Stories from March 11, 2026

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has vetoed a proposal to extend the city’s eviction timeline. Instead, he proposed allocating $1 million in city funding to rental assistance as an alternative way to help residents pay their bills. Gov. Tim Walz is getting mixed reactions to his plan to overhaul the way the state administers Medicaid services.
Minnesota settlement with Lyft guarantees rideshares for people with a service animal nationwide
A Minnesota Department of Human Rights investigation concluded Lyft, whose drivers reportedly canceled rides on a person with a service animal, had violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act. 
Some states are reviving a push to tax the rich
Advocates across the U.S. are hoping a growing unhappiness of wage and wealth inequalities that have increased coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic will help more states adopt policies involve the rich paying more in taxes.
Mayor Frey vetoes eviction notice extension, proposes $1 million in rental aid instead
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has vetoed a proposal to extend the city’s eviction timeline. Instead, he proposed allocating $1 million in city funding to rental assistance as an alternative way to help residents pay their bills.
Proposed federal tax credit risks hanging up education debate at MN Capitol
A Republican-backed federal tax and spending bill creates tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations, including those that provide tuition support for private schools. States have to opt in, and disagreement in Minnesota over the issue could block progress on other education measures in the Legislature.
Inspired by her autistic siblings, Minneapolis occupational therapist launches sensory-friendly hijab
Inspired by the experience of her autistic siblings, a Minneapolis occupational therapist has developed a hijab that uses lightweight fabric and padding added around the ears to help ensure that loud sounds aren’t as overwhelming for those with sensory-processing issues.
County, provider advocates react to Walz plan to centralize administration of Medicaid programs
Walz laid out a plan Wednesday that would have DHS take over eligibility determinations for Medicaid programs. He said the current system, which is split among counties, managed care organizations and the state, has become increasingly difficult to administer.
Push for cameras in more Minnesota day cares pitched by families, lawmaker
Minnesota could become the first state in the country to require security cameras in child care centers. There was an informational hearing in a House committee Tuesday on a bill sponsored by Republican state Rep. Nolan West. He joined Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition to explain his need for more surveillance.
Preventing, detecting and treating colorectal cancer
MPR News host Angela Davis talks about preventing, detecting and treating colorectal cancer — and why screening can actually stop cancer before it starts.
Minnesota Medicaid chief: Walz's overhaul plan would strengthen oversight
Gov. Tim Walz wants the Department of Human Services to take over much of the state’s Medicaid operations. State Medicaid director John Connolly tells MPR News the plan would improve transparency.
Torn ACLs more common in high school girls' sports, but experts say prevention is possible
A physical therapist explains why serious knee injuries are on the rise for high school athletes, especially in girls’ sports, and shares strategies for prevention.
Morning Announcements for March 11
These are the Morning Announcements for Wednesday, March 11. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Kaprizov, Boldy score as Wild blank Mammoth 5-0
Kirill Kaprizov scored his 37th goal of the season, Matt Boldy notched his 36th, and Filip Gustavsson earned his fourth shutout of the season as the Minnesota Wild defeated the Utah Mammoth 5-0 on Tuesday night. 
Two Dakota nations sign cannabis compacts with state of Minnesota
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has signed two more cannabis compacts with tribal nations — the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and the Lower Sioux Indian Community — bringing the total number of tribal‑state cannabis compacts to nine.
Judge urges states to settle Live Nation claims after U.S. strikes deal but states say no chance
A New York federal judge is urging over two dozen states to settle their antitrust claims against Ticketmaster and its parent company this week after the Justice Department reached a deal and dropped out of an ongoing trial. 
Minnesota cross-country skier wins gold at Paralympics
Minnesota cross-country skier Sydney Peterson won her first individual Paralympic gold medal on Wednesday, winning the women’s 10-kilometer classic standing event at the Winter Games in Italy.
Trump has one prescription for midterms. House Republicans have another
President Donald Trump insisted he had the answer for Republicans anxious about losing their congressional majority this year. He encouraged the party to build on an already strict national voter identification law to ban mail ballots and restrict transgender rights.
Authorities are responding to crashes and spinouts on Twin Cities’ freeways Wednesday morning after the metro area — and most of the rest of central and southern Minnesota — received a fresh coating of snow overnight. A winter weather advisory runs until 10 a.m. for east-central Minnesota including the north metro — and until early afternoon for much of western Wisconsin.
Kyler Murray or Tua Tagovailoa could end up being the best bargains in NFL free agency
Kyler Murray or Tua Tagovailoa could end up being the best bargains in free agency if either quarterback can regain their Pro Bowl form. While NFL teams have committed billions of dollars on the first two days of the legal tampering period, the Atlanta Falcons snagged Tagovailoa for the veteran’s minimum of $1.2 million.
Snow possible Thursday with potentially heavy snow this weekend
Wednesday afternoon sun will melt snow from overnight. Snow falls Thursday with the heaviest in northeastern Minnesota. A weekend system may bring heavy snow across a wide swath of the state.
Luka’s 31, Reaves’ big 2nd half propel Lakers to season sweep of Timberwolves with 120-106 victory
Luka Doncic had 31 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds in his seventh triple-double of the season, and the Los Angeles Lakers overcame LeBron James’ latest injury absence to sweep their season series with the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 120-106 victory. 
The U.S. attacks Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz
Attacks and counterattacks continued throughout the Middle East Wednesday. Two cargo ships were struck in the Gulf, as some lawmakers in Washington pressed for answers on the war's rationale.
Minnesota Senate approves ICE-related rent assistance
The measure would reallocate unused money designated for a court settlement to pay emergency rent relief to households in need. Its prospects in the House are murky.
Minnesota utilities deploy 'magic balls' to help clean energy transition
A device that looks like a high-tech bowling ball that can be attached to power lines can open up excess capacity on electric transmission lines, paving the way for more solar and wind power — and cost savings for consumers. 
Nitrates are polluting Minnesota’s water. Environmental groups say the state isn’t doing enough
The public comment window will soon close on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s rules for protecting groundwater from nitrates, which can be detrimental to human health in large amounts.
First ‘craft cannabis’ products hit recreational dispensaries in Minnesota
Minnesota’s “craft cannabis” market is starting to take shape as the first few products from small, independent producers make it to dispensary shelves. But producers say testing is proving to be the biggest obstacle.
How to fix our broken immigration system
Immigration is a divisive issue — but everyone agrees on one thing: The system we have right now is broken. Kerri Miller talks with two immigration experts on what a functioning system might look like.