Twin Cities Daily Digest — Saturday, May 9, 2026

Your neighborhood news for Golden Valley and the greater metro

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Golden Valley & West Metro

No Golden Valley-specific stories today — but a couple of items worth watching for West Metro residents:

Valleyfair Opens This Weekend — And They're Hiring. If you've got a teen looking for summer work, Valleyfair opens Saturday and still needs seasonal staff. It's a quick drive down 169 from Golden Valley and a solid option for extra cash. KSTP

Tulips Are Peaking at the Landscape Arboretum. The annual tulip display is in full bloom at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska — a beautiful weekend day trip from Golden Valley. Thousands of spring flowers are on display now. KSTP

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Minneapolis

Street Renamed to Honor Fallen Officer Jamal Mitchell. Minneapolis officially renamed a street to commemorate Officer Jamal Mitchell, who was killed in the line of duty. The ceremony marks a permanent tribute to his service. KARE 11

City Council Rejects Community Safety Commissioner — Again. The Minneapolis City Council voted down the renomination of Community Safety Commissioner Toddrick Barnette for a second time. Mayor Jacob Frey had previously vetoed the council's first denial of Barnette's reappointment. KARE 11

North Loop Could Get Hit with Downtown Hospitality Tax. A bill moving through the Minnesota Legislature would expand downtown Minneapolis's hospitality tax district to include the North Loop neighborhood, adding a tax on food and drinks at restaurants and bars there. The proposal is stirring debate among business owners. KSTP

Metro Transit Eyes Express Bus Fare Changes. Metro Transit is proposing changes to express bus fares and is seeking public input through May 26 — worth noting if you commute from Golden Valley or other suburbs on express routes. KARE 11

Man Convicted in Gang-Related December 2024 Shooting. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office announced a conviction in a deadly shooting tied to gang activity from December 2024. KARE 11

Brooklyn Park Police Using AI to Fight Child Exploitation. The Brooklyn Park Police Department says a new AI tool is cutting child exploitation case processing from weeks to just hours, transforming how investigators handle digital evidence. KSTP

Doors Open Minneapolis Is Coming. Mark your calendars — Doors Open Minneapolis is back, giving the public access to architecturally and historically significant buildings across the city. Check the venue list at doorsopenminneapolis.org. KSTP

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St. Paul

Wentworth Library Reopens After Year-Long Renovation. West St. Paul's Wentworth Library near Robert Street is back open after a year of improvement work. If you haven't visited, the renovated space is worth a look. KARE 11

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Local Sports

Wolves Drop Game 3 to Spurs, Trail Series 2-1. Victor Wembanyama was dominant with 39 points, 15 rebounds, and his trademark shot-blocking as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Timberwolves 115-108 in Minneapolis. Minnesota needs to respond at home to avoid a 3-1 deficit in the second-round series. Rudy Gobert and Ayo Dosunmu addressed the media postgame. KSTP

Frost Force Game 5 with 3-1 Win Over Montreal. Sidney Morin scored twice in the third period and Kelly Pannek sealed it with an empty-netter as the Minnesota Frost beat the Montreal Victoire 3-1 in St. Paul, evening the PWHL semifinal series at 2-2. A decisive Game 5 is ahead. KSTP

Wild Host Avalanche Tomorrow in Game 3. The Minnesota Wild face the Colorado Avalanche at Grand Casino Arena tomorrow with new playoff-themed food options awaiting fans at the arena. KSTP

Twins Fall to Guardians 6-4. Rookie Parker Messick limited Minnesota to one run over 5⅔ innings and Travis Bazzana hit his first career major league homer as Cleveland won its third straight over the Twins. KSTP

Vikings Sign WR Jauan Jennings to One-Year Deal. Minnesota added the free agent wide receiver to bolster their offense for 2026. Coach Kevin O'Connell said at Friday's rookie minicamp that fans will love watching Jennings play. Multiple draft picks — including DL Domonique Orange, LB Jake Golday, and RB Demond Claiborne — also spoke with media after minicamp. KSTP

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Minnesota Statewide

Three Key Senators Pushed Assault Weapons Ban Over the Finish Line. A trio of DFL senators representing moderate rural and suburban districts voted in favor of the gun violence prevention package this week, which included a ban on assault weapons. Their votes made the difference in the Minnesota Senate. KARE 11

Inspector General Bill Advances. Almost exactly one year after the Minnesota Senate passed it, the House has finally approved a bill to create an Office of Inspector General to fight fraud. The bill heads back to the Senate on Monday for final action. KSTP

HOA 'Bill of Rights' Awaits Governor's Signature. A homeowner bill of rights for HOA residents is headed to the governor's desk, though the role of the state's HOA ombudsperson is on pause pending the outcome. If you live in an HOA in Golden Valley or anywhere in the metro, this one's worth watching. KSTP

Lexington Residents Demand Answers After Fire Department Shutdown. The small north metro suburb of Lexington is in upheaval after the city council terminated its fire chief and closed the entire fire department. Residents are demanding explanations. KSTP

Watch Out for Fake Traffic Ticket Texts. A new text scam posing as the Minnesota Judicial Branch is targeting residents statewide with messages about outstanding traffic tickets. It's not real — don't click the links. KSTP

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Have a great weekend, Golden Valley. Enjoy the tulips — you've earned some spring. ☀️🌷