions of dollars <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Meta agreed to pay Minnesota" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/26/meta-lawsuit-settlement-states-facebook" data-vars-content-id="8d311648-0858-4cd1-b4c0-c5e2cfe23807" data-vars-headline="How Minnesota could spend its $200 million Meta settlement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/26/meta-lawsuit-settlement-states-facebook" target="_self">Meta agreed to pay Minnesota</a> as part of a landmark social media safety settlement has started flowing into state coffers.Why it matters: The cash could make a big difference in kids&#x27; lives — if lawmakers can agree on how to spend it.

Trail mix: Major police group silent so far on Minnesota's governor's race

The group has backed both Amy Klobuchar and Lisa Demuth before, but won't discuss its 2026 plans.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MPPOA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mppoa.com/" data-vars-content-id="9daff670-e778-4d04-9240-f042ab9a790a" data-vars-headline="Trail mix: Major police group silent so far on Minnesota&#x27;s governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mppoa.com/" target="_blank">MPPOA</a> is so far staying mum on Minnesota&#x27;s race for governor. Why it matters: An endorsement from the influential statewide law enforcement association could carry weight with voters as top candidates pivot to public safety pitches in response to a string of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high-profile incidents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kare11.com/article/news/politics/high-profile-violence-twin-cities-elevates-public-safety-top-issue-governors-race/89-9b2e3b5f-cafc-4e64-9a75-efbb60cd6a39" data-vars-content-id="9daff670-e778-4d04-9240-f042ab9a790a" data-vars-headline="Trail mix: Major police group silent so far on Minnesota&#x27;s governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kare11.com/article/news/politics/high-profile-violence-twin-cities-elevates-public-safety-top-issue-governors-race/89-9b2e3b5f-cafc-4e64-9a75-efbb60cd6a39" target="_blank">high-profile incidents</a>.

Map: Explore Minneapolis' school closure plans

Axios' interactive map visualizes why the district pegged certain schools for closure — and why that plan is drawing pushback.

Minneapolis school board members will consider Tuesday whether to pause a controversial plan to close or merge at least 14 schools next year.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="After years of cutbacks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/09/15/minneapolis-options-school-closures" data-vars-content-id="1e6506f5-54a3-4c48-abca-0c3ddef244d3" data-vars-headline="Map: Explore Minneapolis&#x27; school closure plans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/09/15/minneapolis-options-school-closures" target="_self">After years of cutbacks</a>, Minneapolis Public Schools officials say they need to consolidate resources on fewer campuses to build attractive programs and replenish the district&#x27;s enrollment pipeline.<ul><li>But many critics argue the closures would do the opposite: destabilize the district and send more parents <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fleeing for charter schools or other districts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/05/29/twin-cities-open-enrollment-school-shift" data-vars-content-id="1e6506f5-54a3-4c48-abca-0c3ddef244d3" data-vars-headline="Map: Explore Minneapolis&#x27; school closure plans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/05/29/twin-cities-open-enrollment-school-shift" target="_self">fleeing for charter schools or other districts</a>.</li></ul>

A map of Ramsey County Commission District 5, which covers the St. Paul neighborhoods of the West Side, Highland Park, Macalester-Groveland, West Seventh/Fort Road, Downtown St. Paul, Dayton's Bluff and Pig's Eye Island.

Politics 🇺🇸

Meet the candidates vying for St. Paul's open Ramsey County Commission seat

Minnesota 2026 election guide: Attorney general, secretary of state and auditor

Minneapolis weighs dissolving public safety office

Where Minnesota's top governor candidates stand on DFL trifecta laws

Hennepin County prosecutor candidates debate Moriarty's legacy