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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>

The playoffs aren't a pipe dream for the Minnesota Twins

"We believe in ourselves … One big win and we can take that and run with it."

Sports

Don&#x27;t look now, but the vibes around the Minnesota Twins are suddenly … sorta good?State of play: The Twins are riding high after a sweep of the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves earlier this week bumped them into a playoff spot.<ul><li>&quot;We believe in ourselves … One big win and we can take that and run with it,&quot; DH Josh Bell <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recently told The Athletic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7525371/2026/08/19/twins-thoughts-josh-bell-kaelen-culpepper-yoendrys-gomez/" data-vars-content-id="581b1ddf-b9ab-4988-88b0-c020973950d6" data-vars-headline="The playoffs aren&#x27;t a pipe dream for the Minnesota Twins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7525371/2026/08/19/twins-thoughts-josh-bell-kaelen-culpepper-yoendrys-gomez/" target="_blank">recently told The Athletic</a>.</li></ul>

Top-paid Minnesota athletes in 2026

The Timberwolves own the list as they go all-in for a title.

Anthony Edwards is now Minnesota&#x27;s highest-paid athlete at the ripe age of 24.By the numbers: The Timberwolves, who are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="all-in on their championship quest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/06/25/goodbye-naz-reid-lamelo-ball" data-vars-content-id="e13319aa-269b-4d5a-b823-d969901abba4" data-vars-headline="Top-paid Minnesota athletes in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/06/25/goodbye-naz-reid-lamelo-ball" target="_self">all-in on their championship quest</a>, have the four highest-paid athletes in Minnesota, according to an Axios analysis of Spotrac data. <ul><li>Unless they make another big move, the Wolves will have a $217 million payroll next season, the second highest in the league. </li></ul>

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>

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>

⚽️ England, Minnesota United share celebration song

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

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.

Things to Do

<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.

Vikings training camp: Storylines to watch

Three Vikings storylines to watch as 2026 training camp begins

🏆 We want the Cup!

Eden Prairie gets a Stanley Cup stop

A bar chart that ranks Minnesota athletes by current or upcoming season cash earnings as of July 23, 2026. Anthony Edwards leads at $48.9 million, followed by LaMelo Ball at $40.8 million and Rudy Gobert at $36.5 million. The lowest shown are Christian Darrisaw and Byron Buxton at $15 million.

Sports 🏅

The playoffs aren't a pipe dream for the Minnesota Twins

Three Vikings storylines to watch as 2026 training camp begins

Eden Prairie gets a Stanley Cup stop

Top-paid Minnesota athletes in 2026

Wild plan to air games on own cable, streaming channel