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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>

Minnesota THC makers hold out hope for federal lifeline

A proposed one-month reprieve could create an opening for a broader fix.

Food and Drink

Minnesota makers of hemp-derived THC seltzers and gummies are holding onto hope that Congress will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reverse a looming federal ban" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/10/shutdown-deal-kill-minnesota-thc-seltzer-edible-industry" data-vars-content-id="8c993550-a717-46c4-8229-756aaec9c807" data-vars-headline="Minnesota THC makers hold out hope for federal lifeline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/10/shutdown-deal-kill-minnesota-thc-seltzer-edible-industry" target="_self">reverse a looming federal ban</a> on their products — even as the legal limbo prompts some to scale back operations. Why it matters: The new federal policy, set to take effect in mid-November, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="would deal a serious blow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/10/shutdown-deal-kill-minnesota-thc-seltzer-edible-industry" data-vars-content-id="8c993550-a717-46c4-8229-756aaec9c807" data-vars-headline="Minnesota THC makers hold out hope for federal lifeline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/10/shutdown-deal-kill-minnesota-thc-seltzer-edible-industry" target="_self">would deal a serious blow</a> to the state&#x27;s booming low-dose edibles market. <ul><li>The change could mean more financial strain for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="craft brewers, who&#x27;ve relied on the drinks to offset slumping booze sales," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/06/26/craft-beer-minnesota-declines-thc-cocktails" data-vars-content-id="8c993550-a717-46c4-8229-756aaec9c807" data-vars-headline="Minnesota THC makers hold out hope for federal lifeline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/06/26/craft-beer-minnesota-declines-thc-cocktails" target="_self">craft brewers, who&#x27;ve relied on the drinks to offset slumping booze sales,</a> and fewer options for consumers. </li></ul>

Twin Cities coffee shops are going bananas for this coffee flavor

Things to Do

Lattes and matchas are going <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bananas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/12/inflation-banana-prices-tariffs" data-vars-content-id="cb249618-f21b-418a-af02-9787839a97bf" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities coffee shops are going bananas for this coffee flavor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/12/inflation-banana-prices-tariffs" target="_self">bananas</a> — including at a bunch of Twin Cities coffee shops. The big picture: Already the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most-eaten" data-vars-click-url="https://yougov.com/en-us/ratings/fruits" data-vars-content-id="cb249618-f21b-418a-af02-9787839a97bf" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities coffee shops are going bananas for this coffee flavor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://yougov.com/en-us/ratings/fruits" target="_blank">most-eaten</a> fresh fruit in America, bananas are ripe for the beverage market beyond smoothies.

Indígena by Owamni goes "Pay What You Can" —  for one day only

Want a meal at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indígena by Owamni" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/07/02/indigena-owamni-hope-breakfast-bar-dogwood-july-4" data-vars-content-id="312435c8-a1d7-4edf-9938-2c67a161d3a4" data-vars-headline="Indígena by Owamni goes &quot;Pay What You Can&quot; — for one day only" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/07/02/indigena-owamni-hope-breakfast-bar-dogwood-july-4" target="_self">Indígena by Owamni</a> for under $50? You may have a chance — but only next Wednesday.What&#x27;s happening: The acclaimed Indigenous restaurant will participate in the international <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Paga Lo Que Puedas / Pay What You Can" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pagaloquepuedas-paywhatyoucan.com/" data-vars-content-id="312435c8-a1d7-4edf-9938-2c67a161d3a4" data-vars-headline="Indígena by Owamni goes &quot;Pay What You Can&quot; — for one day only" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pagaloquepuedas-paywhatyoucan.com/" target="_blank">Paga Lo Que Puedas / Pay What You Can</a> initiative on Aug. 26, during which some of the world&#x27;s best restaurants will offer regular menus <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="without the usual price barrier" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/18/dc-restaurants-pay-what-you-can-day" data-vars-content-id="312435c8-a1d7-4edf-9938-2c67a161d3a4" data-vars-headline="Indígena by Owamni goes &quot;Pay What You Can&quot; — for one day only" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/18/dc-restaurants-pay-what-you-can-day" target="_self">without the usual price barrier</a>.

Restaurant Roundup: Oro by Nixta earns New York Times nod 

The Northeast Minneapolis restaurant continues to gain national recognition.

🇲🇽 Oro by Nixta was named one of the country&#x27;s greatest Mexican restaurants <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="by the New York Times" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/13/dining/best-mexican-restaurants-united-states.html" data-vars-content-id="0e0995e0-15f1-4458-9c8e-a9b7ad6fb9f6" data-vars-headline="Restaurant Roundup: Oro by Nixta earns New York Times nod " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/13/dining/best-mexican-restaurants-united-states.html" target="_blank">by the New York Times</a>.🌪️ A weather-themed sports bar from retired KSTP meteorologist Dave Dahl is opening in Stillwater this fall, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2026/08/10/dave-dahl-tornado-room-bar-restaurant-stillwater.html" data-vars-content-id="0e0995e0-15f1-4458-9c8e-a9b7ad6fb9f6" data-vars-headline="Restaurant Roundup: Oro by Nixta earns New York Times nod " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2026/08/10/dave-dahl-tornado-room-bar-restaurant-stillwater.html" target="_blank">reports</a>.

