Golden Valley & West Metro

It’s a relatively quiet Thursday morning here in Golden Valley and our immediate west metro neighbors, with no major incidents or city-level announcements making headlines today. While we keep a close eye on local developments along Winnetka Avenue and Highway 100, today’s top stories sweep across the broader Twin Cities metro.

Minneapolis

• A federal judge has officially set the sentencing date for Vance Boelter, the man who killed a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband while injuring another lawmaker and their spouse. Court documents show Boelter will appear before Judge John Tunheim at the federal courthouse in Minneapolis on July 23 at 10 a.m.
• Transit Alert: If your commute takes you into Minneapolis, be aware that Metro Transit will replace Blue Line trains and some Green Line trains with buses during portions of the summer. Be sure to plan extra travel time if you rely on the light rail system.
• Missing Person: Police are asking for the public's help in locating David Searles, a man with a medical condition who went missing after attending a concert near the 500 block of North 5th Street on June 5.
• Southside Community Health Services is opening the state’s first out-of-hospital SAFE Room to provide specialized, compassionate care for sexual assault survivors.
• Seven Minnesota providers are among 455 people charged in a massive, nationwide $6.5 billion "health care fraud takedown" announced by the U.S. Department of Justice.
• Golf: The world’s top-ranked golfer, Nelly Korda, is bringing her two-for-two major title streak to our area for the Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine National in Chaska.
• Looking for a unique weekend outing? The historic Nicollet Island Inn is launching a new Twilight River Cruise, offering a breathtaking way to experience the Mississippi River this summer.

St. Paul

• The St. Paul Public Schools board has passed a new budget despite facing a $14 million shortfall. Leadership notes this puts the district in a much stronger financial position compared to last year, when they anticipated a daunting $51.1 million deficit.
• The debate over surveillance and privacy continues in St. Paul, as police and civil rights advocates share differing perspectives on the use of Flock Safety cameras.
• The city is moving forward with plans to reopen three shuttered skyway sections near the former Alliance Bank Center. Supporters say the move will significantly improve downtown foot traffic and connectivity.
• A Ramsey County jury has acquitted 51-year-old Josephine Arlanda Edwards of second-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of her boyfriend in 2024. Separately, County Attorney John Choi announced that no convictions will be changed following a review of six cases dating back to 1996 that involved a former medical examiner.

Local Sports

• Lynx: The Minnesota Lynx fought back from a 12-point deficit to secure a thrilling 78-76 win over the Washington Mystics. Natasha Howard led the charge with 21 points and a season-high 15 rebounds, while Olivia Miles scored 10 of her 21 points in the crucial fourth quarter.
• Twins: The Twins weren't as fortunate, suffering a three-game sweep by the Los Angeles Dodgers at Target Field. The Dodgers' Mookie Betts hit his 300th career home run in support of starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani. In pitching news, Twins right-hander Mick Abel is facing arthroscopic elbow surgery after an injury setback.
• Timberwolves: Following a busy week that included trading Julius Randle and re-signing Ayo Dosunmu, the Timberwolves added some fresh talent in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft. Minnesota selected Duke guard Isaiah Evans with the 33rd overall pick, alongside Trey Kaufman-Renn.
• High School: After winning the 2026 Minnesota Girls Flag Football League championship, the Rosemount Irish are fueling a big push to get the sport officially recognized by the state.

Weather

Looking for a sweet way to beat the heat? Dairy Queen just announced it is releasing three new Blizzard flavors and a patriotic slush float for a limited time starting this week.

Minnesota Statewide

• As Minnesota's nursing workforce shortage approaches a staggering 30,000, about 40 new LPN and RN graduates from Rasmussen University participated in a pinning ceremony on Wednesday to help fill the critical gap.
• Up on the North Shore, the Minnesota Historical Society is wrapping up a major preservation project at the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse. Crews have successfully installed a new sensor system to better regulate moisture levels inside the historic structure.
• In a notable shift ahead of the upcoming election, all three endorsed GOP and DFL candidates are currently trailing in both the polls and the fundraising race. Meanwhile, Dominion Voting Systems (now known as Liberty) has officially dropped its lawsuit against GOP gubernatorial candidate Mike Lindell over his 2020 conspiracy claims.
• The Cremation Society of Minnesota is hosting its first-ever "death cafe," providing a welcoming, community space for people to gather and discuss anything related to mortality.