Golden Valley & West Metro

A local photographer took to Reddit seeking clarity on where Golden Valley ends and Minneapolis begins within Theodore Wirth Park — a question many residents may have pondered while enjoying the park's trails, gardens, and swimming pond this summer. The park straddles the municipal boundary in ways that aren't always obvious to visitors. If you've ever wondered whether that scenic overlook is technically in Golden Valley or Minneapolis, you're not alone. Discussion on r/Minneapolis

A Twin Cities burglary trend is worth noting for west metro homeowners: the Minneapolis-St. Paul area recently ranked near the top of a national list for summer burglaries, and police say numbers are trending up this year. Law enforcement is sharing prevention tips as warm weather typically correlates with increased break-ins. Worth a review of your home security, especially if you live near parks or green spaces where sightlines from the street are limited. KSTP

Hennepin County's beach monitoring tool is live for the season, providing real-time water quality updates for swimming beaches across the county — including those at Theodore Wirth Park and nearby Medicine Lake. Check conditions before you head out during this heat wave. Hennepin County

Minneapolis

Minneapolis leaders advanced a $2.5 million proposal to help relocate up to 685 residents of the Heritage Park housing complex, located just east of Golden Valley near the intersection of Olson Memorial Highway and Penn Avenue. Mayor Jacob Frey and city officials requested the funds after a council member raised concerns about conditions at the 20-year-old development. The money could cover both improvements and voluntary resident relocation. KSTP | KARE 11

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office is considering charges after fireworks were aimed at the home of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman (note: the headline references "Hoffman" — likely Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart or another official). The incident is under active review. KSTP

Four Twin Cities residents linked to Egal Properties LLC have been charged with filing false tax returns after allegedly failing to report income across a network of businesses for years. The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced the charges, which were filed by the Hennepin County Attorney's Office. KARE 11 | KSTP

The state is attempting to recover tens of thousands of dollars in taxpayer-funded Minnesota Promise Act grants after a 5 INVESTIGATES report raised questions about the $100 million program. State officials confirmed they are clawing back funds from certain recipients. KSTP

Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Lunde and Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollies J. Winston are making the case for the Blue Line Extension, arguing bus rapid transit (BRT) is a stronger alternative for north metro connectivity. The debate continues over the best transit approach for communities stretching north from Minneapolis. MinnPost

Minnesota prosecutors announced they have obtained long-withheld evidence in the ongoing investigation into the fatal protest-era shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. The development could move the high-profile cases forward. MinnPost

St. Paul

A body was recovered from the Mississippi River in St. Paul near Highway 52 and Childs Road around 3 p.m. Monday. The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office is investigating; no further details have been released. KARE 11

St. Paul's beloved Conny's Creamy Cone, a soft-serve staple for 30 years, has gone mobile with a new food truck. The Saint Paul institution is expanding its reach — a potential opportunity for festival appearances closer to the west metro. KSTP

For the fourth time in three years, newly planted saplings along Shepard Road have been vandalized — ten trees were destroyed on July 4 alone. The St. Paul Parks Conservancy expressed frustration over the repeated damage to the riverside beautification effort. KSTP

The historic gun from the USS Ward — which fired the first U.S. shots of World War II — is getting a new home in Minnesota after 70 years on outdoor display at the Minnesota State Capitol grounds. The relocation is set for Tuesday. KSTP

Local Sports

The Minnesota Lynx (third straight win) defeated the Phoenix Mercury 104-100 Monday night at Target Center behind Kayla McBride's season-high 37 points and rookie Olivia Miles' career-high 33. The Lynx continue to build momentum as the WNBA season heats up. KSTP

2026 WNBA All-Stars Natasha Howard and Courtney Williams, along with assistant coach Rebekah Brunson, spoke with media about the Lynx's strong season and the growing national recognition of the WNBA. The team's chemistry and depth are drawing attention league-wide. KSTP

MinnPost is remembering Doug Grow, one of its original journalists from 2007, who passed away after a career scrutinizing the powerful across sports, news, and politics. A South Dakota native who started as a Watertown paperboy, Grow was known for his populist voice and sharp columns. MinnPost

Weather

dangerous heat wave continues across Minnesota, prompting doctors to warn that heat illness can sneak up quickly and turn deadly. Early symptoms — dizziness, nausea, fatigue — are easy to dismiss but can escalate rapidly, especially for children, seniors, and outdoor workers. If you're walking or biking the Theodore Wirth trails or spending time at the beach, carry water and take shade breaks. KSTP

Minnesota Statewide

The entire Boundary Waters Canoe Area is closing starting Tuesday due to persistent wildfires worsened by the ongoing heat wave. Evacuation areas are expanding across northern Minnesota, with communities near Ely under growing threat. Renowned explorer Will Steger confirmed that staff and students at his Steger Wilderness Center have evacuated. If you had a BWCA trip planned, check with the Forest Service regarding permits and refunds. MinnPost | KARE 11 | KSTP

Minnesota will receive $500,000 as part of a multistate settlement with genetic testing company 23andMe over a 2023 data breach that exposed sensitive personal information of millions of users. KARE 11

Governor Tim Walz signed the "Grandparents' Happy Hour" bill into law, removing regulatory barriers that had made it difficult for nursing homes and assisted living facilities to serve alcohol to residents during social events. The lighthearted name belies a meaningful quality-of-life change for Minnesota seniors. KARE 11

A Rosemount church belonging to the Minnesota Debre Bisrat St Gabriel And Arsema Ethiopian Orthodox Church congregation was devastated by fire just months after members moved in following extensive renovations. The congregation had invested significant time and resources into the building. KARE 11

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Stay cool out there, Golden Valley. Check on your neighbors — especially elderly or isolated residents — during this heat wave. See you tomorrow.