HCMC's Financial Crisis Prompts Urgent Calls for State Action
Twin Cities Daily Digest — Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Your neighborhood news for Golden Valley and the greater metro
---
Golden Valley & West Metro
HCMC's survival on the line as staff plead for legislative rescue. Hennepin County Medical Center — the safety-net hospital serving Golden Valley and communities across the west metro — is facing a dire financial outlook that has pushed it to the brink of closure. Health care workers and union leaders are urgently calling on the Minnesota Legislature to act before it's too late. For Golden Valley residents who rely on HCMC for emergency and specialty care, the stakes couldn't be higher — losing the hospital would leave a massive gap in the county's health care infrastructure. (MinnPost)
---
Minneapolis
Vehicle plows into Stanley's Northeast Bar Room — again. A truck ran a red light Monday morning near Stanley's Northeast Bar Room, causing a multi-vehicle crash that sent at least one vehicle smashing into the popular bar. This isn't the first time Stanley's has been hit; the bar posted on social media that they'd be temporarily closed until Monday afternoon, and safety improvements are now in the works for the area. (KARE 11) (KSTP)

Woman charged in fatal hit-and-run that killed St. Thomas student. Gabryrella Marie Liebgott, 22, of St. Paul has been charged with Criminal Vehicular Homicide after allegedly striking and killing a University of St. Thomas senior and fleeing the scene in northeast Minneapolis. She was arrested following an investigation into the deadly crash. (KARE 11) (KSTP)
New video contradicts federal agents' account of North Minneapolis ICE shooting. Minneapolis police have released city camera footage from the January 14 shooting involving federal agents in north Minneapolis, and it tells a very different story than ICE initially reported. The video is raising fresh questions about the use of force and transparency by federal law enforcement operating in the city. (KARE 11) (MinnPost)
Minneapolis Planning Commission advances overnight parking for people living in cars. The commission voted unanimously Monday to recommend allowing designated overnight parking lots for people living in their vehicles. The plan now heads to the full City Council for consideration as Minneapolis continues grappling with its housing and homelessness crisis. (KSTP)

Man shot in January dies from injuries. Christopher Devonté Brown, a Minneapolis man in his 30s, has died after being critically injured in a shooting at 1500 Nicollet back in January. The case remains under investigation. (KSTP)

$100 million small business grant program under scrutiny. A KSTP 5 INVESTIGATES report has identified grant recipients with questionable eligibility in the state's $100 million "promise" program for small businesses, sparking calls to suspend the program while issues are sorted out. (KSTP)
Renters still feeling the pain from federal ICE actions. As April rent comes due, Minnesota tenants — particularly immigrants — continue to struggle with the fallout from federal immigration enforcement actions, with fear and instability making it harder for some to stay in their apartments. (MinnPost)
Rock the Hall returns to the North Loop. Graze Food Hall in Minneapolis' North Loop neighborhood will host Rock the Hall, a live music series featuring Minnesota artists monthly from May through the fall. A great excuse to grab dinner and catch some local talent. (KSTP)
---
St. Paul
Protester arrested after disrupting Easter service at Cities Church. St. Paul Police arrested one woman on Sunday after demonstrators gathered outside Cities Church during Easter services — the same church previously targeted by anti-ICE protesters earlier this year. Officers were working contracted overtime at the church when the protest occurred. (KARE 11) (KSTP)
Major road construction begins on the East Side. Starting Monday, drivers on St. Paul's Greater East Side will encounter closures on Arcade Street and surrounding roads as a significant construction project gets underway. Plan alternate routes if you commute through the area. (KSTP)
International Festival of Minnesota returns after seven years. After a long hiatus, the International Festival of Minnesota kicks off April 10 at Saint Paul RiverCentre. It's a celebration of the metro's diverse cultures — mark your calendars. (KARE 11)
---
Local Sports
Wild 5, Red Wings 4 — Kaprizov hat trick rescues Minnesota. Kirill Kaprizov completed his sixth career NHL hat trick, scoring the go-ahead power-play goal with just 1:51 remaining as the Wild rallied from a blown 4-1 lead to beat Detroit 5-4 on Sunday. A gutsy comeback for a team pushing for playoff positioning. (KSTP)
Twins fall to Rays 4-1 in extras. Richie Palacios hit a two-run homer in the 10th inning as Tampa Bay rallied for a 4-1 win over Minnesota on Sunday, wrapping up a nine-game road trip for the Rays. A tough loss for a Twins club looking to gain early-season traction. (KSTP)
Minnesota United 2, LA Galaxy 1. Anthony Markanich and Kelvin Yeboah each found the net Saturday night, with Tomás Chancalay adding two assists and Drake Callender making six saves as the Loons improved to 2-2-3 on the season. A solid win against a quality opponent. (KSTP)
Timberwolves drop to Hornets 122-108. LaMelo Ball torched Minnesota for 35 points as Charlotte extended its winning streak to four games on Sunday. The Wolves continue to search for consistency down the stretch. (KSTP)
---
Weather
Extreme weather driving up Minnesota home insurance rates. A new report examined how increasingly severe weather events — from hail to wind damage — are pushing home insurance costs higher for Minnesota homeowners. The state's rates are climbing as insurers adjust to growing climate-related risks, something every Golden Valley homeowner should keep an eye on when renewal time comes around. (MinnPost)
---
Minnesota Statewide
Chief Justice Natalie Hudson to retire in September. Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson, who made history in October 2023 as the state's first Black Chief Justice, has announced she will step down in September. Governor Walz will appoint her successor. (KARE 11)
House DFL files ethics complaint against two Republican lawmakers. House Democrats are pursuing an ethics complaint against Republican Reps. Hudson and Engen after Engen was arrested for DWI on March 27 with Hudson in the vehicle. The complaint raises questions about conduct and accountability at the Capitol. (KARE 11)
Children's Minnesota restarts Gender Health program. Children's Minnesota has resumed its Gender Health program after a court blocked a Trump administration order that threatened to cut federal funding to hospitals offering gender-affirming care. Services are back up and running for families who depend on them. (KARE 11)
Restaurants rally for Dining Out For Life. Minnesota restaurants are banding together for Dining Out For Life, where every meal supports people living with or at risk of HIV — and helps local restaurants recovering from the impacts of Operation Metro Surge. Check if your favorite Golden Valley or west metro spot is participating. (KARE 11)
At 103, she's still playing the organ. Minnesotan Mary Conklin has been playing church organs since before World War II — and at 103 years old, she's not ready to stop. A wonderful reminder that it's never too late (or too long) to do what you love. (KARE 11)

---
Have a great Tuesday, Golden Valley. Stay informed, stay connected.