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Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporters Nick Halter, Audrey Kennedy and Torey Van Oot.

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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.

Small Minnesota data centers fueling bigger AI backlash

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

News

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

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.

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>

Twin Cities weekend guide: Taste of Minnesota, World Cup Street Fair, and more

Before you catch a fireworks show this weekend, celebrate America with your stomach.

Before you catch a fireworks show this weekend, celebrate America — and Minnesota — with your stomach.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Taste of Minnesota" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tasteofmn.com/" data-vars-content-id="ee324122-7d67-46da-91c4-148ac9cecd7e" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Taste of Minnesota, World Cup Street Fair, and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tasteofmn.com/" target="_blank">Taste of Minnesota</a> returns to Nicollet Mall on Friday and Saturday with more than 50 vendors serving foods ranging from pizza to pierogi and from sliders to sambusas.

Where to catch July 4 fireworks in the Twin Cities

America's favorite day to blow things up is here!

America&#x27;s 250th birthday — and its favorite day to blow things up — is almost here.The big picture: Here&#x27;s where you can view Independence Day <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fireworks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/07/01/911-fireworks-noise-complaint-311" data-vars-content-id="b66e87e4-30f7-41e3-9831-b7b8b823c41f" data-vars-headline="Where to catch July 4 fireworks 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/twin-cities/2026/07/01/911-fireworks-noise-complaint-311" target="_self">fireworks</a> displays around the Twin Cities.<ul><li>Be safe and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="enjoy responsibly" data-vars-click-url="https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/sfm/fire-safety/fire-safety-tips/fireworks-safety" data-vars-content-id="b66e87e4-30f7-41e3-9831-b7b8b823c41f" data-vars-headline="Where to catch July 4 fireworks in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/sfm/fire-safety/fire-safety-tips/fireworks-safety" target="_blank">enjoy responsibly</a>!</li></ul>

Restaurant Roundup: Owamni's twist on July 4

It's offering a different perspective on the holiday.

Food and Drink

Indígena by Owamni — which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="began service at the Guthrie Theater last week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/02/owamni-is-moving-to-guthrie-theater-what-s-next" data-vars-content-id="9b796a01-9007-45ae-85e7-e2162e8da358" data-vars-headline="Restaurant Roundup: Owamni&#x27;s twist on July 4" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/02/owamni-is-moving-to-guthrie-theater-what-s-next" target="_self">began service at the Guthrie Theater last week</a> — is opening on the Fourth of July to offer a different perspective on the holiday.Driving the news: Chef Sean Sherman&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eatery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/06/14/owamni-best-new-restaurant-james-beard-awards" data-vars-content-id="9b796a01-9007-45ae-85e7-e2162e8da358" data-vars-headline="Restaurant Roundup: Owamni&#x27;s twist on July 4" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/06/14/owamni-best-new-restaurant-james-beard-awards" target="_self">eatery</a> celebrating Indigenous cooking will hold a &quot;Grand Opening Brunch&quot; on July 4, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an event listing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1286187246675694?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22external%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="9b796a01-9007-45ae-85e7-e2162e8da358" data-vars-headline="Restaurant Roundup: Owamni&#x27;s twist on July 4" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1286187246675694?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22external%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">an event listing</a>. $50 per buffet plate

The Twin Cities' hottest club is a craft group

Craft nights are growing in popularity as younger Minnesotans seek alcohol-free activities.

Want to bedazzle a romance novel, &quot;junk journal,&quot; try fiber arts or crochet side-by-side in silence? In the Twin Cities, there&#x27;s a space for that.The big picture: Craft nights are growing in popularity across the metro, particularly among Gen Z and millennials, as Minnesotans seek out new ways to meet people and evening activities that don&#x27;t involve alcohol.

Twin Cities weekend guide: Pride Festival, Top the Tater Days, Ludacris

The biggest Pride celebration in Minnesota is about to take over Loring Park.

