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Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporters Nick Halter, Audrey Kennedy and Torey Van Oot.

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A decade without a major shopping center is squeezing Twin Cities retailers

Retail rents in the Twin Cities are growing faster than anywhere in the U.S.

Development

It&#x27;s been nearly 10 years since a large-scale shopping center opened in the Twin Cities, and despite a growing appetite for more space, there are no imminent plans for another. Why it matters: Retailers and restaurants looking to open shop are feeling the pinch. A recent JLL report says Twin Cities retail rents last quarter grew by 6.7% year-over-year, the largest hike in the nation.

Minnesota paid leave program came in $70M under budget in first 6 months

While officials say it's been running smoothly, some have been frustrated by the system.

News

State officials say they&#x27;ve seen &quot;robust interest&quot; in Minnesota&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="paid leave program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/05/12k-minnesotans-apply-for-paid-leave-in-days-after-launch" data-vars-content-id="b4683e65-7e50-4c72-9cc2-c297e76042e1" data-vars-headline="Minnesota paid leave program came in $70M under budget in first 6 months" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/05/12k-minnesotans-apply-for-paid-leave-in-days-after-launch" target="_self">paid leave program</a> since its January launch. Why it matters: Nearly 75,000 Minnesotans took advantage of the program in the first six months, allowing them up to 12 weeks — or longer in some situations — to bond with a newborn, recover from a medical issue or care for a sick family member.

Twin Cities weekend guide: Country Club, drone show, pickleball and more

The country music spinoff of the popular Yacht Club festival arrives in St. Paul's Harriet Island this weekend.

Things to Do

The country music spinoff of the popular Yacht Club festival arrives in St. Paul&#x27;s Harriet Island this weekend. The two-day <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota Country Club" data-vars-click-url="https://www.minnesotacountryclubfest.com/" data-vars-content-id="0385c4e4-c7f0-498f-a262-1804cf5261e2" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Country Club, drone show, pickleball and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.minnesotacountryclubfest.com/" target="_blank">Minnesota Country Club</a> is a new wave country festival, so don&#x27;t expect to see the big corporate country acts. <ul><li>Friday&#x27;s lineup includes Treaty Oak Revival, Charley Crockett and Stephen Wilson Jr. </li><li>Saturday features the Red Clay Strays, Jessie Murph and Duluth&#x27;s Trampled by Turtles. $115+ for one-day passes. </li></ul>

Restaurant Roundup: Owamni's twist on July 4

It's offering a different perspective on the holiday.

Food and Drink

Indígena by Owamni — which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="began service at the Guthrie Theater last week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/02/owamni-is-moving-to-guthrie-theater-what-s-next" data-vars-content-id="9b796a01-9007-45ae-85e7-e2162e8da358" data-vars-headline="Restaurant Roundup: Owamni&#x27;s twist on July 4" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/02/owamni-is-moving-to-guthrie-theater-what-s-next" target="_self">began service at the Guthrie Theater last week</a> — is opening on the Fourth of July to offer a different perspective on the holiday.Driving the news: Chef Sean Sherman&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eatery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/06/14/owamni-best-new-restaurant-james-beard-awards" data-vars-content-id="9b796a01-9007-45ae-85e7-e2162e8da358" data-vars-headline="Restaurant Roundup: Owamni&#x27;s twist on July 4" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/06/14/owamni-best-new-restaurant-james-beard-awards" target="_self">eatery</a> celebrating Indigenous cooking will hold a &quot;Grand Opening Brunch&quot; on July 4, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an event listing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1286187246675694?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22external%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="9b796a01-9007-45ae-85e7-e2162e8da358" data-vars-headline="Restaurant Roundup: Owamni&#x27;s twist on July 4" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1286187246675694?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22external%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">an event listing</a>. $50 per buffet plate

Minnesota teens endure tough summer job market

One jobs firm projected this could be nation's slowest summer for teen hiring since 1948.

Minnesota&#x27;s teen unemployment rate has crept to its highest level in 12 years — a return to normal after a post-pandemic surge in hiring young workers — according to an Axios analysis of the latest U.S. Census data.The big picture: The state&#x27;s teens are enduring one of the toughest summer job markets in years, facing more competition for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dwindling number of open positions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/04/02/bad-minnesota-jobs-report-ice-surge" data-vars-content-id="76959cfa-37df-449d-86ca-349ba7c68f16" data-vars-headline="Minnesota teens endure tough summer job market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/04/02/bad-minnesota-jobs-report-ice-surge" target="_self">dwindling number of open positions</a> — especially in industries that typically hire teens for the summer.

Minnesota marijuana sales grow, but hurdles remain

The loss of a major testing facility could hurt industry growth

Minnesota&#x27;s burgeoning legal marijuana industry <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://mn.gov/ocm/data-reports/dashboards/cannabis-market-monitor.jsp" data-vars-content-id="6c88eacc-de6f-400a-9748-c11109c65a53" data-vars-headline="Minnesota marijuana sales grow, but hurdles remain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mn.gov/ocm/data-reports/dashboards/cannabis-market-monitor.jsp" target="_blank">reported</a> $17.6 million in retail sales in May, a near doubling since the first non-tribal shops began <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opening last fall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/20/minnesota-marijuana-growers-increase-plantings" data-vars-content-id="6c88eacc-de6f-400a-9748-c11109c65a53" data-vars-headline="Minnesota marijuana sales grow, but hurdles remain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/20/minnesota-marijuana-growers-increase-plantings" target="_self">opening last fall</a>.Yes, but: That pace is still well behind one cannabis law firm&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="prediction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/minnesotas-legal-marijuana-market-projected-to-reach-1-5-billion-in-sales-by-2029-mn-cannabis/600283838" data-vars-content-id="6c88eacc-de6f-400a-9748-c11109c65a53" data-vars-headline="Minnesota marijuana sales grow, but hurdles remain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/minnesotas-legal-marijuana-market-projected-to-reach-1-5-billion-in-sales-by-2029-mn-cannabis/600283838" target="_blank">prediction</a> of $550 million in Minnesota&#x27;s first full year.

