Minneapolis’ most talked-about crime fighter doesn’t wear a badge—he wears a skull mask and answers to “NoMark.” The Star Tribune reports the anonymous twentysomething has drawn more than 500,000 followers by patrolling neighborhoods like Dinkytown in all-black gear, posting GoPro-style videos of breaking up fights and recovering stolen bikes. He’s part of a subculture known as “Reals”—everyday people who adopt superhero personas to fight crime in real life—though his version leans heavily on social media. The videos tap into lingering unease after pandemic-era crime spikes and slower police response times, even as overall crime has eased. While some early clips were staged, NoMark says he now focuses on real incidents. “It was a joke,” he said. “And 1776063127 I’m actually trying to do something.”

His origin story isn’t hard to follow: After a nearby shooting and what he considered to be a slow police response, he figured he could help by patrolling at night. His interventions are modest—escorting intoxicated people, mediating disputes, or stepping into fights before they escalate—but visible. He’s also chased viral moments, including tracking down a supposed “Minnesota Pisser” prankster (later revealed to be staged). Similar “real-life superhero” efforts have popped up elsewhere, including in Seattle, where KING 5 reports a nurse known as “Red Ranger” patrols downtown with a group focused less on crime-fighting than care, handing out food, checking on unhoused people, and occasionally de-escalating conflicts.

But NoMark is one part performer and another part vigilante. He’s also a lightning rod. One video commenter said: “I can’t tell if this is great performance art or if I am actually watching someone fall into a Batman-based psychosis.” Critics say the appeal of figures like him reflects lingering safety fears even as crime declines—and warn that civilian intervention can introduce new risks, especially in unpredictable situations. But NoMark says he carries only a crowbar and pocketknife and uses modest social media income mostly to cover gas. His tangible wins may be small, but fans say the bigger impact is cultural—nudging people to step in rather than stand by. One man who says NoMark helped him with a property dispute said, “People can take a hint from him about the way they’re living their life.”

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (FOX 9) – A crash in Eden Prairie left one person dead and one injured Saturday night. 

Fatal crash in Eden Prairie

What we know:

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, troopers are investigating a two-vehicle crash that happened around 8:15 p.m.

The crash happened at Highway 212 and Prairie Center Drive, and left one person dead. Another person was taken to Hennepin Healthcare for injuries sustained in the crash. 

What we don’t know:

What led up to the crash is currently unknown. 

The severity of the injuries of the other driver is currently unknown. 

The Minnesota State Patrol is expected to release more information as they investigate. 

Dozens of Black and Brown children filled the pool at V3 Sports Center in north Minneapolis this weekend for a free swim‑safety event focused on building confidence and expanding access to water‑safety skills. 

Jack and Jill of America’s Minneapolis chapter hosted its second annual JJ Swim safety event, drawing more than 80 kids — a 60% increase from last year, according to organizers. Children in grades kindergarten to seniors in high school attended. 

“I just got to go faster, faster, faster, faster,” said swimmer Jaden Walker as he pushed himself through the water. 

He later shared his personal benchmark for a full lap.

“One lap down and back would be 27 seconds for me,” Jaden said.

While some kids focused on speed, instructors emphasized the importance of basic safety and comfort in the water. 

A teen lifeguard working the event said many kids her age still lack essential swim skills.

“I think a lot of kids my age or younger don’t know how to swim, and it limits the exercise you can do and the fun you can have, especially over the summer,” said 15‑year‑old lifeguard Taylor Williams.

V3 staff guided students through several stations.

“They are learning basic things, breathing, floating, forward movement, and then we’re doing life jacket fitting over there, and we’re doing CPR,” said V3 Sports Aquatics Program Assistant Dejah Teetzle.

Organizers say the event is designed to make swimming accessible and welcoming for families who have historically had fewer opportunities to learn.

“It’s electrifying in here. The kids are having such a good time,” said Marisa Williams, with Jack and Jill.

She added that the turnout reflects the need for programs like this.

“It just makes us feel really good that we’re exposing Black and Brown children to the water in a way that they feel really good about.”

The CDC reports that Black people of all ages have some of the highest drowning rates in the country, and Black and Brown children are less likely to receive formal swim lessons. 

The agency also notes that Black children face a significantly higher risk of drowning in swimming pools compared to white children, a disparity tied to decades of limited access to pools, lessons and water‑safety resources.

For many families, the event was also about challenging the narrative.

“I feel like it’s very important that we’re breaking the stereotype and that we’re also bettering our community by doing events like this,” said swimmer Aneya Bliss.

Young swimmers left with big dreams sparked by their time in the water.

“I would love to be a lifeguard, and maybe even go to the Olympics someday,” Jaden said.

Teetzle said early exposure matters and that ages 1 to 3 are an important time to introduce children to water comfort and basic skills. The center also offers adult lessons for those learning later in life.