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"Mastermind" of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case

"Mastermind" of largest COVID fraud  scheme gets 41 years

Prosecutors say Aimee Bock was at the center of a scheme to steal over $240 million from a federal program.

Politics & Policy

A judge has ordered the Minnesota &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mastermind" data-vars-click-url="https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/federal-jury-finds-feeding-our-future-mastermind-and-co-defendant-guilty-250-million" data-vars-content-id="12cfb3bf-ee7e-4db1-b635-cfde9213cf92" data-vars-headline="&quot;Mastermind&quot; of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/federal-jury-finds-feeding-our-future-mastermind-and-co-defendant-guilty-250-million" target="_blank">mastermind</a>&quot; in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nation&#x27;s largest pandemic fraud case" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/09/21/feeding-our-future-indictment-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="12cfb3bf-ee7e-4db1-b635-cfde9213cf92" data-vars-headline="&quot;Mastermind&quot; of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/09/21/feeding-our-future-indictment-minnesota" target="_self">nation&#x27;s largest pandemic fraud case</a> to serve 41.5 years in prison — the harshest sentence to date in connection with the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme.Why it matters: Prosecutors say former Feeding Our Future executive director <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Aimee Bock" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/21/aimee-bock-sentencing-feeding-our-future-pandemic-child-meals-fraud-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="12cfb3bf-ee7e-4db1-b635-cfde9213cf92" data-vars-headline="&quot;Mastermind&quot; of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/21/aimee-bock-sentencing-feeding-our-future-pandemic-child-meals-fraud-minnesota" target="_self">Aimee Bock</a> was at the center of a scheme to steal more than $240 million from a federally funded child meals program during the pandemic. <ul><li>The case sparked intense scrutiny of the Walz administration&#x27;s oversight of state-run programs and fueled broader <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concerns about fraud under his watch." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" data-vars-content-id="12cfb3bf-ee7e-4db1-b635-cfde9213cf92" data-vars-headline="&quot;Mastermind&quot; of Minnesota child meal fraud gets nearly 42 years in Feeding Our Future case" 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">concerns about fraud under his watch.</a></li></ul>

In Minnesota's express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses

The growing violation rate denies the system toll revenues it needs to pay for itself.

