toreyvanoot
toreyvanoot.bsky.social
toreyvanoot
@toreyvanoot.bsky.social
Covering MN politics and more for @Axios Twin Cities.
New this AM: Waymo is rolling out a fleet of its autonomous vehicles in Minneapolis.

For now, they'll have human drivers, as they map the local streets and collect data.

More details + a look at the policy debate ahead -->

www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Waymo enters Minneapolis — with human drivers for now
The autonomous ride-hailing company wants to "lay the groundwork" for an expansion.
www.axios.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:03 PM
The dueling hearings offered a preview of the policy — and messaging — battles expected to dominate next year's session and the 2026 elections.

www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Minnesota Capitol split screen: Dueling hearings feature fraud, federal impacts
www.axios.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Some news for #mngov and #mnleg followers: House Speaker Lisa Demuth is officially in the race for GOP nomination for governor.

👀 She says she plans to keep the speaker's gavel at divided Leg next session as she runs

www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Another Republican just entered the race for Minnesota governor
House Speaker Lisa Demuth wants to be her party's nominee against Gov. Tim Walz.
www.axios.com
November 2, 2025 at 10:55 PM
📣 🎶 Interested in connecting with #Prince fans traveling to Minneapolis for the #purplerain musical premiere/previews! DMs open!
a man in a purple jacket is playing a guitar on a stage
ALT: a man in a purple jacket is playing a guitar on a stage
media.tenor.com
October 14, 2025 at 4:06 PM
🎃 Oh my gourd, look at these pumpkins! Had a ball reporting this story on professional pumpkin decorators in the Twin Cities:

www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
No time for the pumpkin patch? Hire a porch decorator
Packages range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
www.axios.com
September 29, 2025 at 11:46 AM
A look at the state of play for #mngov/ factors that could shape Gov. Tim Walz's bid for an unprecedented third full term in 2026 + a bit of news:

His campaign, which ended 2024 w/ sizable war chest, raised +$1 million in the first 24 hours post launch.

www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Tim Walz's top challenges in running for a third term
The governor announced his 2026 campaign on Tuesday.
www.axios.com
September 17, 2025 at 11:56 AM
It's official: Walz is running for a third term as MN governor

Full story:

www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Tim Walz to run for a third term as Minnesota governor in 2026
No governor in Minnesota has been elected to three four-year terms in a row.
www.axios.com
September 16, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Jury finds Sen. Nicole Mitchell GUILTY of felony burglary.

Outcome could shake up balance of power in Senate.

DFL Leader Murphy, Walz say they expect her to resign.

www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Sen. Nicole Mitchell convicted on burglary charges
The fallout over the verdict could upend the balance of power at the State Capitol.
www.axios.com
July 18, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Reposted by toreyvanoot
We asked Mpls mayoral candidates where they stand on direct & indirect subsidies for a Wolves/Lynx arena
www.axios.com/local/twin-c...

And we looked at some potential sites where the news owners could build one
www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
A-Rod & Lore want a new Wolves arena — but will Minneapolis play ball with public money?
Downtown or bust? Wolves owners weigh options for privately funded arena
www.axios.com
July 7, 2025 at 3:08 PM
the great key crisis of the 2025 Minnesota legislative session appears to be resolved www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Minnesota could avert "ban on keys" with deal to tweak toxic metals law
The bill is expected to get a vote during the upcoming special session.
www.axios.com
May 30, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Just one "working group" formed to hammer out the big remaining pieces of the state budget ahead of a special session met in public on Tuesday. www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Dealmaking in the dark: Legislators rush to finish budget behind closed doors
Leaders say some sensitive talks are more productive when held outside of public view.
www.axios.com
May 21, 2025 at 12:56 PM
REMINDER local journos (and those who love celebrating MN's vibrant and free press!): Tickets are now available to our 2025 Page One Banquet! mnspj.org/2025/04/23/b...
Buy your ticket for the 2025 Page One Awards – Minnesota SPJ
mnspj.org
May 20, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Minnesota may can "two serving" label law for 10 mg THC drinks www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Minnesota could can "two serving" label law for 10 mg THC drinks
Backers of the change say the old requirement created misleading nutrition labels.
www.axios.com
May 20, 2025 at 11:42 AM
"Come on, they're fun," said Transportation Committee Vice Chair Ann Johnson Stewart (DFL-Wayzata).

"Fun kills at 65 mph," Drazkowski deadpanned in response.

www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Senator tries to put the brakes Minnesota's snarky roadside PSAs
The lawmakers wants to end MnDOT using witticism, "Internet shorthand" and other informal messaging on its electronic signs.
www.axios.com
May 2, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Did a presidential transition year, job market concerns or LSAT changes prompt you to apply to law school in MN this year? I want to talk to you! DMs open!
March 27, 2025 at 7:21 PM
New this AM: Former DFL Senate leader Melisa López Franzen jumps in MN U.S. Senate race
March 10, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Reposted by toreyvanoot
LAST CHANCE! Submit your entries to the 2025 Page One Awards by 10 p.m. tonight.

Find complete guidelines and entry information here: www.mnspj.org/2025/01/14/2...
2025 Page One Awards contest now accepting entries – Minnesota SPJ
www.mnspj.org
March 4, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Reposted by toreyvanoot
NEW: Dems discussing a wide range of tactics to protest Trump's address inside the chamber, sources tell
@axios.com

Some ideas floated:
- Walking out over certain lines
- Holding up constitutions, eggs/egg cartons, hand clappers, signs etc.
www.axios.com/2025/03/04/t...
Scoop: Some Democrats are plotting to disrupt Trump's speech to Congress
Lawmakers are discussing walkouts, props and color coordination among other forms of in-the-room demonstration.
www.axios.com
March 4, 2025 at 12:05 PM
👀 LAST CALL: The deadline to submit to Minnesota SPJ's Page One Awards is TOMORROW

It takes just 5-10 minutes to enter! New categories this year include a CASH PRIZE for investigative work!

mnspj.org/2025/01/14/2...
2025 Page One Awards contest now accepting entries – Minnesota SPJ
mnspj.org
March 3, 2025 at 5:58 PM
NEW: Gov. Tim Walz will NOT run for MN's newly open U.S. Senate seat in 2026, spox confirms this AM.

He's still exploring a third term for governor.

www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
Gov. Tim Walz rules out run for U.S. Senate
The former vice presidential candidate is still exploring running for a third term as governor.
www.axios.com
February 26, 2025 at 1:03 PM
A bold idea for Minneapolis: Tear down City Center and build a new Wolves arena www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
The new Wolves owners should build arena at City Center
The massive complex lost its main tenant and could be had at a bargain.
www.axios.com
February 23, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Flanagan makes her bid official -->
In Ojibwe, my name means ‘speaks in a loud and clear voice woman.’

Today, I’m officially launching my campaign for the U.S. Senate to go to D.C. and speak in a loud and clear voice for ALL of Minnesota.
February 20, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Flanagan launches a website for her U.S. Senate run, following last week's filing of fundraising committee. Has previously said she intends to run, formal announcement to come.
February 20, 2025 at 2:33 PM
GOP U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber's a no for MN's U.S. Senate seat, he tells local news station.

H/T MPR's Capitol View newsletter

www.northernnewsnow.com/2025/02/19/e...
EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Pete Stauber not running for U.S. Senate
Sen. Tina Smith announced she will not run again, leaving the seat open.
www.northernnewsnow.com
February 20, 2025 at 1:09 PM