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Under-the-radar races to watch in Minnesota's primaries

It's not just governor and U.S. Senate on the ballots.

News

Competitive primaries for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Senate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/27/angie-craig-dfl-endorsement-peggy-flanagan-primary-senate" data-vars-content-id="2bb3a4c0-a3cc-477f-bfad-477979809bff" data-vars-headline="Under-the-radar races to watch in Minnesota&#x27;s primaries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/27/angie-craig-dfl-endorsement-peggy-flanagan-primary-senate" target="_self">U.S. Senate</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/06/01/minnesota-gop-endorsement-kendall-qualls-adam-schwarze-primary" data-vars-content-id="2bb3a4c0-a3cc-477f-bfad-477979809bff" data-vars-headline="Under-the-radar races to watch in Minnesota&#x27;s primaries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/06/01/minnesota-gop-endorsement-kendall-qualls-adam-schwarze-primary" target="_self">governor</a> have dominated the headlines and airwaves in the leadup to Minnesota&#x27;s Aug. 11 primaries.<ul><li>But voters across the state will weigh in on a slew of other consequential races Tuesday. </li></ul>

Twin Cities weekend guide: Banana Ball slides into Target Field

Plus: A food truck festival and free music.

Things to Do

&quot;Banana Ball&quot; boogies onto Target Field this weekend, as the Savannah Bananas and Loco Beach Coconuts face off in front of local fans.Why it matters: Have you seen the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="viral clips" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=395u3VzEFl4" data-vars-content-id="f9284ba9-3719-46fb-b6e2-25573287aab6" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Banana Ball slides into Target Field" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=395u3VzEFl4" target="_blank">viral clips</a>? These guys are so fun.

High blood pressure during pregnancy is rising in Minnesota

Rates rose within every age and BMI group studied,

Rates of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high blood pressure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/14/hypertension-stress-high-blood-pressure-mind-body-wellness-pandemic" data-vars-content-id="8f00c498-f79c-4fe6-a875-64e6c376befd" data-vars-headline="High blood pressure during pregnancy is rising in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/14/hypertension-stress-high-blood-pressure-mind-body-wellness-pandemic" target="_self">high blood pressure</a> during pregnancy have soared in Minnesota and across the country, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new CDC data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr75/nvsr75-04.pdf" data-vars-content-id="8f00c498-f79c-4fe6-a875-64e6c376befd" data-vars-headline="High blood pressure during pregnancy is rising in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr75/nvsr75-04.pdf" target="_blank">new CDC data</a>.Why it matters: High blood pressure is associated with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="serious complications" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/about/high-blood-pressure-during-pregnancy.html" data-vars-content-id="8f00c498-f79c-4fe6-a875-64e6c376befd" data-vars-headline="High blood pressure during pregnancy is rising in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/about/high-blood-pressure-during-pregnancy.html" target="_blank">serious complications</a> for mom and baby.

Contested races fuel high turnout in Minnesota's primary elections

Tuesday's races will test the power of party endorsements — and Trump's clout.

Hotly contested races for open seats are driving high turnout in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota&#x27;s midterm primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/10/minnesota-primary-election-hennepin-county-attorney-legislature-auditor-cd2" data-vars-content-id="ceb5a312-d7b5-47cb-95ce-e6c26643d7b7" data-vars-headline="Contested races fuel high turnout in Minnesota&#x27;s primary elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/10/minnesota-primary-election-hennepin-county-attorney-legislature-auditor-cd2" target="_self">Minnesota&#x27;s midterm primary</a>. Why it matters: The outcome of Tuesday&#x27;s elections will shape the high-stakes November matchups — and Minnesota&#x27;s political landscape more broadly.

Bemidji's Paul Bunyan & Babe are Minnesota's best roadside attraction: Axios readers

They've inspired a state full of competition — but Minnesotans still love the state's original quirky photo op best.

