Justin J. Florece, with a diverse background in marketing and sports, now serves as a firefighter in Bloomington, pursuing a degree in fire science and educating the community on fire safety.

Minneapolis officials urge safe and legal fireworks use on July 4, ask residents to reserve 911 for emergencies and direct noise complaints through online systems or via text to free up emergency services.

First detection of West Nile virus in Anoka County's mosquitoes prompts health alerts and calls for residents to take protective measures during peak mosquito season.

Bloomington won the U.S. Conference of Mayors Police Reform and Equitable Justice small-city award, receiving a $75,000 grant for its "Increasing Trust Through Shared Values" approach, focusing on values-based recruitment and promotion.

The Coon Rapids Police Association's bean bag tournament for charity has been postponed due to low registration. The event supports the "Shop with a Cop" program.

The University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus has developed a Climate Resilience Plan, making it the first Big Ten institution to have such a proactive measure against climate change.

Saint Paul, Minnesota unveils a new sustainable waste management plan with FCC Environmental handling most trash services and Eureka Recycling managing recyclables, starting April 2025 and November 2024 respectively.

Minneapolis weather forecasts predict a shift from sunny skies to showers and storms, with gusty winds and high chances of precipitation. The weekend may improve with mostly sunny conditions.

Karen Shragg from Bloomington leverages her background in environmentalism to educate on nature's gross aspects through her "Nature's Yucky!" book series, aiming to spark youth interest in conservation.

Coon Rapids announces its Safety Camp for kids, teaching vital safety skills, set for July 16-17 at the Ice Center. Registration is open until July 8.

Hatch Bloomington, a local business competition, enters a crucial phase as public voting starts July 29 to determine the finalists vying for a $100,000 prize for their ventures.

The City of Bloomington is holding a series of events for public input on the 2025 municipal budget, including the 'Midweek Music & Market' and the 'On the One Music Festival' with information available on their website.

The North Star Promise Scholarship in Minnesota offers a tuition and fee-free college education starting fall, for residents with family incomes under $80k who meet certain criteria.