Golden Valley Daily Digest — Sunday, April 19, 2026

Good morning, Golden Valley! A dramatic rescue near I-394, tornado cleanup downstate, and a big Wild playoff win top today's news.

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Golden Valley & West Metro

SUV plunges into water near I-394 in Golden Valley — An SUV went off the road and plunged into water near I-394 in Golden Valley. Fortunately, the lone occupant was able to escape without significant injuries, according to authorities. Details on exactly how the vehicle ended up in the water have not yet been released. (KARE 11)

Waterworks Car Wash goes automated, lays off staff — Golden Valley's Waterworks Car Wash has dropped its full-service and interior detailing options, switching to an automated subscription model. According to a Reddit post generating local discussion, most of the laid-off employees were immigrants. Neighbors are weighing in on the change and what it means for the business going forward. (Reddit r/TwinCities)

Foodie Finds: Marna's Eatery in Robbinsdale — KARE 11 spotlighted Marna's Eatery in Robbinsdale as part of its Foodie Finds series. The restaurant is one of dozens participating in Dining Out For Life, where a portion of proceeds supports local charitable causes. If you haven't checked it out yet, now's a great excuse to head up to Robbinsdale and grab a bite. (KARE 11)

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Minneapolis

Minneapolis rolls out new rent aid as eviction filings climb — The city is bringing millions of dollars in rental assistance online as eviction filings continue to rise. The new program aims to help renters stay housed during what officials describe as a growing affordability crisis. (KSTP)

Why are Minneapolis restaurants struggling? — Hospitality Minnesota says restaurants across the state are at a "breaking point," and the Minneapolis City Council is looking at what can be done to help. Rising costs, staffing challenges, and changing dining habits are all contributing to the strain on local eateries. (KARE 11)

State sues Zion Baptist Church over $2.48M in misspent grants — The Minnesota Attorney General has filed suit against a north Minneapolis church, alleging it misspent $2.48 million in state grant money. The state is seeking full repayment of the funds, which came from taxpayer dollars. (KSTP)

Convicted killer skips his own sentencing — David Wright, found guilty Wednesday of murdering his ex-girlfriend Mariah Samuels, 34, failed to show up for sentencing, angering the victim's family. The sentencing has been delayed, with the family calling it "a smack in the face." (KSTP)

Motorcyclist dies on I-35W — A motorcyclist died early Friday morning after hitting a guardrail on northbound I-35W at Johnson Street around 1:20 a.m. The Minnesota State Patrol identified the rider as a Minneapolis man. (KSTP)

Community Safety Ambassadors expanding to Uptown — Minneapolis is bringing its Community Safety Ambassadors program to the Uptown neighborhood starting in November. Business owners and residents are hopeful the program will help bring people back to the area and improve safety perceptions. (KSTP)

Earth Day cleanups across Minneapolis parks — Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is hosting Earth Day cleanup events at locations across the city. Grab some gloves and check the Parks Board website for a site near you. (KSTP)

School board hears from American Indian parents — At the April 14 Minneapolis school board meeting, American Indian parents raised concerns about how their children are being served in the district. MinnPost's Documenters program captured the discussion, highlighting calls for more culturally responsive education. (MinnPost)

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St. Paul

Influencer banned from St. Paul parks for 180 days — A man has been banned from all St. Paul city parks for six months after officials said he was harassing vulnerable adults and profiting off them through his TikTok platform. The ban is generating plenty of debate online. (Reddit r/TwinCities)

St. Paul man recovers stolen car with sheriff's help — Martin Smith says he's relieved to have his car back after three weeks, thanks to assistance from the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office. The case is a reminder to report stolen vehicles promptly and work with law enforcement on recovery. (KSTP)

East Side Resistance Art and Craft Market — The East Side Resistance Art and Craft Market is happening this weekend at Indigenous Roots in Saint Paul. It's a community-driven event featuring local artists and makers — a great Saturday outing if you're looking for something creative. (Reddit r/TwinCities)

Eagan street racing driver pleads guilty to 3rd-degree murder — The driver who slammed into an SUV while racing 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)

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Local Sports

Wild crush Stars 6-1 in playoff opener ⭐ — The Minnesota Wild came out roaring in Game 1, with Matt Boldy scoring two goals and adding an assist, Joel Eriksson Ek netting two power-play goals, and rookie goalie Jesper Wallstedt stopping 26 shots in his postseason debut. It was a dominant start to the series against Dallas. (KSTP)

Timberwolves fall to Nuggets 116-105 in playoff Game 1 — Jamal Murray scored 30 points (going 16-for-16 from the free-throw line) and Nikola Jokic posted a triple-double as Denver overcame a slow start to beat the Wolves in the first-round opener. Minnesota will look to even the series in Game 2. (KSTP)

Minnesota United blank Portland 2-0 — Tomás Chancalay opened the scoring in the 16th minute and Kelvin Yeboah added insurance in the second half as the Loons extended their unbeaten streak to five matches at home. (KSTP)

Twins lose to Reds 5-4 on walk-off single — Dane Myers' RBI single in the ninth inning lifted Cincinnati past Minnesota after the Reds scored the game's final three runs. The Twins bullpen couldn't hold the late lead at home. (KSTP)

Gophers gymnastics finishes 4th at NCAA Final Four — The Minnesota Gophers gymnastics team made history by reaching its first-ever NCAA Final Four but finished fourth in the competition. Oklahoma took the national title for the second straight year. (KSTP)

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Weather

8 tornadoes confirmed in SE Minnesota and western Wisconsin — The National Weather Service confirmed that at least eight tornadoes touched down Friday, including an EF3 with 140 mph winds. Over 100 homes were damaged across Olmsted and Dodge counties near Rochester, but remarkably no injuries were reported. (KARE 11)

Rochester cleanup underway — watch out for scammers — As southeast Minnesota communities begin the long process of cleaning up tornado damage, authorities are warning residents to be on the lookout for scammers posing as contractors or aid workers. If someone shows up unsolicited offering repairs, verify their credentials before signing anything. (KSTP)

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Minnesota Statewide

Medical transport company warns 95 jobs at risk — A Minnesota medical transportation provider says a sudden contract termination will leave 95 workers jobless and disrupt service for patients and families who depend on non-emergency medical rides. The company is calling on state officials to intervene. (KSTP)

KARE 11 Investigates: Medicaid billed to house the dead — Minnesota's top-billing Housing Support Services provider is accused of falsifying records and submitting Medicaid claims for deceased clients. The investigation raises serious questions about oversight of taxpayer-funded care 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. If you have any information, contact the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office. (KARE 11)

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Have a great Sunday, Golden Valley. Go Wild! 🏒