Quick Hits

• Water Systems Targeted: Authorities are investigating cyberattacks on over 30 water systems across Minnesota amid warnings about Iranian hackers. President Donald Trump downplayed the reports of Iranian involvement on Friday, instead blaming Gov. Tim Walz for the vulnerabilities.
• End of an Era: After more than 100 years in the Twin Cities, Pearson’s Candy Company is closing its St. Paul manufacturing plant and laying off 80 employees later this year.
• Crypto Kiosks Banned: Minnesota is officially banning cryptocurrency kiosks, a move aimed at cutting off scammers who have used the machines to steal millions of dollars from residents.
• Civic Engagement: Hennepin County is looking for creative residents to submit designs for its upcoming election judge button contest.

Golden Valley & West Metro

While the west metro is having a quieter news day, Golden Valley and broader Hennepin County residents have a unique opportunity to get involved locally. Hennepin County is currently accepting submissions for its election judge button design contest. If you have a flair for graphic design, this is a great chance to contribute to the civic process ahead of upcoming elections.

Minneapolis

The Minneapolis City Council has officially confirmed Dr. Reginald Freeman as the 19th chief of the Minneapolis Fire Department. Freeman brings experience from leadership positions in Oakland, California, and Hartford, Connecticut. In public safety news, the city released new data showing that its violence interrupter program is driving a steep drop in local shootings. Over in the Lynnhurst neighborhood, a brand-new Radish Farm Stop is open, connecting Minneapolis shoppers directly with local farmers. Meanwhile, the North Loop is set for a tech-driven shift: data center company Legacy Investing has agreed to purchase the former Minnesota Star Tribune printing facility to build a new downtown data center.

St. Paul

The sexual harassment investigation involving St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her is deepening, with new complaints emerging this week. A city council member has called the lack of transparency surrounding the probe "unacceptable," while St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry is urging officers to stay focused amid the ongoing mayoral distraction. In the parks system, police have identified a suspect connected to a string of tree vandalism at Lower Landing Park that caused $30,000 in damage. The announcement comes about two weeks after the St. Paul Parks Conservancy posted a $5,000 reward for information. Finally, the "Tenant Right to Repair" proposal has officially submitted enough signatures to put a ballot measure before St. Paul voters, aimed at ensuring apartments are kept safe and properly maintained.

Local Sports

It’s a confusing time to be a Minnesota sports fan. With the Twins, Timberwolves, Lynx, and Wild all set to broadcast games on different platforms, costs and confusion are mounting for viewers trying to keep up with their favorite teams. On the field, the surging Minnesota Twins had a stellar week. They bolstered their pitching depth Thursday by acquiring right-handed starter Dean Kremer from the Baltimore Orioles, and followed it up with a 5-3 win over the Seattle Mariners on Friday night—powered by a tying Royce Lewis homer and a go-ahead Luke Keaschall double. The team also secured a dramatic walk-off grand slam from Kody Clemens to beat the Royals on Thursday. Over on the court, the Minnesota Lynx secured their ninth consecutive victory, dominating the Toronto Tempo 104-72 behind 16-point performances from Napheesa Collier, Olivia Miles, and Courtney Williams.

Minnesota Statewide

Beyond the metro, state authorities are actively investigating a man who allegedly built a homemade spike strip—setting dozens of screws in his yard—in an attempt to keep neighborhood kids from riding their bikes on his lawn. In federal court, Abdikerm Eidleh, the No. 2 suspect in the massive Feeding Our Future fraud case who was recently arrested in Somalia and brought back to Minnesota, has pleaded not guilty. Additionally, a federal judge denied a temporary restraining order sought by Elon Musk's xAI to stop Minnesota's new AI nudification law from taking effect on Saturday.