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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.

Major redevelopment of former South Minneapolis Wells Fargo campus planned

The $100M to $250M project could bring 1,000 housing units

News

A group of local investors and developers unveiled plans Monday to turn the massive former Wells Fargo Home Mortgage campus into a mixed-use community at a total cost of $100 million to $250 million. Why it matters: This is a highly ambitious plan to finally breathe life back into the 25-acre campus vacated by Wells Fargo three years ago, when it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="exited the home mortgage business" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/10/investing/wells-fargo-mortgage-market" data-vars-content-id="20206e8e-9d1d-4a43-90b4-0ff178443b3e" data-vars-headline="Major redevelopment of former South Minneapolis Wells Fargo campus planned" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/10/investing/wells-fargo-mortgage-market" target="_blank">exited the home mortgage business</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="consolidated employees in" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/04/17/wells-fargo-office-consolidation-twin-cities-home-mortage-campus" data-vars-content-id="20206e8e-9d1d-4a43-90b4-0ff178443b3e" data-vars-headline="Major redevelopment of former South Minneapolis Wells Fargo campus planned" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/04/17/wells-fargo-office-consolidation-twin-cities-home-mortage-campus" target="_self">consolidated employees in</a><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" downtown Minneapolis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/04/17/wells-fargo-office-consolidation-twin-cities-home-mortage-campus" data-vars-content-id="20206e8e-9d1d-4a43-90b4-0ff178443b3e" data-vars-headline="Major redevelopment of former South Minneapolis Wells Fargo campus planned" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/04/17/wells-fargo-office-consolidation-twin-cities-home-mortage-campus" target="_self"> downtown Minneapolis</a>.

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

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

Things to Do

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>

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.

Minnesota marijuana sales grow, but hurdles remain

The loss of a major testing facility could hurt industry growth

Minnesota&#x27;s burgeoning legal marijuana industry <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://mn.gov/ocm/data-reports/dashboards/cannabis-market-monitor.jsp" data-vars-content-id="6c88eacc-de6f-400a-9748-c11109c65a53" data-vars-headline="Minnesota marijuana sales grow, but hurdles remain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mn.gov/ocm/data-reports/dashboards/cannabis-market-monitor.jsp" target="_blank">reported</a> $17.6 million in retail sales in May, a near doubling since the first non-tribal shops began <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opening last fall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/20/minnesota-marijuana-growers-increase-plantings" data-vars-content-id="6c88eacc-de6f-400a-9748-c11109c65a53" data-vars-headline="Minnesota marijuana sales grow, but hurdles remain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/20/minnesota-marijuana-growers-increase-plantings" target="_self">opening last fall</a>.Yes, but: That pace is still well behind one cannabis law firm&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="prediction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/minnesotas-legal-marijuana-market-projected-to-reach-1-5-billion-in-sales-by-2029-mn-cannabis/600283838" data-vars-content-id="6c88eacc-de6f-400a-9748-c11109c65a53" data-vars-headline="Minnesota marijuana sales grow, but hurdles remain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/minnesotas-legal-marijuana-market-projected-to-reach-1-5-billion-in-sales-by-2029-mn-cannabis/600283838" target="_blank">prediction</a> of $550 million in Minnesota&#x27;s first full year.

Har Mar Mall could be headed for the wrecking ball

The long-running Roseville mall has been hollowed out in recent years.

Roseville&#x27;s Har Mar Mall could be demolished to make way for a major redevelopment, according to marketing materials obtained by Axios.Why it matters: Vacancies have been piling up at the 63-year-old mall under owner Fidelis Realty Partners, fueling speculation that the Houston firm is planning an overhaul.

Minnesota's breweries had a rough 2025

Five of the six largest breweries saw declining sales in 2025

Minnesota&#x27;s craft breweries continue to suffer major sales declines, according to new state production numbers. By the numbers: Five of the six <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="largest breweries in Minnesota" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/06/26/minnesota-s-largest-craft-breweries" data-vars-content-id="fbc6159a-0937-40a5-aedc-a96ae286a0ba" data-vars-headline="Minnesota&#x27;s breweries had a rough 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/06/26/minnesota-s-largest-craft-breweries" target="_self">largest breweries in Minnesota</a> reported a decline in annual production between 2024 and 2025, according to state data.

ICE surge hurt retail and restaurants — but overall sales tax receipts were up

The numbers paint a nuanced picture, suggesting certain sectors and communities thrived while others struggled.

Year-over-year sales tax collections decreased at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Twin Cities retailers and restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/12/16/ice-immigrant-business-minneapolis-metro-surge" data-vars-content-id="b08381e7-2029-45d5-a3db-94ec4d0d0091" data-vars-headline="ICE surge hurt retail and restaurants — but overall sales tax receipts were up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/12/16/ice-immigrant-business-minneapolis-metro-surge" target="_self">Twin Cities retailers and restaurants</a> during the peak of Operation Metro Surge, even as statewide revenues held steady, according to preliminary state data shared with Axios.Why it matters: The Department of Revenue report is among of the first to put a hard number on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the damage sustained" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/12/ice-surge-minnesota-businesses-covid-flashbacks" data-vars-content-id="b08381e7-2029-45d5-a3db-94ec4d0d0091" data-vars-headline="ICE surge hurt retail and restaurants — but overall sales tax receipts were up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/12/ice-surge-minnesota-businesses-covid-flashbacks" target="_self">the damage sustained</a> by many metro businesses during the ICE enforcement blitz.

Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park

One focus of the company's new "Epic Lab" is improving its network of 2,000 stores that double as shipping hubs.

Business

In the big retail <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/amazon-delivery-speed-war-walmart-target" data-vars-content-id="4ddb0f50-daf9-43c4-ae9d-6de74fe51e9e" data-vars-headline="Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/amazon-delivery-speed-war-walmart-target" target="_self">race</a> to be fast and efficient, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Target" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/22/target-shopping-delivery-sortation-centers" data-vars-content-id="4ddb0f50-daf9-43c4-ae9d-6de74fe51e9e" data-vars-headline="Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/22/target-shopping-delivery-sortation-centers" target="_self">Target</a> this month finished building out an innovation lab in Brooklyn Park, where it can test out new ideas. Why it matters: One focus of the company&#x27;s new &quot;Epic Lab&quot; is improving its network of 2,000 stores that double as shipping hubs.

Minneapolis skyway system filling up with independent retailers

The loss of national chains has made skyway space more affordable

When Keiona Cook was 17 and working in the Wild Pair shoe store in IDS Center, she dreamed of opening her own shop inside the iconic downtown Minneapolis skyscraper.Why it matters: For decades, getting a prime spot in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minneapolis skyway system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/05/11/skyways-twin-cities-rebound-restaurants-struggle" data-vars-content-id="8a0b60a0-cc79-46f6-9312-11b0733be17e" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis skyway system filling up with independent retailers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/05/11/skyways-twin-cities-rebound-restaurants-struggle" target="_self">Minneapolis skyway system</a> was tough for small independent businesses as vacancies were tight and national retailers and chain restaurants paid top dollar.

Everyone needs a NeeDoh: Twin Cities toy stores sell out of viral fidget toy

Shoppers of all ages are snapping up NeedOhs.

NeeDohs are flying off the shelves of Twin Cities toy stores. Need-what? The brightly colored fidget toys, which snap back into shape when they are squished and stretched, are the latest &quot;it&quot; toy to take off thanks to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="viral TikTok trend" data-vars-click-url="https://mashable.com/article/what-is-needoh-toy" data-vars-content-id="74ccf2a8-d142-4107-a375-c355bda2e671" data-vars-headline="Everyone needs a NeeDoh: Twin Cities toy stores sell out of viral fidget toy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mashable.com/article/what-is-needoh-toy" target="_blank">viral TikTok trend</a>. <ul><li>Drops featuring new shapes, like Easter eggs, an octopus, and ice cream cones, fuel the frenzy among young collectors.</li></ul>

Paul Douglas launches 24/7 weather channel

Paul Douglas is retiring soon, but first he's betting on Minnesotans' weather obsession.

Paul Douglas has one more big idea before signing off on his 40-plus years as a meteorologist and entrepreneur: the launch of a 24/7 streaming weather channel.Why it matters: Douglas hopes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Weather Loon" data-vars-click-url="https://weatherloon.com/blog/general/2026/03/24/minnesota-meet-your-weather-channel" data-vars-content-id="d9348560-fa59-4cca-aa64-246920715ddd" data-vars-headline="Paul Douglas launches 24/7 weather channel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://weatherloon.com/blog/general/2026/03/24/minnesota-meet-your-weather-channel" target="_blank">Weather Loon</a> will serve as a model for groups in other states that could buy its technology to start their own channels, he told Axios in an interview.

What's behind Minnesota's bad January jobs report

While DEED blames the ICE surge, others suggest different factors are slowing job creation

The Twin Cities metro lost 2,000 jobs in January, a development that a top state official partly blamed on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal immigration crackdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/12/ice-surge-minnesota-businesses-covid-flashbacks" data-vars-content-id="7d8b2dea-8f1c-4569-827e-6e4cba88b79f" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s behind Minnesota&#x27;s bad January jobs report" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/12/ice-surge-minnesota-businesses-covid-flashbacks" target="_self">federal immigration crackdown</a>. Why it matters: The latest Minnesota jobs report shows that the state is losing ground, with 4.4% unemployment, topping the national rate (4.3%) for the first time since May 2007.

How data centers could help revive downtowns

While data centers are controversial in the suburbs, they're finding a place in downtowns

Data centers have become a point of tension in Twin Cities suburbs, but for downtown developers, they could be a goldmine.Why it matters: The collapse of office tower values has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pushed property taxes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/05/minneapolis-property-tax-hike-levy-increase" data-vars-content-id="e0938e99-9bf0-48ea-86bc-0ff98a5ab6fb" data-vars-headline="How data centers could help revive downtowns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/05/minneapolis-property-tax-hike-levy-increase" target="_self">pushed property taxes</a> higher for residents. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/21/minnesotas-data-center-boom-concerns-electrical-supply" data-vars-content-id="e0938e99-9bf0-48ea-86bc-0ff98a5ab6fb" data-vars-headline="How data centers could help revive downtowns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/01/21/minnesotas-data-center-boom-concerns-electrical-supply" target="_self">Data centers</a> could help boost those values again, spur more residential and commercial development and even help heat other buildings.

Business 🏦

Minnesota marijuana sales grow, but hurdles remain

Har Mar Mall could be headed for the wrecking ball

Minnesota's breweries had a rough 2025

ICE surge hurt retail and restaurants — but overall sales tax receipts were up

Behind the scenes: Target creates testing lab in Brooklyn Park