A Democratic state senator from a Twin Cities suburb is facing calls to resign after prosecutors accused her of breaking into her stepmother's home to retrieve ashes and other items she said belonged to her late father.Catch up quick: Sen. Nicole Mitchell (DFL-Woodbury) was arrested on Monday following an early morning call to police reporting a break-in at a Detroit Lakes home.On Tuesday, the Becker County Attorney's Office charged her with first-degree burglary, a charge that Mitchell denies. The felony carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The criminal complaint stated the senator told officers her...

Gymnastics star and St. Paul native Suni Lee says says she's both excited — and nervous — for Minneapolis to host the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team trials this summer. What they're saying: "I can't wait to compete in my hometown," Lee told reporters last week. "I'm excited to have my family there, my friends there. A lot of people are flying in to see it."Yes, but: Lee hasn't competed in all-around competition yet this year after a kidney ailment threatened to end her gymnastics career.Lee hasn't disclosed what the disease is but says it's now in "remission," and that she hopes to qualify for the U.S. championships as well.Zoom out: Amid this comeback bid, having the team trials in Minnesota adds "a lot more pressure," Lee said."I'll be walking the streets," she said, "and people are like, 'Oh my god, see you at trials!'""I'm like, 'Yeah, hopefully, if I make it there!' So it's really nerve-wracking."What's next: The U.S. Olympic Team gymnastics trials are set for June 27-30 at Target Center.

Before boarding the 21-minute MSP to Eau Claire flight, I asked the pilot if that day's 16 passengers on an 186-seat plane was normal.He half-grinned and said, "This is full for us."Why it matters: Despite its short time frame, passengers, airport officials, and Sun Country executives told me the federal grant that brought the low-cost carrier to Chippewa Valley Regional Airport 16 months ago has been a big win for the community 90 miles east of Minneapolis.The big picture: The U.S. DOT subsidizes carriers through its Essential Air Service (EAS) program at what would be money-losing cities to better serve...

One of two leading Republicans running in Minnesota's most competitive congressional district now says he'll stay in the race — regardless of whether he wins the state party's endorsement next weekend.Why it matters: The reversal by former federal prosecutor Joe Teirab increases the likelihood that the GOP's pick to challenge DFL U.S. Rep. Angie Craig will be decided in an August primary. The move will prolong a potentially costly intraparty battle in a district Republicans are hoping to flip this November. State of play: Teirab and attorney Tayler Rahm are locked in a heated race for the support of GOP...

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Monday named two state judges to fill vacancies on the state Supreme Court. The big picture: Once Walz's picks are sworn in, all seven justices on state's highest court will be Democratic appointees.A majority will be women.Driving the news: Minnesota Court of Appeals Judge Theodora Gaïtas and Seventh Judicial District Chief Judge Sarah Hennesy will join the court as associate justices. Gaïtas will replace Justice Margaret H. Chutich and Hennesy will replace Justice G. Barry Anderson. Both plan to retire in the coming months.Bios in brief: Gaïtas has served on the Minnesota Court of Appeals...

Anthony Hauck spent the first spring in his new Tangletown home tearing the grass out of his front lawn. His goal: "to make a yard better for the birds, bees and other bugs."The big picture: No (or low) mow lawns are sprouting up across the metro this spring, as Minnesotans embrace landscaping that requires less maintenance and water.State of the seeds: Interest in drought-resistant fescue grass blends, pollinator-friendly wildflowers, and other native plants is growing, landscaping and gardening pros tell Axios.At Mother Earth Gardens, sales of "Bee Lawn," a "low-grow" grass with flowers added in, have doubled to tripled each...

If you're worried about the impact the food you eat has on the planet, two Minnesota entrepreneurs have some advice: eat more bugs.Why it matters: The world will somehow need to double food supplies by 2050 to feed a booming population. The United Nations says insects have "huge potential" to solve this problem.They're nutritious, a regular part of the diet in many cultures, and likely more climate-friendly to produce than chicken or cattle.Yes, but: Solving this problem will require changing minds in Westernized cultures.Enter Chad and Claire Simons, whose business, 3 Cricketeers, represents a bet they can win converts to...

If you are among the thousands of people who move to Minnesota each year: Welcome! Now, it's time to learn to eat like a Minnesotan.We made a starter pack of food and drink places and experiences for Twin Cities newcomers to check out, picked with the help of Axios readers.Why it matters: These recommendations can help spark deeper explorations of our region's vibrant — and award-winning — food scene.Things you've gotta try (at least) onceIf you're a newbie in town, here's a checklist of Twin Cities food and drink experiences to earn your bona fides as a Minnesotan.1. 🍔 Smash...

Source: The Freedonia Group; Chart: Deena Zaidi/Axios VisualsSpring (cleaning) fever is hitting the Twin Cities a little earlier than normal this year, according to local organizing professionals.Why it matters: Home organization consults are on the upswing as record winter warmth pushes people to tidy up before summer, Home by Eleven owner Melissa Klug tells Axios.The big picture: There can also be a psychological perk to clearing clutter, says Lauren Greenwood, founder of home organization brand YouCopia."It's a place that's within your control, in a world that sometimes feels out of control," she tells Axios.Yes, but: If you find yourself struggling...

The Timberwolves picked the wrong year to put together the second-best team in the franchise's 35-year history.State of play: In their quest for a first-ever trip to the NBA Finals, the Wolves will need to navigate a Western Conference field stacked with seven teams that won 49 or more games — something that hasn't happened since 2015.Why it matters: A long-suffering Wolves fan base finally has a real contender to cheer for this season, but their prospects of a deep run took a hit when they drew the Phoenix Suns in the first round.Threat level: Despite being the lower-seeded team,...

