Big news + 44 ways to connect this week

Welcome back, friends. Big news: over the next month, this newsletter will begin to merge with Branch Out, another local newsletter deeply invested in community. This journey began in May, when Veronica—a connection made through the Scout—introduced me to the gift economy: a way of giving and receiving that centers generosity, relationships, and our connection with nature, rather than just transactions.

Many of us know what it’s like to feel worn down by a world that often values productivity and profit over well-being, human dignity, and the health of our beautiful planet. That’s why I’m excited about Gifting Grove—a non-profit devoted to cultivating a gift economy and providing opportunities to participate in it. Merging the Scout and Branch Out is one way we can support this movement, offering chances for you to connect with others and be present in communities that value creativity, people, and the planet.

If you’re curious about these ideas, I recommend checking out The Serviceberry—and we’ll be sharing more about the gift economy and its value as we get ready to merge.

While we’re still finalizing details, the heart and familiar feel of this newsletter will remain. Thank you for being part of this community. More good things are on the horizon.

— James

Outrage headlines. Never-ending feeds. Everyone shouting, no one listening.

Keeping up with political news today can feel more like emotional labor than staying informed. That’s why Tangle exists.

Tangle is an independent, nonpartisan newsletter that covers one major political story each day. It breaks down the facts, shows how the left, right, and center are talking about it, and adds clear, honest analysis — without the spin, hysteria, or bias.

No sides to pick. Just clear, honest analysis from an independent source — all in under 10 minutes a day.

More than 400,000 readers — no matter their politics — trust Tangle to get the full picture and stay informed without getting burnt out.

If you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed by the news — but still want to understand what’s really happening — give Tangle a try.

Start reading for free today.

This week, I’d like to introduce you to Atticus the Retriever mix, Katniss the Hound mix, and Spencer the kitten.

Urban Ventures provides fresh produce in Minneapolis food desserts. They’re looking for 2 volunteers to help them with their Farm Stand on a weekly basis Learn more

The Friends of Loring Park need help pulling invasive species from Loring Park’s north and south ponds on August 23. Coffee and treats provided! Get involved

Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute is looking for a new board member with non-profit fundraising experience. Are you skilled in this area or know someone who is? The full deets

A San Francisco couple felt isolated, so they transformed their neighborhood into a close-knit community Their secret? Turning their daily caffeine ritual into a communal activity. Read the full story at Stoop Coffee: How a Simple Idea Transformed My Neighborhood.

Have a cause or pet to feature? Simply hit reply.

Got news about your business to share, a cool project to spotlight, a position you’re hiring for, or just feel like connecting with 8,500 awesome people? Tell us about it

Call It Good is a handyman service for cleanouts, hauling, repairs, and odd projects that aren’t easy to categorize. I work within communities I'm part of, which helps keep things cost-effective and friendly. Check out the kinds of projects I do and let’s see what I can help with. –Ben

MidCity Farmers Market comes alive each Wednesday in a sunny corner of St. Paul, from 4-8pm. Come check out artisanal foods, artists, street food, & live music. This week’s market celebrates National Farmers Market Week. Check out the deets

Want to feature an event with a poster? Reach out here

Twin Cities Miles for Melanoma 5K hits Lake Phalen on Sunday, August 10th, starting at 7:30am! Join a vibrant community rallying for melanoma research. So far, they’ve raised $47k of their $53k goal (89%). Walk, run, or cheer to push them over the finish line. Every step helps fight melanoma! Help them reach 100%

Poetry Lovers Converge, 6:30–8pm at Golden Valley Library, Golden Valley
Share or listen to poems—open mic for all languages, ages, and styles.

Silverwood OnStage: OPNR in Concert, 6:30–8pm at Silverwood Park, St. Anthony
Chill outdoors to live ethereal folk and psychedelic jams—indoors if it rains.

Gadan, 7–9pm at Dakota Jazz Club, Mpls
Experience Irish, Appalachian, and bluegrass fusion with three banjos.

Minnesota State Band, 7–8:30pm at Dock & Paddle, St. Paul
Live lakeside music—enjoy summer patio vibes and classic band tunes.

Ultimate Game Night: JackBox Party, 7–11pm at Roxy’s Cabaret, Mpls
Challenge your friends in JackBox and board games for free. Under 18 allowed with parent/guardian present.

Drop-in Mending, 8:30–10am at Mpls Central Library, Mpls
Free help fixing clothes—mending, darning, and patching with all materials provided.

Dayton's Bluff: Canning - Pickle Your Way, 6–7:30pm at 740 East 7th Street, St. Paul
Hands-on class to pickle your own snack—take a jar home.

Summer City Foraging, 6–8pm at American Swedish Institute, Mpls
Urban foraging walk—learn to spot and taste edible flowers and berries.

Night at the Gatsby, 6–9pm at Landmark Jewelers, St. Paul
Glitzy party—jazz, cocktails, vintage jewelry, and free prohibition-era tours.

Annual Ice Cream Social and Movie in the Park event, 6pm at Logan Park, Mpls
Family fun with free ice cream, games, and a sunset movie.

Minnesota Trivia Night, 6:30–8pm at Minnesota History Center, St. Paul
Show off your Minnesota knowledge—join a trivia team and compete to win.

Movies in the Park: Wicked, 9:15–11:45pm at Logan Recreation Center, Mpls
Watch “Wicked” under the stars for free—bring a blanket!

Irish Fair of Minnesota, All day at Harriet Island Regional Park, St. Paul
Three-day festival of dance, music, food and Irish fun. Runs through Sunday.