Pride Month is winding down, but the biggest celebrations in Minnesota are about to take over the Twin Cities. The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Twin Cities Pride Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://tcpride.org/festival/" data-vars-content-id="d039eb31-a4d7-435b-9de3-c3a50215416d" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Pride Festival, Top the Tater Days, Ludacris" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tcpride.org/festival/" target="_blank">Twin Cities Pride Festival</a> returns to Loring Park this Saturday and Sunday with over 650 vendors, three live entertainment stages, an LGBTQ+ History Pavilion, the 61-foot-tall &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World&#x27;s Largest Rubber Duck" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/04/twin-cities-pride-lands-giant-rubber-duck" data-vars-content-id="d039eb31-a4d7-435b-9de3-c3a50215416d" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Pride Festival, Top the Tater Days, Ludacris" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/05/04/twin-cities-pride-lands-giant-rubber-duck" target="_self">World&#x27;s Largest Rubber Duck</a>&quot; and so much more. Free

Sea Salt cookbook celebrates 20 years at Minnehaha Falls

The new cookbook shares recipes, stories and history from the beloved Minneapolis seafood spot.

Fans of Sea Salt can soon savor some of the beloved summertime spot&#x27;s signature dishes year-round at home. What&#x27;s baking: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new cookbook" data-vars-click-url="https://www.upress.umn.edu/9781517920388/sea-salt-eatery/" data-vars-content-id="9a5727f4-8bd2-4588-bb89-0ce12f974d58" data-vars-headline="Sea Salt cookbook celebrates 20 years at Minnehaha Falls" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.upress.umn.edu/9781517920388/sea-salt-eatery/" target="_blank">new cookbook</a> celebrating the popular park restaurant&#x27;s two-decade history at Minnehaha Falls, by co-owner Kait Ziemer-Davis and retired Star Tribune journalist Gail Rosenblum.

Twin Cities events guide: Juneteenth, Midsommar, Father's Day

It's time to celebrate the longest day of the year.

Friday is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Juneteenth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/02/juneteenth-celebration-civil-rights-backlash" data-vars-content-id="a9d5abbd-4fa8-4f06-a00c-8a587de2a11f" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities events guide: Juneteenth, Midsommar, Father&#x27;s Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/02/juneteenth-celebration-civil-rights-backlash" target="_self">Juneteenth</a>, the federal holiday commemorating the day enslaved people in Texas learned of their emancipation.<ul><li>Here are five ways to celebrate the day this weekend.</li></ul>

Where Minnesotans want to spend their summer, according to our poll

As a staycation destination, one corner of Minnesota reigns … Superior.

Travel

As a staycation destination, one corner of Minnesota reigns — shall we say — Superior.

Twin Cities weekend: Rock the Cradle, St. Paul Pride, Juneteenth

There's another museum-hosted music festival in town — for ages 2 to 10.

Missing the Walker&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rock the Garden" data-vars-click-url="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_the_Garden" data-vars-content-id="858ef5a4-c9ff-42a9-86d7-1418ab7d6831" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend: Rock the Cradle, St. Paul Pride, Juneteenth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_the_Garden" target="_blank">Rock the Garden</a>? There&#x27;s another museum-hosted music festival in town this Saturday — for ages 2 to 10.What&#x27;s happening: Minneapolis Institute of Art will be taken over by &quot;Rock the Cradle,&quot; an arts and music festival specifically for young children.<ul><li>The lineup includes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Will Sings Songs" data-vars-click-url="https://willsweb.site/" data-vars-content-id="858ef5a4-c9ff-42a9-86d7-1418ab7d6831" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend: Rock the Cradle, St. Paul Pride, Juneteenth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://willsweb.site/" target="_blank">Will Sings Songs</a>, popular YouTube dance duo <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Koo Koo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJfz4ZD1ADS08wFg70j0Niw" data-vars-content-id="858ef5a4-c9ff-42a9-86d7-1418ab7d6831" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend: Rock the Cradle, St. Paul Pride, Juneteenth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJfz4ZD1ADS08wFg70j0Niw" target="_blank">Koo Koo</a>, and The Laamartians — a group headed by Minneapolis musician <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Laamar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/laamarmusic/" data-vars-content-id="858ef5a4-c9ff-42a9-86d7-1418ab7d6831" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend: Rock the Cradle, St. Paul Pride, Juneteenth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/laamarmusic/" target="_blank">Laamar</a>.</li></ul>

Things to Do 🗓

Twin Cities weekend guide: Country Club, drone show, pickleball and more

Twin Cities weekend guide: Taste of Minnesota, World Cup Street Fair, and more

Where to catch July 4 fireworks in the Twin Cities

Restaurant Roundup: Owamni's twist on July 4

The Twin Cities' hottest club is a craft group