Stories from March 19, 2026

Leaders at St. Paul's Academia Cesar Chavez charter school say they're profoundly concerned about recent reports that Chavez sexually assaulted women and girls. And Democratic secretaries of state are urging Congress to block an elections bill they say could prevent millions of eligible voters from casting a ballot.
St. Paul schools confronts mental health, learning impacts from ICE surge as students return
This week, St. Paul Public Schools ended a temporary virtual learning option it began in mid-January, when many families feared sending their children to school due to the surge of federal immigration agents to Minnesota.
Twin Cities residents to receive Profile in Courage Award
The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation announced Thursday that it’s presenting one of its 2026 Profile in Courage Awards to the “people of the Twin Cities of Minnesota” for their actions during the federal immigration enforcement surge.
'Every moment matters,' says Gopher women's basketball coach before NCAA game
Gopher Coach Dawn Plitzuweit joined Morning Edition Thursday to share how she’s readied the women’s team for the tourney and what sort of competition UW-Green Bay will bring.
Former state Sen. Ember Reichgott Junge lays out health benefits of partner dance in new book
Former state Sen. Ember Reichgott Junge was looking for a husband when she walked into a partner dance studio. She left with not only her husband but also a lifelong passion. She details the impacts of partner dance in a new book.
The man helping farmers plan for the next generation
Nearly 15 percent of American cropland is projected to change hands by 2030. But many farmers don’t have a succession plan. Jim Molenaar supports farmers with creating one.
What Americans are giving up to afford ACA health insurance, according to a new poll
A new KFF survey shows many Americans who had Affordable Care Act marketplace health insurance last year are struggling with high health costs. The findings come three months after the expiration of enhanced tax credits that had offset most enrollees' monthly premiums.
Lawyer: Liam Conejo-Ramos deportation ruling part of difficult legal landscape for asylum seekers
An immigration judge has ended the asylum case for 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his family, ordering their deportation. Minnesota Now spoke with a lawyer about the increasingly challenging legal landscape for asylum seekers.
Morning Announcements for March 19
These are the Morning Announcements for Thursday, March 19. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Vikings bring back veteran Carson Wentz for more quarterback depth behind Murray and McCarthy
The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms on a new contract with quarterback Carson Wentz to bring back the 11th-year veteran for more depth after a problematic season at the vital position. 
Heat in the West builds east toward the Upper Midwest
Milder air from a warmup across the western United States is beginning to spread east, setting the stage for rising temperatures across the Upper Midwest.
Allegations against Cesar Chavez prompt debate, reflection in Minnesota
Newly revealed allegations about the late civil rights and labor leader Cesar Chavez are prompting debate and reflection in Minnesota, where Chavez’s name is on streets and a school — and where his birthday is commemorated by state law.
César Chavez accused of sexually abusing labor rights leader Dolores Huerta and others
Labor rights activist Dolores Huerta revealed she was among women and girls who say they were sexually abused by César Chavez, the long-admired Latino icon, while he led the United Farm Workers union.
Tapping into the science of maple syrup
What makes sap start running in late winter? And how do you tap a tree without harming it? MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the science behind maple syrup.
An immigration judge has ruled against the asylum claims of Liam Conejo Ramos and his family, according to the family’s Minneapolis lawyer. The 5-year-old boy from Columbia Heights received national attention after he was detained by U.S. immigration authorities and sent to Texas along with his father.
Pete Hegseth holds Pentagon briefing as war with Iran intensifies
Iran hit a Saudi refinery on the Red Sea and set Qatari liquefied natural gas facilities and two Kuwaiti oil refineries ablaze, sending international oil and gas prices soaring Thursday. 
Milder stretch of days continue
After some areas of fog burn off, it’ll be another seasonable day Thursday. Warmer temperatures build in for Friday and Saturday before returning to normal Sunday. 
Dosunmu sparks Timberwolves' 147-111 rout of Jazz as Edwards remains out
Ayo Dosunmu scored 23 points and had nine rebounds in his second straight start in place of the injured Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves took charge in the second quarter to cruise past the Utah Jazz 147-111. 
Kelly Pannek scores 2 goals to tie the PWHL lead with 11 and the Frost shut out the Charge 5-0
Grace Zumwinkle and Kelly Pannek scored 11 seconds apart during a four-goal first period and the Minnesota Frost routed the Ottawa Charge 5-0. Minnesota has won four straight games — the last three by scoring at least four goals. 
Art Hounds: A strike story, a tragicomedy, and scenes from nature
Art Hounds recommend the performances “Hungry Like the Wolf" and “The Yeoman of the Guard, Or The Merry and His Maid,” and the exhibit “Minnesota Neighbors.”
Processing the ICE surge isn’t over, professor says
Hamline University in St. Paul is one of many colleges that found itself immersed in a surrounding neighborhood impacted by ICE arrests and raids. Now, months after the height of the operation’s surge, one professor says returning to normal is not an option. 
MAHA and the Trump administration’s deregulatory agenda
The Make America Healthy Again movement has sounded the alarm on environmental toxins, but the Trump administration has pushed to roll back regulations. MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon talks about the mismatch with nutritionist, Marion Nestle.