Twin Cities

Picture of the Twin Cities skyline with MSP written across it.

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Twin Cities with Nick Halter, Torey Van Oot, and Kyle Stokes.

Axios Twin Cities

Standard

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

Axios Twin Cities Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Twin Cities Alerts

Alert

Axios Twin Cities Deep Dive

Deep Dive

Twin Cities Members

Membership

A guide to fun things to do in Twin Cities this weekend.

Axios Twin Cities Weekender

Weekender

Axios Twin Cities Partners

Renee Good's family sues Trump administration, ICE agent

The lawsuits are an attempt to hold the feds "accountable" in civil court for both Good's death and the broader immigration enforcement blitz.

News

Renee Good&#x27;s family filed two civil lawsuits over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="her killing during Operation Metro Surge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/ice-agent-shooting-south-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="9d21a257-7a54-4089-a7bf-6c7b29850ffe" data-vars-headline="Renee Good&#x27;s family sues Trump administration, ICE agent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/ice-agent-shooting-south-minneapolis" target="_self">her killing during Operation Metro Surge</a> — including one against six current and former Trump administration officials, as well as the ICE agent who shot and killed her.The big picture: The lawsuits are an attempt to hold the feds accountable in civil court for both Good&#x27;s death and the broader immigration enforcement blitz.<ul><li>The Trump administration has declined to criminally charge the agents who shot Good or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alex Pretti" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/25/minnesota-rare-legal-steps-investigation-alex-pretti-shooting" data-vars-content-id="9d21a257-7a54-4089-a7bf-6c7b29850ffe" data-vars-headline="Renee Good&#x27;s family sues Trump administration, ICE agent" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/25/minnesota-rare-legal-steps-investigation-alex-pretti-shooting" target="_self">Alex Pretti</a>, and any state-level charges from the shootings would face legal hurdles.</li></ul>

Twin Cities weekend guide: "Paris Couture," Crypticon, fall fun

Calling all fashionistas: This new exhibition is sure to inspire your fall wardrobe.

Things to Do

Calling all fashionistas: The Minneapolis Institute of Art&#x27;s new exhibition is sure to inspire your fall wardrobe.What&#x27;s happening: Sunday marks the debut of &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Paris Couture" data-vars-click-url="https://new.artsmia.org/exhibition/paris-couture" data-vars-content-id="4684ef9c-a111-4633-ae4e-f93873eba717" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: &quot;Paris Couture,&quot; Crypticon, fall fun" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://new.artsmia.org/exhibition/paris-couture" target="_blank">Paris Couture</a>,&quot; a showcase of more than 80 works of haute couture from Paris fashion museum Palais Galliera.

How third-party candidates could shape Minnesota's tight races

Independent, Green and Libertarian candidates are competing in several major statewide races this fall.

Most of Minnesota&#x27;s top statewide races this November have a third-party candidate in the mix. Why it matters: Even a relatively small share of the vote going to someone outside the two major parties can shape the outcome of a close race.

Twins autopsy: What went wrong, and what's ahead 

While there are promising young players, fans want to know if ownership will spend on free agents.

The faces of the people running the Minnesota Twins changed this year, but the results were largely the same: A late-season collapse took them out of the running for a playoff spot, just like 2024 and 2025.Why it matters: As the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Twins" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/26/minnesota-twins-2026-preview" data-vars-content-id="d3c57719-0632-418a-a01b-11beeaf4a328" data-vars-headline="Twins autopsy: What went wrong, and what&#x27;s ahead " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/26/minnesota-twins-2026-preview" target="_self">Twins</a> pack up their lockers after Sunday&#x27;s finale, big questions remain about the future of the franchise.

Summit founder confident he'll keep the brewery 

Controlling owner Mark Stutrud says debt problems date back to a 2012 expansion.

Business

Mark Stutrud says that despite a lender&#x27;s lawsuit painting a picture of Summit nearing its demise, the 40-year-old St. Paul brewery will weather the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="craft beer reckoning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/06/09/minnesota-breweries-declines-2025-beer" data-vars-content-id="d41c2704-3b04-4427-8cfb-16368fc3cf2e" data-vars-headline="Summit founder confident he&#x27;ll keep the brewery " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/06/09/minnesota-breweries-declines-2025-beer" target="_self">craft beer reckoning</a>. <ul><li>&quot;I think we&#x27;re close to the floor of this deep trough cycle — one that&#x27;s the deepest I&#x27;ve experienced in 40 years,&quot; the company founder and controlling owner told Axios in an interview a few days after BMO Bank filed to foreclose on the brewery. </li></ul>

Dick's Sporting Goods planning mega store in Maple Grove

The two-level House of Sport concept is heavy on interactive features.

