Golden Valley Daily Digest — Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Good morning, Golden Valley. Snow chances are creeping back into the forecast after that glorious taste of 60-degree weather over the weekend. Here's what you need to know today.

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Golden Valley & West Metro

Robbinsdale Schools face tense contract negotiations after $20M accounting error Robbinsdale Area Schools — the district serving Golden Valley, Robbinsdale, Crystal, and New Hope — is navigating teacher contract negotiations under extraordinary pressure. The district is still reeling from a $20 million accounting error that has already led to layoffs and school closures. Contract talks are expected to be contentious as educators push back against further cuts. (KSTP)

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Minneapolis

City facing $200M+ bill from Operation Metro Surge Minneapolis officials say the financial fallout from the federal immigration enforcement operation known as Metro Surge continues to grow, with recent city estimates pegging the impact at over $200 million — costs that could ultimately land on local taxpayers. The figure accounts for disruptions to city services, legal costs, and economic losses across Minneapolis neighborhoods. (KSTP)

Police chief addresses department's role during immigration surge Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara appeared before the Community Commission on Police Oversight to answer questions about MPD's involvement during the federal immigration enforcement actions. The presentation comes amid ongoing community concern about the relationship between local law enforcement and federal agents. (KARE 11)

FBI whistleblower: Patel ordered end to Renee Good investigation A whistleblower alleges FBI Director Kash Patel ordered agents to stop investigating the killing of Renee Good because he didn't want her referred to as a "victim." The case has drawn intense attention in Minneapolis and beyond. (Reddit/Minneapolis)

Crash snarls I-94 through downtown A crash around 8 p.m. between 5th Street and Cedar Avenue caused a massive backup on I-94 in Minneapolis. Drivers should check conditions before heading through that corridor this morning. (KARE 11)

New food options coming to the Quarry Residents near the Quarry shopping center in northeast Minneapolis are buzzing about new restaurant options opening soon at the development. Details are still emerging. (Reddit/Minneapolis)

Winter tourism took a hit statewide Minnesota's winter tourism season suffered from the combined effects of federal immigration enforcement, U.S.-Canada tensions, and tariff-related economic uncertainty, according to new survey data. The slump wasn't limited to the Twin Cities — tourism operators across the state felt the impact. (MinnPost)

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St. Paul

Festival of Nations returns with a new name The beloved Festival of Nations, which hasn't been held since 2019, is coming back to St. Paul this April under the new name iFestMN. The celebration dates back to 1932 and showcases the food, art, and traditions of Minnesota's diverse communities. (KARE 11)

St. Paul shop creates 'National Loon Day' A St. Paul shop is launching the first-ever National Loon Day, to be celebrated this Friday. Because if any state is going to claim a national holiday for the common loon, it should be Minnesota. (KARE 11)

Brooklyn Park police seek endangered missing person Police are looking for Patrick Kelleher, who was last seen Friday in St. Paul. Brooklyn Park Police have classified him as an endangered missing person. (KARE 11)

Lawmakers consider bounty-style fraud recovery plan Minnesota legislators are weighing a proposal that would give private investigators a cut of stolen tax dollars they help recover. Lawmakers have raised questions and concerns about the fraud-fighting strategy. (KSTP)

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Local Sports

Lakers sweep Timberwolves 120-106 Luka Doncic posted a triple-double — 31 points, 11 assists, 11 rebounds — as the Los Angeles Lakers completed a season sweep of the Timberwolves with a 120-106 win. Austin Reaves had a big second half to help LA pull away despite LeBron James sitting out with an injury. (KSTP)

Vikings sign CB James Pierre, miss out on Geno Smith Minnesota agreed to terms with former Steelers cornerback James Pierre, adding depth to the secondary with limited free-agency flexibility. Meanwhile, Geno Smith is heading back to the New York Jets via trade with the Raiders, taking him off the Vikings' quarterback board. (KSTP)

Patti Smith vs. Bruce Springsteen: Anyone want to trade? In the most Twin Cities ticket dilemma of the week, a local fan is offering to swap a Bruce Springsteen ticket (Target Center, March 31) for a Patti Smith ticket at the Parkway Theater on March 14. (Reddit/TwinCities)

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Weather

Battle of the seasons: snow chances return After temperatures surged into the 60s on Sunday — the first time since November — winter isn't done with us yet. Snow chances return later this week as the metro sees a classic March tug-of-war between seasons. Enjoy the milder air while it lasts. (KSTP)

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Minnesota Statewide

Uninsured rate hits highest level since 2017 New data from the Minnesota Department of Health shows the number of Minnesotans without health insurance rose sharply in 2025 compared to 2023, reaching the highest rate since 2017. Minnesota still outperforms the national average, but the trend is raising alarms among health officials. (KARE 11 | MinnPost)

State Fair memorabilia auction is live Collectors, your moment has arrived: the Minnesota State Fair memorabilia auction is open for bidding now. Winners must pick up items in person at the North End Event Center on the State Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 17. (KARE 11)

Former Minnesotan shares life in Israel as U.S. strikes intensify As Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Tuesday would be the most intense day yet of U.S. strikes inside Iran, a former Minnesota resident shared what daily life is like in Israel amid the ongoing conflict. (KSTP)

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That's your Wednesday digest. If you're in the Robbinsdale school district, keep an eye on those contract negotiations — they'll shape the next school year for families across Golden Valley, Crystal, and New Hope.