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Mall of America courts Gen Z with viral TikTok brands

Retailers are betting on blind boxes, viral eats and IRL experiences to bring young shoppers through its doors.

Business

Some of the Mall of America&#x27;s buzziest new brands were first &quot;discovered&quot; by shoppers on TikTok For You pages.State of the stores: In the last year, the retail and entertainment megaplex has added &quot;viral&quot; claw machine arcade Duck, blind box seller Miniso and dessert stand Sweet Crunch Tanghulu to its directory.<ul><li>There&#x27;s even Roni&#x27;s, a mac-and-cheese bar that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boasts nearly a million TikTok followers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tiktok.com/@ronismacbar?lang=en" data-vars-content-id="7e9a390a-16ce-4994-b094-9e950228deed" data-vars-headline="Mall of America courts Gen Z with viral TikTok brands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ronismacbar?lang=en" target="_blank">boasts nearly a million TikTok followers</a>.</li></ul>

Twin Cities weekend guide: Monarch festival, Greenway Glow, JazzFest

If you have the energy, you can check out four festivals on Saturday alone.

Things to Do

It&#x27;s a big weekend for Minneapolis festivals — and if you have the energy, you can check out four on Saturday alone.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s my dream itinerary for the day, not including stops for coffee.</li></ul>🦋 10am: Start your adventure surrounded by butterflies at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Monarch Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://monarchfestival.org/" data-vars-content-id="a59df700-96c0-47f2-845d-f603321a7847" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Monarch festival, Greenway Glow, JazzFest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://monarchfestival.org/" target="_blank">Monarch Festival</a> at Lake Nokomis, a celebration of the insect&#x27;s 2,300-mile migration from Minnesota to Mexico with dancing, art, native plant sales and live monarchs. Saturday, 10am-4pm. Free.

The history of Minneapolis' fiercely independent Park Board

The context is key to understanding why the current board and mayor are locked in a budget stalemate.

News

Since its inception 143 years ago, Minneapolis&#x27; uniquely powerful Park Board has frequently served as a counterweight to the city&#x27;s most influential politicians.Why it matters: The founding story of the Park Board is crucial to understanding why Mayor Jacob Frey and the current board are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="locked in a budget stalemate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/24/minneapolis-mayor-park-board-tax-increase" data-vars-content-id="3c8742e8-ee73-430d-93fa-ecdb9061ba4e" data-vars-headline="The history of Minneapolis&#x27; fiercely independent Park Board" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/24/minneapolis-mayor-park-board-tax-increase" target="_self">locked in a budget stalemate</a> now.<ul><li>It also helps explain why Frey may not be able to block <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an already large city tax levy increase" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/minneapolis-property-tax-increase-budget-cuts" data-vars-content-id="3c8742e8-ee73-430d-93fa-ecdb9061ba4e" data-vars-headline="The history of Minneapolis&#x27; fiercely independent Park Board" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/minneapolis-property-tax-increase-budget-cuts" target="_self">an already large city tax levy increase</a> from becoming even larger this fall.</li></ul>

Dick's Sporting Goods planning mega store in Maple Grove

The two-level House of Sport concept is heavy on interactive features.

Dick&#x27;s is planning one if its large, experiential House of Sport stores in Maple Grove, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="documents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.maplegrovemn.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/10732?fileID=30921" data-vars-content-id="819a2d37-1ffc-4ef0-b258-2f84992768f1" data-vars-headline="Dick&#x27;s Sporting Goods planning mega store in Maple Grove" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.maplegrovemn.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/10732?fileID=30921" target="_blank">documents</a> submitted to the city. Zoom in: The two-level, 100,000-square-foot store would be part of a larger development near Highway 610 and Maple Grove Parkway. <ul><li>The proposal also calls for a Golf Galaxy store, a Chick-fil-A and a 7 Brew drive-thru coffee shop. </li></ul>

Minneapolis council members propose requiring drivers in driverless cars 

A proposed ordinance revives Minnesota's debate over autonomous vehicles, jobs and public safety.

