Stories from March 17, 2026

Republicans are launching a voting bill debate that could last days or even weeks
Republicans launched an unprecedented effort on Tuesday to hold the Senate floor and talk for days about a bill that they know won't pass — an attempt to capture public attention on legislation requiring stricter voter registration rules.
Lawmakers in the tied Minnesota House of Representatives are considering shaking up the number of state legislators to avoid future ties. And Gov. Tim Walz is asking lawmakers to approve a new tax on social media companies as part of his supplemental budget plan.
Clipper drops light snow Tuesday night; 60s south by Saturday
A clipper sailing through Minnesota brings a light snowy dusting. Much warmer Pacific air arrives later this week with melting snow.
Minnesota woman experiencing health crisis in locked-down Texas detention center
Federal immigration authorities arrested 23-year-old Andrea Pedro-Francisco a week before a scheduled surgery, and she is now being held at Camp East Montana, where a measles lockdown has limited contact with the outside world.
What's the future of Waymo in Minnesota? Lawmakers consider regulations for self-driving taxis
As Waymo tests self-driving taxis in Minnesota, state lawmakers are considering how to regulate the emerging technology. A University of Minnesota researcher explains what’s ahead for autonomous vehicles in the state.
Court rulings put deportation protections for Haitians, Syrians, Somalis in flux
Legal challenges have put Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, in limbo. It leaves the future up in the air for immigrants from countries facing war and environmental disasters who rely on the program to stay and work in the U.S.
New tech tax part of Walz budget plan that includes other tax cuts, recovery assistance
Gov. Tim Walz proposed levying a tax on social media companies to counteract economic disruptions from artificial intelligence. Walz also wants relief payments to those affected by federal immigration actions, as well as more child care refunds and affordable housing.
Former state health commissioner appointed to role supporting Minnesota hospitals
Former Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm will collaborate with leaders from hospitals and health systems across the state to tackle financial challenges to support hospitals and ensure access to care statewide.
U.S. Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino to retire at end of March
Gregory Bovino, a senior U.S. Border Patrol official, will retire at the end of March 2026 after leading high-profile enforcement operations and being removed from a special leadership role earlier this year.
Morning Announcements for March 17
These are the Morning Announcements for Tuesday, March 17. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
What's next for historic Lutsen Resort property as owner faces arson charges?
Duluth News Tribune Reporter Tom Olsen joined Cathy Wurzer to talk about the property’s uncertain future and what Lutsen Resort means historically and economically to the community.
Israel says it killed 2 top Iranian commanders in a targeted strike
Israel says it killed Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, the highest-profile assassinations since the targeting of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on the first day of the war.
Grand Portage Band celebrates return of tribal land taken more than a century ago
The Grand Portage Band marked the return of nearly 90 acres of land, in partnership with the Duluth-based Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation, in a special ceremony Monday. Officials say it’s the largest return of Grand Portage tribal land in recent history. 
Abandoned Midway CVS set for Tuesday demolition after delays
The St. Paul City Council ordered the removal of the neighborhood eyesore in November. After delays, the dilapidated building at the corner of Snelling and University avenues is finally slated to come down Tuesday.
Minnesota home prices fell in February
New data from Minnesota Realtors shows statewide home prices and sales were down last month compared to a year before. Economic anxiety could play a role.
Report: Minnesota to see billions in costs from impacts of climate change
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency report found that the costs of inaction, including health effects and damaged infrastructure, far exceed the cost of climate adaptation measures.
What the plan to break up iconic U.S. climate lab means for Minnesota
The director of the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership explains the impact of dismantling one of the world’s leading climate and weather laboratories.