Dick&#x27;s is planning one if its large, experiential House of Sport stores in Maple Grove, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="documents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.maplegrovemn.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/10732?fileID=30921" data-vars-content-id="819a2d37-1ffc-4ef0-b258-2f84992768f1" data-vars-headline="Dick&#x27;s Sporting Goods planning mega store in Maple Grove" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.maplegrovemn.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/10732?fileID=30921" target="_blank">documents</a> submitted to the city. Zoom in: The two-level, 100,000-square-foot store would be part of a larger development near Highway 610 and Maple Grove Parkway. <ul><li>The proposal also calls for a Golf Galaxy store, a Chick-fil-A and a 7 Brew drive-thru coffee shop. </li></ul>

Minneapolis council members propose requiring drivers in driverless cars 

A proposed ordinance revives Minnesota's debate over autonomous vehicles, jobs and public safety.

Transit

Four Minneapolis City Council members are moving to pump the brakes on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waymo&#x27;s plans to launch driverless robotaxis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/20/waymo-minneapolis-cars-rollout-testing" data-vars-content-id="53dcf73b-2896-4b91-bc9c-4faec05fd9d9" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis council members propose requiring drivers in driverless cars " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/20/waymo-minneapolis-cars-rollout-testing" target="_self">Waymo&#x27;s plans to launch driverless robotaxis</a> on local roads.Why it matters: A proposed ordinance getting its first public hearing this month is the latest twist in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="political fight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/18/waymo-autonomous-vehicle-minnesota-labor-debate" data-vars-content-id="53dcf73b-2896-4b91-bc9c-4faec05fd9d9" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis council members propose requiring drivers in driverless cars " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/18/waymo-autonomous-vehicle-minnesota-labor-debate" target="_self">political fight</a> over regulating autonomous vehicles in Minnesota. <ul><li>Competing proposals to regulate or ban the technology statewide stalled at the narrowly divided Legislature last spring.</li></ul>

Mall of America courts Gen Z with viral TikTok brands

Retailers are betting on blind boxes, viral eats and IRL experiences to bring young shoppers through its doors.

Some of the Mall of America&#x27;s buzziest new brands were first &quot;discovered&quot; by shoppers on TikTok For You pages.State of the stores: In the last year, the retail and entertainment megaplex has added &quot;viral&quot; claw machine arcade Duck, blind box seller Miniso and dessert stand Sweet Crunch Tanghulu to its directory.<ul><li>There&#x27;s even Roni&#x27;s, a mac-and-cheese bar that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boasts nearly a million TikTok followers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tiktok.com/@ronismacbar?lang=en" data-vars-content-id="7e9a390a-16ce-4994-b094-9e950228deed" data-vars-headline="Mall of America courts Gen Z with viral TikTok brands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ronismacbar?lang=en" target="_blank">boasts nearly a million TikTok followers</a>.</li></ul>

Trump tariffs cost Minnesota $4.8 billion, report estimates

That comes to about $2,000 per household, according to a new economic analysis.

President Trump&#x27;s tariffs have cost Minnesota an estimated $4.8 billion since January 2025, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to a new analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://tariffs.org/minnesota/" data-vars-content-id="4f375428-446a-467a-a7f7-1b7b728b01c5" data-vars-headline="Trump tariffs cost Minnesota $4.8 billion, report estimates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tariffs.org/minnesota/" target="_blank">according to a new analysis</a>. Why it matters: The report, Trade Partnership Worldwide for the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, underscores that while Trump&#x27;s tariffs are international, their economic impact is local.

Minnesota State Fair prices mostly held steady in 2026

Here's how prices for Sweet Martha's, Mouth Trap Cheese Curds and other fair staples have changed.

State Fair

Inflation has eased this year — at the Minnesota State Fair, at least.By the numbers: The University of St. Thomas&#x27; &quot;On-A-Stick&quot; fair inflation index was up 3.1% this year, much milder than last year&#x27;s 7.4% jump.<ul><li>This year&#x27;s rise is also much more comparable to the overall inflation rate of 3.4%. Last year, overall inflation hovered around 2.7%.</li></ul>

Outdoor Retailer trade show debuts in Minneapolis

Luring "OR" was a major coup for the state's nearly $14 billion outdoor recreation industry.