Transit

Four Minneapolis City Council members are moving to pump the brakes on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waymo&#x27;s plans to launch driverless robotaxis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/20/waymo-minneapolis-cars-rollout-testing" data-vars-content-id="53dcf73b-2896-4b91-bc9c-4faec05fd9d9" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis council members propose requiring drivers in driverless cars " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/20/waymo-minneapolis-cars-rollout-testing" target="_self">Waymo&#x27;s plans to launch driverless robotaxis</a> on local roads.Why it matters: A proposed ordinance getting its first public hearing this month is the latest twist in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="political fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/18/waymo-autonomous-vehicle-minnesota-labor-debate" data-vars-content-id="53dcf73b-2896-4b91-bc9c-4faec05fd9d9" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis council members propose requiring drivers in driverless cars " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/18/waymo-autonomous-vehicle-minnesota-labor-debate" target="_self">political fight</a> over regulating autonomous vehicles in Minnesota. <ul><li>Competing proposals to regulate or ban the technology statewide stalled at the narrowly divided Legislature last spring.</li></ul>

Minnesota school funding amendment faces November vote

Education

Minnesotans will decide this November whether to send more cash from a 168-year-old trust to schools across the state. Why it matters: Supporters of the constitutional amendment, placed on the ballot with broad bipartisan support, say the proposal increases school funding without raising taxes.

Trump tariffs cost Minnesota $4.8 billion, report estimates

That comes to about $2,000 per household, according to a new economic analysis.

President Trump&#x27;s tariffs have cost Minnesota an estimated $4.8 billion since January 2025, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to a new analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://tariffs.org/minnesota/" data-vars-content-id="4f375428-446a-467a-a7f7-1b7b728b01c5" data-vars-headline="Trump tariffs cost Minnesota $4.8 billion, report estimates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tariffs.org/minnesota/" target="_blank">according to a new analysis</a>. Why it matters: The report, Trade Partnership Worldwide for the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, underscores that while Trump&#x27;s tariffs are international, their economic impact is local.

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>

Minneapolis mayor, Park Board battle over tax hike

Minneapolis' parks are the city's crown jewels. The board that oversees them wants a bigger tax hike than Mayor Jacob Frey can live with.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is pressuring the city’s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="semi-independent Park Board" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/06/02/park-board-proposal-close-minnehaha-dog-park" data-vars-content-id="10668ef8-7a37-4bd5-9b28-9c947b5daf34" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis mayor, Park Board battle over tax hike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/06/02/park-board-proposal-close-minnehaha-dog-park" target="_self">semi-independent Park Board</a> to trim its budget for next year.Why it matters: Minneapolis’ parks are the city’s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crown jewels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/20/best-parks-cities-parkscore" data-vars-content-id="10668ef8-7a37-4bd5-9b28-9c947b5daf34" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis mayor, Park Board battle over tax hike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/20/best-parks-cities-parkscore" target="_self">crown jewels</a>, and the Minneapolis Park &amp; Recreation Board says further cuts to its staff would jeopardize the maintenance of the city’s greenspaces, rec centers, parkways and trails.<ul><li>But the mayor’s budget already calls for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one of the largest property tax levy increases in the city’s modern history" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/minneapolis-property-tax-increase-budget-cuts" data-vars-content-id="10668ef8-7a37-4bd5-9b28-9c947b5daf34" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis mayor, Park Board battle over tax hike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/minneapolis-property-tax-increase-budget-cuts" target="_self">one of the largest property tax levy increases in the city’s modern history</a> (11.3%) — and taxpayers would face an even bigger hike (11.9%) if Park Board members get all they&#x27;re asking for.</li></ul>

Map: Minnesota primary results by county for Peggy Flanagan, Lisa Demuth

County results show metro strength for both winners — and Flanagan's reach across Greater Minnesota.

Election

Big vote totals in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs fueled Lisa Demuth and Peggy Flanagan&#x27;s landslide wins in their respective GOP gubernatorial and DFL U.S. Senate primaries.Why it matters: Minnesotans living in the vote-heavy metro will play a pivotal role in picking the winners of the high-stakes races for governor and U.S. senator this fall.<ul><li>How voters break in suburban swing districts will also determine control of the narrowly divided state Legislature. </li></ul>

Frey proposes steep Minneapolis levy hike

Years of generous salary increases and mounting inflationary pressures are beginning to overtake City Hall.

Minneapolis may soon endure its largest property tax levy hike in recent memory — 11.3% — but still would have to cut jobs under a budget proposal Mayor Jacob Frey rolled out Wednesday.Why it matters: Years of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="generous salary increases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/07/18/minneapolis-police-contract-city-council-approval" data-vars-content-id="17d5c085-f624-4b38-89f8-5740b93f6c72" data-vars-headline="Frey proposes steep Minneapolis levy hike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/07/18/minneapolis-police-contract-city-council-approval" target="_self">generous salary increases</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mounting inflationary pressures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/13/minneapolis-budget-tax-hike-mayor-frey" data-vars-content-id="17d5c085-f624-4b38-89f8-5740b93f6c72" data-vars-headline="Frey proposes steep Minneapolis levy hike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/13/minneapolis-budget-tax-hike-mayor-frey" target="_self">mounting inflationary pressures</a> are beginning to overtake City Hall.The big picture: Now, the mayor’s proposal will tee off the most painful budget fight in years, with some City Council members likely to go to bat for pet programs and other members likely to push just as hard for deeper cuts and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="smaller levy hike" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/19/property-tax-increases-minnesota-minneapolis-metro" data-vars-content-id="17d5c085-f624-4b38-89f8-5740b93f6c72" data-vars-headline="Frey proposes steep Minneapolis levy hike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/19/property-tax-increases-minnesota-minneapolis-metro" target="_self">smaller levy hike</a>.

