Twin Cities Daily Digest — Saturday, April 11, 2026

Your neighborhood news for Golden Valley and the greater metro

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Golden Valley & West Metro

Lawmakers rally behind plan to save HCMC from financial collapse — A bipartisan group of DFL and GOP legislators is pushing a proposal to repurpose Hennepin County sales tax revenue to shore up Hennepin Healthcare (HCMC), the state's largest safety-net hospital, which is facing a dire financial outlook. The bill received its first hearing in the House tax committee Thursday, though its sponsor acknowledged it's "not the perfect mechanism." For Golden Valley residents who rely on HCMC — just a 15-minute drive down Highway 55 — the hospital's fate is a critical local healthcare issue. (MinnPost | KARE 11)

Looking for auto body work near Plymouth? — A Twin Cities Redditor is seeking recommendations for body shops in the Plymouth area after someone backed into their Subaru Outback, damaging both right-side doors. If you've got a go-to shop in the west metro, neighbors are looking for referrals. (Reddit)

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Minneapolis

Frey vetoes council's rejection of Community Safety Commissioner — Mayor Jacob Frey issued a veto after the Minneapolis City Council voted against reappointing Toddrick Barnette as Community Safety Commissioner, a role Barnette has held since 2023. The move sets up a potential political standoff between the mayor's office and council over public safety leadership. (KARE 11)

Environmental activists launch hunger strike over HERC — Minneapolis activists have begun a hunger strike demanding the closure of the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC), the downtown trash incinerator that has long drawn criticism from environmental and environmental justice advocates. The action is aimed at increasing pressure on county leaders to shut down the facility. (Reddit/MPR News)

Stolen Kia rollover crash in North Minneapolis — A presumed stolen Kia crashed and rolled over at 33rd and Russell Ave N around 7:53 p.m. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and suspects were seen fleeing west along 33rd Ave N. Emergency responders arrived within three minutes. (Reddit)

Could bathhouses return to Minneapolis? — A new discussion is circulating about whether Minneapolis could welcome public bathhouses back for the first time since the late 1980s, when they were shuttered during the AIDS crisis. The conversation signals growing interest in wellness culture and changing attitudes in the city. (Reddit)

Tom Pohlad steps into the Twins spotlight — New Twins executive chair Tom Pohlad took questions from reporters in the Target Field dugout before the home opener, inheriting both the franchise reins and plenty of heat from frustrated fans. The skies darkened above as he fielded questions about the club's direction. (MinnPost)

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St. Paul

Shooting linked to deadly St. Paul house fire — Criminal charges reveal that a shooting suspect, Gyaw Way, believed the father of his victim was connected to a house fire that killed Way's son. The case underscores a tragic chain of violence tied to an earlier fatal blaze. (KARE 11)

4-year sentence in fatal DUI crash — August Wa has been sentenced to four years in prison for a drunken-driving crash that killed his passenger after he slammed into a tree in St. Paul. His blood alcohol concentration was more than four times the legal limit at the time of the crash. (KSTP)

ICE activity alert in St. Paul — ICE Watch St. Paul issued an alert to residents about immigration enforcement activity in the area. Neighbors are encouraged to know their rights and stay informed through local mutual aid networks. (Reddit)

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Local Sports

Wild and Stars set the stage for a playoff battle — The Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars put on a thrilling preview of their upcoming first-round Western Conference playoff series. If the regular-season intensity is any indication, Wild fans are in for an exciting postseason ride. (KARE 11)

High school baseball comes to Target Field — Target Field is hosting seven high school baseball games starting Thursday night, giving prep players the full big-league experience with a PA announcer, videoboards, and LED screens. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for metro-area student athletes. (KARE 11)

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Minnesota Statewide

National Guard responds to Winona County cyberattack — The Minnesota National Guard's Cyber Protection Team has been deployed to assist Winona County after a cyberattack first reported on April 7. The incident remains under investigation and highlights growing cybersecurity threats facing local governments. (KARE 11)

Fraud suspect flees country before trial — Abdirashid Said fled the United States days before his fraud trial despite warnings from prosecutors. A judge had offered $150,000 unconditional bail, and Said booked a flight that went undetected by authorities. (KARE 11)

Senate passes ban on crypto kiosks — The Minnesota Senate approved a ban on cryptocurrency kiosks statewide in response to a surge of scams targeting residents, particularly seniors. The legislation now heads to the House for consideration. (KSTP)

Fraud prevention reform timeline in question — Months after a state report laid out a "roadmap" for fraud prevention reform in Minnesota, questions are growing about how quickly legislators and agencies will act on the recommendations. (KSTP)

Lakeville hotel that refused DHS bookings has been sold — The Lakeville hotel that made headlines earlier this year for refusing to book rooms for Department of Homeland Security personnel has changed hands, according to Minnesota Department of Revenue documents. (KSTP)

Gas prices surging — one station offering relief — A Twin Cities gas station is waiving its membership fee as fuel prices continue to climb across the metro. If you're feeling the pinch at the pump, it may be worth checking out the deal. (KSTP)

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Have a great weekend, Golden Valley. Get out and enjoy the spring — and if you're heading to Target Field, bundle up just in case. 🌿