Transit

MnDOT&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="E-ZPass system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/03/25/mn-ez-pass-scam-text-warning" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/03/25/mn-ez-pass-scam-text-warning" target="_self">E-ZPass system</a> has a scofflaw problem. Nearly half of the vehicles use the express tolling lanes without permission, according to the latest quarterly report.Why it matters: Aside from being unfair, the rising violation rate threatens to undermine the main goal of E-ZPass — managing congestion — while denying the system the toll revenues it needs to pay for itself.Stunning stats: MnDOT estimated that 29% of vehicles using the lanes had neither a passenger nor an E-ZPass tag in FY2024, according to the annual report for that year.<ul><li>But <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more recent field observations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28096401-minnesota-department-of-transportation-mndot-2025-q4-e-zpass-report/" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28096401-minnesota-department-of-transportation-mndot-2025-q4-e-zpass-report/" target="_blank">more recent field observations</a> suggest that vehicle &quot;violation rates&quot; have crept up across the system. On I-35W in the south metro, they&#x27;re now pushing past 50%.</li></ul><div><figure><div id="av-hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-LO9HZ" style="max-width:100%" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="axios-visual" data-vars-asset-id="av-hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-LO9HZ" data-vars-iframe-src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles/index.html" class="gtmView"><img alt="A bar chart that shows quarterly E-ZPass lane violation rates by corridor for October to December 2025. Rates range from 32.3% on I-394 from Minneapolis to Wayzata to 52.6% on I-35W from Minneapolis to Burnsville. I-35E posts 45.7%, and I-35W from Roseville to Blaine reaches 44.1%." class="axios-visual-newsletter-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles/fallbacks/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-fallback.png" width="1200" height="788"/><img alt="A bar chart that shows quarterly E-ZPass lane violation rates by corridor for October to December 2025. Rates range from 32.3% on I-394 from Minneapolis to Wayzata to 52.6% on I-35W from Minneapolis to Burnsville. I-35E posts 45.7%, and I-35W from Roseville to Blaine reaches 44.1%." class="axios-visual-apple-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles/fallbacks/2026-05-06-2301-share-of-vehicles-apple.png" width="750" height="740"/></div><figcaption>Data: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MnDOT" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dot.state.mn.us/freeway-operations/reports.html" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dot.state.mn.us/freeway-operations/reports.html" target="_blank">MnDOT</a>; Note: Totals from all observation points along each corridor during tolled morning and afternoon commute periods; Chart: Kyle Stokes/Axios</figcaption></figure></div>Between the lines: The toll lanes&#x27; primary goal isn&#x27;t to make money; it&#x27;s to improve traffic flow during peak times — just like a ramp meter, according to MnDOT spokesperson Anne Meyer.<ul><li>Even with high violation rates, E-ZPass lanes maintain higher traffic speeds than general lanes and reduce trip times by as much as 10 minutes during peak times, according to the latest annual report.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: A February <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://mdl.mndot.gov/items/2026cav02" data-vars-content-id="28673455-3aef-46a8-a71e-a77c54027b48" data-vars-headline="In Minnesota&#x27;s express toll lanes, scofflaws nearly outnumber E-ZPasses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mdl.mndot.gov/items/2026cav02" target="_blank">report</a> from consulting firm AECOM detailed how MnDOT could use more automated tools — such as license plate readers and passenger-detecting cameras — to reduce E-ZPass violation rates.<ul><li>The report noted that the rollout would be costly — and could face legal hurdles and objections on privacy and civil liberties grounds.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Axios readers come clean on E-ZPass</h2>Axios reader Steven learned his lesson in 2016.<ul><li>While commuting into downtown Minneapolis, he occasionally merged into the E-ZPass lane to cut through the congestion.</li></ul>Finally, a state trooper pulled Steven over and asked why he had no pass. <ul><li>&quot;I matter of factly replied, &#x27;I didn&#x27;t think I would get caught,&#x27;&quot; he told us in an email. &quot;The officer stifled a big laugh.&quot;</li></ul>The big picture: The Minnesota State Patrol dedicates teams of troopers to E-ZPass enforcement.<ul><li>In 2024, those patrols pulled over nearly 6,000 vehicles, and cited or warned about half of those drivers for tolling violations, Meyer said.</li></ul>&quot;E-ZPass lane enforcement is no joke along 394,&quot; wrote reader Kyle F., who says it&#x27;s typical to see two or three people each week pulled over in the E-ZPass lane.Reality check: Most scofflaws aren&#x27;t caught. In 2024, an estimated 11,000 violators used the lanes every day,<ul><li>&quot;There doesn&#x27;t seem to be any penalties for not being a paid user,&quot; wrote Marg P., who uses an E-ZPass to shorten her drive time to Lino Lakes.</li></ul>Follow the money: Violators are dodging tolls that can jump as high as $8 per trip. (The average is about $1.14.)<ul><li>&quot;It can be expensive on high congestion days,&quot; Teri I. said, &quot;so it sucks getting charged for that convenience and others are jumping in hoping to not get caught.&quot;</li></ul>Yes, but: Law-abiding E-ZPass users still praise their passes.<ul><li>&quot;Just eases the travel issues significantly!&quot; Rick said, adding that the modest cost is worth it &quot;to gain the ease of driving in that lane when traffic sucks!&quot;</li></ul>

"Zoë Bakes" star lists Minneapolis home with TV-ready kitchen

François' chef's kitchen served as the backdrop for her HBO Max show "Zoë Bakes."

Real Estate

Want to be the star of your own cooking show? This historic Minneapolis home has the kitchen for you.Driving the news: Twin Cities baker, cookbook author and television host <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zoë François" data-vars-click-url="https://mspmag.com/shop-and-style/zoe-francois-rise/" data-vars-content-id="b53c4956-f651-4ac1-9a0f-6ad5b20afb81" data-vars-headline="&quot;Zoë Bakes&quot; star lists Minneapolis home with TV-ready kitchen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mspmag.com/shop-and-style/zoe-francois-rise/" target="_blank">Zoë François</a> just put her home on the market — and you may recognize that chef&#x27;s kitchen as the backdrop of her HBO Max show &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zoë Bakes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/zoe-bakes/85d7df13-47b2-4d07-a5b4-35674ffd86ef" data-vars-content-id="b53c4956-f651-4ac1-9a0f-6ad5b20afb81" data-vars-headline="&quot;Zoë Bakes&quot; star lists Minneapolis home with TV-ready kitchen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/zoe-bakes/85d7df13-47b2-4d07-a5b4-35674ffd86ef" target="_blank">Zoë Bakes</a>.&quot;

Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park

One focus of the company's new "Epic Lab" is improving its network of 2,000 stores that double as shipping hubs.