New Brighton Stockyard Days, All day at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton
Multi-day festival: live music, car shows, food, fun runs, and parade. Through Sunday.

Bus Tour: Northfield Farm Visits: Berries, Sheep & Cider, 7:45am–4:30pm starting at Southwest High School, Mpls
Join a guided bus tour to Get Bentz Farm, Little Hill Berry Farm, and Keepsake Cidery. Learn about local agriculture, sustainable farming, and enjoy cider tasting.

Learn 3D Printing, 2–3pm at George Latimer Central Library, St. Paul
Discover 3D printing—try equipment and learn something new.

East Side Farmers Market, 4–7pm at East Side Sculpture Park, St. Paul
Fresh local produce and crafts, plus music and performances.

Sheila E. & the E-Train, 6:30pm and 9pm at Dakota Jazz Club, Mpls
Prince’s famed collaborator brings funk and jazz.

Movies in the Park: Aladdin, 9:15–11:45pm at Lake Nokomis Park, Mpls
Watch Disney’s “Aladdin” outdoors—bring chairs and snacks.

Movies in the Parks - Men in Black, 7pm at El Rio Vista Rec Center, St. Paul
Watch “Men In Black” outdoors. Bring your friends!

Guided Forest Bathing for Adults, 9–11am at Spring Lake Regional Park, Prior Lake
Relax and unwind with a free mindful, nature-connecting walk.

Soma Yoga for Adults, 10–11am at Champlin Library, Champlin
Gentle yoga class—strength, mobility, relaxation.

Prairie Walk, 10am–12pm at Lowry Nature Center, Victoria
Guided prairie walk with a naturalist—learn about native plants and pollinators.

Soy Land Farm Day, 10am–2pm at Farm at the Arb, Chaska
Learn about soy farming, taste foods, and try lawn games—free with admission.

Cornbread Harris & Friends, 10am–1pm at Hell's Kitchen, Mpls
Grab some brunch and experience local music legend Cornbread Harris live.

Children's Book Fair, 12–6pm at Red Balloon Shop, Mpls
Kid-focused fair—crafts, authors, books, and activities.

Fix-It Clinic, 12–4pm at Eden Prairie Community Center, Eden Prairie
Bring broken stuff—get help learning to repair anything.

Sailing with Strangers #3, 1–3pm at Bde Maka Ska, Mpls
Join five strangers and a captain for sailing and open conversations on the lake. Hosted by Strangers Meeting Strangers in collaboration with the Minneapolis Sailing Center

Hearts and Healing for the Hoffmans, 2–5pm at Dual Citizen Brewing, St. Paul
Fundraiser with live jazz for the Hoffman family—aids with their ongoing medical expenses and long-term recovery.

O’Shea Irish Dance at Irish Fair, 4–5pm at Harriet Island, St. Paul
Live music and lively, foot-stomping Irish dance on the Cara Irish Pub Stage.

Selena, 8:45pm at East Side Sculpture Park, St. Paul
A free outdoor showing of "Selena" with popcorn and hot dogs. Presented by Trilingua Cinema.

Walk When the Moon is Full, 8–9:30pm at Crow-Hassan Park Reserve, Hanover
Prairie walk by moonlight—$6, guided, ages 12+. Registration required.

Plant Based Sampling Fair, 10am–1pm at West 7th Mississippi Market, St. Paul
Sample vegan goodies, treats, and score freebies—part of the Plant-Based Bike Crawl.

2025 Twin Cities Plant-Based Bike Crawl, 10am–5pm at Union Depot Rail View Picnic Area, St. Paul
18-mile ride with stops for vegan bites—ticket includes food at every stop.

Sociable Summer Market, 11am–4pm at Sociable Cider Werks, Mpls
Shop local makers, grab a cider—festive outdoor makers market.

Second Sundays Makers Markets, 12–6pm at Twin Cities Maker, Mpls
Browse art and creations from local makers—family-friendly community gathering.

Biking Through History: The French Connection, 1–5pm at Elm Creek Park Reserve, Maple Grove
Ride 17 miles learning MN’s French roots, with brewery stops—$15.

Purple Funk Metropolis & Gifted Handz, 7pm at Dakota Jazz Club, Mpls
Funk, soul, and gospel fusion bands jam live.

Basics of Canning, 6–8pm at Mississippi Market Co-op, St. Paul
Learn water bath and pressure canning at no cost—no supplies needed.

Movies in the Park: Barbie, 9:15–11:45pm at Mueller Park, Mpls
Catch a free outdoor screening of “Barbie”. Bring friends and snacks.

Carol's Favorite Bike Tour, 8–10:30am at Loons Coffee, Mpls
Join a scenic 17-mile group bike ride; rivers, lakes, Greenway, and eco-discussion at the finish.

Fix-It Hub, 4–7pm at St. Anthony Library, St. Anthony
Bring broken items, learn repair skills from volunteer fixers—sustainability for all.

Make & Mingle Workshop: Monoprinting, 5:30–8:30pm at Silverwood Park, St. Anthony
Create and learn original printmaking with artist Beth Dorsey. Registration required.

Sunset Canoe for Women, 6:30–8:30pm at Bryant Lake Regional Park, Eden Prairie
Peaceful paddle for women—canoes included, minimal instruction.

Scrap and Yap, 7–9pm at MetroNOME Brewery, St. Paul
Scrapbooking and papercraft social—meet crafters, enjoy local beer, all materials provided.