Axios Twin Cities readers have spoken: Bemidji&#x27;s Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox sculptures are Minnesota&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="best roadside attractions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-1f730980-878c-11f1-94c9-0b3b68a5d6b2.html?chunk=5&amp;utm_term=emshare#story5" data-vars-content-id="b79503bf-b53f-4d4c-8da5-580c8a7bc8f8" data-vars-headline="Bemidji&#x27;s Paul Bunyan &amp; Babe are Minnesota&#x27;s best roadside attraction: Axios readers" 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-1f730980-878c-11f1-94c9-0b3b68a5d6b2.html?chunk=5&amp;utm_term=emshare#story5" target="_self">best roadside attractions</a>, according to our weeklong survey.The big picture: Paul &amp; Babe have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="inspired" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mnhs.org/mnopedia/search/index/thing/paul-bunyan-and-babe-blue-ox-statues-bemidji" data-vars-content-id="b79503bf-b53f-4d4c-8da5-580c8a7bc8f8" data-vars-headline="Bemidji&#x27;s Paul Bunyan &amp; Babe are Minnesota&#x27;s best roadside attraction: Axios readers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mnhs.org/mnopedia/search/index/thing/paul-bunyan-and-babe-blue-ox-statues-bemidji" target="_blank">inspired</a> a state full of competing quirky landmarks, but Minnesotans still love the state&#x27;s original wayside photo op best.<ul><li>Of the semifinalists in our bracket, only one, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Ulm&#x27;s Hermann The German" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/18/hermann-the-german-new-ulm" data-vars-content-id="b79503bf-b53f-4d4c-8da5-580c8a7bc8f8" data-vars-headline="Bemidji&#x27;s Paul Bunyan &amp; Babe are Minnesota&#x27;s best roadside attraction: Axios readers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/18/hermann-the-german-new-ulm" target="_self">New Ulm&#x27;s Hermann The German</a>, predates Paul &amp; Babe.</li></ul>

MSP fares creep higher as Delta's competition retreats

Aer Lingus pulling out and Sun Country pulling back are a double-whammy for budget travelers.

Sun Country&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cutting back" data-vars-click-url="https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/general/allegiant-cuts-hundreds-of-sun-country-flights-at-msp/ar-AA288AWF" data-vars-content-id="864a9239-1e35-444f-acee-93d13635691d" data-vars-headline="MSP fares creep higher as Delta&#x27;s competition retreats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/general/allegiant-cuts-hundreds-of-sun-country-flights-at-msp/ar-AA288AWF" target="_blank">cutting back</a>. Aer Lingus is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leaving" data-vars-click-url="https://thriftytraveler.com/news/airlines/aer-lingus-cuts-flights-2026/" data-vars-content-id="864a9239-1e35-444f-acee-93d13635691d" data-vars-headline="MSP fares creep higher as Delta&#x27;s competition retreats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thriftytraveler.com/news/airlines/aer-lingus-cuts-flights-2026/" target="_blank">leaving</a>. The hits just keep coming for budget-conscious MSP Airport travelers, who were already facing rising prices, according to an Axios review of airfare data.Why it matters: Less competition among airlines often means higher ticket prices, and last week&#x27;s announcements will mean fewer constraints on Delta <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="at an airport it already dominates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/12/12/msp-delta-hub-airfares-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="864a9239-1e35-444f-acee-93d13635691d" data-vars-headline="MSP fares creep higher as Delta&#x27;s competition retreats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/12/12/msp-delta-hub-airfares-minneapolis" target="_self">at an airport it already dominates</a>.

July 4 becomes Minnesota's DWI hotspot

Minnesota's totals for stops and crashes hit a decade-long high last year.

