Quick Hits

• Health Warning for Golden Valley: A rabid bat was discovered in a local home, and technicians found an entire colony of the animals residing in the attic.
• Lynx Head to the Playoffs: The Minnesota Lynx clinched a WNBA playoff berth Friday night with a 98-87 victory over the Las Vegas Aces, powered by 26 points from Olivia Miles and 22 from Napheesa Collier.
• Beach Closures in Minneapolis: Six Minneapolis beaches are currently closed to the public due to the presence of toxic blue-green algae and elevated E. coli levels.
• Minnesota Burger Week: $10 burger deals kick off Monday at more than 60 restaurants across the metro as part of the weeklong culinary event.
• St. Paul Homeless Camp Cleared: The clearing of St. Paul’s largest homeless camp at Pig’s Eye Park has seemingly just relocated the issue, with advocates stressing that lasting housing options are more effective than camp evictions.

Golden Valley & West Metro

Golden Valley residents should be aware of a recent public health incident in the area. A rabid bat was found inside a local Golden Valley home this week. Upon inspection, animal control technicians discovered a colony of bats actively living in the residence's attic. Rabies is a serious disease, and neighbors are encouraged to ensure their pets are up to date on their vaccinations and to report any suspicious wildlife behavior.

Minneapolis

Public safety remains a focus in Minneapolis, with police investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Friday night in the Whittier neighborhood. Officers responded to the scene around 10:30 p.m. where a man was found shot and killed inside a vehicle. Separately, a Minneapolis man was charged Friday for shooting his wife and threatening to kill her during a divorce. The courts also saw closure in a 2025 case, with three men found guilty of the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Tiago Antonio Gilbert outside the Red Lake Nation Embassy on Cedar Avenue South.

On the health and community front, record demand is straining Minnesota’s 988 mental health lifeline, driven largely by rising anxiety and financial stress among callers. Over 1,300 people gathered in the city for A Breath of Hope’s 20th annual lung cancer walk and run to raise research funds and awareness. Meanwhile, the Minneapolis Fire Department hosted a collaborative "Firefighter for a Day" experience alongside The Arc Minnesota, and food safety concerns are prompting local shoppers to more closely scrutinize the items going into their grocery carts.

Music fans have something to look forward to, as legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are preparing for a "homecoming" State Fair concert. "A Celebration of the Minneapolis Sound" will feature an incredible live band and special guest performances. In the North Loop, Graze Food Hall by Travail is expanding its culinary offerings by adding DeCoco's Pasta Bar to its local lineup.

St. Paul

In St. Paul, the recent clearing of the city’s largest homeless camp at Pig’s Eye Park has sparked ongoing conversations. Experts and advocates note that simply moving people from one camp to another does not solve the root problem, emphasizing that lasting housing options are required for real change.

The St. Paul Police Department confirmed that two teenagers found dead in a car back in June died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Meanwhile, two men were hospitalized after a shooting Friday evening around 9:20 p.m. near the 400 block of Maryland Avenue. On a positive note, West St. Paul police successfully located a missing 74-year-old woman who had been reported endangered, confirming she was found safe. Across the river, the Planning Commission is actively seeking public input on the new Rondo comprehensive plan addition.

Local Sports

It was a thrilling weekend for baseball fans, starting with the Milwaukee Brewers edging out the Minnesota Twins 4-3 on Saturday night after Andrew Vaughn singled home the tiebreaking run in the eighth inning. The Twins bounced back tremendously on Sunday, erasing a four-run deficit to beat the Brewers 8-6. The game marked the highly anticipated MLB debut of Kaelen Culpepper, who immediately made his mark by hitting a home run, while Josh Bell went 4 for 5 with a homer of his own.

In national sports news, the Pro Football Hall of Fame welcomed its newest class in Canton, Ohio. Former Minnesota Viking Roger Craig was inducted alongside Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, and Adam Vinatieri.

Minnesota Statewide

State politics are heating up ahead of the primary election. The DFL Senate race is seeing intense competition as candidates Angie Craig and Peggy Flanagan vie for votes, making appearances at weekend events and knocking on doors across the region.

In community and cultural news, the Dragon Divas of Minnesota are preparing to head to France to represent the state. The trip marks 20 years of the team paddling together and raising breast cancer awareness. Additionally, tickets are now available for the grand opening of the new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum. After years of construction, the museum will officially open its doors for a grand opening weekend scheduled for Sept. 11-13. Finally, behind prison walls, incarcerated men organized the "Justice 4 Us" basketball tournament, bringing youth and families impacted by incarceration together for a meaningful community event.