Quick Hits

• A new report says the Twin Cities metro has the nation's highest commercial property distress rate, and KSTP notes the finding raises fresh questions about whether the tax burden could shift to homeowners across the metro.
• Minneapolis police are investigating after a man damaged 34 vehicles in a break-in spree that began around 2 a.m. Thursday; in a separate incident, multiple cars had windows smashed overnight in the North Loop.
• The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office has formally identified those killed in this week's Hopkins and Burnsville tragedy, including 41-year-old Kristen Brown.
• A new Minnesota home-sharing program is pairing older homeowners with adult renters to cut housing costs — worth a look for Golden Valley seniors on fixed incomes.
• The Timberwolves will host their first-ever Christmas Day game under the newly released 2026-27 schedule.

Golden Valley & West Metro

A quiet day for Golden Valley-specific headlines — the closest item to our coverage area comes from neighboring Hopkins:

• The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office has formally identified those who died earlier this week in the Hopkins and Burnsville tragedy. As previously reported by KSTP, 41-year-old Kristen Brown was among the victims.

Minneapolis

• Commercial real estate distress: A new report names the MSP metro the most distressed commercial real estate market in the nation. KSTP reports the finding is raising new questions about whether the Twin Cities' commercial property troubles could shift the tax burden onto homeowners.
• Vehicle break-ins: Minneapolis police are investigating after a man damaged 34 vehicles across the city on Thursday, with officers first responding around 2 a.m. to the 700 block of a south-side street. Separately, KARE 11 reports multiple cars had their windows smashed overnight in the North Loop.
• Flock camera protest: Hundreds of protesters rode scooters through Minneapolis Friday night in a "scooter takeover" demonstrating against Flock Safety cameras.
• New 3rd Precinct delayed again: The city has pushed back the opening of its rebuilt 3rd Police Precinct yet again, with city leaders now targeting spring 2027. KSTP got an exclusive first look inside the building.
• Annunciation remembrance: Nearly one year after the shooting at Annunciation Church that killed two students and affected 30 others, MPD officers are reflecting on what they're calling "a celebration of resiliency." The city says it will observe a day of remembrance in two weeks.

St. Paul

• First Her budget: Mayor Kaohly Her's first budget proposal includes a 6.8% property tax levy increase. Her's 2027 budget totals $887.8 million, including $438 million in general fund expenses.
• Regions Hospital shooting: The BCA has identified the officer and the domestic assault suspect involved in Monday's shooting outside Regions Hospital. Investigators recovered a replica BB gun from the scene; the BCA says the officer fired after the man pulled an "object that appeared to be a handgun" from his handbag.
• Coming up: Nitro Circus 2.0 takes over CHS Field for its stunt-show stop in Lowertown.

Local Sports

• Twins: Minnesota fell 7-1 to Philadelphia at the Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, Iowa, with Kyle Schwarber hitting two of the Phillies' three home runs into the corn to push his major league-leading total to 37. The pregame ceremony featured 26 Hall of Famers emerging from the cornfield.
• Timberwolves: The 2026-27 schedule brings franchise history — the Wolves' first home game on Christmas Day — plus numerous nationally televised matchups.
• Vikings: Backup quarterback Carson Wentz says he'll be ready if called upon despite limited reps at training camp, and he's expected to see game action in Saturday's preseason game.
• Grid notes: KSTP's Darren "Doogie" Wolfson dropped his weekly "Scoop" Thursday with notes on the Twins, Vikings, Gophers and Wild.

Minnesota Statewide

• Election integrity dispute: Secretary of State Steve Simon is calling misconduct at Minneapolis polling sites "outrageous" after a conservative political commentator attempted an impersonation there. Separately, Simon said members of a political group impersonated Minnesota voters during the Aug. 11 primary, and the group's viral hidden-camera "investigation" into vouching and voter registration now faces its own investigation.
• Federal surveillance revelations: Court filings say the U.S. Department of Homeland Security spied on meetings of Minnesota churches, unions, libraries and schools and subpoenaed bank records as Minnesotans organized against ICE. Attorney General Keith Ellison and others call the newly released documents — which appear to show federal agents investigated 18 groups, including some of the state's largest labor unions and nonprofits during "Metro Surge" — concerning.
• Flags at half-staff: Gov. Tim Walz has ordered all U.S. and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at state buildings in remembrance of Leslie R. Washington, a member of the K-River 2 crew. KARE 11 reports the Alaska firefighter died while responding to the wildfires near Ely, and his family is now grieving.
• Speed camera pilot: Mendota Heights says early data shows Minnesota's first speed camera pilot is already slowing drivers on a road with a long history of speeding complaints.
• Housing spending: Minnesota has made an unprecedented $2.6 billion investment in homelessness and housing stability, and state leaders say the spending is showing results.
• Home-sharing launch: Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is launching the new home-sharing program in the Twin Cities metro, pairing older homeowners with adult home seekers to lower housing costs and help seniors stay in their homes.
• Weekend idea: The Anoka Food Truck Festival is on in downtown Anoka.