Big takeaways from Minnesota's primary election results

The results set the stage for high-stakes November battles.

The marquee matchups are set for Minnesota&#x27;s high-stakes midterm election. The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/peggy-flanagan-democratic-primary-minnesota-senate-results" data-vars-content-id="fd38de84-6c08-4404-8077-762a50f18d26" data-vars-headline="Big takeaways from Minnesota&#x27;s primary election results" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/peggy-flanagan-democratic-primary-minnesota-senate-results" target="_self"> Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan</a>, a progressive Democrat, and Republican Michele Tafoya, a well-known former sideline reporter, will face off for the open U.S. Senate seat. <ul><li>In the governor&#x27;s race, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/lisa-demuth-minnesota-gop-gubernatorial-primary-results" data-vars-content-id="fd38de84-6c08-4404-8077-762a50f18d26" data-vars-headline="Big takeaways from Minnesota&#x27;s primary election results" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/lisa-demuth-minnesota-gop-gubernatorial-primary-results" target="_self">Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth</a> handily defeated candidates backed by President Trump and her own party to go up against U.S. Sen. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amy Klobuchar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/klobuchar-minnesota-democratic-primary-governor" data-vars-content-id="fd38de84-6c08-4404-8077-762a50f18d26" data-vars-headline="Big takeaways from Minnesota&#x27;s primary election results" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/klobuchar-minnesota-democratic-primary-governor" target="_self">Amy Klobuchar</a>.</li></ul>

Peggy Flanagan wins Democratic primary for Minnesota's open U.S. Senate seat

Flanagan's victory over U.S. Rep. Angie Craig is seen as a win for progressives.

Politics

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/30/minnesota-senate-primary-flanagan-craig-ice-raids-dfl-endorsement-delegates" data-vars-content-id="11e14895-e73e-4285-847b-b14b377eda6d" data-vars-headline="Peggy Flanagan wins Democratic primary for Minnesota&#x27;s open U.S. Senate seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/30/minnesota-senate-primary-flanagan-craig-ice-raids-dfl-endorsement-delegates" target="_self">Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan</a> defeated U.S. Rep. Angie Craig to win Tuesday&#x27;s Democratic primary for Minnesota&#x27;s open U.S. Senate seat, the AP projects. Why it matters: Flanagan&#x27;s victory over the moderate congresswoman is another win for progressives in the broader fight over the future of the Democratic Party.

Lisa Demuth defeats Mike Lindell to win Minnesota GOP gubernatorial primary 

Demuth is expected to face U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar on the November ballot.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/02/lisa-demuth-minnesota-governor-republican-primary-tim-walz" data-vars-content-id="ec0f4290-a781-481a-a799-d667dc8ec390" data-vars-headline="Lisa Demuth defeats Mike Lindell to win Minnesota GOP gubernatorial primary " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/02/lisa-demuth-minnesota-governor-republican-primary-tim-walz" target="_self">Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth</a> is the winner of Tuesday’s GOP gubernatorial primary, the AP projects.The big picture: Demuth, the highest-ranking Republican in state elected office, defeated rivals backed by President Trump and the state GOP to secure the nomination for the open seat.<ul><li>She&#x27;ll face U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, the Democratic nominee, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on the November ballot." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/klobuchar-minnesota-democratic-primary-governor" data-vars-content-id="ec0f4290-a781-481a-a799-d667dc8ec390" data-vars-headline="Lisa Demuth defeats Mike Lindell to win Minnesota GOP gubernatorial primary " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/08/12/klobuchar-minnesota-democratic-primary-governor" target="_self">on the November ballot.</a></li></ul>

Politics 🇺🇸

Minneapolis council members propose requiring drivers in driverless cars

Minnesota school funding amendment faces November vote

Trump tariffs cost Minnesota $4.8 billion, report estimates

Minnesota THC makers hold out hope for federal lifeline

Minneapolis mayor, Park Board battle over tax hike