Move over New Year&#x27;s and St. Patrick&#x27;s Day.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fourth of July weekend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/03/july-4-safety-tips-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="d1f63a01-dcb0-41ac-a7e0-a804f70d8c7e" data-vars-headline="July 4 becomes Minnesota&#x27;s DWI hotspot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/03/july-4-safety-tips-minneapolis" target="_self">Fourth of July weekend</a> has become an increasingly important holiday for keeping drunk drivers off Minnesota&#x27;s roads, an Axios analysis of state data shows.</li></ul>

Where Minnesotans want to spend their summer, according to our poll

As a staycation destination, one corner of Minnesota reigns … Superior.

Travel

As a staycation destination, one corner of Minnesota reigns — shall we say — Superior.

MSP Airport gets a premium lounge for gamers

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MSP Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/26/msp-airport-concourse-g-best-wing-vote-travelers-food-sky-club" data-vars-content-id="1319dcb6-0726-4eef-9f75-8f15be3e3a42" data-vars-headline="MSP Airport gets a premium lounge for gamers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/26/msp-airport-concourse-g-best-wing-vote-travelers-food-sky-club" target="_self">MSP Airport</a> is leveling up with a &quot;first-of-its-kind&quot; premium lounge dedicated to gaming. What to expect: The 3,800-square-foot Portal Lounge boasts over a dozen stations with Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation consoles and custom-built gaming PCs.<ul><li>Travelers can also pass the time with a snack or drink in an adjoining room that features more typical tables and bar seats.</li></ul>

Allegiant closes on Sun Country acquisition

Many Sun Country employees are uneasy about their jobs

Sun Country Airlines officially became a subsidiary of Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air Wednesday after the companies closed their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1.5 billion merger" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/13/what-sun-country-sale-allegiant-means-for-msp-travelers" data-vars-content-id="ee571c43-bf75-4224-b866-b6dde3de85fa" data-vars-headline="Allegiant closes on Sun Country acquisition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/13/what-sun-country-sale-allegiant-means-for-msp-travelers" target="_self">$1.5 billion merger</a>. Why it matters: This acquisition is going to mean big changes for many of the airline&#x27;s 3,300 employees, and it will also spell the end of the Sun Country brand — eventually.

Delta raises fees to $45 for first checked bag as fuel prices soar

The new prices take effect for flights booked April 8 or later.

Economy

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Delta Air Lines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/12/12/msp-delta-hub-airfares-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="493e6939-ab9c-455e-811a-62e2bc1d72a1" data-vars-headline="Delta raises fees to $45 for first checked bag as fuel prices soar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/12/12/msp-delta-hub-airfares-minneapolis" target="_self">Delta Air Lines</a> announced Tuesday that it is raising its checked bag fees by $10.The big picture: It&#x27;s the third major carrier to hike fees for flyers as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fuel costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/13/iran-war-strait-of-hormuz-flights" data-vars-content-id="493e6939-ab9c-455e-811a-62e2bc1d72a1" data-vars-headline="Delta raises fees to $45 for first checked bag as fuel prices soar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/13/iran-war-strait-of-hormuz-flights" target="_self">fuel costs</a> soar amid the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iran war" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/iran-war-us-tehran-ceasefire-talks" data-vars-content-id="493e6939-ab9c-455e-811a-62e2bc1d72a1" data-vars-headline="Delta raises fees to $45 for first checked bag as fuel prices soar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/iran-war-us-tehran-ceasefire-talks" target="_self">Iran war</a>.<ul><li>Jet fuel prices have risen by nearly 88% in major U.S. cities since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in late February, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per CNBC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/07/delta-checked-bag-fees.html" data-vars-content-id="493e6939-ab9c-455e-811a-62e2bc1d72a1" data-vars-headline="Delta raises fees to $45 for first checked bag as fuel prices soar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/07/delta-checked-bag-fees.html" target="_blank">per CNBC</a>.</li></ul>

