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Tim Walz steps back onto national stage as Minnesota exit nears

The outgoing governor appeared at a conference in Spain and on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" this week.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/05/tim-walz-drop-out-minnesota-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="75153b31-8711-4656-8b27-65f7e6082e97" data-vars-headline="Tim Walz steps back onto national stage as Minnesota exit nears" 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/tim-walz-drop-out-minnesota-governor-race" target="_self">Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz</a> is back on the road, with recent trips to Spain for a progressive leaders conference and Los Angeles for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationally televised late-night interview" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utjt7lg7MwM&amp;time_continue=520&amp;source_ve_path=NzY3NTg&amp;embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mprnews.org%2F" data-vars-content-id="75153b31-8711-4656-8b27-65f7e6082e97" data-vars-headline="Tim Walz steps back onto national stage as Minnesota exit nears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utjt7lg7MwM&amp;time_continue=520&amp;source_ve_path=NzY3NTg&amp;embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mprnews.org%2F" target="_blank">nationally televised late-night interview</a>.The big picture: The DFL governor&#x27;s ramped-up travel schedule, combined with this week&#x27;s announcements that he&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="writing a book" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/tim-walz-book-minneapolis-3b72c0fa8173cc2971098f1d4c1005af" data-vars-content-id="75153b31-8711-4656-8b27-65f7e6082e97" data-vars-headline="Tim Walz steps back onto national stage as Minnesota exit nears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/tim-walz-book-minneapolis-3b72c0fa8173cc2971098f1d4c1005af" target="_blank">writing a book</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="launching a federal PAC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/walz-rolls-out-small-town-pac-to-rebuild-democrats-rural-bench/601782385" data-vars-content-id="75153b31-8711-4656-8b27-65f7e6082e97" data-vars-headline="Tim Walz steps back onto national stage as Minnesota exit nears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/walz-rolls-out-small-town-pac-to-rebuild-democrats-rural-bench/601782385" target="_blank">launching a federal PAC</a>, offer early clues about what Walz hopes to do after he leaves office next year.<ul><li>While he won&#x27;t be on the ballot this fall, he&#x27;s said he plans to use the PAC to help Democrats &quot;expand the map&quot; by recruiting and supporting candidates in rural areas.</li></ul>

What to do with the distressed Dayton's Project

The $350M redevelopment now has a city-assessed value of $27M

A judge&#x27;s recent ruling approving the potential foreclosure of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dayton&#x27;s Project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/11/15/daytons-project-macys-minneapolis-open-photos-tour-leasing" data-vars-content-id="456dd814-eb15-4206-8f0b-c1edd7fde525" data-vars-headline="What to do with the distressed Dayton&#x27;s Project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/11/15/daytons-project-macys-minneapolis-open-photos-tour-leasing" target="_self">Dayton&#x27;s Project</a> sets up a thorny question: What&#x27;s going to happen to one of the biggest — and emptiest — buildings in downtown Minneapolis?Why it matters: If some creative developer can&#x27;t figure it out, there&#x27;s a risk that one of the city&#x27;s largest properties, in the heart of Nicollet Mall, could remain hollow and fall into neglect.

Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands

Ducks on Lake will open on East Lake Street as soon as next month, Longfellow Whatever reports.

