Three bipartisan Minnesota laws take effect Aug. 1, expanding cemetery eligibility, granting honorary diplomas to Korean/Vietnam veterans, and boosting Guard pay.

NatureWorks is searching for a new CEO after Erik Ripple prepares to exit, weeks after the company opened a major Ingeo plant in Thailand. The Plymouth-based firm has begun an external search for a successor.

Minneapolis will hit 92 degrees Wednesday before smoke, thunderstorms and potentially heavy rain arrive Thursday night into Friday.

A 19-year-old St. Cloud man is jailed after police allege he grabbed cigarettes, threatened a clerk with a gun and punched him during a convenience-store robbery.

A 17-year-old from St. Cloud died after his motorcycle struck a tractor-pulled silage wagon in Langola Township. Investigators say the rider wasn’t wearing a helmet and the crash remains under investigation.

Vikings defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander has been suspended three weeks after pleading guilty to a third-degree DWI. The suspension keeps him off the sidelines through Aug. 13.

Pentair agreed to buy Taco Group for about $1.4B to expand its HVAC and data‑center offerings; the companies expect the deal to close in Q4 2026.

Nebraska’s Pump & Pantry has rebranded a Lakeville Hy‑Vee Fast & Fresh after buying 21 standalone stores; fuel-savings redemptions and coffee options will continue.

Todd County’s elected auditor is accused of forging and backdating a quitclaim deed that transferred two parcels owned by her late brother.

Former Vikings pass‑rusher Everson Griffen was arrested after a Winona traffic stop and charged with driving without a required ignition‑interlock device. He’s due in court Aug. 28.

The Vikings are reportedly signing former All‑Pro Jamal Adams, who played linebacker for the Raiders last season. The move would add a versatile box defender ahead of camp.

MnDOT’s 2026 slate tops 200 projects statewide, and the agency is collecting public feedback on a nine‑mile I‑694 study that could reshape Twin Cities commutes.

Pioneer Acquisitions will spend about $15M to add a hospitality lobby, Japanese lounge and simulator amenities at 100 Washington to boost leasing.