Stories from March 16, 2026

Uncertainty swirls around tariff refunds for Minnesota businesses
Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled President Donald Trump did not have the authority to set tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Now, some businesses are owed refunds on the tariffs they paid.
‘Sponge cities’ in Minnesota soak up rain to help fight floods. Now Kansas City may follow suit
Places such as Minnesota and Austin, Texas, already use green infrastructure like rain gardens to absorb stormwater and keep pollution out of streams and lakes. Now communities across the Kansas City area could get on board.
With SNAP eligibility changes and ICE surge, hunger relief advocates lobby for state funding
Thousands of Minnesotans are set to lose SNAP benefits under new federal eligibility rules. That change, along with a strain on the emergency food system due to the ICE surge, is leading hunger relief advocates to ask for more funding from lawmakers.
Groulx scores twice as Maple Leafs hold on and beat the Wild 4-2
Bo Groulx scored twice and the Toronto Maple Leafs held on for a 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Morgan Rielly also scored and Matthew Knies added an empty-net goal for Toronto as Minnesota pushed to rally from a three-goal deficit after two periods.
White scores 2 goals, Whitecaps hand Minnesota worst regular-season loss in club history, 6-0
Brian White scored two goals for the second consecutive game, Sebastian Berhalter opened the scoring with a penalty kick in the eighth minute and added two assists, and the Vancouver Whitecaps beat Minnesota United 6-0. 
Morning Announcements for March 16
These are the Morning Announcements for Monday, March 16. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Lindsey Vonn not ready to discuss her future in ski racing as she recovers from Olympic crash
Lindsey Vonn hasn’t completely shut the door on ski racing again. She hasn’t decided to return, either. The 41-year-old who is recovering from a serious downhill crash at the Milan Cortina Olympics is still trying to figure it all out, which she made clear in a social media post Sunday.
Minnesota blizzard update: Heavy snow, strong winds, dangerous roads
MPR News host Chris Farrell and meteorologist Sven Sundgaard talk about the powerful March snowstorm that brought blizzard conditions and dangerous travel to central and southern Minnesota over the weekend.
How technology is changing work in Minnesota
Technology is changing our world. Can Minnesota help shape where it goes next? MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two leaders from the Minnesota Technology Association about how tech companies in Minnesota are working to prepare people for the future. 
Snow continues to blow this morning for parts of Minnesota, making road conditions hazardous after the weekend winter storm. Rochester got walloped with snow. Rochester Public Schools cancelled classes Monday and the city said government buildings will open later than normal.
Southern Minnesota highways reopen in wake of blizzard
Most highways in southern Minnesota that were closed due to blizzard conditions on Sunday night have now reopened.
‘Usual Minnesota’: March snowstorm pummels Rochester, Twin Cities get less
After days of 50-degree weather the past few weeks, deep down, some Minnesotans knew the state was in for another blast which came over the weekend. Rochester was in the region hit hardest by a late-winter snowstorm.
Cold, windy Monday with more snow showers Tuesday
Cold air is in place after our big snow. Temperatures will be about 10 to 30 degrees below normal today. A clipper systems brings more snow showers Tuesday. The week ends much warmer. 
Legislature looks at ways to address housing affordability
A rental assistance bill could face trouble in the Minnesota House, but another bipartisan effort is underway to pass a different bill designed to spur construction of new housing. Sponsors say it will make housing more available and more affordable.
Photos: Minnesotans celebrate a March snow day
While some are ready to leave winter behind, a spring blizzard made it difficult to not enjoy the snow.