Anika Besst

@anikabesst.bsky.social

St. Paul | Digital Producer at MPR News | Innovative storytelling

🗳️It is Voter Guide season! Are you voting today in the Minnesota primary election? Check out the MPR News Build Your Ballot to learn more about the candidate's seeking your vote. I'm a nerd for voter resources so working on this project is awesome. Send feedback & election questions here 🗳️

Build your ballot: Minnesota's 2026 primary election

Learn who’s on your ballot for the 2026 primary election with MPR News. Enter your Minnesota address to see who's running and learn more about the candidates.

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A fan at Phee's home return: “She should have been MVP last year,” Ishabor Makvandi said. “She is like the epitome of a role model for this state, in my opinion. She’s very socially conscious,” he said. “We're pretty excited to have her receive our welcome, whatnot. It's like she is the Lynx.”

Queen Phee’s return: ‘The epitome of a role model for this state’

Napheesa Collier was back on her home court after an ankle injury and surgery caused her to miss the first half of the season.

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"When I picture coming back it is being in Target on my home court, surrounded by my teammates," Napheesa Collier said Monday. "There's a reason why we say we have the best fans in the world. We really do. They support us through everything."

'Queen Phee' reigns again: The return of Lynx star Napheesa Collier

Napheesa Collier was sidelined by a left ankle injury sustained in a semifinals game last season against the Phoenix Mercury. She had double ankle surgery during the WNBA offseason.

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Confetti and cheers was how the Minnesota Lynx team and head coach Cheryl Reeve celebrated the record-breaking win Wednesday in Connecticut that makes her the winningest coach in the WNBA. On Friday back in Minnesota, she reflected on the accomplishment. Here are three key takeaways.

Minnesota Lynx's Cheryl Reeve reflects on being the winningest coach: 'I'm a WNBA person'

The Minnesota Lynx play the New York Liberty at home Saturday. The game comes just days after coach Cheryl Reeve broke the WNBA regular-season win record.

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"You never dream it's going to happen,” Reeve said. “I set out to just try to take it day by day, and you know, win games, and I just, what I feel is an overwhelming sense of feeling blessed for all the people that made me, me.”

Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve breaks WNBA record for career wins

She broke the record Wednesday with an 86-80 win over the Connecticut Sun. It marked Reeve's 380th win, which breaks the record for the all-time most regular-season wins for a WNBA coach.

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Just when you thought every variation of pickle cuisine had been invented, along comes the latest list of new foods to watch for at this year’s Minnesota State Fair. There's 36 official new foods this year, and nine new vendors who’ll be making their debut at the Great Minnesota Get-Together.

Pickle pie, dill cookies: Minnesota State Fair reveals new foods, vendors for 2026

There are 36 official new fair foods this year and nine new vendors who’ll be making their debut at the annual Great Minnesota Get-Together.

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I spoke too soon. The Lynx has MORE news. Just a day after being named a starter for the All-Star game, Olivia Miles was named the Kia WNBA Rookie of the Month for the second month in a row. Head coach Cheryl Reeve was also named WNBA Coach of the Month for June. 🏀

Lynx's Miles wins second consecutive Rookie of the Month, Reeve named Coach of the Month

The Minnesota Lynx had an exciting mid-season week of accolades. Just a day after being named a starter for the All-Star game, Olivia Miles was named the Kia WNBA Rookie of the Month for the second mo...

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Olivia Miles, the second overall draft pick this year, is the fastest player in league history to reach over 350 points and 100 assists. Her Lynx teammate and league veteran Natasha Howard was also named a starter for the All-Stars.

Olivia Miles only rookie named as starter in WNBA All-Star Game

Olivia Miles of the Minnesota Lynx is the only rookie named to be a starter in the 2026 WNBA All-Stars. She becomes only the second rookie in franchise history to be selected as a starter after Maya M...

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At Columbia Heights Public Schools leaders say the surge fundamentally changed their community. They feel like an attack by the federal government has not ended. “We tried to protect them,” said Maria Gorde who works at an early education center. “It’s not exaggerated. It was completely inhumane.”

‘Still feeling it’: How the ICE surge took its toll on one Minnesota school district

The flood of federal immigration agents into the Twin Cities faded slowly over the spring. But in suburban Columbia Heights, educators, students and community members say the trauma lingers.

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Fans gathered for an autograph session at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame this morning. Candace Parker, a former Tennessee Lady Vol, was a fan favorite. Lynx gear was less prominent in the sea of Tennessee orange.

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MPR News producer and reporter Anika Besst is sat 🪑 in Knoxville for the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame! Why? Because Minnesota legend Cheryl Reeve is being inducted. 🤩. Follow along for exclusive interviews and and on the ground reporting. 🏀

Anika Besst@anikabesst.bsky.social · 2mo ago

I’m in Knoxville covering the latest in Minnesota women’s sports: Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve being inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. “I’m not going to be standing there on the stage tomorrow night without so many great players that poured into wanting to be great.” Reeve said.

I’m in Knoxville covering the latest in Minnesota women’s sports: Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve being inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. “I’m not going to be standing there on the stage tomorrow night without so many great players that poured into wanting to be great.” Reeve said.

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The round graphic of the state bird with wings outstretched above has become synonymous with Minnesotan's resilience during the immigration enforcement surge. It didn’t take long for the arts world to adapt it into anything imaginable, including tattoos.

‘Your own Minnesota badge of honor’: The Rebel Loon becomes walking resistance artwork

The Rebel Loon, a round graphic of the state bird with wings outstretched above it — has become a symbol of Minnesotan's response to the immigration enforcement surge. It didn’t take long for the arts...

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🏀 After a tumultuous weekend of goodbyes and hellos with free agency shaking up the league, the Lynx selected Olivia Miles in the WNBA draft Monday. The point guard is known for her stealthy passes. The season starts in less than a month. Minnesota faces off against the Atlanta Dream on May 10.

Minnesota Lynx select Olivia Miles, Connecticut Sun pick Duluth's Gianna Kneepkens

TCU’s point guard Olivia Miles will join the Minnesota Lynx in a reshaped team.

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