This modern west metro mansion just steps from downtown Wayzata is now on the market. Listed for $5,250,000, it's located at 152 Birch Lane West.Why we love it: The contemporary home in one of the Twin Cities' most desirable (and expensive) suburbs is all about luxury, with features like 31-foot ceilings in the great room, a chef's kitchen with a 16-foot island, and a spacious owner's suite on the second floor with an attached outdoor lounge.Plus: It's just a few blocks away from downtown Wayzata's shopping and restaurant district on the shores of Lake Minnetonka.Layout: The 8,240-square-foot home has five bedrooms and five bathrooms with a four-car attached heated garage. It sits on just under an acre of land.Interior features: Soaking tub, gas fireplaces, library, balcony, finished basement with gaming area, workout room, and guest suite.Exterior features: Screen porch with 24-foot glass wall, patio, landscaping pond, outdoor kitchen.Take a look around... All photos by Spacecrafting.

New data show applications for federal college financial aid are down sharply in Minnesota — and thousands of students who have applied are still waiting to hear how much aid they can expect.The big picture: Minnesota's not alone. A rocky rollout of a new version of the federal financial aid application known as the FAFSA has led to steep drops and huge processing backlogs in submissions nationwide.Why it matters: "Without urgent intervention, we risk a catastrophic decline in college enrollment," eight college access organizations warned Gov. Tim Walz in a letter this week. That would have "far-reaching implications for our state's...

Earth Day isn't technically until Monday, but this weekend is a great time to get out and beautify your neighborhood or local park.What's happening: 44 park sites in Minneapolis, including the Chain of Lakes, Theodore Wirth and Powderhorn Park, are holding volunteer cleanups on Saturday, all from 9:30am–noon. No registration required, bags and gloves provided.There are 33 kickoff sites in St. Paul ranging from parks to breweries to coffee shops. Stop by between 9am and 11:30am for bags and gloves, then head out to collect trash at the location of your choice.Plus: After the cleanups, head over to events like...

The 25-story apartment tower that opened this month in Minneapolis offers nighttime peeks inside U.S. Bank Stadium and an outdoor pool as high as you're likely to find in town. Why it matters: Completing the 350-unit 4th & Park tower caps off a 10-year Downtown East redevelopment that cost more than $700 million and brought the city a new park, hotel, twin Wells Fargo towers, and 545 housing units.Zoom in: Most developers use the top floor of a building for penthouses, which fetch the highest rents in a building. But Ryan Cos. and Weidner Apartment Homes decided to use it...

Data: CDC Wonder. Chart: Erin Davis/Axios VisualsWomen giving birth in Minnesota are getting older. The big picture: Close to 60% of babies born in the state in 2023 had birth mothers in their 30s or older, according to preliminary CDC data. That's a 38% increase from 1997, when just over 40% of birth moms were 30+. Why it matters: In the last few years, age 35 has gone from the start of "geriatric pregnancy," to potentially a maternal-age sweet spot.By the numbers: 30.35 is the average age of a woman giving birth in Minnesota — slightly higher than the national...

DFL U.S. Rep. Angie Craig maintains a significant cash advantage over her would-be GOP challengers. Why it matters: With a rating of "lean Democrat," the 2nd Congressional District is home to Minnesota's most (and only) seriously competitive U.S. House race this year.Follow the money: Craig brought in about $1 million between January and the end of March and ended the quarter with $2.8 million cash on hand. Republican Joe Teirab, a former federal prosecutor, reported raising $538,000 and ending March with $662,000 in the bank. Attorney Tayler Rahm reported $64,000 in contributions and has just $59,500 on hand. State...

Minnesota travelers will soon have two direct flights to Ireland to choose from. Driving the news: Aer Lingus on April 29 will resume its Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to Dublin flight that went dark shortly after launching in 2019, due to the pandemic. Aer Lingus will fly the route Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays all year. What we're watching: Delta is launching its own MSP to Dublin flight on May 9. It will be five days a week, but seasonal. The intrigue: Yes, this is competition and it looks it will be good for travelers. Current prices for a basic round-tip Delta ticket in May are $577 while Aer Lingus prices are around $678, with some days of the week costing more.

Construction equipment is already lining up on the University of St. Thomas campus to build a new 5,500-seat sports arena, but a group of neighbors want to force the school — and St. Paul — to delay the project.Why it matters: St. Thomas needs larger facilities if it's going to truly capitalize on its recent leap to Division I college athletics.Yes, but: This case shows how that construction could cause tension in the quiet residential neighborhood that surrounds the campus.Driving the news: A neighbor-led group, Advocates for Responsible Development (ARD), has petitioned the Minnesota Court of Appeals, hoping to force...

While traveling last week in Washington, D.C., I tried using Empower, one of the new rideshare apps that says it's coming to the Twin Cities soon.Driving the news: I wanted a glimpse of the Twin Cities' possible future without Uber and Lyft — which have threatened to leave town over Minneapolis' ordinance raising driver pay.State of play: More than 200,000 passengers in D.C. have hailed rides through Empower since its launch three years ago.How it works: Empower makes its money by charging drivers a monthly fee rather than taking a percentage of every ride. Drivers also set their own rate....

As Ameriprise Financial emploees relocate from the company's longtime headquarters, what comes next for the tower will tell a lot about where downtown Minneapolis is going. Why it matters: While there are high hopes for turning office towers into apartments, a more bleak possibility is being discussed for a handful of distressed downtown properties: Tearing them down.