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Vote: Pick what new Minnesota State Fair foods Axios will try on day one

Axios Twin Cities readers are calling the shots on our annual opening-day food adventure.

State Fair

Audrey here! For the last five years, I&#x27;ve been the one choosing what new Minnesota State Fair foods the Axios Twin Cities team should try on day one of the Great Minnesota Get-Together.

Twin Cities loses tree cover — but gains trees

Explore our interactive map of Twin Cities canopy coverage and tree population numbers.

Environment

Pests, disease and poor planning have decimated the urban forest in the Twin Cities, which has lost 11% of its tree cover over the last decade, according to an Axios analysis of state data.Why it matters: The numbers largely reflect the invasive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="emerald ash borer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/03/11/emerald-ash-borer-beetle-cure-fungi-university-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="d95a5b27-445c-40ad-a56d-a29981138faa" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities loses tree cover — but gains trees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/03/11/emerald-ash-borer-beetle-cure-fungi-university-minnesota" target="_self">emerald ash borer</a>’s devastation of Twin Cities tree populations and represent a huge setback to Minnesota’s goals to put more communities in the shade.<ul><li>Trees cool neighborhoods, improve air quality, manage stormwater runoff, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="raise property values" data-vars-click-url="https://news.unl.edu/article/study-trees-have-315-billion-impact-on-home-values-each-year" data-vars-content-id="d95a5b27-445c-40ad-a56d-a29981138faa" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities loses tree cover — but gains trees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.unl.edu/article/study-trees-have-315-billion-impact-on-home-values-each-year" target="_blank">raise property values</a> and even boost our mental health.</li></ul>

Minnesota's kindergarten vaccination rate drops again

Minnesota is becoming one of the least-vaccinated states in the nation.

News

Minnesota&#x27;s kindergarten vaccination rates fell across the board during the 2025-26 school year, according to new CDC <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" data-vars-content-id="fa04957d-bf5c-4784-b33a-ab5ac0e11124" data-vars-headline="Minnesota&#x27;s kindergarten vaccination rate drops again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" target="_blank">data</a> released this week.Why it matters: Minnesota is becoming one of the least-vaccinated states in the nation, with immunization rates among kids well below levels needed to curb outbreaks of preventable diseases.

Walz moves to ban copper-nickel mining near Boundary Waters

The move puts the long-debated issue back in the spotlight ahead of the election.

Election

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sweeping move" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/08/18/walz-executive-order-block-copper-mining-near-boundary-waters" data-vars-content-id="191a6295-3bcf-4717-9f1d-a503760b4862" data-vars-headline="Walz moves to ban copper-nickel mining near Boundary Waters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/08/18/walz-executive-order-block-copper-mining-near-boundary-waters" target="_blank">sweeping move</a> to block copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters thrust a long-running debate back into the headlines — and onto the campaign trail.The big picture: The fight over the future of Twin Metals and other mining proposals reflects a wider political tension between <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boosting U.S. critical mineral output" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/10/trump-mineral-investments-evs" data-vars-content-id="191a6295-3bcf-4717-9f1d-a503760b4862" data-vars-headline="Walz moves to ban copper-nickel mining near Boundary Waters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/10/trump-mineral-investments-evs" target="_self">boosting U.S. critical mineral output</a> and prioritizing conservation.<ul><li>In issuing his executive order, the outgoing DFL governor put himself squarely on the side of environmentalists who have long lobbied for more protections.</li></ul>

Outdoor Retailer trade show debuts in Minneapolis

Luring "OR" was a major coup for the state's nearly $14 billion outdoor recreation industry.

The outdoor recreation industry’s biggest annual event lands in Minneapolis on Wednesday.Why it matters: Luring the Outdoor Retailer trade show was a major coup for Minnesota, giving its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly $14 billion outdoor recreation industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/12/03/minnesota-outdoor-economy-snow-skiing-snowmobiling-rv-fishing-boating" data-vars-content-id="4e4cbb4b-0599-4840-b732-ade7452f6cb3" data-vars-headline="Outdoor Retailer trade show debuts in Minneapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/12/03/minnesota-outdoor-economy-snow-skiing-snowmobiling-rv-fishing-boating" target="_self">nearly $14 billion outdoor recreation industry</a> a chance to mingle with industry titans on their home turf.