The outdoor recreation industry’s biggest annual event lands in Minneapolis on Wednesday.Why it matters: Luring the Outdoor Retailer trade show was a major coup for Minnesota, giving its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly $14 billion outdoor recreation industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/12/03/minnesota-outdoor-economy-snow-skiing-snowmobiling-rv-fishing-boating" data-vars-content-id="4e4cbb4b-0599-4840-b732-ade7452f6cb3" data-vars-headline="Outdoor Retailer trade show debuts in Minneapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/12/03/minnesota-outdoor-economy-snow-skiing-snowmobiling-rv-fishing-boating" target="_self">nearly $14 billion outdoor recreation industry</a> a chance to mingle with industry titans on their home turf.

UnitedHealth is now the world's fourth-largest company by revenue

The Minnesota health care giant climbed to No. 4 on Fortune's Global 500.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="UnitedHealth Group" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/29/unitedhealth-group-earnings-unh" data-vars-content-id="60072464-3cb5-4e35-8c71-267cbebe062b" data-vars-headline="UnitedHealth is now the world&#x27;s fourth-largest company by revenue" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/29/unitedhealth-group-earnings-unh" target="_self">UnitedHealth Group</a> is now the fourth-largest company in the world, according to the newly released <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fortune Global 500" data-vars-click-url="https://fortune.com/ranking/global500/" data-vars-content-id="60072464-3cb5-4e35-8c71-267cbebe062b" data-vars-headline="UnitedHealth is now the world&#x27;s fourth-largest company by revenue" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fortune.com/ranking/global500/" target="_blank">Fortune Global 500</a>.Zoom in: Only Amazon, Walmart and China&#x27;s state-owned utility bring in more revenue than UnitedHealth, which jumped three spots on this year&#x27;s ranking.<ul><li>The Eden Prairie-based health care giant leapfrogged three oil companies, including Saudi Aramco, to claim the No. 4 spot.</li></ul>

Boomer retreat, smaller Gen X thins Minnesota workforce

Minnesota is losing experienced workers and caregivers just as its aging population needs more of both.

Minnesota has lost more than 71,000 people ages 45-64 since 2020 — a 5% decline in a group central to the state&#x27;s workforce and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tax base" data-vars-click-url="https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/federal/taxpayers-over-45-now-pay-74-percent-all-income-taxes/" data-vars-content-id="177712bf-379a-4708-a9b5-6c204cd4f63a" data-vars-headline="Boomer retreat, smaller Gen X thins Minnesota workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/federal/taxpayers-over-45-now-pay-74-percent-all-income-taxes/" target="_blank">tax base</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Like much of the U.S." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/gen-x-population-shrinking-taxes-economy" data-vars-content-id="177712bf-379a-4708-a9b5-6c204cd4f63a" data-vars-headline="Boomer retreat, smaller Gen X thins Minnesota workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/gen-x-population-shrinking-taxes-economy" target="_self">Like much of the U.S.</a>, Minnesota is losing experienced workers and caregivers just as its aging population needs more of both.<ul><li>It also means a drain of institutional knowledge, leadership experience and mentorship capacity for younger colleagues.</li></ul>

Boundary Waters fires deal blow to businesses

It would normally be high season for canoe outfitters, but business is dead.

The wildfires ravaging the Boundary Waters are also scorching the financial health of the businesses that rely on the paddlers who flock to the pristine lakes. Why it matters: The BWCA shutdown reached day 9 today, erasing precious time that businesses in northern Minnesota have to make money. <ul><li>There are no signs that the fires are anywhere near under control and officials have warned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="they could burn until snow falls" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/07/15/bleak-outlook-for-the-boundary-waters" data-vars-content-id="be0f5569-7e4c-4484-922a-f86f50a47c3f" data-vars-headline="Boundary Waters fires deal blow to businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/07/15/bleak-outlook-for-the-boundary-waters" target="_self">they could burn until snow falls</a>. </li></ul>

Business 🏦

Summit founder confident he'll keep the brewery

Dick's Sporting Goods planning mega store in Maple Grove

Minneapolis council members propose requiring drivers in driverless cars

Mall of America courts Gen Z with viral TikTok brands

Trump tariffs cost Minnesota $4.8 billion, report estimates