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What becomes of Target Center if the Wolves move?

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

News

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>

Small Minnesota data centers fueling bigger AI backlash

Several relatively modest projects have sparked some of the loudest outcry.

In several Twin Cities communities, big fears about the future of AI are driving backlash to data center projects — even relatively small ones.Why it matters: Data centers are becoming a stand-in for broader anger at an AI future many Americans don&#x27;t want but fear they&#x27;ll have to pay for.<ul><li>New <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="statewide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/mn-politics-hot-dish-poll-takeaways-dems-gop-midterm-elections-outside-spending/601855488" data-vars-content-id="dd3f1f89-d2ab-4590-abaa-479cffc2a32f" data-vars-headline="Small Minnesota data centers fueling bigger AI backlash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/mn-politics-hot-dish-poll-takeaways-dems-gop-midterm-elections-outside-spending/601855488" target="_blank">statewide</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national polling" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/46250032.182768/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWlsbHRvd25wYXJ0bmVycy5jb20vaW5zaWdodHMvYmVoaW5kLXRoZS1iYWNrbGFzaD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvZ2luJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/6577de049e5374e60a0e2e6eB9f5b2fce#_ga=2.102283201.1177888367.1783532777-1479187806.1769785246" data-vars-content-id="dd3f1f89-d2ab-4590-abaa-479cffc2a32f" data-vars-headline="Small Minnesota data centers fueling bigger AI backlash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/46250032.182768/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWlsbHRvd25wYXJ0bmVycy5jb20vaW5zaWdodHMvYmVoaW5kLXRoZS1iYWNrbGFzaD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvZ2luJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/6577de049e5374e60a0e2e6eB9f5b2fce#_ga=2.102283201.1177888367.1783532777-1479187806.1769785246" target="_self">national polling</a> suggests many voters are wary of the pace and terms of the buildout — and anxious about higher utility bills, home prices or environmental damage.</li></ul>

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>

How to vote early in Minnesota's August primary

Early voting for Minnesota's August primary election starts Friday, June 26.

Early voting for Minnesota&#x27;s August primary election <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="starts Friday, June 26" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote/vote-early-in-person/" data-vars-content-id="d1ddf47d-79f3-4ba7-bd25-dbe57dba73b9" data-vars-headline="How to vote early in Minnesota&#x27;s August primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote/vote-early-in-person/" target="_blank">starts Friday, June 26</a>.Why it matters: The winners of the DFL and GOP contests advance to the November ballot.<ul><li>For races expected to be less competitive in the general election, the primary effectively determines who will fill the seat next year.</li></ul>

Minnesota Democrats look to turn ICE watch volunteers into GOTV force

The DFL says thousands of new activists could help power its midterm ground game.

Minnesota Democrats are trying to turn tens of thousands of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;ICE watch&quot; volunteers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/26/ice-watch-rapid-response-minnesota-network" data-vars-content-id="129c72cf-4bc1-4646-b880-9bc23c06c345" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Democrats look to turn ICE watch volunteers into GOTV force" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/26/ice-watch-rapid-response-minnesota-network" target="_self">&quot;ICE watch&quot; volunteers</a> into a &quot;GOTV army&quot; of door-knockers and &quot;poll protectors&quot; ahead of the midterm elections. Why it matters: Boots on the ground can make a big difference in close campaigns.

Kaohly Her pulls off upset in St. Paul mayor's race

She'll be the first woman and first Hmong American mayor of St. Paul.

State Rep. Kaohly Her pulled off a stunning upset in the St. Paul mayor&#x27;s race, ousting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="her former boss" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/04/st-paul-mayoral-race-kaohly-vang-her-announces-run" data-vars-content-id="30b0753f-851c-4a1b-a3d0-5e13a217f782" data-vars-headline="Kaohly Her pulls off upset in St. Paul mayor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/04/st-paul-mayoral-race-kaohly-vang-her-announces-run" target="_self">her former boss</a> — two-term incumbent Melvin Carter — just three months after launching her challenge.Why it matters: The 52-year-old Her, a Laos-born child of refugees, will be the first woman and first Hmong American to serve as mayor of St. Paul.

St. Paul mayor candidates debate Carter's leadership record

Melvin Carter's reelection likely hinges on whether voters buy state Rep. Kaohly claim's that City Hall is "not responsive."

Politics

State Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kaohly Her" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/04/st-paul-mayoral-race-kaohly-vang-her-announces-run" data-vars-content-id="5aec59dd-ee47-4585-814f-97884450cd5b" data-vars-headline="St. Paul mayor candidates debate Carter&#x27;s leadership record" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/04/st-paul-mayoral-race-kaohly-vang-her-announces-run" target="_self">Kaohly Her</a>&#x27;s central argument against incumbent St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter is that during his two terms, City Hall officials have been too slow to answer constituents, developers or lawmakers calling for help.Why it matters: Carter&#x27;s reelection chances likely hinge on whether voters buy this claim from his highest-profile challenger — especially with very little ideological daylight between the two Democrats.

