Minnesota counties are using outdated software that they say ends up costing taxpayers a lot of money when it comes to correcting errors and finding workarounds, reports MPR News. Legislation is being considered this session to address the problem. Via MinnPost
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/03/09/new-medicaid-snap-requirements-drive-push-from-minnesota-counties-to-upgrade-technology
Minnesota lawmakers are looking at a proposal to legalize psilocybin mushrooms for therapeutic use, reports the Minnesota Star Tribune. Via MinnPost
https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-weighs-legalizing-psilocybin-mushrooms-for-therapeutic-use/601594021
A floral business in Forest Lake is expanding into cannabis, and one of the business owners is the city’s mayor, reports the Pioneer Press. Via MinnPost
https://www.twincities.com/2026/03/09/forest-lakes-first-cannabis-shop-owner-the-mayor/
With an eviction crisis looming, city leaders take a stab at solutions
Lacking the dollars to address rent relief in the wake of Operation Metro Surge, advocates hope hard for a financial boost from the state.
by Trevor Mitchell
https://www.minnpost.com/metro/2026/03/with-an-eviction-crisis-looming-city-leaders-take-a-stab-at-solutions/
Abortion bans reshaped reproductive health, and now the rental market
New research found that abortion bans resulted in lower rental prices and higher vacancies, another sign that these laws are reshaping who chooses to live under reproductive health restrictions.
https://19thnews.org/2026/03/abortion-bans-reproductive-health-rental-market-research/
Travelers face long waits at some US airports amid DHS shutdown
Wait times at security checkpoints in Houston and New Orleans as long as three hours due to shortage of TSA agents
Associated Press
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/09/airline-wait-times-dhs-shutdown
A Mississippi mother couldn’t find accurate sex ed for her kids. So she started a class at church
As states scale back requirements for comprehensive sex ed, some parents and faith communities are stepping in to teach what schools won’t
Cecilia Nowell
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/mar/09/sex-education-mississippi-church
Investigators are finally looking into Jeffrey Epstein’s New Mexico ranch. They may be too late
Federal authorities apparently never searched the property, but now state authorities will reopen a 2019 investigation
Victoria Bekiempis and Anna Betts
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/09/jeffrey-epstein-new-mexico-ranch
‘We all want to know what he was doing in the bedroom’: Kerouac’s unseen archive goes on show in New York
As the original On the Road scroll heads to auction, a new exhibition uncovers the private life of the Beat legend
Alexander Cheves
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2026/mar/09/jack-kerouac-archive-photos-sexuality-grolier-club-exhibition-new-york-beat-generation
Weather tracker: At least 10 dead in Nairobi after a month’s rain falls in 24 hours
Faye Hulton for MetDesk
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/mar/09/weather-tracker-deaths-in-nairobi-after-torrential-rain
Recreational drugs can more than double risk of stroke, study suggests
Medical data from 100m people shows risk 122% higher for amphetamine users, 96% higher for cocaine and 37% higher for cannabis
Ian Sample Science editor
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/mar/08/recreational-drugs-can-more-than-double-the-risk-of-stroke-study-suggests
‘Peas are criminally overlooked!’ Seven fabulous forgotten superfoods
Yes, we all know blueberries and kale are good for us. But what about some of the other less well-marketed food heroes that have fallen out of favour?
Ellie Violet Bramley
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2026/mar/09/peas-are-criminally-overlooked-seven-fabulous-forgotten-superfoods
An Irish pub expert’s top five in Dublin (Paywalled?)
Eva Sandoval
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20251125-a-pub-crawlers-guide-to-dublins-best-pubs
A giant cat and a Back to the Future reunion: photos of the day – Monday
The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world
Warning: Gallery contains sensitive images
Pejman Faratin
https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2026/mar/09/a-giant-cat-and-a-back-to-the-future-reunion-photos-of-the-day-monday