MLB Trade Deadline: The Minnesota Twins made back-to-back moves, first acquiring Mets lefty reliever A.J. Minter and then landing Orioles starter Dean Kremer for an 18-year-old outfielder, signaling they’re willing to add payroll for rotation depth despite Kremer’s rough 6.50 ERA and recent injury history. Local Government & Public Safety: Itasca County approved urgent job postings after overtime costs surged from about $20,000 to more than $90,000 in 2025, with staffing gaps in Human Services and emergency operations driving the change. Mining & Energy Development: Pulsar Helium says it signed a binding letter of agreement to reserve equipment and midstream infrastructure for a helium liquefaction plant tied to its Topaz project near Babbitt, a major step toward commercial production. State Policy & Courts: Minnesota’s “nudification” AI ban is set to take effect Aug. 1 after a federal judge denied xAI’s bid to pause it, keeping the legal fight focused on free-speech and enforcement questions. Economy & Rates: Three Fed policymakers dissented from keeping rates steady, arguing hikes are needed to prevent inflation from becoming entrenched, with Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari among the hawks. Cybersecurity & Utilities: New reporting links cyberattacks on Minnesota water systems to Iran, raising pressure on utilities’ defenses and incident readiness. Business Community: Grand Rapids Downtown Alliance launched a new brand and website as it prepares its first visible downtown projects. Education Infrastructure: Little Falls School Board advanced a nearly $17.3 million high school indoor air quality and mechanical improvements plan, including major air-handling upgrades.