Golden Valley Daily Digest — Friday, April 24, 2026

Your hyperlocal morning briefing for Golden Valley and the Twin Cities metro

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Golden Valley & West Metro

No Golden Valley-specific stories today — but keep an eye on the sky. A Forecast First Alert is in effect for Thursday evening with strong to severe thunderstorms possible across the metro, including our west metro communities. See the weather section below for timing details. We'll be back with more hyperlocal coverage as it develops.

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Minneapolis

City Audit Flags MPD Failures in Two High-Profile Cases A new city audit raises serious concerns about the Minneapolis Police Department's handling of two 2024 cases — the shooting of Davis Moturi and the death of Allison Lussier, who was found dead in her apartment two years ago. The family of Allison Lussier has reacted to the audit's findings on domestic violence response, calling for systemic changes. (KARE 11)

Community Safety Commissioner Survives Ouster Attempt Todd Barnette will remain as Minneapolis Community Safety Commissioner after Mayor Jacob Frey vetoed the city council's decision not to reappoint him. Barnette said he "remains fully committed" to the role despite the contentious vote. Meanwhile, support for MPD Chief is uncertain following the critical audit, with many council members refusing to commit to the chief continuing in the position. (KARE 11)

Uptown Safety Meeting After Deadly Shooting City leaders met with neighbors and business owners in Uptown on Thursday to address safety concerns following a deadly shooting in a parking lot. The community meeting aimed to lay out plans for increased safety measures in the neighborhood. (KSTP)

Man Sentenced to 37 Years in Dice Game Killing A Minneapolis man was sentenced to 37 years in prison for shooting and killing another man during a dice game on Aug. 27, 2025. (KARE 11)

Minneapolis Man Gets 8.5 Years for ISIS Support Abdisatar Ahmed Hassan was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to providing support to ISIS. (KARE 11)

Stolen Car Chase Ends in Bloomington A stolen SUV speeding through morning rush hour in Bloomington spun out into a median Thursday morning, leading to a foot chase and two arrests. Traffic cameras captured the pursuit. (KSTP)

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St. Paul

Plans Revealed for Former CVS Site on University Avenue Mayor Melvin Carter announced plans for the former St. Paul CVS location, saying there is "an exciting future" for University Avenue. Redevelopment details are being finalized. (KARE 11)

City Rescinds TikToker's Park Ban St. Paul reversed a six-month ban that had prohibited a social media personality from entering any city park property, effective since April 6. The reversal came after public backlash. (KARE 11)

Ramsey County Reveals Why Felony Cases Get Declined Ramsey County Attorney John Choi released a rare analysis showing why some felony charges never make it to court. The report offers an unusual level of transparency into prosecutorial decision-making. (KSTP)

St. Paul Seventh Grader Competing for 'America's Favorite Student' A St. Paul seventh grader is in the running for the nationwide title, which honors students for academic achievement and character with a $20,000 grand prize to support future education. (KARE 11)

Grammy-Nominated Singer Works with St. Paul Kids A Grammy-nominated artist visited St. Paul to work with students through ComMUSICation, an after-school program where professional musicians lead the teaching. (KARE 11)

Sen. Matt Klein Fined for Betting on Own Race State Sen. Matt Klein (DFL-Mendota Heights) apologized after being suspended and fined by prediction market site Kalshi, along with two other congressional candidates, for betting on their own races. (KSTP)

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Local Sports

🏀 Timberwolves 113, Nuggets 96 — Wolves Lead Series 2-1 Jaden McDaniels and the Timberwolves put on a defensive clinic against Denver, seizing a 2-1 first-round playoff series lead with a dominant 113-96 Game 3 win. Minnesota's defense smothered the flagging Nuggets throughout. (KSTP)

🏒 Stars 4, Wild 3 (2OT) — Dallas Leads Series 2-1 Wyatt Johnston scored on a power-play deflection at 12:10 of the second overtime to give Dallas a 4-3 win over the Wild early Thursday. Coach John Hynes reviewed power play failures in the loss and is looking ahead to Game 4. The Wild need to even the series at home. (KSTP)

🏈 NFL Draft Night: Vikings Pick 18th Overall The NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night and the Minnesota Vikings hold nine picks, including No. 18 in the first round. Speculation is swirling about which direction the team will go — stay tuned tonight. (KSTP)

⚾ Mets 10, Twins 8 The Twins dropped a second straight to New York as Bo Bichette's three-run double powered the Mets to a 10-8 win Thursday despite a ninth-inning bullpen mix-up when Huascar Brazobán went to the mound as closer Devin Williams started walking in. (KSTP)

⚽ Loons 1, FC Dallas 0 — Six Straight Unbeaten Minnesota United earned a gritty 1-0 road win at Toyota Stadium, with Anthony Markanich's first-half rebound finish proving to be the difference. The Loons are now unbeaten in six straight matches. (KSTP)

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Weather

⚠️ Forecast First Alert: Severe Storms Possible Thursday A Forecast First Alert is in place for Thursday as strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop later in the day across Minnesota. Storms are forecast to fire up in the late afternoon and evening hours — Golden Valley residents should have a plan and keep an eye on conditions, especially if you're heading out for evening activities or the draft watch party. (KSTP)

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Minnesota Statewide

House Passes Tougher Penalties for Impersonating Police The Minnesota House passed a bill increasing penalties for impersonating a police officer, a direct response to last summer's targeted lawmaker shootings. The bill now heads to the Senate. (KARE 11)

100% Tax on Fraud Proceeds Advances in Senate Republican Sen. Steve Drazkowski's "Take it Back Act," which would impose a 100% tax on money stolen by fraudsters from Minnesota taxpayers, passed a Senate committee. The bill aims to claw back proceeds from fraud schemes. (KSTP)

Property Tax Task Force Proposal Moves Through Legislature A proposal to create a property tax task force is making its way through the Legislature, as retired residents like Steve and Helen Simmer in St. Paul voice concerns about rising tax burdens. The task force would study the state's property tax system and recommend reforms. (KSTP)

Graduation Rates Up, But Readiness Questions Linger Minnesota is seeing record high school graduation rates, but state test scores remain flat, raising questions about whether students are truly being prepared for success after high school. (KSTP)

PFAS Law Could Impact Used Car Market Minnesota's new PFAS regulations may unintentionally stall the state's used car market, where used vehicles account for 70-75% of all vehicle transactions. Industry voices are urging lawmakers to ensure the well-intentioned environmental law doesn't create unintended economic consequences. (MinnPost)

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Stay safe out there tonight, Golden Valley — watch the skies and enjoy draft night! ☁️🏈