Business

In the big retail <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/amazon-delivery-speed-war-walmart-target" data-vars-content-id="4ddb0f50-daf9-43c4-ae9d-6de74fe51e9e" data-vars-headline="Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/amazon-delivery-speed-war-walmart-target" target="_self">race</a> to be fast and efficient, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Target" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/22/target-shopping-delivery-sortation-centers" data-vars-content-id="4ddb0f50-daf9-43c4-ae9d-6de74fe51e9e" data-vars-headline="Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/22/target-shopping-delivery-sortation-centers" target="_self">Target</a> this month finished building out an innovation lab in Brooklyn Park, where it can test out new ideas. Why it matters: One focus of the company&#x27;s new &quot;Epic Lab&quot; is improving its network of 2,000 stores that double as shipping hubs.

Lynx enter 2026 season with a depleted roster

The Lynx are down six of their top eight scorers from last season.

News

When the Lynx take the Target Center floor for their season opener Saturday night, they&#x27;ll be without six of their top eight players from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/09/15/lynx-s-wnba-title-journey-won-t-be-easy" data-vars-content-id="e171b4be-ded0-4345-85f5-5b0eecee44d4" data-vars-headline="Lynx enter 2026 season with a depleted roster" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/09/15/lynx-s-wnba-title-journey-won-t-be-easy" target="_self">last year</a>. Why it matters: No WNBA team had a tougher offseason than the Lynx, which suffered a heartbreaking playoff loss last fall and then saw their roster raided by an expansion draft and free agency.

Kelly Pannek headlines Frost's quest for a Walter Cup three-peat

If it's possible for a three-time U.S. Olympian to have a "breakout season," the Frost forward is having one.

Sports

If it&#x27;s possible for a three-time U.S. Olympian to have a &quot;breakout season&quot; playing professional hockey, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kelly Pannek" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/06/minnesota-olympians-womens-hockey-milan" data-vars-content-id="bd25f1e0-134a-463f-93f9-a1097c60292e" data-vars-headline="Kelly Pannek headlines Frost&#x27;s quest for a Walter Cup three-peat" 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">Kelly Pannek</a> is having one.Why it matters: The Plymouth native&#x27;s prolific offensive year for the Minnesota Frost is a big reason her team has the juice to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="three-peat as Walter Cup champions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/05/27/minnesota-frost-pwhl-championship-repeat" data-vars-content-id="bd25f1e0-134a-463f-93f9-a1097c60292e" data-vars-headline="Kelly Pannek headlines Frost&#x27;s quest for a Walter Cup three-peat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/05/27/minnesota-frost-pwhl-championship-repeat" target="_self">three-peat as Walter Cup champions</a> in the PWHL playoffs that begin Saturday.

Scoop: Mayor Frey wants Wolves arena at City Center site

The mayor is pushing a Nicollet Mall NBA arena, but it's not clear if the Wolves are on board

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is pushing the City Center complex as a potential site for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Timberwolves/Lynx arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/07/timberwolves-lynx-new-owners-arena-location-options" data-vars-content-id="8f5f02b7-c1f2-4a6a-94cf-b9a49373280d" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Mayor Frey wants Wolves arena at City Center site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/07/timberwolves-lynx-new-owners-arena-location-options" target="_self">new Timberwolves/Lynx arena</a>, according to multiple sources familiar with the talks. Why it matters: The idea — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first floated by Axios" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/02/23/build-wolves-arena-city-center-minneapolis-downtown" data-vars-content-id="8f5f02b7-c1f2-4a6a-94cf-b9a49373280d" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Mayor Frey wants Wolves arena at City Center site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/02/23/build-wolves-arena-city-center-minneapolis-downtown" target="_self">first floated by Axios</a> — would mean demolishing one of the city&#x27;s tallest towers and bringing an NBA arena onto the struggling Nicollet Mall.

