Golden Valley & West Metro

Federal raid hits Minneapolis daycare with ties to convicted fraudster. A man with an extensive criminal history — including counterfeit cash, stolen checks, and theft — is listed as a registered agent of a Minneapolis taxpayer-funded daycare that was raided by federal authorities this week. The KSTP 5 Investigates report raises serious questions about oversight of public funds flowing to child care programs. Golden Valley residents should note this story, as state taxpayer dollars fund these programs across the metro. (KSTP)

St. Louis Park's Minnetonka Boulevard corridor gets some love on Reddit. A Twin Cities Reddit user praised the stretch of Minnetonka Blvd between Highway 100 and 169 in St. Louis Park for its corner stores, quiet feel, and walkable neighborhood businesses. Golden Valley residents looking for a charming nearby commercial strip should give it a look — it's just minutes from our eastern border. (Reddit)

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Minneapolis

Acting MPD Chief Katie Blackwell pledges continuity after O'Hara resignation. Following the sudden resignation of Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara, Acting Chief Katie Blackwell, 46, issued a public statement vowing that "operations will continue without interruption." Mayor Jacob Frey appointed Blackwell, who had been serving as assistant chief, to lead the department going forward. (KARE 11) (KSTP) (MinnPost)

O'Hara's departure raises recruitment questions. Beyond the immediate leadership shake-up, analysts are watching how the chief's exit could affect MPD recruitment efforts — a critical issue for a department that has struggled to rebuild staffing levels since 2020. (KSTP)

Hennepin County begins summer beach water testing. The county is now testing 31 public beaches for E. coli to protect swimmers from waterborne illness. Golden Valley families heading to nearby beaches like those at Theodore Wirth Park or Cedar Lake should watch for posted advisories throughout the season. (KARE 11)

Immigration crackdown trauma lingers for young children. A deeply reported MinnPost/AP story documents the lasting psychological effects on children in Columbia Heights months after a federal immigration enforcement operation in the area. Social workers describe kids still exhibiting signs of fear and anxiety. (MinnPost)

First-ever outdoor professional rodeo coming to Surly Brewing. The Minneapolis Rodeo 2026 will bring professional bull riding and more to the Surly Brewing grounds — a fun summer outing just a short drive from Golden Valley. (KSTP)

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St. Paul

Four charged after downtown St. Paul shootings. Charges have been filed against four individuals following a string of shootings in downtown St. Paul in early May. According to charging documents, an argument outside the Metropolitan State University graduation escalated into a shooting. (KARE 11)

15-year-old girl reported missing in West St. Paul. Authorities are asking for the public's help locating a 15-year-old girl believed to have gone missing on May 22. No additional details about the circumstances have been released. (KARE 11)

"Saintly MN" celebrates St. Paul pride. Two St. Paul sisters launched a business called Saintly MN dedicated to celebrating their hometown with locally themed products and merchandise. (KSTP)

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Minnesota Statewide

DFL and GOP hold dueling conventions this weekend. Both major Minnesota political parties will hold their state conventions this weekend to issue endorsements in key races, including the open governor's seat and a U.S. Senate seat. Golden Valley politics watchers: this is a big weekend for shaping the 2026 ballot. (KARE 11)

Judge halts Pine Island data center construction. A judge has granted a temporary restraining order stopping construction on a massive data center project in Pine Island. The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy is challenging the adequacy of the environmental review process. (KARE 11)

Fraud suspect's money traced to luxury Nairobi real estate. A KARE 11 investigation has uncovered federal court filings showing overseas wire transfers tied to a Minnesota Medicaid fraud investigation were invested in upscale apartment complexes in Nairobi, Kenya. (KARE 11)

Teen takeovers continue across Twin Cities. Brooklyn Center is the latest community affected by so-called "teen takeovers" — large, social-media-organized gatherings that have led to disturbances. Brooklyn Center borders Crystal and New Hope, so Golden Valley-area residents should stay aware. (KARE 11)

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Local Sports

Julius Randle: scapegoat or villain? MinnPost's thoughtful analysis argues Timberwolves fans turned on Julius Randle this season, but that the forward's struggles don't make him a villain — just a frustratingly talented player who teased greatness in inconsistent bursts. A good read for Wolves fans processing another playoff exit. (MinnPost)

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Weather

No active weather alerts for the Twin Cities metro as of this morning. Check your favorite weather app for the latest forecast before heading out to those Hennepin County beaches this weekend.

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Have a tip or story idea about something happening in Golden Valley? We'd love to hear from you — this digest is built for our community, by our community. See you tomorrow, Golden Valley.