Har Mar Mall could be headed for the wrecking ball

The long-running Roseville mall has been hollowed out in recent years.

Roseville&#x27;s Har Mar Mall could be demolished to make way for a major redevelopment, according to marketing materials obtained by Axios.Why it matters: Vacancies have been piling up at the 63-year-old mall under owner Fidelis Realty Partners, fueling speculation that the Houston firm is planning an overhaul.

Minnesota's breweries had a rough 2025

Five of the six largest breweries saw declining sales in 2025

Minnesota&#x27;s craft breweries continue to suffer major sales declines, according to new state production numbers. By the numbers: Five of the six <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="largest breweries in Minnesota" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/06/26/minnesota-s-largest-craft-breweries" data-vars-content-id="fbc6159a-0937-40a5-aedc-a96ae286a0ba" data-vars-headline="Minnesota&#x27;s breweries had a rough 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/06/26/minnesota-s-largest-craft-breweries" target="_self">largest breweries in Minnesota</a> reported a decline in annual production between 2024 and 2025, according to state data.

ICE surge hurt retail and restaurants — but overall sales tax receipts were up

The numbers paint a nuanced picture, suggesting certain sectors and communities thrived while others struggled.

Year-over-year sales tax collections decreased at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Twin Cities retailers and restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/12/16/ice-immigrant-business-minneapolis-metro-surge" data-vars-content-id="b08381e7-2029-45d5-a3db-94ec4d0d0091" data-vars-headline="ICE surge hurt retail and restaurants — but overall sales tax receipts were up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/12/16/ice-immigrant-business-minneapolis-metro-surge" target="_self">Twin Cities retailers and restaurants</a> during the peak of Operation Metro Surge, even as statewide revenues held steady, according to preliminary state data shared with Axios.Why it matters: The Department of Revenue report is among of the first to put a hard number on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the damage sustained" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/12/ice-surge-minnesota-businesses-covid-flashbacks" data-vars-content-id="b08381e7-2029-45d5-a3db-94ec4d0d0091" data-vars-headline="ICE surge hurt retail and restaurants — but overall sales tax receipts were up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/12/ice-surge-minnesota-businesses-covid-flashbacks" target="_self">the damage sustained</a> by many metro businesses during the ICE enforcement blitz.

Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park

One focus of the company's new "Epic Lab" is improving its network of 2,000 stores that double as shipping hubs.

Business

In the big retail <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/amazon-delivery-speed-war-walmart-target" data-vars-content-id="4ddb0f50-daf9-43c4-ae9d-6de74fe51e9e" data-vars-headline="Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/amazon-delivery-speed-war-walmart-target" target="_self">race</a> to be fast and efficient, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Target" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/22/target-shopping-delivery-sortation-centers" data-vars-content-id="4ddb0f50-daf9-43c4-ae9d-6de74fe51e9e" data-vars-headline="Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/22/target-shopping-delivery-sortation-centers" target="_self">Target</a> this month finished building out an innovation lab in Brooklyn Park, where it can test out new ideas. Why it matters: One focus of the company&#x27;s new &quot;Epic Lab&quot; is improving its network of 2,000 stores that double as shipping hubs.

Minneapolis skyway system filling up with independent retailers

The loss of national chains has made skyway space more affordable

When Keiona Cook was 17 and working in the Wild Pair shoe store in IDS Center, she dreamed of opening her own shop inside the iconic downtown Minneapolis skyscraper.Why it matters: For decades, getting a prime spot in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minneapolis skyway system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/05/11/skyways-twin-cities-rebound-restaurants-struggle" data-vars-content-id="8a0b60a0-cc79-46f6-9312-11b0733be17e" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis skyway system filling up with independent retailers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/05/11/skyways-twin-cities-rebound-restaurants-struggle" target="_self">Minneapolis skyway system</a> was tough for small independent businesses as vacancies were tight and national retailers and chain restaurants paid top dollar.

Everyone needs a NeeDoh: Twin Cities toy stores sell out of viral fidget toy

Shoppers of all ages are snapping up NeedOhs.

NeeDohs are flying off the shelves of Twin Cities toy stores. Need-what? The brightly colored fidget toys, which snap back into shape when they are squished and stretched, are the latest &quot;it&quot; toy to take off thanks to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="viral TikTok trend" data-vars-click-url="https://mashable.com/article/what-is-needoh-toy" data-vars-content-id="74ccf2a8-d142-4107-a375-c355bda2e671" data-vars-headline="Everyone needs a NeeDoh: Twin Cities toy stores sell out of viral fidget toy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mashable.com/article/what-is-needoh-toy" target="_blank">viral TikTok trend</a>. <ul><li>Drops featuring new shapes, like Easter eggs, an octopus, and ice cream cones, fuel the frenzy among young collectors.</li></ul>

Business 🏦

Minnesota paid leave program came in $70M under budget in first 6 months

Restaurant Roundup: Owamni's twist on July 4

Minnesota teens endure tough summer job market

Minnesota marijuana sales grow, but hurdles remain

Har Mar Mall could be headed for the wrecking ball