Golden Valley Police Chief Search Drags On, Could Cost Taxpayers More
Golden Valley Daily Digest — Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Golden Valley & West Metro
Golden Valley police chief search could get more expensive for taxpayers. The city's search for a new police chief is stretching on longer than anticipated, and the extended process could cost taxpayers more than originally budgeted. The city has been without a permanent chief, and the prolonged vacancy is raising questions about the timeline and additional consulting or recruitment fees involved. (KSTP)

A blast from Robbinsdale's past. A Reddit user shared a fascinating piece of local history — a March 24, 1918 ad from the Minneapolis Sunday Tribune advertising "Robbinsdale Home Gardens" tracts for sale, more than a century ago. A fun look back at how our neighboring community was marketed to prospective homeowners over 100 years ago. (Reddit)
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Minneapolis
Driver sought after St. Thomas student killed in hit-and-run. Minneapolis police are searching for the driver who struck and killed 22-year-old Seham Hassen early Sunday morning. Hassen was a University of St. Thomas student set to graduate this spring. Anyone with information is urged to contact MPD. (KARE 11)
Second pedestrian killed in separate hit-and-run. A woman was hit and killed while crossing a street in Northeast Minneapolis, and police say the vehicle that struck her did not stop. The incident is under investigation. (KARE 11)
66 cars stolen in five days — thieves using new tech. MPD is warning residents that 66 vehicles have been stolen since March 20, with thieves increasingly using new technology to bypass car security systems. Police are urging residents to take extra precautions, including using steering wheel locks and not leaving key fobs near doors. (KSTP)
City Council to revisit first responder training facility funding. The Minneapolis City Council will take another look at funding for the proposed "Community Safety Training and Wellness Center," which would provide a centralized training space for police, fire, and EMS. The project's cost and scope have been points of debate. (KARE 11)

Minneapolis office building values hit 10-year low. Commercial building values in Minneapolis have dropped to their lowest point in a decade, and city data suggests homeowners may end up shouldering a greater share of the property tax burden as a result. The shift reflects ongoing struggles in the downtown office market. (KSTP)

Minnesota sues Trump administration over ICE shooting evidence. State officials filed suit Tuesday seeking access to evidence needed to independently investigate three ICE shootings, including those resulting in the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. The lawsuit alleges the federal government has withheld critical evidence. (MinnPost)
Residents push legislators for data center moratoriums. A coalition of Minnesotans is pressing state lawmakers to ban non-disclosure agreements between local officials and data center developers, and to impose moratoriums on new data center construction until more transparency rules are in place. (MinnPost)
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St. Paul
Bruce Springsteen to play 'No Kings' protest in St. Paul. The Boss is heading back to the Twin Cities for a performance at the "No Kings" protest event in St. Paul. Details on the exact venue and date are circulating on social media. (Reddit)
St. Paul home flipped for nearly $100K more in under a month. A St. Paul home was purchased and relisted less than a month later for almost $100,000 more, sparking frustration among residents about housing affordability and speculative flipping in the market. (Reddit)
WWII warbirds coming to St. Paul Downtown Airport. The CAF Minnesota Wing announced that B-29 "Doc" and B-25 "Miss Mitchell" will make a joint appearance at St. Paul Downtown Airport. Aviation enthusiasts won't want to miss this rare chance to see both historic aircraft together. (Reddit)
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Local Sports
Boys State Basketball: Chaska upsets Lakeville South in 4A quarters. Chaska junior Tyler Forrest led the Hawks past Lakeville South at Target Center in the Class 4A quarterfinals, drawing oohs and ahhs from the crowd with his play. (KSTP)

Top-seeded Tartan advances in 4A. No. 1 seed Tartan took care of business against 8-seed Blaine, moving on to the Class 4A semifinals. (KSTP)
Blake boys basketball rides underdog run into 2A bracket. The Blake Bears, who many didn't expect to win a single playoff game, have defied expectations and are ready to keep their underdog story alive at the Class 2A state tournament. (KSTP)

Gophers hire Brett Larson as men's hockey coach. Duluth native Brett Larson, who spent eight seasons as head coach at St. Cloud State and has 16 years of collegiate coaching experience, was announced as the next Gophers men's hockey coach. Larson called it "something special" to lead the program. (KARE 11)
Greg 'Boom' May named Gophers women's hockey coach. May vowed a "reboot" rather than an overhaul, citing inconsistency within the program and pledging more stability after the team fell behind two conference rivals in the standings. (KARE 11)
'Blanket Lady' reflects on decades as Minnesota basketball superfan. The beloved state tournament fixture isn't just a basketball fan — she's a champion of all women in sports and has been a familiar face in the stands for decades. (KARE 11)

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Minnesota Statewide
State tightens fish consumption guidelines over PFAS and mercury. Minnesota health officials have updated fish consumption guidelines to address health risks from mercury and PFAS "forever chemicals." Anglers and families should check the latest advisories before eating their catch this spring. (KARE 11)
Inspector General bill advances after weeks of gridlock. A Minnesota House committee voted Tuesday to advance a bill creating a new Office of Inspector General to investigate fraud across state government. The measure had been stalled for weeks amid political disagreements. (KARE 11)
Your neighborhood meat raffle could be changing. A new bill at the State Capitol would increase the limit that charitable organizations can charge for meat raffles — a beloved Minnesota bar and VFW tradition. Lawmakers are weighing whether to modernize the rules. (KARE 11)
Farm labor concerns grow amid immigration enforcement. Minnesota Ag Commissioner noted that while farm labor shortages aren't new, the large-scale immigration enforcement actions seen recently in Minnesota may impact agricultural operations heading into the growing season. (KARE 11)

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Stay safe out there, Golden Valley. See you tomorrow.