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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>

⚽️ England, Minnesota United share celebration song

The Oasis hit has been a MNUFC victory anthem for more than a decade.

Sports

If England wins its FIFA World Cup match on Wednesday, the post-game celebration could sound <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a lot like St. Paul" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/27/loons-connections-give-minnesota-world-cup-roots" data-vars-content-id="32268fef-bb1e-44a0-952f-daaf84e16e35" data-vars-headline="⚽️ England, Minnesota United share celebration song" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/27/loons-connections-give-minnesota-world-cup-roots" target="_self">a lot like St. Paul</a>.&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wonderwall" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/OasisMania/status/2071040417718542535" data-vars-content-id="32268fef-bb1e-44a0-952f-daaf84e16e35" data-vars-headline="⚽️ England, Minnesota United share celebration song" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/OasisMania/status/2071040417718542535" target="_blank">Wonderwall</a>&quot; has become England&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="viral victory anthem" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49144590/why-england-fans-singing-wonderwall-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="32268fef-bb1e-44a0-952f-daaf84e16e35" data-vars-headline="⚽️ England, Minnesota United share celebration song" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49144590/why-england-fans-singing-wonderwall-world-cup" target="_blank">viral victory anthem</a> this year.<ul><li>In-stadium supporters have twice serenaded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="misty-eyed players" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/worldcup/comments/1u8rg9r/awestruck_england_squad_watch_fans_belt_out_oasis/" data-vars-content-id="32268fef-bb1e-44a0-952f-daaf84e16e35" data-vars-headline="⚽️ England, Minnesota United share celebration song" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/worldcup/comments/1u8rg9r/awestruck_england_squad_watch_fans_belt_out_oasis/" target="_blank">misty-eyed players</a> with the Oasis hit. It&#x27;s a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new tradition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c4gyz9lnye7o" data-vars-content-id="32268fef-bb1e-44a0-952f-daaf84e16e35" data-vars-headline="⚽️ England, Minnesota United share celebration song" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c4gyz9lnye7o" target="_blank">new tradition</a>, per BBC Sport.</li></ul>The other side (of the pond): &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wonderwall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ispa8bqM1LA" data-vars-content-id="32268fef-bb1e-44a0-952f-daaf84e16e35" data-vars-headline="⚽️ England, Minnesota United share celebration song" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ispa8bqM1LA" target="_blank">Wonderwall</a>&quot; has been a Minnesota United FC tradition for more than a decade.<ul><li>It dates back to MNUFC&#x27;s pre-Major League Soccer days, when players sang it to fans <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="after an emotional 2011 playoff win" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dark-clouds.com/2017/03/93535/" data-vars-content-id="32268fef-bb1e-44a0-952f-daaf84e16e35" data-vars-headline="⚽️ England, Minnesota United share celebration song" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dark-clouds.com/2017/03/93535/" target="_blank">after an emotional 2011 playoff win</a>.</li></ul>Between the lines: England is likely borrowing, not from MNUFC, but from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Premier League club Manchester City" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzYDvbDPK3c" data-vars-content-id="32268fef-bb1e-44a0-952f-daaf84e16e35" data-vars-headline="⚽️ England, Minnesota United share celebration song" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzYDvbDPK3c" target="_blank">Premier League club Manchester City</a>.<ul><li>Oasis&#x27; Noel and Liam Gallagher are fans, and Man City has used the song to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="celebrate big wins" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/ManCity/status/1127616033387421696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1127616033387421696%7Ctwgr%5Efd3869f20e0b40b0b9d2af60c53df6519aaee6a5%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fsoccer%2Fnews%2Fmanchester-city-players-sing-wonderwall-with-oasis-noel-gallagher-after-premier-league-triumph%2F" data-vars-content-id="32268fef-bb1e-44a0-952f-daaf84e16e35" data-vars-headline="⚽️ England, Minnesota United share celebration song" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/ManCity/status/1127616033387421696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1127616033387421696%7Ctwgr%5Efd3869f20e0b40b0b9d2af60c53df6519aaee6a5%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fsoccer%2Fnews%2Fmanchester-city-players-sing-wonderwall-with-oasis-noel-gallagher-after-premier-league-triumph%2F" target="_blank">celebrate big wins</a>.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: England takes on the Democratic Republic of the Congo at 11am.🇺🇸 The U.S. plays Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday at 7pm.

Why the Wild want to land Dylan Larkin

Larkin could be the missing piece the franchise has long sought.

