Stories from March 24, 2026

Fargo police chief apologizes for mistakes in AI-aided arrest
Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolksi said photos from fake ID cards, not surveillance photos, were linked by AI to Tennessee woman Angela Lipps, who was held in custody for almost six months last year before charges against her were dropped.
Great Lakes shipping season starts up again in Duluth port
The Soo Locks, which connect Lake Superior to the lower Great Lakes, open at 12:01 a.m. on March 25, signaling the start of another shipping season on the lakes.
The art of maple syrup — and observing spring’s arrival — at the Forest History Center
Grand Rapids’ Forest History Center program supervisor Bryan French shared how an upcoming event invites visitors to slow down and observe the natural world waking up.
A bill to create a new fraud-fighting office in state government has finally made it through a House committee. It's an important step for the Office of Inspector General bill that has been stalled for weeks. And a Minnesota House committee is considering a proposal to include kickbacks to the state definition of fraud.
Minnesota sues feds for evidence in ICE shootings
The state claims in the lawsuit that federal officials have repeatedly declined to share evidence in these shootings and ignored their requests.
Trump canceled a landmark nature report. Scientists are publishing it anyway
After a federal nature report was scrapped by the federal government, scientists decided to finish it themselves—independently—and now they’re asking for public feedback. University of Minnesota researcher Danielle Ignace joined Minnesota Now to talk about the research.
Trump delivers farmers another financial blow with Iran war
Some of President Donald Trump's policies, the latest being the war in Iran, are testing his support among farmers who are being burdened with higher costs.
After stalling for weeks, bill to create agency to combat fraud moves forward in House
Rep. Matt Norris, DFL-Blaine, is the author of a bill in the House that is calling for the creation of an agency, Office of the Inspector General, which would fight fraud. He joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about why he thinks the state needs the new office.
Morning Announcements for March 24
These are the Morning Announcements for Tuesday, March 24. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Fire officials in White Bear Lake say they do not suspect arson in the house fire over the weekend that killed longtime Minnesota hockey reporter Jessi Pierce and her three young children.
Building community and wealth for Black Minnesotans
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Repa Mekha, CEO of Nexus Community Partners, about his path from prison to university, and his life's work building wealth and wellbeing for Black Minnesotans.
St. Cloud City Council nixes resolution affirming broad support of law enforcement
Several council members questioned the intent and timing of the resolution. St. Cloud saw a large U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence in recent months, and some residents have spoken out about being targeted and detained by ICE.
Warmer Tuesday and Wednesday
Temperatures will be warming up more Tuesday and Wednesday. A couple of disturbances will be moving across mainly northern Minnesota the next few days. 
While the White House has deployed immigration agents to help with security at some airports, it appears the Twin Cities airport is not a part of that plan. Security wait times at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport have generally remained short while other airports have seen hourslong waits in recent weeks. That's as TSA workers go without pay amid a funding impasse.
Medicare billing snafu brings new financial woes to Minnesota rural hospitals
An updated Medicare software system is holding up millions of dollars in payments to rural hospitals already struggling to pay the bills. Some hospital officials warn the holdup could shut them down in weeks if it’s not resolved soon.
Rural Minnesota populations are growing, for now
A new report from The Center for Rural Policy and Development finds that while populations are growing in rural Minnesota because of migration, aging populations mean that new trend might not last very long.
As winters warm, Minnesotans grapple with climate grief
Winters in Minnesota are warming faster than any other season. That’s jeopardizing seasonal traditions in the state — and mental health experts say that takes a toll on mental health.
'I won!': Walker Art Center acquires artworks by Interact artist
Victor Van, a prolific Interact artist known for his dense, pop-culture-infused handmade books, has achieved a major breakthrough with the Walker Art Center acquiring his work, marking an historic first for the organization.
UCLA beats Oklahoma State, will face Minnesota Gophers in Sweet 16
The top-seeded UCLA Bruins will face the fourth-seeded Minnesota Gophers Friday in the third round of the women's NCAA Tournament. Tipoff is at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif. The two teams last met on Jan. 14 and UCLA defeated Minnesota 76-58.
The gamble with sports betting and prediction markets
From online sports betting to so-called prediction markets, it’s never been easier to gamble. MPR News host Catharine Richert and her guests talk about the problems with this new age of gambling and who it’s impacting the most.