Stories from March 12, 2026

Minnesota winter storm prompts school delays, closings on Friday
With winter storm and blizzard warnings in effect for northern Minnesota through Friday morning, some schools and colleges have announced changes to their plans for the day.
Vikings sign QB Kyler Murray a day after the 2019 first overall pick was cut by the Cardinals
The Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback Kyler Murray on Thursday, after focusing their latest search on the first overall pick from the 2019 NFL draft who was just released by the Arizona Cardinals.
Heavy snow and howling winds are in the forecast for Minnesota over the coming days. Up first, a storm late Thursday into Friday that’ll bring mainly rain for southern Minnesota with strong northwest winds statewide. They could gust to more than 60 miles per hour tonight. A federal judge in St. Paul heard arguments Thursday from the state of Minnesota and the Trump administration over a halt of $259 million in Medicaid payments to the state.
ICE-related rent relief clears state Senate, faces hurdles in tied House
State lawmakers are considering a bill that would provide rent relief to Minnesotans affected by the surge of federal agents. It cleared the Senate but faces a tougher challenge in the tied House.
Local reporter Courtney Godfrey on journey from snowboarder to co-host of the Paralympics
Fox 9 reporter Courtney Godfrey was striving to make it to the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games as an athlete. Then, she got the chance to co-host the games with NBC and found her ‘real dream.’
Minnesota Latino groups form coalition to push for action and support after federal surge
A group of Latino-led organizations across the state are coming together to ask the state for action on federal immigration enforcement and support to communities affected by the surge.
Federal judge hears arguments in lawsuit over federal Medicaid funding halt
A federal judge in St. Paul heard arguments Thursday from the state of Minnesota and the Trump administration over a halt of $259 million in Medicaid payments to the state.
Bill proposes adding Indigenous names and ‘inherent right’ for wild rice
The Senate State and Local Government Committee heard testimony this week about a proposal that would change the language around Minnesota's state grain, wild rice. The language includes adding both Dakota and Ojibwe to the bill as well as recognizing the plant’s ‘inherent’ right to exist and thrive.
Armed man rammed vehicle into Michigan synagogue and was fatally shot by security, AP source says
A man armed with a rifle rammed a vehicle into a major synagogue in a Detroit suburb and was fatally shot by security. That’s according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday.
Vikings host Kyler Murray on a free agent visit after he was cut by the Cardinals, AP source says
The Minnesota Vikings are hosting Kyler Murray on a free agent visit, focusing their latest quarterback search on the first overall pick in the 2019 draft who was just released by the Arizona Cardinals. The meeting was confirmed to The Associated Press by a person with knowledge of the situation.
Travel plans? Here's what you need to know to safe amid the winter storm
As another winter storm takes aim at Minnesota, travelers — and the people who clear sidewalks, roads and runways — are keeping a close eye on the forecast. Here are links to help keep you up-to-date.
Morning Announcements for March 12
These are the Morning Announcements for Thursday, March 12. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
PWHL to reach national U.S. TV audience with Scripps Sports to broadcast neutral site game in Detroit
The Professional Women’s Hockey League is coming to a TV set near you in the United States. The league announced its neutral site game at Detroit on March 28 between the New York Sirens and Montreal Victoire will be the first accessible to a national U.S. television audience.
Former federal prosecutor Julie Le announces campaign for Minnesota congressional seat
A former federal prosecutor who drew attention during the immigration crackdown in Minnesota when she told a judge she hated her job now says she is running for Congress. Julie Le is running as a Democrat in Minnesota’s 5th District — the seat held by Democrat Ilhan Omar.
How philanthropy can shape a community
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the Jen Ford Reedy, the president of the Bush Foundation, about how philanthropy can shape a community and respond to its needs.
UN panel says racist hate speech by Trump and other U.S. leaders has led to human rights violations
A U.N.-backed panel of independent experts focusing on racial discrimination says racist hate speech by U.S. President Donald Trump and other American political leaders, along with a crackdown on immigration in the United States, have led to “grave human rights violations.”
Minnesota lawmakers were divided over a bill seeking to ban local governments from allowing ICE to use their jails for detention. The bill stalled in a House committee Wednesday on a tie vote. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s leaders of a national Target boycott say the economic blackout of the retail giant continues.
Kawhi Leonard scores 45 points in the Clippers’ 153-128 romp over the Timberwolves
Kawhi Leonard scored 45 points and the Los Angeles Clippers routed the Minnesota Timberwolves 153-128 on Wednesday night, moving above .500 with their third straight victory and sixth in seven games.
The Minnesota BCA is investigating after a Rochester police officer fatally shot a man Wednesday night. The man had reportedly been experiencing a mental health crisis, and police said he grabbed an officer’s gun.
Heavy snow north, rain south Thursday ahead of weekend storm
After some nice sunshine Wednesday, clouds are racing back in Thursday ahead of the next storm system. Heavy snow develops north with rain south. Another system moves in this weekend. 
Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski announces retirement
During his tenure, Zibolski brought down crime and helped modernize the department, but he also drew criticism. An interim chief will take over at the end of March.
In central Minnesota, a family fearing deportation hides from ICE
The number of federal immigration agents in Minnesota has dwindled in recent weeks, but many immigrants are still living in fear of U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A Cold Spring family is among those whose lives were upended by the enforcement surge and haven't yet returned to normal.
Dating across political lines 
Whether you’re single or have a partner, everyone can agree that dating is really hard. And the growing divide between political ideologies can make it even more challenging. MPR News host Catharine Richert and her guests talk about dating across political lines. Is it possible to meet in the middle?