Local News Digest.

Metro Mobility Schedule Changes Worry Golden Valley Riders & West Metro Neighbors

Golden Valley & West Metro

Metro Mobility schedule changes spark rider anxiety. Riders across the west metro — including Golden Valley, Robbinsdale, and Crystal — are raising alarms about upcoming Metro Mobility schedule changes, fearing the adjustments could threaten their ability to get to work, school, and medical appointments. The transit service, which is a lifeline for many residents with disabilities in our communities, has not yet detailed the full scope of changes. Advocates are urging Metro Transit to reconsider any cuts that would disproportionately impact suburban riders who rely on the service. (KSTP)

Minneapolis

Blue Line Extension cost balloons by another $336 million. A new report puts the price tag for extending the Blue Line light rail from Minneapolis to Brooklyn Park at nearly $3.6 billion, fueling a renewed train-vs-bus debate at the State Capitol. Some lawmakers are now calling to scrap the project entirely, while Met Council supporters argue the line is critical for transit equity in the north metro. (KARE11) • (KSTP)

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Standoff suspect hit with 21 felony charges. Tyler Joseph O'Brien has been charged with 21 felonies after allegedly firing more than a dozen rounds at deputies attempting to serve a warrant, triggering an hourslong standoff and a shelter-in-place order for north Minneapolis residents on June 9. No officers were injured. O'Brien remains in custody. (KARE11) • (KSTP)

Federal indictment targets 15 alleged Antifa members over immigration clashes. Fifteen Minneapolis-area residents face federal conspiracy charges for allegedly obstructing immigration enforcement, drawing swift reaction from city council members — many of whom expressed concern about the chilling effect on protest rights. Demonstrations erupted outside the Warren Burger Federal Courthouse in St. Paul following the announcement, where chemical irritants were deployed. (KARE11) • (KSTP)

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200+ Near North apartments sit vacant despite millions invested. A Minneapolis city council member is demanding answers and a repair plan for a troubled Near North apartment complex where over 200 units remain unoccupied and unsafe — even after significant public investment. The situation highlights ongoing struggles with affordable housing preservation in the city. (KSTP)

Downtown commercial building values dropping — homeowners may foot the bill. New property assessments describe downtown Minneapolis building values in grim terms, setting up a potential shift of the property tax burden onto residential homeowners across the city if the commercial tax base continues to erode. (KSTP)

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Also in Minneapolis: Two people were injured in a large fight at Farview Park Monday evening; police say the dispute involved missing money… A Feeding Our Future defendant, Asha Jama, was sentenced to six months in prison for money laundering… Dinner Du Nord will return to Nicollet Mall in September, transforming the street into one of the world's longest dining tables. (KARE11) • (KSTP) • (KARE11)

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St. Paul

Pedestrian safety enforcement ramped up after deadly crashes. Following several fatal pedestrian crashes this year, St. Paul Police are increasing enforcement efforts targeting speeding and failure-to-yield violations at crosswalks. Officials stress that driver awareness remains the biggest factor in preventing further tragedies. (KSTP)

Saints honor Sister Roz, the massaging nun. The St. Paul Saints paid tribute to Sister Rosalind Gefre, who has been giving massages to fans at games for more than two decades — becoming one of the most beloved figures at CHS Field. (KARE11)

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Protests erupt outside federal courthouse. Demonstrators gathered outside the Warren Burger U.S. Courthouse in St. Paul following the federal indictments of 15 Minnesotans for conspiring to impede immigration officers. First responders treated several people exposed to chemical irritants at the scene. (MinnPost) • (KARE11)

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Local Sports

Twins sweep doubleheader from Rangers, win 12-2 and 4-2. Trevor Larnach led off Game 1 with a home run, Kody Clemens launched a three-run shot, and the Twins cruised to a 12-2 rout of Texas. In the nightcap, Josh Bell's three-run homer and Byron Buxton's 23rd blast of the season powered a 4-2 win, clinching another series. The Twins continue to roll as they push toward All-Star break positioning. (KSTP — Game 1) • (KSTP — Game 2)

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Gopher Mantzouranis wins NCAA hammer throw title. Minnesota junior Angelos Mantzouranis captured his first NCAA championship in the men's hammer throw on June 10 in Eugene, Oregon — a milestone for the Gophers track and field program. (KSTP)

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St. Cloud Cathedral takes Class AA baseball title at Target Field. Head coach Bob Karn, now in his 55th season, won his 10th state championship as the Crusaders shut out Glencoe-Silver Lake 4-0 in the Class AA final. A fitting capstone for one of Minnesota's most enduring coaching legends. (KSTP)

Minnesota Statewide

Walz approval hits new low; state flag still unpopular with half of Minnesotans. A new Minnesota Poll shows Governor Tim Walz posting his lowest approval ratings yet, while roughly half of residents say they dislike the new state flag. The survey also gauged public sentiment on fraud enforcement, artificial intelligence, data centers, and gun control. (KARE11)

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Special Olympics USA Games coming to Minnesota next week. Waconia bowler Joe Konietzko, who recently rolled a personal-best 232, is among the Team Minnesota athletes preparing to compete as the state hosts the Special Olympics USA Games. The event will bring thousands of athletes, families, and volunteers to venues across the metro. (KARE11)

U.S. Bank Stadium roof set for hail damage repairs. The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority will repair the U.S. Bank Stadium roof after damage from a 2023 hailstorm. The work is not expected to impact the Vikings' upcoming season. (KARE11)

Have a tip, story idea, or something happening in Golden Valley? Send it our way — we're always looking to highlight what's going on in our corner of the west metro.

Sources

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Watch: Gopher NCAA hammer throw champion Mantzouranis reflects on great accomplishment
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Council members, other groups react to federal charges against 15 anti-ICE protesters
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Defendant in Feeding Our Future scheme sentenced to 6 months in prison
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Key races to watch in for the June 16 elections: Live results map in four states, plus DC
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Stress on San Andreas Fault may be at highest level in 1,000 years, new study finds
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Leaked files reveal details of US deal to end the war with Iran. Here's what it says.
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Ford recalls more than 250,000 cars over engine stalling risks
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U.S. Bank Stadium getting partial roof replacement after 2023 hail damage