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What to Explore at Minnesota's Largest Mall

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What to Explore at Minnesota's Largest Mall


Mall of America is a Minnesota icon. Home to more than 520 stores, 50 restaurants, a theme park and an aquarium, it continues to add trendy shops, exciting entertainment options, restaurants and major events that bring 32 million visits through its doors each year.  Jake Juliot from Explore Minnesota joined me on WJON to highlight what to do at MOA.

THINGS TO DO

Find fun and excitement at The Fair on 4, where your family can savor fair-inspired foods like cheese curds & house-cut fries, compete in axe throwing (with a parent or guardian), drive a go-cart and more.

Spanning more than 24,000 square feet, M&M’S Mall of America features Minnesotathemed products and a free, interactive experience including exclusive merch and experiences like “Peanut Peak” — a rooftop celebration of majestic landscapes in Minnesota. Not to mention a personalization station, “Wall of Chocolate”, and photo ops with iconic M&Ms characters.

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For even more fun with friends, work together to solve clues and escape from one of the immersive experiences inside The Escape Game. Challenges have included breaking out of a jail cell, fixing your Mars rover to get back to Earth, and rescuing a stolen painting from an art gallery.

MOA’s popular indoor theme park, Nickelodeon Universe, is home to 27 attractions and counting including the longest indoor zip line in the country, and a nightly light show. Attractions feature your favorite Nickelodeon characters from Spongebob SquarePants, Blues Clues and Paw Patrol.

At the Museum of Illusions, step inside mind-bending exhibits that shock your senses and puzzle your perceptions. Nothing is as it seems inside this interactive exhibit for the entire family.

Adjacent to Nickelodeon Universe, FlyOver America simulates soaring over national landmarks and destinations. The seats move and swing gently, creating a sense of flying. The immersive experience features wind, mist and scents to enhance the images on the screen. Next to FlyOver, the 5D Extreme Attraction gives riders the choice between a wild ride through a mystery mine or a trip underwater with prehistoric beasts.

At SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, the state’s largest aquarium features a 300-foot long underwater tunnel with four areas where guests can see sharks, rescued sea turtles, and more.

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If your kids are into collecting and/or playing with toy cars, the country’s fourth Ridemakerz location opened last holiday season and offers custom mini vehicles as souped-up with premium rims and tires as anything you’d find in The Fast and the Furious series.

For fans of LEGO, the iconic store outside Nickelodeon Universe offers a pick-a-brick wall with 180 different LEGO elements, endless kits available for purchase, play tables to inspire creativity and eight larger-than-life models, including a robot that stands over 34 feet tall.

Another family favorite, Crayola Experience offers kids 25 hands-on activities like naming and wrapping their own crayons, as well as a massive retail store. Spanning nearly 10,000 square feet, the CoComelon Playdate attraction features 10,000 sq.ft of active play areas, including a two-story play structure, imaginative play buildings and open play zones. Iconic locations from “CoComelon” come to life, including JJ’s Treehouse, the Fire Station, MacDonald’s Farm, and much more in a safe and enclosed space.

WHERE TO STAY

Mall of America has two on-site hotels, the JW Marriott and Radisson Blu. Both hotels feature full-service restaurants and bars, fitness centers, pools and meeting space, as well as direct access to the mall.

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Several other hotels in the area offer shuttle service to the mall, including the Great Wolf Lodge with a water park, arcade, bowling alley and interactive games.

Nickelodeon And Mall of America Celebrate Opening Of Nickelodeon Universe

Cory Ryan/Getty Images

WHERE TO SHOP

Name any popular clothing store and Mall of America probably has it. While it boasts some of the country’s biggest chains, it also has several unique, hard-to-find stores. Some of the newest stores to open include Squishable, Draper James, and more.

From outdoor gear at Karl’s Fishing & Outdoors or L.L. Bean to trendy fashion at Aritzia, Zara, and more, you’re going to find something for everyone.

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The Mall of America also spotlights many local merchants throughout its sprawling, 5.6 million square foot space. The past few years has seen a new Love From Minnesota shop (a.k.a. The Neighborhood); Games by James, an iconic shop selling board games, card games, and puzzles; and Indulge & Bloom, which specializes in gorgeous fresh flowers, home décor, and gifts.

WHERE TO EAT

Taste your way around the world with spots like Kura Sushi, a revolving sushi bar with Japanese roots, fresh lobster rolls from Maine at Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, frozen treats from Mexico at La Michoacana, and delicious ramen at Ichiddo Ramen.

Find your favorite pop-culture inspired spots like Carlo’s Bakery from TLC’s Cake Boss, Margaritaville, Wahlburgers, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. For something sweet, visit Nothing Bundt Cakes, Beard Papas for custom cream puffs, freshly fried donuts at Duck Donuts, unique cookies at Baking Betty’s or Belgian waffles at Wafels and Dinges. For a taste of nostalgia, visit the 90’s icon Rainforest Café.

Culinary on North, an upscale food court on level three, features a dozen fast-casual restaurants with food served on actual plates with silverware. Diners can dig into Italianstyle street food at Piada, burgers and milkshakes at Shake Shack, and a taco concept from the Hot Indian crew at Bussin’ Birria.

