Gophers Women's Basketball Heads to Sweet 16 After Amaya Battle's Buzzer-Beater
Twin Cities Daily Digest — Monday, March 23, 2026
Your morning roundup for Golden Valley and the greater Twin Cities metro
---
Golden Valley & West Metro
Looking for a Grad Party Venue? A Twin Cities resident is searching for a venue that can accommodate around 60 people with a kitchen, island, and space for decorations. If you know of a spot in the Golden Valley or west metro area that fits the bill, the community thread on Reddit's r/TwinCities has the details. A good reminder that graduation season is right around the corner — if you're planning your own celebration, now's the time to book.
---
Minneapolis
19-Year-Old Killed, Teen Injured in Phillips Neighborhood Shooting. Minneapolis police are investigating after a 19-year-old man was shot and killed and a 16-year-old boy was injured in a shooting around 10:15 p.m. Saturday in the Phillips neighborhood. Community activists are calling for action to prevent further youth violence in the city.
Four Teenagers Shot Near Lake Street. In a separate incident late Friday night, four teenagers — one 16-year-old and three 17-year-olds — were shot as they left a business along Lake Street West around 11:56 p.m. All four suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and the suspect remains at large.
Woman Critically Injured in Northeast Hit-and-Run. A woman in her 20s suffered potentially life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle at a high rate of speed in Northeast Minneapolis around 3:09 a.m. Sunday. Police are searching for the driver who fled the scene.
MSP Airport Sees Short Lines Amid Partial Government Shutdown. Travelers at MSP Airport reported unusually short lines this weekend as the partial government shutdown continues. President Trump has said he plans to deploy ICE agents to airports across the country.
Meet Adoptable Dogs at 'Weekend Wags.' Pet Haven hosted its "Weekend Wags" event Sunday in Minneapolis, inviting the public to meet adoptable dogs including a puppy named Snickerdoodle. Check Pet Haven's website for upcoming adoption events.
Serve Your Community — Join a Minneapolis Board or Commission. The City of Minneapolis is recruiting residents to serve on its various boards and commissions. Applications are open now at the city's website.
Spring Events at Malcolm Yards. The Market at Malcolm Yards in Minneapolis is gearing up for a busy spring season with a lineup of upcoming events as warmer weather arrives.
Goldy's Run Set for April 12. The 16th annual Goldy's Run returns to Minneapolis on April 12, featuring 10-mile, 10K, 5K, Kids Run, and 13.1 Challenge options. Registration is open now.
---
St. Paul
Community Mourns Sports Journalist Jessi Pierce and Her Three Children. Beloved NHL reporter and "Bardown Beauties" podcast co-host Jessi Pierce and her three children have been identified as the victims of a house fire in White Bear Lake. Tributes have been pouring in from across the hockey world and the broader Twin Cities community. Pierce was a Minnesota Wild correspondent.
No Kings Rally Coming to Saint Paul March 28 — Bernie Sanders to Attend. Saint Paul will host the main No Kings rally next Saturday, March 28, and Senator Bernie Sanders has confirmed he'll be in attendance. Organizers are expecting historic turnout for the event.
Conny's Creamy Cone Turns 30. The beloved Como Park neighborhood ice cream shop Conny's Creamy Cone is celebrating 30 years of soft serve in St. Paul. The shop is a neighborhood institution known for employing local teens and supporting community fundraisers.
Legislative Session Shows Early Tension. State Capitol observer Shannon Watson reports that the early weeks of the 2026 legislative session are already showing signs of friction as lawmakers settle into their work at the Capitol.
Found Cat in Midway/Frogtown Area. A friendly cat without a collar was found Sunday evening between the Midway and Frogtown neighborhoods. If you're missing a feline friend, check the post on r/stpaul for details and photos.
---
Local Sports
Gophers Women's Basketball to the Sweet 16! Amaya Battle hit a tiebreaking jump shot with 0.7 seconds left to lift Minnesota past Mississippi 65-63 in the second round of the women's NCAA Tournament on Sunday. The Gophers advance to the Sweet 16 in thrilling fashion.
Wild Edge Stars 2-1 in OT. Vladimir Tarasenko scored 3:06 into overtime to give the Minnesota Wild a 2-1 win over the Dallas Stars on Saturday in what could be a first-round playoff preview. Bobby Brink also scored, and Filip Gustavsson was strong in net.
Timberwolves Snap 18-Game Boston Skid. The Wolves beat the Celtics 102-92, ending an 18-game losing streak in Boston. Bones Hyland led the way with 23 points, Jaden McDaniels added 19, and Ayo Dosunmu chipped in 17 points and eight rebounds.
Minnesota United Draw 0-0 with Seattle. Drake Callender made two saves for Minnesota United in a scoreless draw against the Seattle Sounders on Sunday in St. Paul.
Greg May Named Gophers Women's Hockey Head Coach. AD Mark Coyle announced Sunday that Greg May has been named the new head coach of the Golden Gophers women's hockey program. May agreed to a four-year deal with the university.
---
Weather
Buckle Up for a Roller-Coaster Week. After a wild 87°F reading earlier in the weekend, temperatures have plunged 40–50 degrees across the state in the last 24 hours. Meteorologist Matt Serwe says the chilly air sticks around to start the week, with plenty of ups and downs ahead — such is spring in Minnesota.
Time to Start Seeds? Local gardeners are debating whether it's close enough to real spring to start seedlings indoors. If you're itching to get going, grow lights and seedling pods are your best bet for now — don't trust that March warmth just yet.
---
Minnesota Statewide
Gov. Walz's Budget Plan Focuses on Middle-Class Tax Cuts. This week's At Issue broke down Governor Walz's budget proposal, which centers on tax relief for middle-class Minnesota families. The SAVE America Act and the perennial sports gambling debate also returned to the conversation.
State Patrol Launches Training Program for College Graduates. The Minnesota State Patrol announced LETO, a new law enforcement training program designed for degree holders interested in a career in law enforcement. Details are available through the State Patrol.
Two Corrections Staff Injured at State Prison. Two Minnesota Department of Corrections staff sustained minor injuries Saturday after an inmate used an improvised weapon against them. The MNDOC confirmed the incident and said both staff members are expected to recover.
Meteorologist Mom Balances Forecasting and Babywearing. Susie Martin, president of Eden Prairie-based weather consulting firm Praedictix, is making waves for blending motherhood and meteorology — literally forecasting while babywearing.
---
Stay safe out there, Golden Valley. Have a tip or story? Drop us a line. See you tomorrow morning.