Your Golden Valley Daily Digest — Saturday, April 18, 2026

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Golden Valley & West Metro

Marna's Eatery in Robbinsdale joins Dining Out For Life Marna's Eatery, a neighborhood favorite in Robbinsdale, is one of dozens of Twin Cities restaurants participating in the upcoming Dining Out For Life fundraiser. The event supports local HIV/AIDS service organizations, and diners can feel good knowing a portion of their check goes to the cause. If you haven't tried Marna's yet, this is a great excuse to head just down the road from Golden Valley and check it out. (KARE 11)

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Minneapolis

Hennepin County charges ICE agent for allegedly pointing gun at commuters on Hwy. 62 Hennepin County has filed criminal charges against a federal ICE agent accused of pointing a gun at commuters on Highway 62. Besides a separate agent charged with drunk driving, this is the first criminal case against a federal agent for conduct during Operation Metro Surge. (KARE 11)

Minneapolis rolls out new rent aid as eviction filings climb Minneapolis renters could see more help staying housed as millions of dollars in rental assistance come online. The new aid arrives as eviction filings are climbing across the city. (KSTP)

Convicted killer skips his own sentencing, angering victim's family David Wright, the Minneapolis man found guilty of murdering his ex-girlfriend, 34-year-old Mariah Samuels, failed to show up for his own sentencing hearing, delaying the proceeding. The victim's family called it "a smack in the face." (KSTP)

State seeks return of $2.48M in grants from Zion Baptist Church The Minnesota Attorney General has filed suit against a north Minneapolis church, alleging Zion Baptist Church misspent $2.48 million in state grant money meant for community programs. The state is seeking full repayment of taxpayer funds. (KSTP)

Why are Minneapolis restaurants struggling? Hospitality Minnesota says restaurants across the state are at a breaking point, and Minneapolis city council members are exploring what can be done to help the struggling industry. Rising costs and shifting dining habits are among the challenges. (KARE 11)

Community Safety Ambassadors expanding to Uptown Minneapolis is expanding its Community Safety Ambassadors program to the Uptown neighborhood starting in November. Some residents and business owners hope the visible presence will help bring people back to the area. (KSTP)

FBI investigates alleged assault of reporter at Minneapolis protest The FBI is looking into the alleged assault of a Turning Point USA reporter at a Minneapolis protest. The Hennepin County Attorney's office told KARE 11 that two people are currently under review for charges. (KARE 11)

Minneapolis motorcyclist killed in early morning crash A Minneapolis man died after his motorcycle struck a guardrail on northbound I-35W at Johnson Street around 1:20 a.m. Friday. The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating. (KARE 11)

Prince Block Party coming to Minneapolis Minneapolis and Paisley Park are planning a Prince Celebration Block Party Sing-Along on June 6 to honor the legend's lasting legacy. Details on locations and performances are still being finalized. (KARE 11)

Earth Day cleanup locations announced The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board has posted cleanup locations for this year's Earth Day event. Grab some gloves and find a site near you at the Minneapolis Parks website. (KSTP)

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St. Paul

Wild and Saint Paul unveil $600M arena renovation plan The Minnesota Wild and Saint Paul Mayor are asking the Minnesota Legislature for $200 million in state funding as part of a $600 million plan to renovate Grand Casino Arena, Roy Wilkins Auditorium, and the River Centre complex downtown. City leaders say they're "cautiously optimistic" on securing state support. (KARE 11)

St. Paul man recovers stolen car with sheriff's help Martin Smith says he's relieved to have his car back after three weeks of uncertainty, thanks to the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office tracking down his stolen vehicle. (KSTP)

Driver in Eagan street racing crash pleads guilty to 3rd-degree murder A driver who slammed into an SUV while en route to a "car meet up" last summer in Eagan, killing two young men, has entered a guilty plea to third-degree murder in Dakota County court. (KSTP)

Meghan Trainor cancels tour, including St. Paul date Meghan Trainor has canceled her upcoming tour, including a July 13 show in St. Paul. Ticket holders should check their point of purchase for refund details. (KARE 11)

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Local Sports

Wild head into playoffs with goalie decision still pending The Minnesota Wild are keeping opponents guessing as they enter the postseason against the Dallas Stars, declining to name a Game 1 starter between Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt. The team says it has full confidence in both netminders. Former Wild coach Bruce Boudreau broke down the matchup, calling it a competitive series. (KARE 11)

Reds edge Twins 2-1 Eugenio Suárez hit a two-run double and Brandon Williamson allowed just one run in 5⅓ innings as the Cincinnati Reds beat the Twins 2-1 Friday night. Williamson improved to 2-1, giving up only three hits and striking out several. (KSTP)

Napheesa Collier re-signs with Lynx on supermax deal Star forward Napheesa Collier has re-signed with the Minnesota Lynx on a one-year supermax contract worth $1.4 million, keeping one of the WNBA's best players with the team that drafted her. Big news for Lynx fans heading into the new season. (KSTP)

Minnesota United host Portland Saturday The Loons are riding a four-match unbeaten streak as they return home to host Portland on Saturday. Coach Cam Knowles and right-back Kyle Duncan spoke with media at Friday's practice. (KSTP)

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Weather

At least 3 tornadoes reported in southeastern Minnesota At least three tornadoes touched down in southeastern Minnesota on Friday, with one twister captured on camera near Rochester International Airport. The Olmsted County Board has issued a disaster declaration, and a temporary shelter has been set up in Rochester for displaced residents. The metro was spared, but this is a reminder that severe weather season is here — stay weather-aware. (KARE 11)

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Minnesota Statewide

KARE 11 Investigates: Medicaid billed to house the dead A KARE 11 investigation reveals that Minnesota's top-billing Housing Stabilization Services provider is accused of falsifying records and submitting Medicaid claims for deceased clients. The probe raises serious questions about oversight of taxpayer-funded programs. (KARE 11)

Search continues for missing autistic teen Authorities are asking for the public's help locating Adley Robertson, an autistic teenager last seen leaving his home in Stewartville, Minnesota on April 10. The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office is leading the search — if you have any information, please contact them immediately. (KARE 11)

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Have a great weekend, Golden Valley. Stay safe out there — and if you're looking for a good meal, consider heading to Marna's in Robbinsdale for Dining Out For Life! 🌳