The Minnesota Wild are pushing hard to land <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dylan Larkin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/09/dylan-larkin-trade-list-panthers-golden-knights-wild" data-vars-content-id="42326cbd-0bff-442d-9529-2b3a4f1c22df" data-vars-headline="Why the Wild want to land Dylan Larkin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/09/dylan-larkin-trade-list-panthers-golden-knights-wild" target="_self">Dylan Larkin</a>, a top NHL center who&#x27;s requested a trade out of Detroit, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Athletic reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7383829/2026/06/23/wild-pursuit-dylan-larkin-trade-offseason/" data-vars-content-id="42326cbd-0bff-442d-9529-2b3a4f1c22df" data-vars-headline="Why the Wild want to land Dylan Larkin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7383829/2026/06/23/wild-pursuit-dylan-larkin-trade-offseason/" target="_blank">The Athletic reports</a>.Why it matters: Larkin could be the missing piece the franchise has been searching for: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a marquee scoring talent at center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/06/24/wild-marco-rossi-free-agency-decision" data-vars-content-id="42326cbd-0bff-442d-9529-2b3a4f1c22df" data-vars-headline="Why the Wild want to land Dylan Larkin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/06/24/wild-marco-rossi-free-agency-decision" target="_self">a marquee scoring talent at center</a>.The big picture: The Wild have tried running their offense through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="superstar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/04/27/matt-boldy-emerging-as-a-star-of-wild-dallas-playoff-series" data-vars-content-id="42326cbd-0bff-442d-9529-2b3a4f1c22df" data-vars-headline="Why the Wild want to land Dylan Larkin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/04/27/matt-boldy-emerging-as-a-star-of-wild-dallas-playoff-series" target="_self">superstar</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wingers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/09/30/kirill-kaprizov-re-signs-wild-nhl-hockey" data-vars-content-id="42326cbd-0bff-442d-9529-2b3a4f1c22df" data-vars-headline="Why the Wild want to land Dylan Larkin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/09/30/kirill-kaprizov-re-signs-wild-nhl-hockey" target="_self">wingers</a> and game-changing D-man <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Quinn Hughes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-02d81240-44aa-11f1-969c-b128fad0d8cc.html?chunk=7&amp;utm_term=emshare#story7" data-vars-content-id="42326cbd-0bff-442d-9529-2b3a4f1c22df" data-vars-headline="Why the Wild want to land Dylan Larkin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-02d81240-44aa-11f1-969c-b128fad0d8cc.html?chunk=7&amp;utm_term=emshare#story7" target="_self">Quinn Hughes</a> — but every recent Stanley Cup champion is deep at center.<ul><li>Joel Eriksson Ek is solid, but the pattern of early playoff exits proves <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="he needs help" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/06/24/wild-marco-rossi-free-agency-decision" data-vars-content-id="42326cbd-0bff-442d-9529-2b3a4f1c22df" data-vars-headline="Why the Wild want to land Dylan Larkin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/06/24/wild-marco-rossi-free-agency-decision" target="_self">he needs help</a> — hence the push for Larkin, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="considered one of the NHL&#x27;s 20 best centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-current-players-ranked-top-20-centers-2025" data-vars-content-id="42326cbd-0bff-442d-9529-2b3a4f1c22df" data-vars-headline="Why the Wild want to land Dylan Larkin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-current-players-ranked-top-20-centers-2025" target="_blank">considered one of the NHL&#x27;s 20 best centers</a>.</li></ul>Catch up quick: The Wild were on Larkin&#x27;s initial short-list of destinations, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per the Detroit Free Press" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2026/06/08/dylan-lakrin-trade-request-list-red-wings-news/90454760007/" data-vars-content-id="42326cbd-0bff-442d-9529-2b3a4f1c22df" data-vars-headline="Why the Wild want to land Dylan Larkin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2026/06/08/dylan-lakrin-trade-request-list-red-wings-news/90454760007/" target="_blank">per the Detroit Free Press</a>.<ul><li>With <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a no-trade clause" data-vars-click-url="https://puckpedia.com/player/dylan-larkin" data-vars-content-id="42326cbd-0bff-442d-9529-2b3a4f1c22df" data-vars-headline="Why the Wild want to land Dylan Larkin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://puckpedia.com/player/dylan-larkin" target="_blank">a no-trade clause</a>, Larkin has veto power over his landing spot.</li></ul>Friction points: The Red Wings are under no obligation to trade Larkin, so they&#x27;ll demand a big return.<ul><li>The Wild have very few trade chips left, having already exchanged <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="several of their best assets for Hughes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-92733640-d6c9-11f0-b149-139d470d522e.html?chunk=7&amp;utm_term=emshare#story7" data-vars-content-id="42326cbd-0bff-442d-9529-2b3a4f1c22df" data-vars-headline="Why the Wild want to land Dylan Larkin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-92733640-d6c9-11f0-b149-139d470d522e.html?chunk=7&amp;utm_term=emshare#story7" target="_self">several of their best assets for Hughes</a>.</li><li>One worrying sign for Minnesota: Larkin has since expanded his list of acceptable trade destinations, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/article/yzerman-asks-larkins-agent-to-expand-trade-list-beyond-three-teams/" data-vars-content-id="42326cbd-0bff-442d-9529-2b3a4f1c22df" data-vars-headline="Why the Wild want to land Dylan Larkin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/article/yzerman-asks-larkins-agent-to-expand-trade-list-beyond-three-teams/" target="_blank">NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reports</a>.</li></ul>The bottom line: The Wild have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="other roster-filling options" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/23/quinn-hughes-minnesota-wild-trade-deadline?utm_term=twsocialshare%20#axiostwincities" data-vars-content-id="42326cbd-0bff-442d-9529-2b3a4f1c22df" data-vars-headline="Why the Wild want to land Dylan Larkin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/23/quinn-hughes-minnesota-wild-trade-deadline?utm_term=twsocialshare%20#axiostwincities" target="_self">other roster-filling options</a> if Larkin goes elsewhere (or nowhere) — but none who would fill a bigger need so completely.

