Stories from March 3, 2026

Man in apparent mental health crisis taken by ICE from hospital, transferred out of state
A 27-year-old man, who is a citizen of Mexico, was taken by ICE agents from a hospital and moved out of state against the advice of medical professionals who diagnosed him with acute mental illness.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testified today that close to 650 DHS agents remain in Minnesota. And a federal judge heard arguments today on a federal demand for Minnesota to turn over voter registration data.
Gas prices jump in Minnesota as Middle East conflict widens
Gas prices across Minnesota were averaging about $3 a gallon on Tuesday — a jump of nearly 17 cents a gallon since Monday, according to AAA. That’s amid the uncertainty caused by the widening military conflict in the Middle East.
State lawmakers consider ban on 287(g) agreements expanding local-federal immigration enforcement
If passed, the legislation would prohibit and terminate any agreements with the federal government that gives authority to state, county and local agencies to enforce civil immigration law.
Early taste of spring: Highs surge toward 60
Our main story this week is the steady climb in temperatures and the growing potential for the first 60-degree reading of the year.
How historians are documenting ICE enforcement in Minnesota
As more federal officers leave the state, the Morning Edition team wondered how historians might document this moment. The Minnesota Historical Society’s Director of Collections, Cecily Marcus, joined Cathy Wurzer with answers.
Minnesota township elections are March 10. Here's what you need to know to vote
Township elections are being held across Minnesota on March 10. They are uniquely hyper-local with voters serving two purposes: electing their township board and deciding the future of their township through its annual meeting. 
Morning Announcements for March 2
These are the Morning Announcements for Monday, March 2. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Representative says her bill will add transparency to private purchases of nursing facilities
With a rapidly aging population, private equity investors are interested in purchasing long-term care facilities because they can generate a steady flow of income.
Decreasing clouds, mild Tuesday and through the week
Morning clouds will move out, and it’ll be another mild day Tuesday. Wednesday will see even warmer readings — in the 50s for many. A storm system will likely bring rain Friday. 
U.S. evacuates diplomats, shuts down some embassies as war enters fourth day
The United States evacuated diplomats across the Middle East and shut down some embassies as war with Iran intensified Tuesday while President Trump signaled the conflict could turn into extended war.
Noem defends her portrayal of killed Minneapolis protesters as agitators in Senate hearing
It was Noem’s first congressional appearance since the shooting deaths of the two protesters galvanized widespread opposition to how the Trump administration is executing its mass deportation agenda.
Tech giant Google is behind controversial data center proposal in Hermantown 
The tech giant, who’s plan was previously cloaked in secrecy, says it will help pay for the construction of wind farms and battery storage to help power the proposed $650 million project outside Duluth. Critics call Google “a heartless corporation.”
Target has another quarter of declining sales but there are signs of improvement to start 2026
Target reported another quarter of lower sales and profits as the discounter struggles to regain its footing in an environment where it has faced still-high inflation and shopper boycotts. 
A second person has pleaded guilty in connection with a scheme to defraud a Minnesota Medicaid program for children with autism. So far the feds have charged 15 people in the Medicaid cases that prompted the Trump administration to block $260 million in funding to Minnesota.
Minnesota Wild, city of St. Paul propose $600M in renovations at Grand Casino Arena
The agreement asks the Minnesota Legislature for $200 million — with $125 million of that being allocated for Grand Casino Arena and rest going toward St. Paul RiverCentre and Roy Wilkins Auditorium. The remaining $400 million would be financed by the city of St. Paul and the Wild.
Minnesota sues to block Trump administration’s withholding of Medicaid funds
Minnesota is suing President Donald Trump’s administration in an attempt to stop it from withholding $243 million in Medicaid spending. The lawsuit filed Monday asks a U.S. court in Minneapolis to issue a temporary restraining order to block the withholding for Medicaid, which is the health care safety net for low-income Americans. 
 ICE surge meant thousands of extra calls, canceled time off, lots of OT for MPD officers
The Minneapolis Police Department was scheduled to update city council members Tuesday on how the federal government’s surge into Minnesota affected public safety. However, the presentation was rescheduled to Wednesday morning.
The conflict in Iran: What's next for the region
The U.S. and Israel have attacked Iran, and President Donald Trump has called for an overthrow of the Iranian regime. MPR News host Catharine Richert talks with her guest about the history behind this conflict, what's next, and what this means for the people of Iran and for the U.S. presence in the Middle East.