Golden Valley & West Metro

No major headlines out of Golden Valley, Robbinsdale, Crystal, New Hope, or St. Louis Park today — a relatively quiet Saturday in the west metro. We'll keep an eye on any weekend developments for Monday's digest.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis kicked off its summer safety strategy Saturday with a community resource fair at Peavey Park, part of a broader violence prevention push as warm weather arrives. (KARE11, KSTP)

Downtown Minneapolis was a sea of purple Saturday as fans gathered to celebrate Prince, marking 10 years since the music icon's passing. (KARE11)

The city will spend $1.4 million on outside "coaching" consultants to improve the working relationship between the mayor and city council members. (KSTP)

North High School is celebrating an improved graduation rate this year, a bright spot amid ongoing community challenges. (KARE11)

St. John Paul II Catholic School in northeast Minneapolis is preparing to merge with Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Columbia Heights next school year, bringing a bittersweet close to the current campus. (KARE11)

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says the federal government is refusing to release evidence sought in the criminal investigation of ICE agents following "Operation Metro Surge," missing a court deadline. (KSTP)

An FCC review of federal tech funding could cost Minnesota schools millions of dollars, affecting programs that provide tablets and other devices to students. (KSTP)

A SkyWest Airlines flight (flight 4122) bound for Arkansas returned to MSP Saturday afternoon due to a possible engine issue. No injuries were reported. (KSTP)

St. Paul

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory was evacuated Saturday afternoon after a bomb threat was reported. Authorities found no danger and the zoo is expected to reopen Sunday. (KSTP, KARE11)

MetroNOME Brewery in St. Paul is planning a summer of music events while contributing a portion of profits to music education groups across the Twin Cities. (KARE11)

Local Sports

Twins: Bobby Witt Jr.'s RBI single with two outs in the ninth capped a Royals comeback as Kansas City beat Minnesota 3-2 at Target Field. In roster news, the Twins recalled Royce Lewis from the St. Paul Saints after he hit eight home runs in 12 games; Lewis had been learning first and second base during his stint in Triple-A. (KSTP, KSTP)

The Twins will host a pregame ceremony this weekend honoring the Annunciation Catholic School community, which started the school year dealing with tragedy. (KARE11)

Lynx: Natasha Howard scored a season-high 27 points on 12-of-16 shooting and Olivia Miles added 19 as the Lynx blew out the Seattle Storm 88-68 for their seventh straight win. (KSTP)

Minnesota United: Defender Anthony Markanich was named to the 2026 MLS All-Star Game roster. Markanich has appeared in 15 matches this season, including 14 starts. (KSTP)

Gophers Basketball: New guard Winters Grady, a transfer from national champion Michigan, spoke with reporters ahead of summer workouts starting Monday. (KSTP)

Weather

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for the Twin Cities this evening as hot, humid air fuels storm development. The forecast calls for hot and humid conditions through Wednesday, with periodic thunderstorms — some potentially severe, especially Wednesday afternoon and evening, bringing the risk of damaging winds and hail. (KSTP, KSTP)

Minnesota Statewide

Investigators say the Birch Bay Fire in northern Minnesota likely sparked from U.S. Forest Service chainsaw operations in the area. The wildfire is now 90% contained. (KARE11, KSTP)

Minnesota ranks No. 1 in the nation for quality of life in the new State of the Nation report — something to feel good about. (KARE11)

The DOJ says the death penalty is off the table in the case against Vance Boelter, the suspect charged in the killings of former DFL House Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband. (KSTP)

Kendall Qualls, fresh off winning the Republican endorsement over House Speaker Lisa Demuth and Mike Lindell at last week's state convention, says he remains confident despite primary challengers emerging. (KSTP)