Minnesota schools ask voters to OK property tax hikes to ease budget strains

Seventy school districts across the state have put a combined 96 funding measures  on the ballot.

Voters across Minnesota will decide Nov. 4 whether to raise property taxes to raise tens to hundreds of millions of dollars for their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/05/29/twin-cities-open-enrollment-school-shift" data-vars-content-id="9218354e-c982-458e-becc-4a8ba6f5ae66" data-vars-headline="Minnesota schools ask voters to OK property tax hikes to ease budget strains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/05/29/twin-cities-open-enrollment-school-shift" target="_self">local schools</a>.The big picture: Budget pressures are prompting a growing number of districts to ask homeowners to chip in more for everything from building upgrades to classroom costs.

St. Paul voters will decide whether they're fine with fines

Most big Minnesota cities issue "administrative citations" to enforce the rules. St. Paul wants the same power.

St. Paul voters will decide in November whether to greatly expand the city&#x27;s ability to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hand out punitive fines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/06/06/st-paul-city-fines-administrative-citations-rental-wage-code-violation" data-vars-content-id="968ef20d-fc87-43e0-8726-ec68b97e849f" data-vars-headline="St. Paul voters will decide whether they&#x27;re fine with fines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/06/06/st-paul-city-fines-administrative-citations-rental-wage-code-violation" target="_self">hand out punitive fines</a> for breaking municipal codes.Why it matters: The city charter change would give St. Paul officials a powerful tool to, for example, pressure a landlord to clean up a neglected property or a business to quickly resolve a wage theft case.<ul><li>However, opponents fear that without safeguards, the city could turn its new powers against ordinary citizens for petty violations.</li></ul>

Minnesota's days of swing U.S. House seats appear over for now

U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, the sole incumbent running in a swing district, won by double digits.

Minnesota may no longer be the land of competitive congressional races.State of play: All eight of Minnesota&#x27;s U.S. House districts were won by double-digit margins this year.<ul><li>DFL U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, the sole incumbent running in a swing district, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sailed to a fourth term" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/11/06/angie-craig-minnesota-election-results" data-vars-content-id="0f3c5c6b-97c1-4d52-91f0-e19c7a65f198" data-vars-headline="Minnesota&#x27;s days of swing U.S. House seats appear over for now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/11/06/angie-craig-minnesota-election-results" target="_self">sailed to a fourth term</a> with a 13-point victory.</li></ul>

How a deadlocked Minnesota Legislature could work

Legislative leaders from both parties pledged Wednesday to negotiate a power-sharing agreement in preparation for a likely <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="67-67 tie in the Minnesota House of Representatives" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/11/06/minnesota-house-tie-trifecta-control-results" data-vars-content-id="5549f3e5-bd23-47b4-bbf6-fae1f9b0deb5" data-vars-headline="How a deadlocked Minnesota Legislature could work" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/11/06/minnesota-house-tie-trifecta-control-results" target="_self">67-67 tie in the Minnesota House of Representatives</a>.Why it matters: While Minnesota is used to divided government, the state is poised to enter relatively uncharted waters next year.

Battle for control of Minnesota House could result in rare tie, as GOP wins bring end to DFL trifecta

Two close races where Democrats have a narrow lead appear headed for a recount.

Election

The battle for control of the Minnesota House was headed for a potential 67-67 tie as of early Wednesday morning.The big picture: Any return to divided government would be a blow to legislative Democrats, who used the &quot;trifecta&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="they won in 2022" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/11/09/minnesota-legislature-democrats-election-results" data-vars-content-id="4a5aab08-3ac2-457b-9657-37202d980f4f" data-vars-headline="Battle for control of Minnesota House could result in rare tie, as GOP wins bring end to DFL trifecta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/11/09/minnesota-legislature-democrats-election-results" target="_self">they won in 2022</a> to pass a sweeping list of progressive policies.<ul><li>Legislative Republicans centered their bid to retake the chamber on an argument that Democrats went too far, saying more balance was needed.</li></ul>

Live results: Kamala Harris wins Minnesota

The last time the state voted for a GOP presidential nominee was 1972.

Vice President Harris and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="running mate Tim Walz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/21/tim-walz-vice-president-timeline" data-vars-content-id="652c01bf-71b2-4465-8170-91591e3fac3a" data-vars-headline="Live results: Kamala Harris wins Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/21/tim-walz-vice-president-timeline" target="_self">running mate Tim Walz</a> won Minnesota in the 2024 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="presidential election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/23/2024-election-how-to-vote" data-vars-content-id="652c01bf-71b2-4465-8170-91591e3fac3a" data-vars-headline="Live results: Kamala Harris wins Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/23/2024-election-how-to-vote" target="_self">presidential election</a>, per an early Wednesday call from the Associated Press.Zoom in: Minnesota has voted for the Democratic nominee in every election since 1972.

Election 🗳️

How to vote early in Minnesota's August primary

Minnesota Democrats look to turn ICE watch volunteers into GOTV force

Kaohly Her pulls off upset in St. Paul mayor's race

St. Paul mayor candidates debate Carter's leadership record

Minnesota schools ask voters to OK property tax hikes to ease budget strains