Torey Van Oot

Minneapolis

Writer at Axios Twin Cities Newsletter

Twin Cities + politics reporter @axios. Most often OH: "Can I ask an off topic?" say hi + send tips [email protected] @chasedavis got the final rose

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Articles

Goodbye "X" … hello "Cow Palace"?

5 days ago | axios.com | Kyle Stokes |Nick Halter |Torey Van Oot

We hope Wild owner Craig Leipold is a subscriber, because Axios Twin Cities readers have some "X"-cellent ideas for renaming Xcel Energy Center. Catch up quick: The Wild plan to announce a new naming rights sponsor for the arena this offseason. What you're saying: Among the sponsors (and nicknames!) you suggested were…🐮 Land O'Lakes Center, aka "The Cow Palace" — Marcus S. 🏷️ Best Buy Barn, aka "The Triple B" — Mary R. 🌭 Jack Links Arena, aka "The Jack" — Tom P.
Kindness jar brings smiles to Asian Duck Cafe

6 days ago | axios.com | Torey Van Oot

π Torey here. I came across this sweet "Kindness Jar" while picking up dinner this week from Asian Duck Cafe, a new-ish Laotian spot near Minnehaha Falls. How it works: Customers are encouraged to leave a note for the staff, using the slips of paper and a pen left at the counter. I love the idea of introducing one into an office (or home!) for a mood boost on down days.
Minnesota U.S. Senate race heats up with cash

1 week ago | axios.com | Torey Van Oot

Cash is already flowing into the race for Minnesota's open U.S. Senate race. Why it matters: While the 2026 election is still 18 months away, quarterly fundraising reports can serve as an early indicator of a campaign's support. 馃珡 On the DFL side, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan brought in just over $450,000 in contributions in the first five weeks of her bid, ending March with about $366,000 in the bank.
The Spoon: Local beer leaders

1 week ago | axios.com | Nick Halter |Kyle Stokes |Torey Van Oot

π» Minnesota is home to three of the 50 largest craft breweries in the U.S.: Schell's (22), Summit (34) and Surly (39). (Go deeper via Axios Denver)The big picture: Overall U.S. craft beer production in 2024 saw the largest drop in industry history outside the pandemic, according to Brewers Association data.
Disney's "Frozen" returns with a bold new twist at Children's Theatre

1 week ago | axios.com | Torey Van Oot
Tax Day 2025: IRS data shows Minnesotans' federal refunds near the bottom

1 week ago | axios.com | Alex Fitzpatrick |Torey Van Oot

Among filers receiving a refund. Data: IRS; Map: Alex Fitzpatrick/Axios. Minnesota taxpayers get some of the smallest federal tax refunds in the country, per IRS data. Why it matters: Millions of taxpayers nationwide have received or are expecting refunds as tax filing season ends Tuesday. By the numbers: The average refund for Minnesotans who got money back after filing their federal return was $2,838 for tax year 2022, the latest data available.
Conflict-of-interest probe prompts calls for ethics reform

1 week ago | axios.com | Torey Van Oot
Ilhan Omar to run for reelection, not Senate, in 2026

1 week ago | axios.com | Andrew Solender |Torey Van Oot
Minnesota women now hold 37% of local offices

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Torey Van Oot
Key makers rattled by Minnesota metal ban

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Torey Van Oot

Illustration: Maura Losch/AxiosKey makers say they'll be locked out of Minnesota's market without an exemption from a new state ban on toxic metals. Why it matters: A law meant to protect kids from harmful materials could also make it harder for Minnesotans to obtain or replace keys for homes, cars, boats and more.