UnitedHealth is now the world's fourth-largest company by revenue

The Minnesota health care giant climbed to No. 4 on Fortune's Global 500.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="UnitedHealth Group" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/29/unitedhealth-group-earnings-unh" data-vars-content-id="60072464-3cb5-4e35-8c71-267cbebe062b" data-vars-headline="UnitedHealth is now the world&#x27;s fourth-largest company by revenue" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/29/unitedhealth-group-earnings-unh" target="_self">UnitedHealth Group</a> is now the fourth-largest company in the world, according to the newly released <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fortune Global 500" data-vars-click-url="https://fortune.com/ranking/global500/" data-vars-content-id="60072464-3cb5-4e35-8c71-267cbebe062b" data-vars-headline="UnitedHealth is now the world&#x27;s fourth-largest company by revenue" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fortune.com/ranking/global500/" target="_blank">Fortune Global 500</a>.Zoom in: Only Amazon, Walmart and China&#x27;s state-owned utility bring in more revenue than UnitedHealth, which jumped three spots on this year&#x27;s ranking.<ul><li>The Eden Prairie-based health care giant leapfrogged three oil companies, including Saudi Aramco, to claim the No. 4 spot.</li></ul>

Boomer retreat, smaller Gen X thins Minnesota workforce

Minnesota is losing experienced workers and caregivers just as its aging population needs more of both.

Minnesota has lost more than 71,000 people ages 45-64 since 2020 — a 5% decline in a group central to the state&#x27;s workforce and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tax base" data-vars-click-url="https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/federal/taxpayers-over-45-now-pay-74-percent-all-income-taxes/" data-vars-content-id="177712bf-379a-4708-a9b5-6c204cd4f63a" data-vars-headline="Boomer retreat, smaller Gen X thins Minnesota workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/federal/taxpayers-over-45-now-pay-74-percent-all-income-taxes/" target="_blank">tax base</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Like much of the U.S." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/gen-x-population-shrinking-taxes-economy" data-vars-content-id="177712bf-379a-4708-a9b5-6c204cd4f63a" data-vars-headline="Boomer retreat, smaller Gen X thins Minnesota workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/gen-x-population-shrinking-taxes-economy" target="_self">Like much of the U.S.</a>, Minnesota is losing experienced workers and caregivers just as its aging population needs more of both.<ul><li>It also means a drain of institutional knowledge, leadership experience and mentorship capacity for younger colleagues.</li></ul>

Boundary Waters fires deal blow to businesses

It would normally be high season for canoe outfitters, but business is dead.

The wildfires ravaging the Boundary Waters are also scorching the financial health of the businesses that rely on the paddlers who flock to the pristine lakes. Why it matters: The BWCA shutdown reached day 9 today, erasing precious time that businesses in northern Minnesota have to make money. <ul><li>There are no signs that the fires are anywhere near under control and officials have warned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="they could burn until snow falls" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/07/15/bleak-outlook-for-the-boundary-waters" data-vars-content-id="be0f5569-7e4c-4484-922a-f86f50a47c3f" data-vars-headline="Boundary Waters fires deal blow to businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/07/15/bleak-outlook-for-the-boundary-waters" target="_self">they could burn until snow falls</a>. </li></ul>

What becomes of Target Center if the Wolves move?

A new Timberwolves arena wouldn't just replace Target Center — it could reshape downtown Minneapolis.

As the Timberwolves/Lynx <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="search for a new home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/07/timberwolves-lynx-new-owners-arena-location-options" data-vars-content-id="622f3372-2560-4245-98cb-7c5849cd846a" data-vars-headline="What becomes of Target Center if the Wolves move?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/07/timberwolves-lynx-new-owners-arena-location-options" target="_self">search for a new home</a>, the debate will soon heat up over what to do with the Target Center and its $53.5 million debt balance.Why it matters: This is a big and important piece of downtown real estate, and what to do with it should have developers, elected officials and urbanists dreaming.<ul><li>It will also become a key piece in the negotiations between the city of Minneapolis and team owners if they work out a deal for a new downtown arena.</li></ul>

St. Paul's Midway Marketplace could be poised for a comeback

Two new potential tenants have lined up for space in a complex where vacancies have mounted.

