Quick Hits

• Local Health Warning: Technicians discovered a colony of bats living in the attic of a Golden Valley home, with at least one bat testing positive for rabies.
• Transit & Budget Squeezes: Tempers flared at a special Metro Transit meeting over a funding gap for the $3.5 billion Blue Line Extension, while Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addresses surging MPD overtime ahead of budget season.
• Encampment Displacement: St. Paul's recent closure of its largest homeless encampment at Pig’s Eye Park hasn't solved the crisis; residents have simply relocated to another camp several miles down the Mississippi River.
• State Fair Safety: A court filing is seeking to prohibit rival "Muddy" and "Ville" gang members from gathering at the Minnesota State Fair due to past gang-related incidents.
• Twins Heat Up: Kaelen Culpepper homered in his MLB debut and Josh Bell went 4-for-5 as the Twins beat the Brewers 8-6, following a late-inning 4-3 win against the Royals on Thursday.

Golden Valley & West Metro

Golden Valley residents should remain cautious after a rabid bat was discovered in a local home. Pest control technicians responding to the property found an entire colony of bats residing in the home's attic. This serves as an important reminder for West Metro homeowners to check their attics and ensure their pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations.

In surrounding west metro and county news, a federal jury found 73-year-old Robert Phillip Ivers of Wayzata guilty on all counts for writing and printing a manifesto threatening to kill a judge. Meanwhile, Dillon Field, a former Hennepin County detention deputy, was sentenced to 16 hours of community service and a stayed sentence for causing a lockdown at a Maple Grove hospital. Further west, Chaska police are issuing a stern warning to "urban explorers" entering the former Oak Ridge Hotel & Conference Center, noting that trespassers will face potential burglary charges.

Minneapolis

Public safety and city spending are taking center stage in Minneapolis. Mayor Jacob Frey is addressing scrutiny over surging Minneapolis Police Department overtime spending, noting that city leaders need a more accurate financial forecast as budget season approaches.

On the legal front, three men were found guilty in the fatal April 2025 shooting of 34-year-old Tiago Antonio Gilbert, who was killed outside his vehicle on Cedar Avenue South near the Red Lake Nation Embassy. Separately, a Minneapolis man was charged after he shot his wife and threatened to kill her during a divorce.

In community and infrastructure updates, six Minneapolis beaches are currently closed due to blue-green algae and elevated E. coli levels. Transit advocates are also closely watching the fate of the $3.5 billion Blue Line Extension light rail project, which took on new urgency at a special Metro Transit meeting as leaders grapple with a funding gap. On a lighter note, the Minneapolis Fire Department partnered with The Arc Minnesota to host a 'Firefighter for a Day' experience, and the North Loop welcomed Killen’s Irish Pub, a brand new authentic Irish watering hole.

St. Paul

Police have confirmed that two St. Paul teens found dead in a car in June died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. The teens have been identified, though authorities note the tragic nature of the accidental deaths.

St. Paul is also continuing to navigate its homelessness crisis. After finishing the clearance of a large homeless camp at Pig’s Eye Park, advocates say lasting housing options matter more than simply moving people from one site to another. Indeed, people displaced from Pig's Eye have already sparked rapid growth at another camp several miles down the Mississippi River.

In legal news, attorneys for Georgia Fort have filed to have her federal charges dismissed. Fort was charged alongside journalist Don Lemon and civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong following a protest at a St. Paul church. Looking back at local history, missing film footage of a historical South St. Paul vote was recently discovered after a century, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past ahead of next week's primary elections.

Local Sports

The Minnesota Twins are heating up on the road. On Thursday night, Brooks Lee hit a crucial two-run single in the eighth inning to lift the Twins to a 4-3 comeback win over the Kansas City Royals. The momentum carried into Milwaukee, where the Twins erased a four-run deficit to beat the Brewers 8-6. Josh Bell led the charge going 4-for-5 with a homer, and rookie Kaelen Culpepper had a debut to remember, going deep for his first major league home run.

Minnesota Statewide

With the Minnesota primary election approaching on Tuesday, Aug. 11, GOP governor candidates Mike Lindell, Lisa Demuth, and Kendall Qualls are outlining their platforms to voters.

As summer winds down, the Minnesota State Fair is gearing up, but authorities are taking preemptive action to keep the grounds safe. A civil court filing argues that "Muddy" and "Ville" gang members are connected to multiple incidents and seeks to prohibit rival gangs from gathering at the fair.

In culinary and lifestyle news, the Twin Cities are mourning the loss of award-winning journalist Sue Zelickson, who passed away at 91. The longtime radio host and columnist won a James Beard Award in 2005. Foodies can currently celebrate Minnesota Burger Week, which is offering $10 burger deals via an app for prizes. And if you're looking to unwind before the weekend, beverage experts are sharing fresh summer cocktail recipes perfect for patio lounging.