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Metro Transit ridership fell 3% last year

Bus usage was flat while light rail ridership fell steeply

News

Metro Transit finished 2025 with ridership about 3% below the previous year.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" troubling trend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/06/metro-transit-ridership-recovery-was-slow-now-its-in-decline" data-vars-content-id="df299a70-c314-4a5b-bad3-33dfb37ea83d" data-vars-headline="Metro Transit ridership fell 3% last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/06/metro-transit-ridership-recovery-was-slow-now-its-in-decline" target="_self"> troubling trend</a> for an agency that is making big investments in service but is still struggling to gain rider buy-in after years of public safety concerns.<ul><li>It also came at a time when transit ridership nationally was on pace to increase by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly 7% in 2025" data-vars-click-url="https://www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/2025-Q3-Ridership-APTA.pdf" data-vars-content-id="df299a70-c314-4a5b-bad3-33dfb37ea83d" data-vars-headline="Metro Transit ridership fell 3% last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/2025-Q3-Ridership-APTA.pdf" target="_blank">nearly 7% in 2025</a>.</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.

Things to Do

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>

Donor cash that paid immigrants' rent during ICE surge is now slowing

Advocates warn eviction risks could rise if state or local governments don't come through with aid.

Donations are beginning to slow to some of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mutual aid groups" data-vars-click-url="https://www.standwithminnesota.com/" data-vars-content-id="e66bef92-8101-4455-9f0d-c8438ef5f6cb" data-vars-headline="Donor cash that paid immigrants&#x27; rent during ICE surge is now slowing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.standwithminnesota.com/" target="_blank">mutual aid groups</a> that scrambled to provide rent to immigrant families during Operation Metro Surge.Why it matters: Breathtaking sums of donated money prevented thousands of immigrants from falling behind on rent, and may be helping hold back a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wave of eviction filings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/09/ice-eviction-risk-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="e66bef92-8101-4455-9f0d-c8438ef5f6cb" data-vars-headline="Donor cash that paid immigrants&#x27; rent during ICE surge is now slowing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/09/ice-eviction-risk-minnesota" target="_self">wave of eviction filings</a>.<ul><li>Tenant advocates and mutual aid groups say state and local governments must step in to keep that dam from breaking.</li></ul>

Tips for solo dining in the Twin Cities

Food and Drink

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>

Walz's plan to transform human services faces tough sledding at Capitol

The Minnesota governor argues that streamlining and centralizing the process will help address fraud.

A pitch from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Tim Walz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/05/tim-walz-drop-out-minnesota-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="4c808a4b-c698-4e87-8ec4-81a43df67237" data-vars-headline="Walz&#x27;s plan to transform human services faces tough sledding at Capitol" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/05/tim-walz-drop-out-minnesota-governor-race" target="_self">Gov. Tim Walz</a> to dramatically overhaul how Minnesota delivers its human services programs was declared &quot;DOA&quot; by at least one key legislator before the ink even dried. Why it matters: Virtually everyone at the Capitol agrees that Minnesota has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a fraud problem" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" data-vars-content-id="4c808a4b-c698-4e87-8ec4-81a43df67237" data-vars-headline="Walz&#x27;s plan to transform human services faces tough sledding at Capitol" 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">a fraud problem</a>, but they can&#x27;t yet reach a consensus on how to fix it.

Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Tim Walz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/05/tim-walz-drop-out-minnesota-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="0ccd2cf0-d092-46d0-9acc-2277fd337c7f" data-vars-headline="Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/05/tim-walz-drop-out-minnesota-governor-race" target="_self">Gov. Tim Walz</a> returns to the Capitol Hill hot seat this week. What&#x27;s happening: The governor, along with Attorney General Keith Ellison, will testify Wednesday before the House Oversight Committee on fraud and &quot;misuse of federal funds.&quot;The big picture: The hearing is the latest front in an escalating political battle between state and federal officials over whether Minnesota has done enough to stop <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="significant fraud in Medicaid-funded social services programs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" data-vars-content-id="0ccd2cf0-d092-46d0-9acc-2277fd337c7f" data-vars-headline="Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing" 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">significant fraud in Medicaid-funded social services programs</a>. <ul><li>The congressional scrutiny brings even more national attention to an issue expected to dominate Minnesota&#x27;s midterm campaigns. </li></ul>Catch up fast: Fallout over fraud has upended state politics — and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/29/klobuchar-minnesota-governor-walz" data-vars-content-id="0ccd2cf0-d092-46d0-9acc-2277fd337c7f" data-vars-headline="Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/29/klobuchar-minnesota-governor-walz" target="_self">governor&#x27;s race</a>. Billions in federal dollars <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="are in limbo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/20/minnesota-fraud-funding-pause-medicaid-budget" data-vars-content-id="0ccd2cf0-d092-46d0-9acc-2277fd337c7f" data-vars-headline="Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/20/minnesota-fraud-funding-pause-medicaid-budget" target="_self">are in limbo</a> amid a dispute with the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services over the state&#x27;s response. <ul><li>The White House also used the issue as its justification for launching<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" the 10-week immigration crackdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/12/trump-ice-metro-surge-ends-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="0ccd2cf0-d092-46d0-9acc-2277fd337c7f" data-vars-headline="Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing" 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"> the 10-week immigration crackdown</a> that roiled the Twin Cities.</li></ul>Threat level: While the committee&#x27;s power to act on its findings is limited, Walz and Ellison will both testify under oath. <ul><li>That means they&#x27;re legally bound to tell the truth — intentional false statements could carry legal consequences — and answers could be used in future probes conducted by the Department of Justice. </li></ul>What to expect: Fireworks, in the form of probing questions and political theater. These hearings are often designed to produce made-for-social-media exchanges, with members teeing up pointed queries meant to amplify their side&#x27;s view.<ul><li>Walz will defend the steps his administration has taken to address the issue and push back against what he&#x27;s called a campaign of &quot;political retribution&quot; by the White House.</li></ul>Between the lines: Representatives sometimes use the appearances to grill testifiers on unrelated topics.<ul><li>At last June&#x27;s oversight hearing on immigration policy, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) asked Walz if he was &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="still friends with school shooters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/nancy-mace-blasts-tim-walz-fails-define-woman" data-vars-content-id="0ccd2cf0-d092-46d0-9acc-2277fd337c7f" data-vars-headline="Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/nancy-mace-blasts-tim-walz-fails-define-woman" target="_blank">still friends with school shooters</a>&quot; — a reference to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a 2024 debate gaffe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wired.com/story/vp-debate-tim-walz-friends-school-shooters/" data-vars-content-id="0ccd2cf0-d092-46d0-9acc-2277fd337c7f" data-vars-headline="Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wired.com/story/vp-debate-tim-walz-friends-school-shooters/" target="_blank">a 2024 debate gaffe</a> — and &quot;What is a woman?&quot;</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;Americans deserve answers about the rampant misuse of taxpayer dollars... that occurred on [Walz&#x27;s and Ellison&#x27;s] watch,&quot; House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) said in a statement.<ul><li>The goals, he said, are to ensure &quot;transparency and accountability&quot; and &quot;advance solutions to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse and impose stronger penalties on those who defraud taxpayers.&quot;</li><li>State Republicans say the hearings will provide needed scrutiny after years of lackluster oversight. </li></ul>The other side: &quot;The governor takes Congress seriously, and his hope is that Congress will take Congress seriously,&quot; Walz spokesperson Teddy Tschann told Axios. <ul><li>Ellison spokesman Brian Evans said the attorney general will &quot;discuss his strong record of prosecuting people who steal from Medicaid&quot; and &quot;make the case that turning fraud into a partisan political issue will do nothing to actually help protect Minnesotans&#x27; tax dollars.&quot; </li></ul>The intrigue: Walz&#x27;s office <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spent over $400,000 on lawyers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/07/09/gov-tim-walz-defends-430000-ask-for-legal-counsel-used-to-prep-for-congressional-hearing" data-vars-content-id="0ccd2cf0-d092-46d0-9acc-2277fd337c7f" data-vars-headline="Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/07/09/gov-tim-walz-defends-430000-ask-for-legal-counsel-used-to-prep-for-congressional-hearing" target="_blank">spent over $400,000 on lawyers</a> to prepare him for last summer&#x27;s immigration hearing.<ul><li>The administration hired the same firm ahead of this appearance, but a cost estimate was not immediately available. </li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: Wednesday&#x27;s meeting — the second of two hearings on the topic— won&#x27;t be the last time Minnesota&#x27;s fraud issue lands in the national spotlight.<ul><li>Trump <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recently tasked Vice President JD Vance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/jd-vance/vance-trump-war-fraud-suspending-medicaid-payments-minnesota-rcna260655" data-vars-content-id="0ccd2cf0-d092-46d0-9acc-2277fd337c7f" data-vars-headline="Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/jd-vance/vance-trump-war-fraud-suspending-medicaid-payments-minnesota-rcna260655" target="_blank">recently tasked Vice President JD Vance</a> with leading a &quot;war on fraud,&quot; suggesting the issue could have legs beyond Minnesota.</li></ul>Tune in: The hearing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="streams online" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b87f2TLR3m0" data-vars-content-id="0ccd2cf0-d092-46d0-9acc-2277fd337c7f" data-vars-headline="Fraud in the spotlight as Walz, Ellison head to Washington for oversight hearing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b87f2TLR3m0" target="_blank">streams online</a> starting at 8am CT.

