Twin Cities Daily Digest — Thursday, March 19, 2026

Your neighborhood news for Golden Valley and the greater Twin Cities metro

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Golden Valley & West Metro

No Golden Valley-specific stories broke overnight, but two major Hennepin County developments directly affect west metro residents and businesses:

Small Business Recovery Funds Now Open in Hennepin County — Applications are open for grant funding aimed at small businesses struggling financially in the wake of Operation Metro Surge. If you own or know a small business in Golden Valley, Robbinsdale, Crystal, New Hope, or St. Louis Park, this could provide critical relief. Details and applications are available through Hennepin County. (KARE 11)

HCMC Described as Being on "Financial Life Support" — Lawmakers heard testimony that Hennepin Healthcare's flagship downtown Minneapolis hospital — the state's premier Level 1 trauma center — is in dire financial straits and needs tax dollar support. HCMC serves patients across Hennepin County, including many west metro residents, making its financial stability a direct concern for Golden Valley families. (KSTP)

I-394 Construction Costing Taxpayers Lost Toll Revenue — MnDOT's two-year construction project on I-394 — a daily commute corridor for many Golden Valley and St. Louis Park residents — is resulting in lost MnPass toll revenue that taxpayers may have to cover. A 5 INVESTIGATES report found the state is absorbing the financial hit during the extended construction timeline. (KSTP)

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Minneapolis

Catalytic Converter Thefts Surge as Snow Melts — Catalytic converter thefts are rising again across the Twin Cities with the arrival of spring. St. Paul police reported 97 thefts by the end of February alone, a sharp increase from recent years' decline. Residents should be vigilant, especially those with higher-clearance vehicles like SUVs and trucks. (KSTP)

Minneapolis Sued Again Over Police Staffing — The city of Minneapolis is facing another lawsuit over police staffing levels, a persistent issue since 2020. The suit adds to ongoing legal and political pressure on city leaders to meet charter-mandated officer minimums. (Reddit r/Minneapolis)

GRiZ Donates $137K to Neighbors Helping Neighbors — EDM artist GRiZ donated all merchandise sales from his weekend shows at the Armory — totaling $137,105 — to the local mutual aid organization Neighbors Helping Neighbors. (Reddit r/Minneapolis)

Red Bus Lane Confusion Downtown — Minneapolis drivers continue to debate the rules around the new red bus lanes downtown, with many motorists reportedly cruising in them for two to three blocks before turning. The lanes are restricted to buses, with drivers only permitted to enter briefly for right turns. (Reddit r/Minneapolis)

Tullibee Returns at the Hewing Hotel — The North Loop restaurant Tullibee is back with an updated menu and refreshed design inside the Hewing Hotel. A good excuse for a date night downtown. (KARE 11)

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St. Paul

Fatal Shooting in Hamline Midway — St. Paul Police launched a homicide investigation following a fatal shooting in the Midway neighborhood. Officers are on scene on Edmund Avenue as details continue to emerge. (KARE 11)

Neighbors Cheer as Abandoned CVS Finally Demolished — A crowd gathered Wednesday morning to watch demolition crews tear down the long-abandoned CVS at Snelling and University avenues. The building had been shuttered since 2022 and became a symbol of urban blight in St. Paul; neighbors were vocal in their relief. (KARE 11 | MinnPost)

South St. Paul Schools Shift to E-Learning After Threat — South St. Paul schools moved to e-learning after the district received a "potential threat of violence." The decision comes just one day after Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan schools also canceled classes due to threats. (KARE 11)

'Mrs. Doubtfire' Musical in Town Through Saturday — The touring production of Mrs. Doubtfire is playing in St. Paul through March 22. Catch it this weekend if you haven't already. (KARE 11)

CanCan Wonderland Named Among Best Mini Golf in the U.S. — The St. Paul artist-designed mini golf and entertainment spot was again voted one of the best in the country, described as a "delightfully bizarre entertainment center." (KARE 11)

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Local Sports

Wild 4, Blackhawks 3 (OT) — Mats Zuccarello scored 3:09 into overtime to snap a three-game losing skid as the Minnesota Wild topped Chicago. A much-needed win as the playoff push continues. (KARE 11)

Timberwolves 147, Jazz 111 — Ayo Dosunmu poured in 23 points with nine rebounds, starting in place of the injured Anthony Edwards, as the Wolves cruised to a blowout win. Minnesota took command in the second quarter and never looked back. (KSTP)

Vikings Sign Punter Johnny Hekker — Minnesota agreed to terms with four-time All-Pro punter Johnny Hekker, 36, who will enter his 15th NFL season. A veteran addition to the special teams unit heading into 2026. (KARE 11)

Gophers Fire Men's Hockey Coach Bob Motzko — The University of Minnesota parted ways with men's hockey head coach Bob Motzko after eight seasons. The move came one day after Athletic Director Mark Coyle's decision. The search for a replacement begins immediately. (KSTP)

Gophers Women's Basketball NCAA Tournament Preview — ESPN analyst and former Northwestern player Meghan McKeown broke down the Gophers women's basketball NCAA Tournament chances as the team prepares for March Madness. (KSTP)

Gophers Pro Day Draws NFL Scouts — Over 57 NFL personnel RSVPd to Wednesday's Gophers Pro Day, with more than half the league's teams represented to evaluate Minnesota's draft-eligible players. (KSTP)

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Minnesota Statewide

Concert Meetup Group Forming in the Twin Cities — A local Redditor known for posting daily concert listings is launching a meetup group for Twin Cities music fans who want to catch live shows together. Check r/TwinCities if you're looking for concert companions. (Reddit r/TwinCities)

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Stay safe out there, Golden Valley. See you tomorrow.