Restaurant roundup: A fall opening by St. Anthony Falls

Arch & River plans a fall opening, per the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arch and River," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/04/20/afro-caribbean-bistro-owamni-mississippi-riverfront-restaurant" data-vars-content-id="0c07765a-bff6-4381-bd61-d2ebaaf23b33" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: A fall opening by St. Anthony Falls" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/04/20/afro-caribbean-bistro-owamni-mississippi-riverfront-restaurant" target="_self">Arch and River,</a> the Minneapolis Park &amp; Recreation Board&#x27;s pick to replace Owamni at Water Works Pavilion, is now targeting a September opening, a park board spokesperson tells Axios.<ul><li>The restaurant is set to take over a prime spot near the Stone Arch Bridge. </li></ul>

Weekender: Wanderlight Trail, Panda Fest and Washington County Fair

Catch the Zoo's Wanderlight experience before it closes.

This weekend is last call for checking out the Minnesota Zoo&#x27;s whimsical <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wanderlight Trail" data-vars-click-url="https://mnzoo.org/wanderlight-2026/" data-vars-content-id="6e5acce9-057c-42f2-9d1b-d3b356447c7d" data-vars-headline="Weekender: Wanderlight Trail, Panda Fest and Washington County Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mnzoo.org/wanderlight-2026/" target="_blank">Wanderlight Trail</a> exhibit. Why it matters: The summer counterpart to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular features towering lanterns and other immersive light-up displays inspired by animals and habitats around the world.<ul><li>Its two-month run ends on Sunday night.</li></ul>

Yelp: Minnesota has America's best State Fair food

The 2026 Fair is now officially less than a month away.

We didn&#x27;t need Yelp to know the Minnesota has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the best state fair food in the U.S." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/21/best-worst-of-new-state-fair-foods-2025" data-vars-content-id="409429a1-c3c4-4139-805e-1dee6a305db3" data-vars-headline="Yelp: Minnesota has America&#x27;s best State Fair food" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/21/best-worst-of-new-state-fair-foods-2025" target="_self">the best state fair food in the U.S.</a>, but Yelp was nice enough to confirm it anyway.The big picture: The Great Minnesota Get-Together landed at No. 1 on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Yelp&#x27;s new ranking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.yelp.com/article/state-fairs-festival-eats-food" data-vars-content-id="409429a1-c3c4-4139-805e-1dee6a305db3" data-vars-headline="Yelp: Minnesota has America&#x27;s best State Fair food" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.yelp.com/article/state-fairs-festival-eats-food" target="_blank">Yelp&#x27;s new ranking</a> out this morning, which was based on the website&#x27;s reviews.

Former Hubert's building is back up for lease

The building, just steps from U.S. Bank Stadium, has been vacant for 7 years.

As the Vikings <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/12/vikings-sign-kyler-murray" data-vars-content-id="82423d5f-d8f9-4aa2-8a76-db7abe4d5201" data-vars-headline="Former Hubert&#x27;s building is back up for lease" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/12/vikings-sign-kyler-murray" target="_self">season</a> draws near, the group that owns the restaurant building closest to U.S. Bank Stadium is hoping to finally find a tenant after seven years of vacancy. Why it matters: Generations of football fans packed into Hubert&#x27;s between 1983 and its closure in 2015.<ul><li>It has sat empty since 2019, when Erik the Red, a Nordic BBQ restaurant that replaced Hubert&#x27;s, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/erik-the-red-restaurant-is-moving-to-south-minneapolis-in-2020/" data-vars-content-id="82423d5f-d8f9-4aa2-8a76-db7abe4d5201" data-vars-headline="Former Hubert&#x27;s building is back up for lease" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/erik-the-red-restaurant-is-moving-to-south-minneapolis-in-2020/" target="_blank">closed</a>. </li></ul>

Restaurant roundup: Nokomis House, new Giordano's; Official Fried Chicken

And Giordano's is now open in Mall of America

The space of the short-lived Stonegarden restaurant in South Minneapolis will be backfilled by Nokomis House, which will serve Americana fare.

Food and Drink 🍽

Minnesota THC makers hold out hope for federal lifeline

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

Twin Cities coffee shops are going bananas for this coffee flavor

Indígena by Owamni goes "Pay What You Can" — for one day only

Restaurant Roundup: Oro by Nixta earns New York Times nod