After years of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mounting vacancies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/10/17/midway-neighborhood-allianz-field-crisis-homelessness" data-vars-content-id="21def72b-9b0d-4349-b327-c58b368415a7" data-vars-headline="St. Paul&#x27;s Midway Marketplace could be poised for a comeback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/10/17/midway-neighborhood-allianz-field-crisis-homelessness" target="_self">mounting vacancies</a>, a shopping complex in St. Paul&#x27;s Midway neighborhood appears poised for a comeback.Driving the news: A banner announcing an 80,000 square-foot indoor playground &quot;coming soon&quot; to the Midway Marketplace appeared last week on the former Herberger&#x27;s store, which has sat empty since 2018.<ul><li>Axios&#x27; messages to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lululand Adventure Park" data-vars-click-url="https://lululandadventurepark.com/" data-vars-content-id="21def72b-9b0d-4349-b327-c58b368415a7" data-vars-headline="St. Paul&#x27;s Midway Marketplace could be poised for a comeback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://lululandadventurepark.com/" target="_blank">Lululand Adventure Park</a> have yet to be returned, but the banner promises an arcade, augmented reality (AR) games and trampolines.</li></ul>Catch up quick: A company <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with ties to the grocery chain H Mart" data-vars-click-url="https://mspmag.com/eat-and-drink/foodie/h-mart-korean-asian-grocery-supermarket-st-paul-mn/" data-vars-content-id="21def72b-9b0d-4349-b327-c58b368415a7" data-vars-headline="St. Paul&#x27;s Midway Marketplace could be poised for a comeback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mspmag.com/eat-and-drink/foodie/h-mart-korean-asian-grocery-supermarket-st-paul-mn/" target="_blank">with ties to the grocery chain H Mart</a> recently bought other parts of the shopping complex that, until recently, housed a Cub Foods and an At Home store.<ul><li>It&#x27;s yet not clear whether the popular Asian grocer is actually moving in.</li></ul>Friction points: Vacancies at the Midway Marketplace have fueled neighborhood concerns about crime and trash.<ul><li>Conditions there have also invited <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deeper questions" data-vars-click-url="https://streets.mn/2025/09/18/why-the-midways-suburban-design-is-killing-its-commercial-future/" data-vars-content-id="21def72b-9b0d-4349-b327-c58b368415a7" data-vars-headline="St. Paul&#x27;s Midway Marketplace could be poised for a comeback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://streets.mn/2025/09/18/why-the-midways-suburban-design-is-killing-its-commercial-future/" target="_blank">deeper questions</a> about whether a car-centric, suburban-style shopping complex is a good fit for an urban transit corridor.</li></ul>Zoom out: Construction is progressing on an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="office building and hotel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/14/what-s-going-up-next-near-mnufc-s-stadium" data-vars-content-id="21def72b-9b0d-4349-b327-c58b368415a7" data-vars-headline="St. Paul&#x27;s Midway Marketplace could be poised for a comeback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/14/what-s-going-up-next-near-mnufc-s-stadium" target="_self">office building and hotel</a> near neighboring Allianz Field.<ul><li>Minnesota United FC owner Bill McGuire is also now leading <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redevelopment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.stpaul.gov/news/redevelopment-former-cvs-site-advance-saint-pauls-midway-neighborhood" data-vars-content-id="21def72b-9b0d-4349-b327-c58b368415a7" data-vars-headline="St. Paul&#x27;s Midway Marketplace could be poised for a comeback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.stpaul.gov/news/redevelopment-former-cvs-site-advance-saint-pauls-midway-neighborhood" target="_blank">redevelopment</a> of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="now-bulldozed Midway CVS" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWCIIxIjlfZ/" data-vars-content-id="21def72b-9b0d-4349-b327-c58b368415a7" data-vars-headline="St. Paul&#x27;s Midway Marketplace could be poised for a comeback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWCIIxIjlfZ/" target="_blank">now-bulldozed Midway CVS</a> lot.</li></ul>

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.

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.

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.

A chloropleth map of Minnesota's 87 counties showing the change in Minnesota's population of residents aged 45-64 years. Darker shaded regions in rural parts of the state have lost a larger share of their population aged 45-64 over the past five years. Much of the Twin Cities is shaded in a lighter shade of purple indicating smaller population losses. A few outer-ring Twin Cities suburbs — including Sherburne, Wright and Scott Counties — are the only counties in the state that have seen an increase in their population of 45-64 year old residents. The largest declines are in western Minnesota (Traverse County) and far northeastern Minnesota (Cook County).

Change in Minnesota's population aged 45-64 years, 2020-2025

Data: U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2025 population estimates; Map: Kyle Stokes/Axios

Business 🏦

Outdoor Retailer trade show debuts in Minneapolis

UnitedHealth is now the world's fourth-largest company by revenue

Boomer retreat, smaller Gen X thins Minnesota workforce

Boundary Waters fires deal blow to businesses

What becomes of Target Center if the Wolves move?