Sen. Amy Klobuchar holds double-digit leads in early statewide polls as Republican hopefuls jockey for position ahead of the Aug. 11 primary. The race was reshaped after Gov. Tim Walz withdrew amid a fraud investigation.

A regional Minnesota crime lab says an expired reagent was used in July 2023 BAC testing; defense lawyers say it could affect at least nine DWI cases.

Boynton Health abruptly closed its on‑campus dental clinic, referring patients to UMN’s School of Dentistry and leaving staff and students scrambling for answers. Union leaders are demanding explanations.

Mediterranean chain Cava will open two Twin Cities restaurants in 2026, including a U of M campus spot and a Blaine location, a company spokesperson says.

Aeon has tapped Minnesota Housing deputy Rachel Robinson as its next CEO; she’s slated to start later in March and brings preservation and financing experience.

The Native American Community Clinic will move from its strip‑mall home into a new six‑story building on East Franklin that pairs an expanded clinic with 83 affordable apartments.

Robin Hutcheson, a former federal transportation chief, now chairs the Met Council with federal experience and oversight of major transit projects. She will oversee nearly 4,700 staff and a $1.8B operating plan.

A federal judge found ICE agents in Minnesota likely made warrantless, race-based stops of Somali and Latino residents, but he declined to impose an immediate injunction.

A Bloomington au pair faces felony and gross‑misdemeanor charges after home cameras allegedly recorded repeated abuse of a five‑month‑old. The footage led to an arrest and upcoming court action.

A Wright County judge has paused the murder trial of David Delong after ruling him incompetent to stand trial for a second time. A competency review is set for April.

The University of Minnesota has asked for $100M in the state bonding bill to renovate Moos Tower and expand dental training to help rural communities. Lawmakers will decide the request this spring.

Lonely's Bar will open in early May in the former Pracna on Main space, promising a nostalgic menu, a pool table and riverfront patio views.

Cloquet's Gordy's Hi‑Hat will reopen March 25, returning hand‑pattied burgers, malts and its seasonal drive‑in tradition. Expect lines and picnic‑table vibes.