Quick Hits

• St. Paul City Hall Turmoil: Police Chief Axel Henry has filed a formal sexual harassment complaint against Mayor Kaohly Her, prompting an official investigation into an alleged inappropriate "Wiener Wednesday" text message.
• Water Systems Cyberattack: At least five Minnesota communities, including Plymouth in the West Metro, were targeted by a cyberattack aimed at local water systems, highlighting regional infrastructure vulnerabilities.
• Minneapolis Budget Warning: A Minneapolis city council member is warning of a potential 13% property tax increase as city leaders scramble to close a looming $30 million budget shortfall.
• Heat Wave Continues: The Twin Cities officially hit 100 degrees on Monday for the first time since 2022. Temperatures dropped into the manageable 80s on Tuesday, but the summer heat holds on with storm chances returning late week.
• Walk-Off Thrills: Minnesota sports had a great night, headlined by Royce Lewis hitting a two-out, two-run walk-off triple in the 9th inning to secure a 3-2 Twins victory over the Royals, while the Lynx extended their win streak to eight games.

Golden Valley & West Metro

Golden Valley and its immediate neighbors—Robbinsdale, Crystal, New Hope, and St. Louis Park—are enjoying a quieter day in the headlines, though residents across the West Metro are keeping a close eye on regional infrastructure and utilities. Nearby Plymouth was among the communities recently targeted in a cyberattack aimed at local water systems, a stark reminder of the digital vulnerabilities facing local municipalities. Meanwhile, Xcel Energy customers across the metro are actively pushing back against a proposed rate hike, with residents expressing deep frustration over continually rising utility costs.

Minneapolis

Homeowners in Minneapolis might be feeling the pinch soon, as City Council members are warning of a potential 13% property tax increase. The hike is being considered to help close a looming $30 million budget shortfall, leaving leaders to weigh potential cuts. In North Minneapolis, the local NAACP chapter held a press conference this week demanding immediate assistance and resources for Heritage Park residents who say they are in desperate need of help.

On the city's south side, the state’s very first "farm stop" has officially opened its doors, offering residents a new, direct way to access local agricultural goods. It's a great time to support local makers and growers, as the city also kicks off its 6th annual Black Business Week, featuring various workshops, learning opportunities, and events celebrating Black business owners across Minneapolis. In a heartwarming neighborhood moment, a resident on Bryant Avenue S took to social media to thank an anonymous neighbor who left a beloved music album in a local Little Free Library.

St. Paul

Over in the capital, Saint Paul is navigating a significant controversy as Mayor Kaohly Her faces a formal sexual harassment investigation. The complaint was filed by Police Chief Axel Henry and reportedly centers around an inappropriate "Wiener Wednesday" text message. On the policy front, an upcoming November vote could increase local school funding without raising taxes—a move aimed at addressing funding gaps left by recent cuts to teachers and essential student programs.

Local Sports

Target Field was electric on Tuesday night. Royce Lewis hit a dramatic walk-off, two-run triple with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning to secure a 3-2 victory for the Minnesota Twins over the Kansas City Royals. Manager Derek Shelton is urging his players to ignore the swirling MLB trade deadline rumors and focus strictly on winning baseball.

Across town, the Minnesota Lynx extended their winning streak to eight games, dismantling the Toronto Tempo 100-93. Rookie Olivia Miles led the scoring with 24 points, shooting 9 for 17 with four 3-pointers. The Minnesota Vikings are also back in the spotlight as training camp opens. Head coach Kevin O'Connell and new General Manager Nolan Teasley told the press they are emphasizing a physical focus and an open quarterback competition. Finally, the local sports community is mourning the passing of University of Minnesota baseball legend John Anderson, remembering his massive impact on the program and the athletes he mentored.

Weather

After officially hitting a sweltering 100 degrees on Monday—the first time the Twin Cities has reached that mark in over four years—Tuesday brought a much more manageable day across the metro. Temperatures settled mainly into the 80s. While the oppressive humidity has broken, the summer warmth will hold on, with meteorologists tracking chances for thunderstorms to return by late week.

Minnesota Statewide

At the state level, Elon Musk’s X.AI is suing Minnesota over its recent ban on AI-created nudification. The company claims the state law restricts free speech. In public health, experts are working to separate fact from fiction regarding a Cyclospora outbreak, offering guidance to Minnesotans concerned about the parasite that has recently sickened thousands.

As primary season heats up, three DFL candidates are fiercely battling for the U.S. House seat in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District, a race triggered by Congresswoman Angie Craig's decision to run for U.S. Senate. In statewide gubernatorial news, Republican candidate Kendall Qualls recently sat down to answer five questions on five key issues facing the state.

In broader metro and state news, the city of Anoka is pursuing a $90 million safety project at one of the state's most dangerous railroad crossings, following the tragic death of 33-year-old Tyrrell Joseph Ch, whose memory is now marked by a wooden cross at the site. In the courts, 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. For those looking for a relaxing escape from the heat and the news cycle, the Zephyr Theatre is putting on an outdoor production of The Hobbit, which is being praised as a timely celebration of classic bravery.