Vikings on the clock: Will their pick come from Oregon?

Dillon Thieneman and Kenyon Sadiq are popular picks in mock drafts

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vikings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/12/vikings-sign-kyler-murray" data-vars-content-id="ab6bf7ea-6841-4bda-9513-044d4fe83b17" data-vars-headline="Vikings on the clock: Will their pick come from Oregon?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/12/vikings-sign-kyler-murray" target="_self">Vikings</a> hold the 18th pick in Thursday night&#x27;s NFL Draft and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vikings.com/news/2026-nfl-mock-draft-predictions-prospects-version-7" data-vars-content-id="ab6bf7ea-6841-4bda-9513-044d4fe83b17" data-vars-headline="Vikings on the clock: Will their pick come from Oregon?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vikings.com/news/2026-nfl-mock-draft-predictions-prospects-version-7" target="_blank">most</a> of the pundits think they&#x27;ll select Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman. Why it matters: Only one other NFL team has a worse draft record than the Vikings since 2022, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ESPN&#x27;s Kevin Seifert." data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47780122/nfl-minnesota-vikings-gm-kwesi-adofo-mensah-fired-kevin-oconnell-jj-mccarthy" data-vars-content-id="ab6bf7ea-6841-4bda-9513-044d4fe83b17" data-vars-headline="Vikings on the clock: Will their pick come from Oregon?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47780122/nfl-minnesota-vikings-gm-kwesi-adofo-mensah-fired-kevin-oconnell-jj-mccarthy" target="_blank">ESPN&#x27;s Kevin Seifert.</a> That&#x27;s a big reason why the team fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in January.

Round 3 in the Rocky Mountain rivalry

This marks the third postseason matchup between Denver and Minnesota since 2023.

The Timberwolves&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="quest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/22/wolves-continuity-prediction-season-preview" data-vars-content-id="c84dffd1-bd26-40ad-b3e1-2a97e6fe9d6f" data-vars-headline="Round 3 in the Rocky Mountain rivalry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/22/wolves-continuity-prediction-season-preview" target="_self">quest</a> for a third straight trip to the Western Conference Finals — and maybe more — begins Saturday against a familiar foe. Why it matters: This is a pivotal postseason for the Wolves. If they bow out early, it could prompt a shakeup of the roster and put head coach Chris Finch&#x27;s job in jeopardy. <ul><li>But if they make another deep run, it could help boost public sentiment as the team <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seeks subsidies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/21/wolves-raising-season-ticket-prices" data-vars-content-id="c84dffd1-bd26-40ad-b3e1-2a97e6fe9d6f" data-vars-headline="Round 3 in the Rocky Mountain rivalry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/21/wolves-raising-season-ticket-prices" target="_self">seeks subsidies</a> for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/07/timberwolves-lynx-new-owners-arena-location-options" data-vars-content-id="c84dffd1-bd26-40ad-b3e1-2a97e6fe9d6f" data-vars-headline="Round 3 in the Rocky Mountain rivalry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/07/timberwolves-lynx-new-owners-arena-location-options" target="_self">new arena</a>. </li></ul>

First round Wild-Dallas series could be a conference final

We're about to find out — as the Wild have insisted — whether this team's the Wild have insisted "Stanley Cup window is now."