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Other new eateries include Juicebox that specializes in locally made fruit drinks, Rocket Fizz offering over 500 varieties of glass bottled soda and vintage candy, and Chocolate Moonshine offering gourmet chocolates, caramels, and sipping chocolates.

TRAVEL TIPS

MOA’s transit center makes it easier than ever to get to the mall or MSP Airport via light rail, bus or bike. Valet parking, formerly available at Nordstrom and the Radisson Blu, now includes the option for shoppers to drop their car off on one side of the building and pick it up on another. Park Assist shows shoppers where there are open parking spots.

Once inside, the mall offers free Wi-Fi throughout the building, a mobile app and interactive digital directories in 10 languages.

Families with kids on the autism spectrum can rest assured they’ll be well taken care of thanks to the mall’s new designation as a Certified Autism Center, with sensory guides available for each ride at Nickelodeon Universe.

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The park also offers a designated quiet space for guests with sensory issues. The space provides a safe and calming environment and is located behind Guest Services, near the exit of Pepsi® Orange Streak. The room features dimmable lights, soft seating, air conditioning, soundproof walls and more.

Having recently hit a major, 30-year milestone, the Mall of America also has a lot of history to share. Gain insider access to hidden mall highlights during a 90-minute VIP tour and covers “amazing stories, fascinating facts and unbelievable anecdotes at every turn.”

For repeat guests, join the MOA Insiders program to earn points every time you shop, play, and dine at Mall of America. Points may be redeemed for rewards like admission to top attractions, special discounts, and more.

If you’d like to listen to my conversation with Jake Juliot, it is available below.

 

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Minnesota

Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar attacked during town hall meeting

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Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar attacked during town hall meeting


BREAKING,

Omar was sprayed with an unknown substance during the attack by a man, who was then tackled to the ground.

Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar has been attacked by a man while hosting a town hall meeting in Minneapolis.

Omar was sprayed with an unknown substance by the man before he was tackled to the ground on Tuesday.

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The Reuters news agency said that Omar was not injured in the attack, and authorities have not said what substance was sprayed or whether charges have been filed against the assailant.

The audience cheered as the man was pinned down and his arms were tied behind his back. In a video clip of the incident, someone in the crowd can be heard saying, “Oh my god, he sprayed something on her”, the Associated Press news agency reported.

Omar continued the town hall after the man was ushered out of the room.

Just before the attack, she had called for the abolishment of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign.

“ICE cannot be reformed,” Omar said.

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A man shouts at U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) after spraying her, during a town hall meeting days after a man identified as Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal immigration agents trying to detain him, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 27, 2026 in a still image from video. REUTERS/Maria Alejandra Cardona
A man shouts at US Representative Ilhan Omar after spraying her with a substance during a town hall meeting in Minneapolis on Tuesday, just days after Alex Pretti was shot dead by federal immigration agents in the city, in Minnesota [Screengrab: Maria Alejandra Cardona/Reuters]

Minneapolis police did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the incident and whether anyone was arrested.

The White House did not immediately respond to a message from the AP seeking comment.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow soon…



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Trump makes changes on the ground in Minnesota and doctors break with the CDC: Morning Rundown

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Trump makes changes on the ground in Minnesota and doctors break with the CDC: Morning Rundown


In today’s newsletter: Some Trump administration advisers and allies say the optics of the immigration operation in Minneapolis have led Trump to make some changes. An influential group of doctors has split with the CDC over shot recommendations for children. And the downfall of China’s top general could have implications for Taiwan.

Here’s what to know today.

Trump reshuffles his Minnesota operation after backlash from second fatal shooting

President Donald Trump has made significant changes of leadership in the Minnesota immigration operations after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, according to administration officials and allies.

“The visuals were not playing well. He understands TV. … He saw it for himself,” said a Republican lawmaker who was granted anonymity to speak candidly.

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This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your day. Sign up here to get it in your inbox.

Saturday’s shooting has prompted a leadership shakeup, a reduction of agents in the city, a reset with key Democratic officials in the state, and an attempt to distance the president from some of the more extreme comments from some of his top advisers.

More than 3,000 federal agents have been sent to Minneapolis, and they currently outnumber the local police force nearly five-to-one. One adviser said that while immigration enforcement will not end, the shooting is forcing the administration to rethink what operations will look like going forward.

Trump said he and Gov. Tim Walz spoke by phone Monday, calling it a “very good call” in a social media post.

Walz said Trump agreed to talk to the Department of Homeland Security about allowing state officials to conduct their own independent shooting investigations and decreasing the number of federal agents in his state.

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Read the full story here.

More news out of Minneapolis:

  • Democrats are pushing to drastically slash funding for ICE and Border Protection, or totally gut the agencies after the shooting death of Pretti.
  • Investigators are reviewing body-camera videos that captured Pretti’s fatal shooting. Analysis shows witness video contradicts the Trump administration’s description of the event.
  • A growing number of Senate Republicans are calling for an investigation into the shooting.
  • FBI Director Kash Patel says the agency is investigating Minnesota Signal chats that are tracking ICE.
  • A Minnesota Republican dropped out of the governor’s race, citing his party’s handling of immigration enforcement in the state.

