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The Blue Line light rail extension in the Twin Cities just hit a staggering $3.58 billion — nearly triple its original estimate — sparking fierce community backlash and renewed debate over whether to pivot to a cheaper bus rapid transit alternative. With design nearly complete and local input reshaping stations, the Metropolitan Council insists the cost bump includes contingencies for economic shifts, but residents are demanding transparency and alternatives. A technical study shows BRT could cost just $120 million — a jaw-dropping gap. As federal funding looms and construction could begin by late 2027, the future of this megaproject hangs in the balance — and the public’s...

The U.S. men’s soccer team just stunned Australia 2-0 in Seattle, securing their World Cup knockout stage spot with fire, grit, and a breakout performance from 21-year-old Alex Freeman — who netted his first World Cup goal right before halftime. Even without Christian Pulisic, the squad dominated from the start, including an own-goal by Australia’s Cameron Burgess. With six points, they’re now group leaders heading into their final match against Turkey, while Australia drops to three points. This win signals a serious, deep-run contender — echoing their 1994 third-place finish and round-of-16 exit, but this time, they’re playing with...

Minneapolis brother Kenneth Mills is facing serious charges after cops linked him to multiple burglaries — including one caught on camera where he and another guy stole liquor from a business with an open safe. Officers had been tracking a string of thefts and nabbed him the next day during another break-in. Mills allegedly confessed to being part of six or seven burglaries, claiming he’d ride along with others picked up in St. Paul. With a history of felonies including burglary, assault, and drug possession, prosecutors are demanding heavy bail and a harsh sentence due to his pattern of crim...

Get ready for “Battle on the Waterfront” — St. Paul’s explosive boxing card June 27 at the InterContinental Riverfront Hotel, featuring a stacked lineup with local stars, international fighters from Las Vegas, Ghana, and Brazil, and the main event: a 10-round WBA NABA Silver Title clash between Deonte Walker and Fredrick Lawson. Don’t miss the high-octane undercard action too — including Ve Shawn “Magic” Owens vs. Eduardo “La Dinamita” Reis and heavyweight showdowns. Tickets on sale now — this is your chance to witness elite talent in action.

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MinnPost dominated the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists Page One Awards, celebrating fearless reporters like Georgia Fort—winner of the Peter S. Popovich Award for defending press freedom despite federal charges—and Joe Spear, the legendary editor of the Mankato Free Press, honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award after four decades of journalism. The night also spotlighted standout voices covering mental health, Greater Minnesota, and community health, proving that journalism isn’t just a job—it’s a calling worth fighting for.

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Rochester School Board votes to make Eid al-Adha an official school holiday starting in the 2027-2028 academic year, aiming to reduce absenteeism and support multilingual learners — a move sparking debate over religious neutrality and governance boundaries.

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James Burrows, the visionary director behind sitcom legends like Cheers, Will & Grace, and Frasier, has passed away at 85, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and groundbreaking TV. With over 1,000 episodes directed—including every original Will & Grace—he shaped comedy for decades, earning 11 Emmys and 5 DGA Awards, plus 16 consecutive Emmy nominations. Beyond the camera, he made charming cameos in Friends and The Comeback, proving his love for the craft. His genius for delivering funny didn’t just entertain—it defined an era.

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A controversial Trump-era “anti-weaponization” fund, aimed at countering claims of “lawfare” and rumored to include payments to January 6th-linked figures, is officially dead — at least according to the Justice Department. But a federal judge demands sworn, under penalty of perjury, confirmation from top officials that the fund is entirely canceled, sparking a legal showdown over separation of powers and whether the government’s verbal assurances are legally sufficient.

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Juneteenth isn’t just a holiday—it’s a powerful celebration of freedom, resilience, and Black heritage, now officially recognized nationwide since 2021. In the Twin Cities, communities are coming together with vibrant events like the one at Centennial Lakes Park, blending joy, education, and connection. Even kids are making waves—like seven-year-old author Addisyn, handing out 100 copies of her self-esteem book, proving the spirit of Juneteenth lives on. While Minnesota gives state workers the day off, the true power lies in the shared story of liberation and the ongoing journey toward equality.

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Hennepin County just approved a big move: hiring a consultant to find new board members for Hennepin Healthcare, while also releasing a glowing performance report highlighting flawless election audits and improved jail reentry rates. Meanwhile, the board greenlit updates to the controversial Blue Line Extension — whose costs have ballooned — with commissioners standing firm on the rail plan despite calls to scrap it or switch to a bus route. The county’s government center, a labyrinth of security and towers, saw no public attendance at this meeting — though staff accepted a workplace safety award. The report also revealed quirky but importan...