Yes, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="it&#x27;s absurd" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/20/wild-stars-game-preview-playoff-format" data-vars-content-id="94c123e6-72b1-4bab-b491-5b0d6d586fc0" data-vars-headline="First round Wild-Dallas series could be a conference final" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/20/wild-stars-game-preview-playoff-format" target="_self">it&#x27;s absurd</a> for the NHL to pit the Wild against the Dallas Stars — by far the No. 2 and 3 teams in their conference — in a first-round playoff series.Why it matters: After <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nine straight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/09/wild-season-preview-2025-2026" data-vars-content-id="94c123e6-72b1-4bab-b491-5b0d6d586fc0" data-vars-headline="First round Wild-Dallas series could be a conference final" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/09/wild-season-preview-2025-2026" target="_self">nine straight</a> playoff series losses, the Wild deserve better odds at getting a huge monkey off their backs.Reality check: Round Two is no longer this team&#x27;s goal. Since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trading for Quinn Hughes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-92733640-d6c9-11f0-b149-139d470d522e.html?chunk=7&amp;utm_term=emshare#story7" data-vars-content-id="94c123e6-72b1-4bab-b491-5b0d6d586fc0" data-vars-headline="First round Wild-Dallas series could be a conference final" 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-92733640-d6c9-11f0-b149-139d470d522e.html?chunk=7&amp;utm_term=emshare#story7" target="_self">trading for Quinn Hughes</a>, the Wild have insisted their &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stanley Cup window is now" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1428216152091648" data-vars-content-id="94c123e6-72b1-4bab-b491-5b0d6d586fc0" data-vars-headline="First round Wild-Dallas series could be a conference final" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1428216152091648" target="_blank">Stanley Cup window is now</a>&quot; — and any path to the trophy probably goes through Dallas and/or Colorado.<ul><li>We&#x27;re about to find out exactly how well this team measures up against the league&#x27;s best.</li></ul>The big picture: On paper, this series is a toss-up between two heavyweights.<ul><li>The Wild&#x27;s star power — Hughes, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kirill Kaprizov" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/09/30/kirill-kaprizov-re-signs-wild-nhl-hockey" data-vars-content-id="94c123e6-72b1-4bab-b491-5b0d6d586fc0" data-vars-headline="First round Wild-Dallas series could be a conference final" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/09/30/kirill-kaprizov-re-signs-wild-nhl-hockey" target="_self">Kirill Kaprizov</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Matt Boldy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/04/03/minnesota-wild-hockey-nhl-matt-boldy-kirill-kaprizov" data-vars-content-id="94c123e6-72b1-4bab-b491-5b0d6d586fc0" data-vars-headline="First round Wild-Dallas series could be a conference final" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/04/03/minnesota-wild-hockey-nhl-matt-boldy-kirill-kaprizov" target="_self">Matt Boldy</a> — is matched by Dallas&#x27; Miro Heiskanen, Mikko Rantanen and the red-hot Jason Robertson.</li></ul>The intrigue: Wild GM Bill Guerin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="left Robertson off the U.S. Olympic roster" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nhl.com/news/jason-robertson-talks-about-being-left-off-united-states-olympics-roster" data-vars-content-id="94c123e6-72b1-4bab-b491-5b0d6d586fc0" data-vars-headline="First round Wild-Dallas series could be a conference final" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nhl.com/news/jason-robertson-talks-about-being-left-off-united-states-olympics-roster" target="_blank">left Robertson off the U.S. Olympic roster</a>. He has a goal in four of his last five appearances against Minnesota.Reasons for optimism: This is a much deeper Wild team than last year, and not only because of the Hughes deal.<ul><li>The addition of Vladimir Tarasenko&#x27;s 23 goals to the third line makes the team overall much trickier to defend.</li></ul>Reasons for anxiety: The Wild face a dilemma in goal. In the season&#x27;s final games, rookie Jesper Wallstedt shined, and veteran Filip Gustavsson looked wobbly — but Wallstedt lacks playoff experience, or a start against Dallas this year.<ul><li>A mismanaged goalie rotation — and the mind games they can play with netminders — can sink a playoff series.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: Whether Dallas&#x27; injured top center, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Roope Hintz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/48497346/dallas-stars-roope-hintz-miss-start-playoffs-injury-setback-miro-heiskanen-expected-back" data-vars-content-id="94c123e6-72b1-4bab-b491-5b0d6d586fc0" data-vars-headline="First round Wild-Dallas series could be a conference final" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/48497346/dallas-stars-roope-hintz-miss-start-playoffs-injury-setback-miro-heiskanen-expected-back" target="_blank">Roope Hintz</a>, is able to play.What&#x27;s next: Game 1 in Dallas starts at 4:30pm Saturday on ESPN or FanDuel Sports Network.Bottom line: Strap in for what should be the NHL&#x27;s most compelling first-round series this year.

