Golden Valley & West Metro

While Golden Valley-specific headlines are quiet today, a newly released report offers a broad assessment of how Hennepin County is managing services for our community. The report covers everything from election security and crime rates to local pavement conditions, giving Golden Valley, Crystal, and New Hope residents a comprehensive look at county operations. It's a great weekend to get out and explore our local West Metro neighborhoods as we dry out from last night's weather.

Minneapolis

City leaders are forming plans to address a "substantial" $30 million budget gap in Minneapolis, a growing reality that is starting to rattle residents' minds across the city. Over at George Floyd Square, business owner Edwin Reed has filed a lawsuit alongside other local shop owners, claiming the City of Minneapolis has actively neglected their businesses. In public safety news, a burglary suspect tied to a May 22 business break-in has admitted to multiple additional break-ins, according to recent court documents. Meanwhile, former MPD Chief Brian O'Hara appears to have a new venture on the East Coast, seemingly starting a consulting firm in New Jersey.

St. Paul

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her is currently meeting with the public to gather input as the city faces a historic $26 million budget gap, vowing to grow the tax base to help bridge the divide. Downtown St. Paul is gearing up for the "Battle on the Waterfront," a high-profile professional boxing event hosted by 15th Round Promotions, with tickets officially on sale now. In a heartwarming display of community support, hundreds of Special Olympics athletes arrived in St. Paul thanks to the kindness of strangers. The Special Olympics Airlift has been operating for nearly 40 years, successfully flying nearly 10,000 athletes to the games.

Local Sports

The WNBA-leading Minnesota Lynx snapped Golden State's four-game winning streak, overcoming a slow start to beat the Valkyries 81-75 in San Francisco. Nia Coffey led the way with 22 points, while Courtney Williams dominated with 21 points, a season-best 12 rebounds, and five assists. The Minnesota Twins weren't as fortunate, falling to the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-5 in Phoenix after Arizona's Corbin Carroll hit a go-ahead, three-run triple in the eighth inning. In administrative news, the Minnesota Wild announced a new multi-year deal to move ticketing for Wild games and Grand Casino Arena events to SeatGeek starting July 1.

Weather

Golden Valley residents are waking up to clearing skies this morning after severe thunderstorms and hail rolled across the metro Friday evening. The storms packed a powerful punch, leaving many residents without power and prompting brief tornado warnings for some northern Minnesota counties. The good news? The severe weather has moved out, leaving us with a pleasant, dry weekend ahead.

Minnesota Statewide

Juneteenth celebrations will take over the Twin Cities this weekend, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States with a variety of free festivals, community runs, and tours. Residents across the state are also encouraged to honor the federal holiday by supporting local Black-owned businesses. Looking ahead to next weekend, the highly anticipated Twin Cities Pride Festival will set up at Loring Park on June 27-28, featuring dozens of artists, history booths, and food vendors.