The World Cup is back in town—and Minnesota’s ready to party! Though no games hit the state’s turf, the Twin Cities are buzzing with watch parties, big screens, DJs, and fan-friendly bars ready to bring the global soccer fever right to you. From Peavey Plaza to El Nuevo Campo, and from Brit’s Pub to Utepils Brewing, there’s a spot for every fan. Team USA kicks off June 12, with all matches on FOX 9—and drink specials, food, and family vibes abound. With 70 games, including semifinals and the final, the tournament runs through July 19. Don’t miss the actio...

Get ready for Minneapolis’ beloved Stone Arch Bridge Festival, returning June 20-21 with over 200 artists, live music, gourmet food, vintage vinyl, and car art — all under one vibrant riverfront roof for a weekend packed with creativity, culture, and community.

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An osprey got tangled in fishing line and hung upside down in Forest Lake — but a swift rescue team, including firefighters, a tree climber, and wildlife experts, worked together to save it. After freeing the bird, it was taken to rehab for recovery. The incident highlights how community collaboration can make a real difference in wildlife conservation — a small win that’s big on heart.

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A Minneapolis activist claims federal agents violently assaulted him during an immigration protest arrest, leaving him shackled to a hospital bed for five days with no access to family or legal counsel. His lawyer calls it “outrageous government conduct,” as courts dismiss similar assault charges against protesters amid a massive Minnesota operation. Now running a hot sauce company, Johnson’s injuries and trauma have left him shaken and fearful for others caught in the crackdown.

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Minneapolis警方锁定34岁嫌犯肯尼斯·米尔斯，他涉嫌在五月内连续撬锁盗窃四家商户，包括Jakeenos、Heathers和Up Coffee——作案工具甚至被拍到：锯子、螺丝刀、电脑一应俱全。更惊人的是，他被捕时刚在一家咖啡馆被监控拍下作案全过程，警方还从他丢弃的包里搜出全套破门工具。尽管他此前因其他罪名在押，仍承认参与六七起盗窃案。目前警方正调查本月另外十一起案件，米尔斯成为头号嫌疑人。

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Shakopee’s brand new Mystic Lake Amphitheater just dropped, seating 19,000 and overlooking the Minnesota River Valley — poised to be the Twin Cities’ top outdoor concert spot with over 30 shows per season. Opening weekend’s all-Minnesota lineup features legendary Morris Day and The Time, hosted by St. Paul’s Tommy Brennan, with tickets just $20 — proceeds benefit a local restaurant recovery fund. Lawn seats for select shows stay at $30, available Friday noon to 6 PM while supplies last. This is summer nights reimagined — big names, affordable access, and community vibes all rolled into one.

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A fourteen-year-old girl, McKenna Wendel, was found dead after going missing in March, and two men are now facing serious charges tied to her death. Mark Milk, 51, is accused of drug distribution that allegedly caused her death and transporting a minor for sex — despite having a prior life sentence commuted by Governor Kristi Noem in 2023. His co-defendant, Jon Rogness, 38, faces conspiracy and accessory charges linked to an alleged cover-up. The autopsy remains sealed, but authorities say these are the most provable charges, all occurring in the Northern District of Iowa. The FBI calls the case horrific, especially given the vi...

Get ready for electric energy and heart-pounding action as Special Olympic USA Games kick off in the Twin Cities! Meet Kyle Kauffman, aka “Havoc,” a Minnesota powerhouse who dominates both offense and defense with relentless energy. His coach calls him a “mad dog” chasing QBs, but his true magic lies in his infectious positivity — win or lose. And it’s even more special with his decade-long Unified partner Jeremy Kuhn, showcasing the beauty of inclusion on the field. The opening ceremony is this Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium, with their first game Monday — a celebration of talent, teamwork, and the unstoppabl...

Friday brings stormy weather to Minnesota with rain starting west in the late morning, a brief pause in the Twin Cities, then thunderstorms return in the afternoon and evening—with a small chance of gusty winds or hail, but severe weather remains scattered. The good news? A high-pressure system rolls in for a comfortable, dry weekend with temps in the 70s and low humidity. Southern Minnesota might see a light morning shower Sunday, but most of the state stays clear and pleasant. Next week, temps climb back toward the 80s, with another round of rain expected Tuesday through Wednesday. Br...