Sports betting comes to Minnesota via prediction markets

Some Minnesota lawmakers want to regulate or ban prediction markets.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-running debate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/09/experts-warn-minnesota-perils-sporting-gambling" data-vars-content-id="d8f33bf2-608f-462f-9f8e-82ca804597e6" data-vars-headline="Sports betting comes to Minnesota via prediction markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/09/experts-warn-minnesota-perils-sporting-gambling" target="_self">long-running debate</a> at the Minnesota Capitol over sports gambling is moot for now: Prediction markets essentially allow gamblers to wager on anything they could with a sportsbook — and more.Why it matters: Opponents say prediction markets operate like the wild west — and the state of Minnesota, Indian tribes and casinos don&#x27;t get a cut of their revenue, as they would from sportsbooks.

Lawmakers weigh delay of in-state testing for THC seltzers

The lower-potency THC products will still need to be cleared by accredited labs elsewhere.

Minnesota lawmakers are weighing a one-year delay of in-state testing requirements for the low-dose <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="THC seltzers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/10/17/thc-beverages-coffee-soda-seltzers" data-vars-content-id="ae702abe-83a2-4f57-b33a-fec8c5b4d655" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers weigh delay of in-state testing for THC seltzers" 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/thc-beverages-coffee-soda-seltzers" target="_self">THC seltzers</a> and gummies that have flooded breweries and liquor stores. Why it matters: The move could <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="alleviate a backlog at state labs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/testing-backlog-is-latest-bottleneck-for-minnesotas-recreational-marijuana-market/601583708" data-vars-content-id="ae702abe-83a2-4f57-b33a-fec8c5b4d655" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers weigh delay of in-state testing for THC seltzers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/testing-backlog-is-latest-bottleneck-for-minnesotas-recreational-marijuana-market/601583708" target="_blank">alleviate a backlog at state labs</a> and offer some immediate relief to an industry that&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="facing existential threats" 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="ae702abe-83a2-4f57-b33a-fec8c5b4d655" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers weigh delay of in-state testing for THC seltzers" 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">facing existential threats</a> due to competition from the new adult-use cannabis market and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="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="ae702abe-83a2-4f57-b33a-fec8c5b4d655" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers weigh delay of in-state testing for THC seltzers" 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">looming federal ban.</a>

What to expect from Minnesota's legislative session

Closely divided chambers and election-year politics could fuel fireworks.

Lawmakers return to the Minnesota <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State Capitol" data-vars-click-url="http://axios.com/twin-cities/politics" data-vars-content-id="8c74b6e1-a474-45fa-9dcb-fd8b7c5865ef" data-vars-headline="What to expect from Minnesota&#x27;s legislative session" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://axios.com/twin-cities/politics" target="_self">State Capitol</a> on Tuesday with emotions high and expectations low.The big picture: Bipartisan compromise is tougher in an election year.<ul><li>The extremely narrow divide under the dome, soaring tensions over the immigration crackdown and other federal policies, and political ambitions of prominent legislators could make this 13-week sprint even more fraught than usual. </li></ul>

Minnesota lawmakers gear up for ICE policy clash

The ICE surge in Minnesota <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="may be ending" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/12/trump-ice-metro-surge-ends-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="d19542d0-dc8c-42d0-8c30-affe10acd605" data-vars-headline="Minnesota lawmakers gear up for ICE policy clash" 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">may be ending</a>, but the political fight over Trump&#x27;s 10-week immigration operation is just heating up. State of play: Lawmakers at the divided Legislature have teed up a range of bills on the topic ahead of this year&#x27;s session, which starts Tuesday.

ICE surge in Minnesota is over, border czar Homan says

Border czar Tom Homan said Thursday that a significant drawdown of agents is underway.