Wolves trade fan favorite Naz Reid for LaMelo Ball

Timberwolves roster shakeup bring in LaMelo Ball

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="beach towels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/videos/naz-reid-towels" data-vars-content-id="ec3c4356-238e-4c62-a2ca-3c12f8b4192d" data-vars-headline="Wolves trade fan favorite Naz Reid for LaMelo Ball" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/videos/naz-reid-towels" target="_blank">beach towels</a>. The lawn signs. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The tattoos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/40155587/naz-reid-minnesota-timberwolves-2024-nba-playoffs-tattoos" data-vars-content-id="ec3c4356-238e-4c62-a2ca-3c12f8b4192d" data-vars-headline="Wolves trade fan favorite Naz Reid for LaMelo Ball" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/40155587/naz-reid-minnesota-timberwolves-2024-nba-playoffs-tattoos" target="_blank">The tattoos</a>. Naz Reid, perhaps the most beloved non-superstar in Minnesota sports history, has been traded to the Charlotte Hornets after seven seasons, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="multiple reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/49175343/hornets-trade-ball-timberwolves-reid-picks" data-vars-content-id="ec3c4356-238e-4c62-a2ca-3c12f8b4192d" data-vars-headline="Wolves trade fan favorite Naz Reid for LaMelo Ball" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/49175343/hornets-trade-ball-timberwolves-reid-picks" target="_blank">multiple reports</a>.

Twin Cities bars hope FIFA World Cup means big business

"Watching the World Cup needs to be done with people," one St. Paul soccer bar owner tells Axios.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/13/what-to-know-about-world-cup-watch-parties-miami" data-vars-content-id="07af49b4-d824-4f3a-af27-4ec5f4b529d7" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities bars hope FIFA World Cup means big business" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/13/what-to-know-about-world-cup-watch-parties-miami" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> kicks off Thursday with soccer matches set to be played across the United States, Mexico and Canada.Why it matters: The monthlong tournament is the crowning moment of the world&#x27;s most popular sport — and one of the world&#x27;s largest parties.

Where to watch the FIFA World Cup in the Twin Cities

Here are some watch events to put on your calendar.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/08/how-to-watch-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="2f431e90-ca46-421e-b4e3-04d682077456" data-vars-headline="Where to watch the FIFA World Cup in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/08/how-to-watch-world-cup" target="_self">FIFA World Cup </a>fans in the Twin Cities, here are some watch events to put on your calendar — plus some local bars and restaurants that will be reliably showing games.

Lynx rookie Olivia Miles takes the WNBA by storm

The point guard can score and dish, and she's the favorite for Rookie of the Year.

Lynx rookie guard Olivia Miles has quickly put the WNBA on notice that she has arrived. Why it matters: Miles&#x27; immediate success has given Lynx fans hope they won&#x27;t need to suffer through a long rebuild after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="losing several of their top players" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/08/lynx-2026-season-depleted-roster" data-vars-content-id="272196c8-f084-408c-a21d-fd125a8d88fd" data-vars-headline="Lynx rookie Olivia Miles takes the WNBA by storm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/08/lynx-2026-season-depleted-roster" target="_self">losing several of their top players</a> to expansion and free agency.