Doctors break with CDC on vaccine guidance for children

A child is seen from behind while being vaccinated by a nurse on his left arm.
A child is vaccinated during an immunization event in the Panorama City neighborhood of Los Angeles on October 24, 2025.Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images file

The nation’s leading group of pediatricians released its annual children’s vaccine recommendations — and for the first time in 30 years it significantly broke from the government’s proposed vaccine schedule.

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidance largely reflects what has previously been recommended, no longer completely aligning with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recently reduced the number of diseases on the vaccine schedule. The AAP additionally recommends shots against Covid, RSV, the flu, rotavirus, hepatitis A and B, and meningitis.

“These recent changes to the CDC schedule are a strong departure from the medical evidence and no longer offer the optimal way to prevent illness in children,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary, chair of the AAP’s committee on infectious diseases.

Read the full story here.

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The downfall of China’s top general

China Military
Chinese President Xi Jinping poses with Zhang Youxia in Beijing on Dec. 22, 2025.Li Gang / AP

The investigation into China’s top general, once a close ally of President Xi Jinping, has thrown the leadership of the country’s military into turmoil and raised questions about Taiwan’s future.

The Chinese Defense Ministry said in a statement that Gen. Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, which controls the armed forces, was under investigation and accused of serious “violations of discipline and law.”

An editorial in the Liberation Army Daily newspaper, the mouthpiece of the country’s armed forces, suggested that Zhang, 75, was accused of corruption and possibly disloyalty to Xi.

Zhang was previously considered “untouchable,” according to Alessandro Arduino, an expert in Chinese security at the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based think tank. “This is a reminder coming directly from President Xi Jinping that political loyalty stands well before combat readiness,” he said. “Political disloyalty is a cardinal sin inside the party. I think the message is extremely clear: No one is safe.”

Of the six generals the president appointed to the commission in 2022, only one is left, allowing Xi to consolidate power but also heightening the risk of a military miscalculation when it comes to Taiwan, according to Steve Tsang, the director of the SOAS China Institute at the University of London. “Removing generals like Zhang means that there will not be any general who would dare to advise Xi against a military adventure when the time comes, and this increases the risk of a miscalculation,” he said.

Read All About It

  • TikTok says widespread disruptions were caused by a power outage, after users voiced concerns that they were being politically censored under the app’s new U.S. ownership.
  • India and the European Union have finalized a landmark trade deal that will represent a quarter of the world’s economy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
  • It’s officially tax season, and there are several new deductions going into effect this year that could change how Americans file their returns.
  • People are opting for the cheapest available Affordable Care Act plans, but that could lead to higher out-of-pocket costs later.
  • The remains of the last hostage held in Gaza were identified by the Israeli military, paving the way for the next phase of the ceasefire.
  • Alex Vindman, an Army veteran who was a key witness during Trump’s first impeachment, will run for the Florida Senate as a Democrat.
  • Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, apologized for his history of “reckless” antisemitic comments in a full-page ad in The Wall Street Journal.

Staff Pick: Some prediction market traders find a lucrative niche: Betting against Elon Musk.

Elon Musk
On websites such as Kalshi and Polymarket, users can place bets on what Elon Musk might do next.Leila Register / NBC News; Getty Images

As a tech reporter, I’ve seen Elon Musk fall short on a lot of promises. The Tesla CEO has failed, for example, to deploy fully self-driving cars. And since entering the political world, he has made one pledge after another that haven’t come true, such as his 2024 vow to find $2 trillion in federal budget waste.

Musk is also a master at evading scrutiny. Tesla’s sky-high share price is evidence of that, and he is still the world’s wealthiest person. But now, prediction markets are providing at least a small measure of accountability. These markets are rising in popularity, as people turn to sites such as Kalshi and Polymarket to wager on current events. Recently, I spoke with some users who bet against Musk’s predictions coming true — a strategy that has worked out pretty well for them.

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David Ingram, tech reporter

NBC Select: Online Shopping, Simplified

Staying hydrated should never fall to the bottom of your to-do list. One easy way to drink more water is to invest in a water pitcher with expert-approved filtration systems. You can also carry around a reusable water bottle to help hit your hydration goals—one of our editor favorites, the Yeti Rambler, is on sale right now for a limited time only.

Sign up to The Selection newsletter for hands-on product reviews, expert shopping tips and a look at the best deals and sales each week.

Thanks for reading today’s Morning Rundown. Today’s newsletter was curated for you by Kaylah Jackson, Marissa Martinez and David Hickey. If you’re a fan, please send a link to your family and friends. They can sign-up here.



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Video: Border Patrol Official Gregory Bovino Is Set to Leave Minnesota

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Video: Border Patrol Official Gregory Bovino Is Set to Leave Minnesota


new video loaded: Border Patrol Official Gregory Bovino Is Set to Leave Minnesota

The Trump administration is planning to move Gregory Bovino, a Border Patrol official whose tactics in major American cities have drawn controversy, out of Minneapolis, according to two officials.

By Jackeline Luna

January 26, 2026

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