Concourse G takes the crown as MSP Airport's best wing

At <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MSP Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/02/08/twin-cities-airport-minneapolis-st-paul-msp-travel-guide" data-vars-content-id="dfbd1000-4094-4188-93d1-b9853c4686df" data-vars-headline="Concourse G takes the crown as MSP Airport&#x27;s best wing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/02/08/twin-cities-airport-minneapolis-st-paul-msp-travel-guide" target="_self">MSP Airport</a>, Concourse G is the place to be.State of play: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recently renovated wing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mspairport.com/concourse-g-improvements" data-vars-content-id="dfbd1000-4094-4188-93d1-b9853c4686df" data-vars-headline="Concourse G takes the crown as MSP Airport&#x27;s best wing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mspairport.com/concourse-g-improvements" target="_blank">recently renovated wing</a> won our poll seeking to name the airport&#x27;s best concourse in a landslide, gobbling up over 40% of the vote.<ul><li>Concourses C (18%) and F (15%) rounded out the top three. </li></ul>

Gas prices rise in Minnesota as oil spikes after Iran strikes

Prices at the pump are now over $3 a gallon.

Gasoline prices are jumping as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="oil prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/03/oil-prices-iran-trump-rubio-mitigate-costs" data-vars-content-id="e1607373-f6d5-4452-b8e0-54b35ce3d893" data-vars-headline="Gas prices rise in Minnesota as oil spikes after Iran strikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/03/oil-prices-iran-trump-rubio-mitigate-costs" target="_self">oil prices</a> spike following the U.S. and Israel <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="strikes on Iran" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/02/3-us-fighter-jets-friendly-fire-kuwait" data-vars-content-id="e1607373-f6d5-4452-b8e0-54b35ce3d893" data-vars-headline="Gas prices rise in Minnesota as oil spikes after Iran strikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/02/3-us-fighter-jets-friendly-fire-kuwait" target="_self">strikes on Iran</a>, reflecting market fears of extended geopolitical upheaval.Why it matters: Americans use about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="370 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=23&amp;t=10" data-vars-content-id="e1607373-f6d5-4452-b8e0-54b35ce3d893" data-vars-headline="Gas prices rise in Minnesota as oil spikes after Iran strikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=23&amp;t=10" target="_blank">370 million</a> gallons of gas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=pet&amp;s=mgfupus2&amp;f=m" data-vars-content-id="e1607373-f6d5-4452-b8e0-54b35ce3d893" data-vars-headline="Gas prices rise in Minnesota as oil spikes after Iran strikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=pet&amp;s=mgfupus2&amp;f=m" target="_blank">per day</a>, so price increases have an immediate effect on their pocketbook and mood about the economy.

What Sun Country sale means for MSP travelers

Sun Country says the deal will be good for Minneapolis travelers, but time will tell.

Business

Sun Country is saying all the right things about what a sale to Allegiant would mean for the Twin Cities, but time will tell if this is good for the local economy. Catch up quick: Sun Country and Las Vegas-based Allegiant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced the acquisition" data-vars-click-url="https://ir.suncountry.com/news-releases/news-release-details/allegiant-and-sun-country-airlines-combine-creating-leading-more" data-vars-content-id="2284a76f-74a2-46bb-a3f9-2dff15a218d5" data-vars-headline="What Sun Country sale means for MSP travelers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ir.suncountry.com/news-releases/news-release-details/allegiant-and-sun-country-airlines-combine-creating-leading-more" target="_blank">announced the acquisition</a> Sunday in a deal that values the hometown airline at $1.5 billion.

A map of the state of Minnesota shaded into seven regions, labeled with results of a reader survey. The northeastern Minnesota region, including Duluth, the Boundary Waters and North Shore, is the most popular with 70.4% of reader votes. The other regions are: the Twin Cities metro; southwest MN; southeast MN; a swath of south-central Minnesota including St. Cloud and Twin Cities exurbs, including Lake Minnetonka; and north-central Minnesota, including the Brainerd Lakes Area and Hinckley; northwestern MN — which is the second most popular region with 12% of reader votes. The rest of the regions were chosen with single-digit shares of reader votes.