DFL and Republican conventions take place across the state Friday as candidates vie for endorsements

Republicans gather in Duluth Friday to begin winnowing their field of U.S. Senate candidates. An endorsement contest could bring some to drop out of the race, but an August primary will determine the nominee for the general election.

For Democrats, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan heads into this weekend's DFL state convention with a victory already in hand. Her opponent in the DFL Senate race, U.S. Rep Angie Craig, decided Wednesday to skip the convention, with the delegate math showing a strong advantage there for Flanagan. The two will instead battle it out in the August primary.

Four Twin Cities leaders will accept the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation Profile in Courage Award this Sunday on behalf of the people of the Twin Cities.