A federal jury in Minneapolis convicted Michaela K. McKinney on fentanyl and firearms charges after an undercover Little Falls buy. She faces a federal minimum of 10 years and awaits sentencing.

Early voting opens July 24 at Coon Rapids City Hall with expanded hours ahead of the Aug. 11 primary. Here's the schedule and where to find resources.

University of Minnesota‑linked MyGender Dolls, designed for ages 4–10, are heading toward a 2026 rollout that has sparked questions about funding and classroom use.

A St. Paul homeowner says surveillance shows a minivan smash his fence, yet police initially closed the hit‑and‑run probe; Saint Paul PD says it will reopen the investigation.

MPD posted photos July 24 seeking help to identify two men tied to a May 2 assault near 603 Washington Ave N. The victim suffered a serious head injury and remains recovering.

A judge convicted Raymond Jones of second‑degree murder after prosecutors say a dispute over a $30 payment for sex turned deadly. Sentencing is set for Sept. 11.

Heat indices will top 100°F this weekend in Minneapolis; the NWS has an Extreme Heat Warning and the city lists cooling locations. Stay hydrated and avoid midday exertion.

In-person early voting is underway in Ramsey County for the Aug. 11 primary. Find locations, hours and the mail‑ballot deadlines you need to know.

A Hennepin County judge dismissed a theft-by-swindle charge against Bishop Harding Smith but kept a criminal case against his nonprofit alive. The split decision follows disputed payroll records tied to a 2021 county contract.

The U.S. Air Force F‑22 Raptor will headline the North Star Air Show in St. Cloud next weekend, flown by New York Mills native Capt. Nic "Laz" Le Tourneau.

Costco paid $5.5M for the former TGI Friday’s lot on Riverdale Boulevard and will move its gas operation there, planning a 20‑pump island and roughly 128 extra parking spots.

Under a $2.5M federal Byrne grant, Minneapolis will pilot uniformed civilian crash investigators for non‑injury collisions to free up police for urgent 911 calls. City officials say the tests will run for about a year while they evaluate results.

Shakopee council voted 4-1 to strip the Baymont by Wyndham’s license after 84 police responses and two deaths tied to a private 2025 event, citing ongoing safety threats.