The Department of Education is handing over civil rights enforcement to the Justice Department and shifting special education oversight to Health and Human Services, forcing parents and advocates to navigate new bureaucratic channels. Critics say this move, coming under the Trump administration, undermines protections for students—especially as civil rights cases face backlogs and fewer resolutions. Advocacy groups warn this could dismantle the very infrastructure designed to safeguard student rights, while the Justice Department simultaneously takes on controversial cases like transgender athletes in sports, adding complexity to an already shifting landscape.

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Human Rights Watch slams ICE over alleged racial profiling and civil rights violations in winter operations, while DHS defends its actions. St. Paul mayor faces a record $26 million budget gap, exploring tax hikes and spending cuts. Faith and labor groups condemn federal indictment of 15 anti-ICE protesters as politically motivated repression. Bear sightings surge in southeastern Minnesota, hinting at a growing population. Meanwhile, Minnesota Aurora women’s soccer team remains undefeated and scoreless in nine games, with a key home match this Saturday.

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The federal government is cracking down hard on unemployment fraud, with Vice President JD Vance leading a historic push to hold states accountable—even though those programs are federally funded. Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling warned governors that failure to clean up fraud could mean withheld federal funds, a first in U.S. history. Minnesota’s unemployment agency says it’s already a top performer in fraud prevention, noting the federal requirement dates back to 1935. Meanwhile, scrutiny is also turning to lawmakers’ personal wealth, revealing stark disparities across party lines.

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A sudden shelter-in-place order hit Washington Terrace in St. Peter, Minnesota, Thursday night after a tense situation involving law enforcement. Residents were told to stay indoors as authorities secured the area — but neighbors say they weren’t surprised, since they knew those involved. The order was lifted just after 10:30 PM once the situation was resolved, with officials keeping details under wraps for now, promising updates as more info becomes available.

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Vadnais Heights’ new fire station cost ballooned from $19 million to $33.3 million, sparking outrage when the city council approved the bond without a public vote. Residents rallied, collecting thousands of signatures to demand a referendum, arguing the community deserves a say in such massive spending. While officials say the aging stations require a new facility to meet modern staffing and safety needs, the petition has reignited public debate — proving that when it comes to big infrastructure decisions, voters want to be heard.

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A vibrant, unforgettable young life cut short: Raja Chinnakotla, 20, a beloved Edina High School homecoming king and UW-Madison student, died after a tragic accident. Friends and family remember his infectious energy, sharp mind, and gift for making everyone feel seen. Tributes poured in from across Minnesota, including from Senator Amy Klobuchar and Hennepin County Commissioner Heather Edelson. A prayer vigil at Centennial Lakes Park became a heartfelt gathering, honoring a young man whose laughter, wisdom, and warmth touched countless lives — and whose legacy continues to ripple through his community.

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Third week of the search for John Kapaun, a vulnerable adult with type one diabetes last seen walking north on County Road 11 — a route unusual for him — as volunteers and police scour wooded areas near Cliff Fen Park, using drones and ATVs, while his family clings to hope he’s still out there, safe and resourceful, urging locals to share any security footage or sightings.

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Brooks Lee launched a three-run homer to ignite the Twins’ offense, helping Minnesota jump out to an early lead and sweep the Texas Rangers 9-3. It’s the third straight game the Twins have scored multiple runs in the first inning, setting the tone for a dominant performance. Trevor Larnach and Ryan Kriedler added two-run homers, while Joe Ryan pitched five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts. The Rangers’ Jack Leiter struggled again, surrendering 17 runs in three straight losses. Texas, now winless in 15 games when trailing early, couldn’t recover despite solo homers from Langford, Duran, and Foscue. The Twins’ four-game...

A Minnesota wrestling coach turned public safety threat: 43-year-old Seth Russell Benike faces seven felonies for allegedly abusing a minor over seven years, starting when she was just 12. As treasurer and assistant coach, his access to kids made the situation worse. The victim says he touched her inappropriately, showed her porn, and told her to keep quiet — even after she tried telling her mom. Now in custody with $50K bail, this case is a chilling reminder of how power and trust can be weaponized.

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The chief engineer of the cargo ship Dali has admitted to a federal safety violation, acknowledging he knew about a deadly fuel system flaw that led to the ship losing power and crashing into Baltimore’s Key Bridge in March 2024, killing six workers. Under a deferred prosecution deal, he could avoid charges if he meets conditions. Prosecutors say the faulty pump lacked a backup, and management allegedly covered up the danger. The ship’s operator and a senior employee are also indicted. The Port of Baltimore was shut down for nearly three months. The NTSB blames an electrical issue and...