Food and Drink

Duck Duck Coffee is expanding to East Lake Street, Longfellow Whatever <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.longfellowwhatever.com/ducks-on-lake-coffee-shop-opening-in-the-former-milkweed/" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.longfellowwhatever.com/ducks-on-lake-coffee-shop-opening-in-the-former-milkweed/" target="_blank">reports</a>. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ducks on Lake" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/ducks_on_lake_mpls/" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/ducks_on_lake_mpls/" target="_blank">Ducks on Lake</a> will open in the former Milkweed space as soon as next month.<ul><li>In more coffee news, Eden Prairie&#x27;s Smith Coffee &amp; Cafe is adding a new location at 50th &amp; France this fall, owners told the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota Star Tribune" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/smith-coffee-cafe-edina-j-carver-lowry-closing-owamni-patio-party/601667768" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/smith-coffee-cafe-edina-j-carver-lowry-closing-owamni-patio-party/601667768" target="_blank">Minnesota Star Tribune</a>.</li><li>And Arya Cafe, the Ethiopian coffee shop on Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis, has reopened after a three-month closure, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per its social media" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXWmLaQgJZa/" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXWmLaQgJZa/" target="_blank">per its social media</a>.</li></ul>🇫🇷 Restaurant Aubergine, the neighborhood French bistro by Gavin Kaysen alums, opens Friday in Cathedral Hill. As of Thursday afternoon, a few reservations were still available.🍗 Beast Barbecue in Northeast Minneapolis will permanently close on May 2 after seven years in operation, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="it announced this week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/BeastBarbecueMN/posts/pfbid02DmeqJ1AMgcgW2aA6UCaajxXsK62BCMCrV9drTqt4aFrmGiCFkV9mzNiyJz6Za9fTl" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/BeastBarbecueMN/posts/pfbid02DmeqJ1AMgcgW2aA6UCaajxXsK62BCMCrV9drTqt4aFrmGiCFkV9mzNiyJz6Za9fTl" target="_blank">it announced this week</a>.<ul><li>No reason was given for the closure, but the building was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on the market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.downtownvoices.news/posts/elis-restaurant-and-bar-closes-downtown-northeast-location-goes-up-for-sale" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.downtownvoices.news/posts/elis-restaurant-and-bar-closes-downtown-northeast-location-goes-up-for-sale" target="_blank">on the market</a> in 2024.</li></ul>🇵🇱 Black Duck Spirits &amp; Hearth has rebranded as a &quot;wood-fired Polish bistro&quot; with 16 new Slavic-inspired menu items, per a release.<ul><li>Meanwhile, Brian Ingram&#x27;s North Loop pasta spot Salt &amp; Flour Kitchen will relaunch May 4 with &quot;nothing over $15,&quot; Ingram announced <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on Instagram" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXeraazmtDB/?img_index=1" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXeraazmtDB/?img_index=1" target="_blank">on Instagram</a>.</li></ul>🍻 Four Minnesota breweries, including Northbound Smokehouse &amp; Brewpub and Forgotten Star Brewing Co., took home medals at the 2026 World Beer Cup. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Full list of winners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.worldbeercup.org/winners/award-winners/" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.worldbeercup.org/winners/award-winners/" target="_blank">Full list of winners</a>

Hall Monitor: Witch's Hat repairs move forward

Plus: A top public safety official's job remains in limbo after a busy day the Minneapolis City Council.

A few notes from a busy day at Minneapolis City Hall on Thursday:🧙‍♀️ The Prospect Park water tower&#x27;s observation deck — aka &quot;the Witch&#x27;s Hat&quot; — could finally reopen to the public this fall.<ul><li>City council members voted to hire a contractor to complete necessary repairs to reopen the tower, which has been closed since 2019.</li><li>Minneapolis originally budgeted $350,000 for the work in 2024, but needed to reopen the bidding process three times before a suitable contractor came forward, a city spokesperson told Axios.</li></ul>❓ Minneapolis&#x27; top public safety official&#x27;s job remains in limbo. The council failed to override Mayor Jacob Frey&#x27;s veto of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="their rejection" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/04/09/minneapolis-council-votes-to-oust-top-public-safety-official" data-vars-content-id="a1fc9477-b617-491e-a518-556f0a5b3e90" data-vars-headline="Hall Monitor: Witch&#x27;s Hat repairs move forward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/04/09/minneapolis-council-votes-to-oust-top-public-safety-official" target="_self">their rejection</a> of community safety commissioner Todd Barnette&#x27;s reappointment.<ul><li>Barnette, who oversees all emergency response in the city, including police, cannot serve past August without an affirmative council vote.</li></ul>💾 Next month, the city council could, in effect, enact a one-year moratorium on data centers — just by opening debate on the proposal.<ul><li>Under city zoning codes, any &quot;interim ordinance&quot; becomes effective as soon as the council takes what&#x27;s usually a pro-forma vote to &quot;introduce&quot; the legislation, city attorney Kristyn Anderson explained.</li><li>Some downtown boosters see data centers as a means of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rescuing falling property values in office towers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/19/how-data-centers-could-help-revive-downtowns" data-vars-content-id="a1fc9477-b617-491e-a518-556f0a5b3e90" data-vars-headline="Hall Monitor: Witch&#x27;s Hat repairs move forward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/19/how-data-centers-could-help-revive-downtowns" target="_self">rescuing falling property values in office towers</a>, but some council members want the city to study the environmental and development risks.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;I do see the upside of increasing revenue for the city, but I want to know what the cost of it is, and I don&#x27;t feel like that&#x27;s clear,&quot; ordinance co-author Council Member Aurin Chowdhury told Axios.<ul><li>She moved to delay the ordinance&#x27;s introduction to May 21.</li></ul>

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.

Graco redevelopment may buck recent trends

The best use for the site might still be industrial, despite desires for more housing.

