Golden Valley Daily Digest — Saturday, March 21, 2026

Your neighborhood news from Golden Valley and the Twin Cities metro

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Golden Valley & West Metro

Thinking of Moving to the Twin Cities? You're Not Alone. A soon-to-be new resident is relocating from Dallas to Minneapolis this June for work and sharing their excitement on Reddit about experiencing life outside the South for the first time. Meanwhile, a visitor to the metro is crowdsourcing an itinerary for house-hunting in the western suburbs — including areas near Golden Valley, St. Louis Park, and surrounding communities. If you spot them around town, give them a warm Minnesota welcome.

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Minneapolis

Annunciation Shooting Survivor to Be Honored in D.C. A boy who shielded his classmate from gunfire during the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School will receive a national honor next week in Washington, D.C., for demonstrating extraordinary bravery. The ceremony will recognize his selfless actions during one of the most devastating events in Minneapolis history.

Derrick Thompson Sentenced on Gun, Drug Charges from Fatal Crash. Derrick Thompson has been sentenced on gun and drug charges connected to the crash that killed five women. Thompson was previously sentenced to more than 58 years in prison after being convicted in Hennepin County on 15 counts of criminal vehicular homicide.

Minnesota Lawmakers Push to Ban Minors' Access to AI Companions. Following the suicides of teenagers in Colorado, Florida, and California — all linked to prolonged conversations with AI chatbots — Minnesota legislators are moving to restrict minors' access to AI companion apps. The bill reflects growing national concern about the mental health impact of these platforms on young users.

Twin Cities Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Fitr with Relief. As Ramadan ends, Twin Cities Muslim communities are finding a moment of relief from ongoing concerns about ICE enforcement. Shoppers filled Holy Land Grocery and Deli in Minneapolis on Thursday, stocking up on halal meats, dates, and syrup-soaked pastries for the Eid al-Fitr celebration.

Andrea Jenkins Reflects on History-Making Career. Trans trailblazer Andrea Jenkins is looking back on her groundbreaking political career in Minneapolis, where she became the first openly trans Black woman elected to public office in the United States.

Hell's Kitchen: The Story of an Underground Minneapolis Institution. A deep dive into the history of Hell's Kitchen, the beloved underground "Gonzo art restaurant" in downtown Minneapolis, is making the rounds and worth a read for anyone who's ever enjoyed their famous peanut butter or weekend brunch.

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St. Paul

All Four U of M Choirs to Perform Together for the First Time. All four University of Minnesota choirs will take the stage together for a historic free concert in St. Paul this Sunday. It marks the first time the university's choral groups have performed as a combined ensemble.

Arrest Made in Fatal Hit-and-Run. A man has been arrested in the fatal hit-and-run that killed Lisa Giguere, 58, who was struck while crossing Pennsylvania Avenue just before 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 16.

Red Lake Nation Opens Cannabis Dispensary in West St. Paul. The Red Lake Nation has opened a new recreational cannabis dispensary in West St. Paul, building on its role as the first to launch recreational cannabis sales in Minnesota back in 2023.

Man Charged in Deadly Domestic Shooting. Creshawn Depre Pryor, 22, faces second-degree murder and attempted murder charges after allegedly shooting his ex-girlfriend and killing another man in her home.

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Local Sports

Wild Fall to Blackhawks 2-1 — Chicago's First Win Over Minnesota in Seven Years. Connor Bedard scored and defenseman Alex Vlasic made a game-saving stop as time expired to give the Chicago Blackhawks a 2-1 victory over the Wild on Friday. Minnesota will be without stars Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek for Saturday's home game against Dallas.

Timberwolves Drop Heartbreaker to Trail Blazers 108-104. Jerami Grant hit a dagger 3-pointer with 22.2 seconds left to lift Portland over the Wolves on Friday night, giving the Blazers their third straight win.

Gophers Women Survive March Madness Scare. Minnesota avoided a major upset, surging past No. 13 seed Green Bay 75-58 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Amaya Battle led the way with 21 points, and a dominant 30-point fourth quarter sealed the deal.

Vikings Add O-Lineman Ryan Van Demark. The Vikings landed offensive lineman Ryan Van Demark after the Buffalo Bills declined to match Minnesota's one-year, nearly $4.3 million offer sheet.

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Minnesota Statewide

Meal Site Sponsor Billed Taxpayers $7.8M — Then Got Another $1M After State Ordered Repayment. KARE 11 reports that New American Development Center received an additional $1 million in grants even after the state ordered the organization to repay funds. The center is currently on a payment plan to return $1.1 million to the Minnesota Department of Education.

Federal Government Still Withholding Medicaid Funds Despite Approved Fraud Plan. Minnesota has an approved plan to address Medicaid fraud, but the federal Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services has not returned the withheld funds. The Minnesota Department of Human Services says they've yet to receive any response from CMS.

Cannabis Officials Recall Tidal Wave THC Vapes. The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management has issued a recall for Tidal Wave disposable vapes after testing found THC content above the legal limit. Consumers who purchased the product should stop using it immediately.

DHS Funding Stalled in Congress. Federal DHS funding remains in limbo as Senate Democrats insist on ICE reforms while Congress also vets a replacement for outgoing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

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Have a great Saturday, Golden Valley. Tonight's concert list for the Twin Cities is up on Reddit — check out the full rundown if you're looking for live music this evening.