NHL players are blocking more shots. These students want to help.

Blocked-shot injuries are a growing problem for the NHL — a serious financial and competitive risk.

Twelve University of St. Thomas engineering students spent their spring break working with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota Wild" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/09/wild-season-preview-2025-2026" data-vars-content-id="815459f6-8136-4dcd-9210-2d58891ad9d0" data-vars-headline="NHL players are blocking more shots. These students want to help." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/09/wild-season-preview-2025-2026" target="_self">Minnesota Wild</a> to prototype more protective hockey gear.Why it matters: These Minnesota students are helping to solve a growing problem for the NHL: blocked-shot <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="injuries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/04/10/wild-kaprizov-eriksson-ek-return-playoff-push" data-vars-content-id="815459f6-8136-4dcd-9210-2d58891ad9d0" data-vars-headline="NHL players are blocking more shots. These students want to help." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/04/10/wild-kaprizov-eriksson-ek-return-playoff-push" target="_self">injuries</a>, which pose serious financial and competitive risks.

Twins 2026 preview: At least there are $2 beers

The season doesn't look promising, but at least there are $2 beers.

The announcement that Target Field will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sell $2 pre-game beers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/03/twins-should-offer-cheap-beer-to-bring-fans-back" data-vars-content-id="0290e0fa-8966-4c46-816e-5863c2ba9479" data-vars-headline="Twins 2026 preview: At least there are $2 beers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/03/twins-should-offer-cheap-beer-to-bring-fans-back" target="_self">sell $2 pre-game beers</a> generated more buzz than any other Twins move this offseason.Why it matters: When cheap beers are the biggest offseason draw, it underscores how much fan interest has spiraled in recent years.

Minnesota making big push for 2028 NFL Draft

The draft would take place in downtown Minneapolis.

Minnesota leaders submitted a bid to host the 2028 NFL Draft in downtown Minneapolis. Why it matters: The three-day event in late April is a spectacle, with an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="estimated 600,000 people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44875626/attendance-green-bay-nfl-draft-hits-600000" data-vars-content-id="fdbf4d0e-e400-4fa4-a497-82b623a36b58" data-vars-headline="Minnesota making big push for 2028 NFL Draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44875626/attendance-green-bay-nfl-draft-hits-600000" target="_blank">estimated 600,000 people</a> attending last year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="draft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/04/24/vikings-nfl-draft-2025-picks-preview" data-vars-content-id="fdbf4d0e-e400-4fa4-a497-82b623a36b58" data-vars-headline="Minnesota making big push for 2028 NFL Draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/04/24/vikings-nfl-draft-2025-picks-preview" target="_self">draft</a> in Green Bay.

Saturday's Wild-Dallas game is a playoff preview

Wild GM Bill Guerin is not a fan of the playoff format and his team is likely to face Dallas in the first round.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Wild" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/23/quinn-hughes-minnesota-wild-trade-deadline" data-vars-content-id="191efec1-c38a-42b5-8715-ac1bd3c19111" data-vars-headline="Saturday&#x27;s Wild-Dallas game is a playoff preview" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/23/quinn-hughes-minnesota-wild-trade-deadline" target="_self">The Wild</a> will try to break a four-game home <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="losing streak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/takeaways-minus-injured-kirill-kaprizov-wild-take-a-rare-2-1-loss-to-blackhawks/601588412" data-vars-content-id="191efec1-c38a-42b5-8715-ac1bd3c19111" data-vars-headline="Saturday&#x27;s Wild-Dallas game is a playoff preview" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/takeaways-minus-injured-kirill-kaprizov-wild-take-a-rare-2-1-loss-to-blackhawks/601588412" target="_blank">losing streak</a> tomorrow when they host their likely first-round playoff opponents: the Dallas Stars.Why it matters: On the ice, it&#x27;s a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="litmus test" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/09/wild-season-preview-2025-2026" data-vars-content-id="191efec1-c38a-42b5-8715-ac1bd3c19111" data-vars-headline="Saturday&#x27;s Wild-Dallas game is a playoff preview" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/09/wild-season-preview-2025-2026" target="_self">litmus test</a> for both teams.

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