Graco&#x27;s large Northeast Minneapolis <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="campus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/05/21/graco-minneapolis-campus-redevelopment-riverfront" data-vars-content-id="33fd59e9-695e-4cd0-b5a6-5ebe4ec08bad" data-vars-headline="Graco redevelopment may buck recent trends" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/05/21/graco-minneapolis-campus-redevelopment-riverfront" target="_self">campus</a> is on track to sell soon, but don&#x27;t expect a quick redevelopment of the riverfront property, despite its prime location.Why it matters: Five to 10 years ago, this 40-acre piece of mostly industrial land would have developers salivating over demolishing warehouses and building housing.<ul><li>Yes, but: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Times have changed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/06/09/twin-cities-apartment-construction-cost-crisis" data-vars-content-id="33fd59e9-695e-4cd0-b5a6-5ebe4ec08bad" data-vars-headline="Graco redevelopment may buck recent trends" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/06/09/twin-cities-apartment-construction-cost-crisis" target="_self">Times have changed</a>, and multifamily housing development has gone from a gusher to a trickle.</li></ul>

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.

Ramsey County $140M riverfront dream

After years of big dreams, should the county consider trying something more modest?

Nick here. I&#x27;ve been covering Ramsey County&#x27;s lofty goals to redevelop the St. Paul riverfront for years and today I&#x27;m raising the idea that instead of swinging for the fences, maybe it&#x27;s time to hit a single or double in order to restore some momentum to a downtown that is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="struggling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/09/10/st-paul-lowertown-restaurant-closures-wave" data-vars-content-id="8e996d6f-82f9-4a52-b61d-993990408583" data-vars-headline="Ramsey County $140M riverfront dream" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/09/10/st-paul-lowertown-restaurant-closures-wave" target="_self">struggling</a>.Why it matters: The county announced Tuesday that for the third time in about 20 years, it&#x27;s looking for a new master developer and even more money as it hopes to reignite the project.

Minneapolis Grain Exchange in store for major overhaul

Developer Sherman could turn the complex into 232 apartments with commercial space.

The historic Minneapolis Grain Exchange campus is slated for an overhaul that would include 232 new apartments. Why it matters: This potential $123 million project by local developer Sherman Associates is exactly what city leaders <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have been hoping for" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/03/29/mayor-frey-supports-office-conversion-apartments" data-vars-content-id="11a50cfa-b868-4d99-b722-8cf800774418" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis Grain Exchange in store for major overhaul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/03/29/mayor-frey-supports-office-conversion-apartments" target="_self">have been hoping for</a> to revitalize downtown. <ul><li>It would convert hundreds of thousands of square feet of office space into housing, with 186 of the units being affordable.</li></ul>

Office tower value free fall continues

Downtown Minneapolis buildings have lost 35% of their value since 2020.

Downtown office values continued their plunge in 2025, and there&#x27;s still no <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bottom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/28/downtown-minneapolis-office-vacancy-leasing" data-vars-content-id="694f5ad8-3e1e-4d2b-b96a-069920d7c45d" data-vars-headline="Office tower value free fall continues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/28/downtown-minneapolis-office-vacancy-leasing" target="_self">bottom</a> in sight for the market.Why it matters: If you&#x27;re a homeowner, this means office landlords are paying less in property taxes, and you&#x27;re covering the difference.

Minnesota real estate agent will trade property for Magic: The Gathering cards

Russo had three interested parties by noon Tuesday, he told Axios.

Real Estate

A Minnesota real estate agent is offering up his four-level brownstone for $0 — if you&#x27;re willing to trade your Magic: The Gathering collection.

Church's brewery proposal gets thumbs down at City Hall

Mount Olivet's plans to build a brewery in Southwest Minneapolis were denied by a city commission

Mount Olivet&#x27;s plan to demolish an old church building in Southwest Minneapolis to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="make way for a brewery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/24/mount-olivet-brewery-coffee-house-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="f751b91c-1184-43d8-aaf7-46c6f26b8374" data-vars-headline="Church&#x27;s brewery proposal gets thumbs down at City Hall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/24/mount-olivet-brewery-coffee-house-minneapolis" target="_self">make way for a brewery</a> landed with a thud at City Hall. The latest: The city&#x27;s Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously Tuesday against an application to tear down the 87-year-old 1700 Chapel on 50th Street.

10-acre apple orchard near Twin Cities lists for $1.35 million

Applecrest Orchards grows over 30 varieties of apples.

An apple orchard just 30 minutes north of the Twin Cities is now on the market for $1.35 million.

A map showing the location of the Graco campus in Minneapolis. It lies on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River just north of Boom Island.

Real Estate 🏠

Scoop: Mayor Frey wants Wolves arena at City Center site

What to do with the distressed Dayton's Project

Graco redevelopment may buck recent trends

Minneapolis skyway system filling up with independent retailers

Ramsey County $140M riverfront dream