Quick Hits

• West Metro Schools: Robbinsdale Area Schools are facing growing community pushback as board members seek voter support for a bond referendum that could exceed $400 million.
• Cybersecurity Threat: South St. Paul and Plymouth were among at least five Minnesota communities targeted in a recent cyberattack aimed at local water systems.
• Dangerous Heat: The Twin Cities officially hit 100 degrees on Monday—the first time since 2022—and an extreme heat alert remains in effect today with heat index values expected to reach 95-100.
• Metro Tax Hikes: Residents across the Twin Cities should brace for higher property taxes, as both Minneapolis and St. Paul leaders warn of massive budget deficits heading into the next fiscal cycle.
• Vikings Roster Boost: All-Pro safety Jamal Adams announced he is signing with the Minnesota Vikings for his 10th NFL season.

Golden Valley & West Metro

Residents in our neighboring suburbs are closely watching the Robbinsdale Area Schools, which is actively seeking voter support for a massive bond referendum. The district's ask, which could total more than $400 million, is facing growing pushback from community members. Further west, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is asking for public input on the future of I-694—a major corridor for Golden Valley commuters. Meanwhile, Plymouth officials confirmed Monday that their city was one of at least five Minnesota communities recently targeted by a cyberattack aimed at public water systems.

Minneapolis

A Minneapolis City Council member is sounding the alarm on the city's finances, warning that residents could face a 13% property tax increase as leaders grapple with a $30 million budget shortfall. In public safety news, a man was fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in downtown Minneapolis late Saturday night. Police responded to the intersection of Twins Way and 10th Street North around 9:20 p.m. On a lighter note, the city has officially kicked off its 6th annual Black Business Week, featuring various workshops and events across Minneapolis to celebrate and support local Black business owners. Additionally, an Inver Grove Heights man was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison for stealing FBI weaponry following a non-fatal shooting involving an immigration agent.

St. Paul

Over in the capital, St. Paul Mayor Her stated it is "impossible" to resolve the city's looming $26 million budget deficit without raising property taxes. St. Paul police are also investigating an overnight stabbing that occurred early Sunday between two brothers, leaving one hospitalized and the other in custody. Looking ahead to the weekend, the historic Rondo community is set to host the Rondo Block Party on Aug. 1, celebrating local culture, wellness, and entrepreneurship. On the political front, DFL U.S. Senate candidates Angie Craig and Peggy Flanagan met for their second debate recently, seeking to draw distinctions on key issues just two weeks ahead of the primary election.

Weather

Minnesota’s Weather Authority has extended an Alert for dangerous heat and humidity across the metro today. This follows a scorching Monday where the Twin Cities officially hit 100 degrees for the first time since 2022, marking our highest temperature in over four years. Heat index values are expected to remain near 100 degrees this afternoon. If you've noticed your home AC unexpectedly shutting off during the heat wave, you aren't alone: utility companies and cooperatives across Minnesota often enroll customers in energy-saving programs that cycle AC units off during periods of peak demand to save money and prevent grid overloads.

Local Sports

The Minnesota Twins secured an 11-8 victory over the Athletics on Monday, powered by Ryan Jeffers’ 3-for-5 performance at the plate with three RBIs. Connor Prielipp also had a strong showing, throwing 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball in his return from the injured list to pick up the win. In NFL news, the Vikings are making headlines as star safety Jamal Adams announced via social media that he is signing with Minnesota for the upcoming season. In college sports, the University of Minnesota community is mourning the sudden loss of legendary Gopher baseball coach John Anderson, with former players remembering him as a father figure and generational mentor.

Minnesota Statewide

A federal judge has ruled that Minnesota cannot ban prediction market apps, such as those offering sports betting derivatives, while ongoing lawsuits play out. In national news, the Trump administration has admitted in court documents that it canceled $7.6 billion in grants for hundreds of clean energy projects "based solely on the political identity" of the recipients. Up north, crews are making progress against wildfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA). Fire officials and the Superior National Forest announced that 41 entry points in the central and eastern regions—nearly 40% of the BWCA—will reopen this week. Governor Walz visited the area on Monday and has mobilized the National Guard to assist with the ongoing response.