Politics & Policy

The Trump administration will end its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration crackdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/28/homan-meets-walz-frey-immigration" data-vars-content-id="ff685b2f-fc9e-409c-b17f-e83c299a63a0" data-vars-headline="ICE surge in Minnesota is over, border czar Homan says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/28/homan-meets-walz-frey-immigration" target="_self">immigration crackdown</a> in the Twin Cities, White House border czar Tom Homan announced Thursday. Why it matters: The 10-week surge roiled Minnesota, left two U.S. citizens dead and proved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="politically toxic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/12/trump-polling-approval-biden-democrats" data-vars-content-id="ff685b2f-fc9e-409c-b17f-e83c299a63a0" data-vars-headline="ICE surge in Minnesota is over, border czar Homan says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/12/trump-polling-approval-biden-democrats" target="_self">politically toxic</a> for the White House.

ICE surge gives Minnesota businesses COVID flashbacks

Some businesses face conditions "as bad, if not worse" than COVID — but dim prospects for COVID-style aid.

Ingrid Christensen runs an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigrant-powered business" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/12/16/ice-immigrant-business-minneapolis-metro-surge" data-vars-content-id="fa83011a-78b6-4847-89b8-4a12fe447eed" data-vars-headline="ICE surge gives Minnesota businesses COVID flashbacks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/12/16/ice-immigrant-business-minneapolis-metro-surge" target="_self">immigrant-powered business</a> in the Twin Cities. The last two months have felt like reliving the COVID crisis, she told Axios.Why it matters: The Trump administration&#x27;s immigration enforcement blitz has blown a hole in the Twin Cities&#x27; economy, costing businesses an estimated $100 million <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in Minneapolis alone" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2026/02/09/minneapolis-recovery-operation-metro-surge.html" data-vars-content-id="fa83011a-78b6-4847-89b8-4a12fe447eed" data-vars-headline="ICE surge gives Minnesota businesses COVID flashbacks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2026/02/09/minneapolis-recovery-operation-metro-surge.html" target="_blank">in Minneapolis alone</a>.

School leaders warn of funding impacts of ICE-related absences

Students who miss 15 days of class in a row are disenrolled.

Some Twin Cities school leaders are warning that the Trump administration&#x27;s ongoing immigration crackdown could strain district finances.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Absences have soared" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/15/minnesota-school-attendance-absenteeism-ice-surge" data-vars-content-id="3b7bad7b-1e8d-464d-b1e2-24e27c91cf36" data-vars-headline="School leaders warn of funding impacts of ICE-related absences" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/15/minnesota-school-attendance-absenteeism-ice-surge" target="_self">Absences have soared</a> in some metro districts, as students from some immigrant communities stay home amid ICE activity outside schools and bus stops.<ul><li>School leaders have for weeks raised alarms about the devastating effects on students&#x27; learning, mental health and safety.</li></ul>

Scott Jensen drops GOP bid for governor to run for auditor

Scott Jensen, a doctor and former state senator, says he'll run for auditor instead.

GOP gubernatorial candidate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Scott Jensen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/07/24/scott-jensen-minnesota-gop-endorsement-abortion-guns" data-vars-content-id="484bd371-45a2-4245-b1a8-255697cff76c" data-vars-headline="Scott Jensen drops GOP bid for governor to run for 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/2023/07/24/scott-jensen-minnesota-gop-endorsement-abortion-guns" target="_self">Scott Jensen</a> is pivoting to the state auditor&#x27;s race. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the latest winnowing of a crowded field in the wake of last week&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="straw poll" data-vars-click-url="https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/02/03/demuth-leads-in-minnesota-gop-gubernatorial-straw-polls-on-precinct-caucus-night/" data-vars-content-id="484bd371-45a2-4245-b1a8-255697cff76c" data-vars-headline="Scott Jensen drops GOP bid for governor to run for auditor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/02/03/demuth-leads-in-minnesota-gop-gubernatorial-straw-polls-on-precinct-caucus-night/" target="_blank">straw poll</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fundraising reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/03/minnesota-dfl-walz-campaign-account-party-spending-limits" data-vars-content-id="484bd371-45a2-4245-b1a8-255697cff76c" data-vars-headline="Scott Jensen drops GOP bid for governor to run for 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/2026/02/03/minnesota-dfl-walz-campaign-account-party-spending-limits" target="_self">fundraising reports</a>. <ul><li>Both benchmarks showed House Speaker Lisa Demuth and 2022 candidate Kendall Qualls leading the pack. </li></ul>

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