Overnight I-494 closures are coming to the Twin Cities—eastbound between I-35W and Hwy 77 June 23, westbound between Hwy 77 and I-35W June 24, both from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. All part of the multi-year 12th Ave bridge project, wrapping up fall 2026. Check 511-mn-dot-org for updates—weather permitting.

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Olivia Miles is rewriting rookie records with dazzling stats, electrifying crowds, and turning the Minnesota Lynx into a force to be reckoned with—fans are already calling her an MVP in the making.

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Heritage Park Apartments in north Minneapolis was meant to be a safe haven for families, but years of neglect have turned it into a health hazard with mold, rodents, and crumbling infrastructure. Councilmember Pearll Warren is leading the charge to fix it, pushing for $5.8 million in state funding to restore the buildings and hold past owners accountable. With engineers assessing structural damage and a court-appointed receiver now in charge, the fight to protect vulnerable residents and ensure public funds are properly reinvested is heating up.

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Luigi Mangione’s lawyers have dropped their psychiatric defense just before the deadline, closing the door on a potential manslaughter plea in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The chilling attack, captured on surveillance footage, left Thompson dead and Mangione in custody — now facing state trial starting September 8 and federal trial on October 13, with prosecutors preparing to go all-in on a murder charge.

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Two Texas brothers pleaded guilty to a terrifying September 2025 kidnapping and robbery in Minnesota, forcing a family to hand over $8 million in crypto—so much so that even a high school football game was canceled. Armed with rifles and shotguns, they held the family hostage for hours, even driving them three hours to a remote cabin to access more funds. Law enforcement across states worked together to bring them to justice. Both admitted guilt, agreed to pay back the full amount, and now face up to 20 years in prison. This case underscores how digital wealth is now a prime ta...

Dakota County, Minnesota, has revealed alarming PFAS contamination in over 100 private wells, with levels exceeding safety guidelines in many cases. To empower residents, they’ve launched an easy-to-use online dashboard showing PFAS levels in local wells — making critical health data instantly accessible. One homeowner found her well contaminated but was protected by a filtration system, while officials recommend affordable carbon filters for others. Meanwhile, 20 public water systems statewide also face PFAS issues, with crews actively tracing underground sources. Though public water is regulated, private well owners bear the burden of monitoring and treatment. County data is now shared with stat...

Minnesota’s cannabis industry takes another hit as one of its five licensed testing facilities shuts down, citing inability to meet regulatory demands affordably. With testing delays already crippling the market—keeping popular products like flower and vape pens off shelves for months—the closure threatens to worsen bottlenecks, leaving retailers and growers stuck in a waiting game. Consumers face longer waits, and the state’s fledgling adult-use market struggles to keep pace without critical infrastructure.

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Six girls from Troop 123 in Edina, Minnesota, just became Eagle Scouts — the rarest honor in scouting, earned by less than 6% of scouts. As part of the first wave of girls allowed into Boy Scouts in 2018, they forged their own path, earning 126 merit badges across science, tech, camping, and civic duties — including a wild week living on a boat. Their standout projects? A Little Free Library, a bike rack, an animal shelter shelving unit, and even a Holocaust memorial renovation. Honored at a ceremony that felt like a second graduation, they credit their friends, parents, and volunteers for helping them grow...

Chisago County workers hit day 49 of a historic strike over stalled contract talks on pay and insurance, leaving vulnerable residents without essential services like social work and building permits. Negotiations have frozen since May 22, with no new offers in two weeks, as 170 union members walk off the job. Community impact is severe, with staff saying they’re heartbroken as people struggle to stay safe or pay bills. County leaders acknowledge overwhelmed staff trying to meet demands, while workers reject a 6.5% raise offer as insufficient against inflation. A new union proposal is expected next week — marking day 53 — as the future of cou...

Dakota County just dropped a major environmental update: PFAS contamination is widespread in local groundwater, with every public well and nearly 80% of private wells testing positive for these “forever chemicals.” The county’s new online dashboard reveals alarming levels of 18 different PFAS compounds — some exceeding state and federal safety thresholds — echoing decades of industrial pollution that’s now affecting homes, health, and even global blood samples. Residents can now check their own water’s PFAS levels directly through the dashboard, as officials continue monitoring and sharing data with state agencies to drive action.

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Shots fired in the heart of Times Square just hours after the Knicks parade — NYPD confirms it’s a breaking story, but details are still emerging. No injuries confirmed yet, and no arrests made. The scene is now tense with police tape and barricades, a stark contrast to the earlier celebration. Expect updates as authorities piece together what happened in one of NYC’s busiest, most iconic spots.

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