Golden Valley & West Metro

Bill seeks $10 million to help Minnesota cities cover costs from Operation Metro Surge. A bill at the state Capitol would provide $10 million to reimburse cities — including several in the west metro — for costs incurred during federal immigration enforcement operations this winter. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley described a flood of 911 calls as residents tried to determine whether masked men in unmarked cars driving through neighborhoods were federal agents or threats. The bill aims to offset the public safety strain felt by suburban communities across Hennepin County.

Legislature working to keep HCMC afloat before session ends. As the May 18 legislative deadline approaches, lawmakers are expressing confidence they can find a path to shore up finances at Hennepin County Medical Center, the safety-net hospital serving much of the west metro. HCMC has been in financial crisis, and a closure or major service reduction would directly impact Golden Valley and surrounding communities that rely on it for emergency and specialty care.

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Minneapolis

Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette keeps his job after council fails to oust him. Barnette said he "remains fully committed" after Mayor Jacob Frey vetoed the city council's decision not to reappoint him. The political clash highlights ongoing tensions over public safety leadership in Minneapolis.

City leaders meet with Uptown community after deadly parking lot shooting. Minneapolis officials held a community gathering Thursday to address safety concerns in the Uptown neighborhood following a recent fatal shooting. Neighbors and business owners pressed leaders for concrete action.

One charged, three released in Edina shooting case. Hennepin County charged El'evoun Wren with second-degree intentional murder after video surveillance allegedly showed him getting into an altercation with the victim. Three other individuals arrested in connection with the case were not charged.

Minneapolis man gets 37 years for fatal dice game shooting. The sentence stems from a shooting on Aug. 27, 2025 that left one man dead. Separately, Abdisatar Ahmed Hassan was sentenced to 8.5 years in federal prison followed by 15 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to supporting ISIS.

Met Council seeking public feedback on proposed fare changes. Metro Transit is considering simplifying bus pricing, including a proposal to make all express fares a flat $3 all day. Riders across the metro are encouraged to weigh in before changes are finalized.

Parents rally at Capitol against special education cuts. "These are people, not just dollars," said advocate Maren Christenson-Hofer, calling on legislators to pause proposed funding reductions. The cuts have raised alarm among families of students with disabilities across the metro.

Richfield charter school Watershed High preparing to close. Senior Madeline Hage is among the students affected as the school faces insurmountable funding challenges. The closure underscores broader financial pressures on Minnesota charter schools.

Target asks 150 remote workers to relocate to Twin Cities. The retailer says two teams within its merchandising organization will need to move to the metro, part of a broader push to bring employees back to its Minneapolis headquarters.

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St. Paul

Beloved Como Park Zoo lion Mumford has died. The zoo announced Mumford's passing on Friday. The lion was a longtime favorite among Twin Cities families who visited the free admission zoo.

Plans revealed for former St. Paul CVS site on University Avenue. Mayor Melvin Carter said there is "an exciting future" for the corridor. The redevelopment signals continued investment along the Green Line.

St. Paul seventh grader competing for "America's Favorite Student." The nationwide contest honors academic achievement and character, with a $20,000 grand prize for future education on the line.

Property tax task force proposal advances at the Legislature. Retired St. Paul couple Steve and Helen Simmer joined the push for reform, as lawmakers consider creating a task force to evaluate Minnesota's property tax system — a pocketbook issue for homeowners across the metro.

Emerald Ash Borer now in 59 Minnesota counties. First discovered in St. Paul in 2009, the invasive beetle continues to spread. On this Arbor Day, the DNR is urging homeowners to inspect ash trees and consider treatment or replacement.

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Local Sports

Timberwolves seize 2-1 series lead with dominant 113-96 Game 3 win over Denver. Jaden McDaniels and the Wolves put on a defensive clinic against the Nuggets, showing the kind of playoff intensity fans have been waiting for all season. Game 4 is next up with Minnesota in the driver's seat.

Wild looking to rebound in Game 4 after power play failures doom Game 3 against Dallas. Coach John Hynes reviewed the breakdowns at TRIA Rink on Thursday and said adjustments are coming. The series remains tightly contested.

Vikings trade Jonathan Greenard to Eagles on Day 2 of NFL Draft. Minnesota sent OLB Greenard and pick No. 244 to Philadelphia in exchange for two third-round selections. Follow the rest of the Vikings' draft moves with KSTP's live draft tracker.

Twins drop two straight — Rays 6, Twins 2; Mets 10, Twins 8. Junior Caminero and Jonathan Aranda each homered twice for Tampa Bay on Friday night. Thursday, the Mets survived a bizarre ninth-inning bullpen mix-up — Huascar Brazobán took the mound as closer Devin Williams simultaneously walked in — to hold off Minnesota after Bo Bichette's three-run double.

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Weather

Quiet weekend ahead with rain chances to track. Friday evening is calm and comfortable across the metro with mostly clear skies tonight. Saturday looks pleasant for getting outdoors, but rain chances arrive later in the weekend — plan outdoor activities for earlier rather than later. Stay tuned for updated timing on when showers move in.

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Minnesota Statewide

Minnesota GOP calls on Royce White to suspend U.S. Senate campaign. The state party said White should step aside following court filings revealing threats he made against his ex-wife. White, the former Hopkins basketball standout, is appealing a judge's order of protection issued for his ex-wife and teenage son.

Minnesota's citizen weather monitoring streak hits six years. The state has dominated a national competition to sign up volunteer weather observers six years running. The DNR says the data these volunteers collect is critical for forecasting and climate research — and new monitors are welcome to sign up.

PFAS law could stall Minnesota's used car market. The state's new PFAS regulations, while well-intentioned for public health, may create compliance headaches for used vehicle dealers. Used cars account for 70-75% of all vehicle transactions in Minnesota, making this a significant consumer issue.