Golden Valley & West Metro

A recent discussion on the Minneapolis subreddit highlights a common local confusion: where exactly do the Golden Valley and Minneapolis borders divide Theodore Wirth Park? With summer in full swing, many residents exploring the park's sprawling 740-plus acres and trails find themselves straddling city lines, making it a fun geographic puzzle for local photographers and hikers navigating the Golden Valley/Minneapolis western edge.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and City Council Member Pearll Warren are proposing $2.5 million in emergency funding to address severe deterioration at the Heritage Park housing complex in the Near North neighborhood. The city advanced the plan Tuesday to help relocate up to 685 residents from the 20-year-old development after a council member sounded the alarm on living conditions.

Prosecutors have charged 21-year-old Maurice Antonio Verser Jr. with murder for his alleged role in an April shooting in Minneapolis. The incident tragically took the life of a 69-year-old man earlier this year.

A federal lawsuit is raising questions about the workplace culture at the previous employer of Mayor Jacob Frey’s nominee for Minneapolis fire chief. The scrutiny comes as the city council weighs the nomination for the department's next leader.

A Hennepin County criminal complaint reveals that Minnesota childcare and kitchen businesses tied to the Feeding Our Future scandal continued to receive taxpayer money for years after the ringleaders were initially charged. Separately, the Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that four business associates in the Twin Cities metro have been charged with multiple tax crimes for allegedly failing to pay taxes over a period of years.

The Twin Cities recently topped a national list for summer burglaries, prompting local police to share prevention advice with homeowners. Law enforcement is urging residents to secure windows and doors and remain vigilant to help reverse this year's upward trending break-ins.

St. Paul

Ramsey County officials are suing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for withholding information related to the arrest of a St. Paul man. County authorities have even opened an investigation into DHS for potential misconduct, including allegations of kidnapping, burglary, and false imprisonment during the incident.

A St. Paul community group on the West Side will host a meeting this Thursday night to gather public input on potentially renaming César Chávez Street. The consideration follows recent abuse claims tied to the historical figure's legacy, and residents will weigh in on the future of the street that connects Wabasha and Concord streets.

The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office is investigating after a body was recovered from the Mississippi River in St. Paul on Tuesday afternoon. The discovery was made around 3 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 52 and Childs Road.

A piece of World War II history is on the move, as the gun from the USS Ward—credited with firing the first U.S. shots of the war—is getting a new home. After being displayed outdoors for 70 years at the Minnesota State Capitol, the historic artifact is being relocated to ensure its long-term preservation.

Local Sports

Minnesota United fans will miss out on an international showcase, as the club's scheduled friendly match against the Liberian National Team on July 26 has been canceled. The Loons announced the cancellation was necessary because some Liberian players were denied travel visas.

Sartell native Kade Lewis is officially headed to the pros, having been drafted by the Cleveland Guardians in the 4th round of the 2026 MLB Draft. The 2023 Sartell High School graduate expressed his thrill at joining the Guardians organization and taking the next step in his baseball career.

Minnesota Statewide

Northern Minnesota is facing a growing sense of urgency as wildfires force the expansion of evacuation areas, directly threatening communities like Ely. With 15 fires currently burning—including four inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness—and blazes merging across the border in Canada, international relief efforts have been mobilized.

As a result of the wildfire smoke, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for the region lasting until Friday morning. Doctors are strongly encouraging Minnesotans, especially those with respiratory issues, to monitor their health and limit prolonged outdoor activity while the poor air lingers.

Former St. Croix County Sheriff John Shilts Sr. has passed away following a sudden medical emergency. According to social media reports from the department, Shilts was flown to a Twin Cities hospital but sadly died shortly after arriving.

In state politics, President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Mike Lindell in the Minnesota governor's race has sparked debate and division within the state GOP. Despite the high-profile backing, critics are actively attacking Lindell's electability, questioning whether he is the right candidate to take on the upcoming race.

In Brainerd, parents Chantel Smith and Brent Willis are speaking out, stating their 13-year-old daughter Alexis was relentlessly bullied by classmates before she tragically died by suicide. The school district is now actively reviewing its response to the situation as the family seeks accountability and awareness.