Lynx enter 2026 season with a depleted roster

The Lynx are down six of their top eight scorers from last season.

When the Lynx take the Target Center floor for their season opener Saturday night, they&#x27;ll be without six of their top eight players from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/09/15/lynx-s-wnba-title-journey-won-t-be-easy" data-vars-content-id="e171b4be-ded0-4345-85f5-5b0eecee44d4" data-vars-headline="Lynx enter 2026 season with a depleted roster" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/09/15/lynx-s-wnba-title-journey-won-t-be-easy" target="_self">last year</a>. Why it matters: No WNBA team had a tougher offseason than the Lynx, which suffered a heartbreaking playoff loss last fall and then saw their roster raided by an expansion draft and free agency.

Kelly Pannek headlines Frost's quest for a Walter Cup three-peat

If it's possible for a three-time U.S. Olympian to have a "breakout season," the Frost forward is having one.

If it&#x27;s possible for a three-time U.S. Olympian to have a &quot;breakout season&quot; playing professional hockey, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kelly Pannek" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/06/minnesota-olympians-womens-hockey-milan" data-vars-content-id="bd25f1e0-134a-463f-93f9-a1097c60292e" data-vars-headline="Kelly Pannek headlines Frost&#x27;s quest for a Walter Cup three-peat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/06/minnesota-olympians-womens-hockey-milan" target="_self">Kelly Pannek</a> is having one.Why it matters: The Plymouth native&#x27;s prolific offensive year for the Minnesota Frost is a big reason her team has the juice to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="three-peat as Walter Cup champions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/05/27/minnesota-frost-pwhl-championship-repeat" data-vars-content-id="bd25f1e0-134a-463f-93f9-a1097c60292e" data-vars-headline="Kelly Pannek headlines Frost&#x27;s quest for a Walter Cup three-peat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/05/27/minnesota-frost-pwhl-championship-repeat" target="_self">three-peat as Walter Cup champions</a> in the PWHL playoffs that begin Saturday.

Scoop: Mayor Frey wants Wolves arena at City Center site

The mayor is pushing a Nicollet Mall NBA arena, but it's not clear if the Wolves are on board

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is pushing the City Center complex as a potential site for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Timberwolves/Lynx arena" 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="8f5f02b7-c1f2-4a6a-94cf-b9a49373280d" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Mayor Frey wants Wolves arena at City Center site" 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">new Timberwolves/Lynx arena</a>, according to multiple sources familiar with the talks. Why it matters: The idea — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first floated by Axios" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/02/23/build-wolves-arena-city-center-minneapolis-downtown" data-vars-content-id="8f5f02b7-c1f2-4a6a-94cf-b9a49373280d" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Mayor Frey wants Wolves arena at City Center site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/02/23/build-wolves-arena-city-center-minneapolis-downtown" target="_self">first floated by Axios</a> — would mean demolishing one of the city&#x27;s tallest towers and bringing an NBA arena onto the struggling Nicollet Mall.

Vikings on the clock: Will their pick come from Oregon?

Dillon Thieneman and Kenyon Sadiq are popular picks in mock drafts

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vikings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/12/vikings-sign-kyler-murray" data-vars-content-id="ab6bf7ea-6841-4bda-9513-044d4fe83b17" data-vars-headline="Vikings on the clock: Will their pick come from Oregon?" 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">Vikings</a> hold the 18th pick in Thursday night&#x27;s NFL Draft and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vikings.com/news/2026-nfl-mock-draft-predictions-prospects-version-7" data-vars-content-id="ab6bf7ea-6841-4bda-9513-044d4fe83b17" data-vars-headline="Vikings on the clock: Will their pick come from Oregon?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vikings.com/news/2026-nfl-mock-draft-predictions-prospects-version-7" target="_blank">most</a> of the pundits think they&#x27;ll select Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman. Why it matters: Only one other NFL team has a worse draft record than the Vikings since 2022, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ESPN&#x27;s Kevin Seifert." data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47780122/nfl-minnesota-vikings-gm-kwesi-adofo-mensah-fired-kevin-oconnell-jj-mccarthy" data-vars-content-id="ab6bf7ea-6841-4bda-9513-044d4fe83b17" data-vars-headline="Vikings on the clock: Will their pick come from Oregon?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47780122/nfl-minnesota-vikings-gm-kwesi-adofo-mensah-fired-kevin-oconnell-jj-mccarthy" target="_blank">ESPN&#x27;s Kevin Seifert.</a> That&#x27;s a big reason why the team fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in January.

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