Twin Cities Daily Digest — Friday, March 27, 2026

Your neighborhood news for Golden Valley and the greater metro

---

Golden Valley & West Metro

No Golden Valley-specific stories today, but several Hennepin County developments directly affect west metro residents.

Hennepin County Launches Program to Curb Teen Auto Theft — With 66 cars stolen across Minneapolis since March 20 alone, the Hennepin County Attorney's Office is rolling out a new intervention program aimed at stopping teens from stealing cars. The HCAO is urging local police departments, including those in west metro suburbs, to refer juvenile offenders to the program. Residents across Golden Valley, Robbinsdale, Crystal, and New Hope should remain vigilant — MPD is warning that thieves are now using new technology to break into vehicles.

Hennepin County Commissioner Under Fire Over Sheriff's Office Comments — A Hennepin County commissioner is facing criticism after publicly stating she doesn't believe the sheriff's office is fulfilling its role effectively. The remarks have drawn sharp responses from law enforcement supporters and fellow board members. This is a developing story with implications for county policing across the west metro.

---

Minneapolis

City Hits Pause on Community Safety Center — Minneapolis has paused plans for a proposed community safety center, a facility required under the Department of Justice consent decree issued after the murder of George Floyd in 2020 by former MPD officer Derek Chauvin. Details on the timeline for resuming the project have not been released.

One Dead, Two Injured in Triple Shooting — A man was killed and two others were injured in a shooting early Friday morning in Minneapolis. Police have not confirmed whether a suspect is in custody, and a homicide investigation is underway.

City Council Votes on Rental Assistance Draw Mixed Reactions — Renters and landlords are weighing in after the Minneapolis City Council voted on rental assistance programs. Near Dinkytown, residents expressed both relief and concern about the scope and funding of the measures.

Social Media Protections for Minors Advance — State lawmakers are considering a bill that would impose stricter regulations on social media accounts belonging to minors, including parental consent requirements. The legislation is advancing through committee at the Capitol with bipartisan interest.

---

St. Paul

Hundreds of Officers Preparing for Saturday's No Kings Rally — St. Paul Police say hundreds of law enforcement officers will be deployed downtown for the No Kings Day protest planned for Saturday. The city is closing several downtown streets and highway exit ramps in anticipation of the large-scale demonstration, part of a nationwide wave of protests. Plans have been in the works for weeks, though officials have not confirmed specific tactical details.

Downtown Office Towers Lose Value Again — St. Paul's biggest office buildings saw double-digit drops in assessed value for another year running, raising fresh concerns about the city's tax base and financial outlook. The top seven taxable office towers downtown took an average hit that could shift more of the property tax burden onto homeowners and smaller businesses.

Cesar Chavez Day Elimination Bill Set to Become Law — House File 4541, which eliminates the Cesar Chavez Day commemoration, is on track to become law before the March 31 observance next Tuesday. The bill passed through the legislature with enough support to clear both chambers.

---

Local Sports

Wild 3, Panthers 2 — Eriksson Ek Wins It with 4.4 Seconds Left — Joel Eriksson Ek buried the game-winner with just 4.4 seconds remaining to lift the Minnesota Wild past the defending-champion Florida Panthers 3-2 Thursday night. Marcus Foligno and Ryan Hartman also scored for Minnesota in a gutsy comeback win that bolsters their playoff positioning.

Gable Steveson Signs with Real American Freestyle Wrestling — Former Gophers star and 2021 Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson has signed with Real American Freestyle wrestling. Steveson, who previously had a stint with WWE, returns to the freestyle format where he made his name.

The Scoop: Vikings, Twins, and Gophers Notes — KSTP's Darren "Doogie" Wolfson has fresh intel on the Vikings, Twins, and Gophers men's basketball program in this week's edition of The Scoop.

---

Minnesota Statewide

Divided Legislature Heads Into Break With Mixed Results — Minnesota's split legislature is hoping for a reset over the holiday break after stalling on gun and immigration measures, though lawmakers have found common ground on other issues including an inspector general's office to address fraud. A bill to lower vehicle tab fees failed in committee this week, disappointing drivers of newer cars who face steep registration costs based on vehicle value.

Charitable Gambling Groups Push for Tax Relief — Charitable gambling organizations spent more on Minnesota state taxes last year than they returned to local sports teams and community groups, prompting advocates to push lawmakers for relief. The groups argue the current tax structure undermines their ability to support the communities they serve.

Prison Work Cuts Raise Alarm — Incarcerated people in Minnesota prisons are reporting they now spend more than 20 hours a day in their cells after work assignments were reduced. Advocates warn the cuts are worsening conditions and leaving inmates with almost no productive activity or income.

Minnesota Takes on Trump Administration Over ICE Shooting — The state has kicked off a legal battle with the federal government seeking accountability after an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three. The case marks an escalation in the ongoing tensions between Minnesota and federal immigration enforcement.

Trades Education Bill Gains Bipartisan Support — A bill moving through the Capitol would direct more funding to high school trades education programs, where students are already building skills during the school day. The measure has backing from both parties.

---

Have a safe weekend, neighbors — if you're heading to St. Paul Saturday, plan for road closures downtown. Go Wild!