Golden Valley Daily Digest — Friday, March 20, 2026

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Golden Valley & West Metro

Small Business Recovery Funds Now Open in Hennepin County — If you own a small business in Golden Valley or anywhere in Hennepin County that's been financially impacted by Operation Metro Surge, applications are now open for recovery grant funding. Details are available through Hennepin County — this is worth a look for shops along Winnetka Avenue and Golden Valley Road that have felt the pinch. KARE 11

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Minneapolis

Twin Cities Residents Earn JFK Profile in Courage Award — The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award will be presented to the People of the Twin Cities for their response during Operation Metro Surge. The award recognizes acts of political courage, and this year it honors the collective resilience of metro residents. KARE 11

Child Care Center Weathers Immigration Surge — A Minneapolis child care center managed to survive disruptions caused by ICE raids and is now charting a path forward. The Hechinger Report details how the center kept its doors open through a turbulent February. MinnPost

Minnesota Reckons with Cesar Chavez Legacy — Following a New York Times investigation detailing sexual abuse and rape allegations against the late civil rights leader Cesar Chavez, Minnesota communities are reconsidering tributes in his name. The investigation was published Wednesday and has already prompted local conversations about how to move forward. KARE 11

'Maharu' Brings Forest Spirits to the Stage — Minneapolis-based playwright Kasano Mwanza's decade-in-the-making play "Maharu" is being reimagined as a dance performance this month. The production brings forest spirits alive onstage as a step toward what Mwanza envisions as a full theatrical show. MinnPost

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St. Paul

'No Kings' Rally Set for March 28 at State Capitol — Minnesota will host the largest "No Kings" protest rally at the State Capitol on March 28, with Joan Baez, Jane Fonda, and Maggie Rogers joining state leaders and activists. Organizers expect a major turnout in St. Paul. Mark your calendars if you're planning to head east on 94. KARE 11

South St. Paul Schools Switch to E-Learning After Threat — South St. Paul schools moved to e-learning after the district received a "potential threat of violence." This comes just a day after Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan schools also canceled classes due to threats — a troubling pattern across the south metro. KARE 11

Saint Paul Launches College Savings for Young Students — Saint Paul Public Schools is introducing college savings accounts paired with early financial literacy lessons for students as young as pre-K. The program aims to build a savings habit from the very start of a child's education. KARE 11

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Local Sports

Wild 4, Blackhawks 3 (OT) — Mats Zuccarello scored 3:09 into overtime to give the Minnesota Wild a 4-3 win over Chicago, snapping a three-game slide. The win came after the Blackhawks had beaten the Wild 2-1 earlier in the week — Chicago's first victory over Minnesota in seven years, powered by Connor Bedard and a game-saving stop by defenseman Alex Vlasic. KARE 11 | KSTP

Vikings Sign Punter Johnny Hekker — Minnesota has agreed to terms with four-time All-Pro punter Johnny Hekker, who will enter his 15th NFL season at age 36. The veteran adds experience to the special teams unit heading into 2026. KARE 11

Vikings Honor Thielen and Ham — Adam Thielen and C.J. Ham were celebrated at a retirement ceremony Thursday at TCO Performance Center. Both Minnesotans took unlikely paths to the NFL and built careers that made them fan favorites. KARE 11

Minnesota Women Power March Madness — Minnesota women's basketball is making noise in the postseason, with the University of Minnesota Duluth drawing about 100 fans to the NCAA Division II Central Region championship game. MinnPost highlights the depth of talent across the state. MinnPost

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Weather

Is It Spring Yet? — That's the question on everyone's mind. Minneapolis saw enough snow recently to bury a car at MOA long-term parking (one traveler returned from Florida to a thoroughly snowed-in vehicle). Hang in there, Golden Valley — the equinox is here, and warmer days are coming.

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Minnesota Statewide

Big Brothers Big Sisters Fundraiser in the Twin Cities — Big Brothers Big Sisters is hosting a fundraising event in the metro to support mentoring programs for local children. Mentors serve as positive role models across the Twin Cities. KARE 11

Op-Ed: Immigrants' Contributions to Minnesota — A MinnPost community voices piece pushes back against narratives depicting Minnesota as a "failed state," arguing that immigrants have been central to making the state exceptionally generous and prosperous. It's the first in an occasional series responding to various political attacks on Minnesota. MinnPost

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Have a great Friday, Golden Valley. Spring is officially here — even if the weather hasn't gotten the memo.