Stories from February 16, 2026

Winter strikes back: Blizzard warning North Shore; Twin Cities accumulating snow Friday?
I’m tracking two separate winter storms heading into Minnesota this week. The first hits northern Minnesota midweek. The second could dump accumulating snow in the Twin Cities Thursday night and Friday.
Team USA women’s hockey continues to dominate at Olympics
Team USA has outscored their opponents 31-1 in the Olympic Games and have had five straight shutouts. The women’s hockey team has several Minnesotans and Minnesota Frost players on the roster.
Minneapolis small businesses look toward recovery after ICE surge
The Whittier Alliance has launched a campaign called “Show Up For Eat Street” to support businesses in the cultural corridor. The organization is also hoping that funding from the state Legislature will help businesses recover.
‘As if I were in prison’: The voices of Minnesotans in hiding
P is a Mexican immigrant living in Minnesota. MPR News is not using his full name for his safety. P only leaves his home for work and for doctor’s appointments to treat his lupus.
ICE surge disrupts Ramadan celebrations in Minneapolis
Even with reports of federal agents leaving the state, one Minneapolis Imam says there are still people who worry about whether they will be detained on their way to the mosque.
Obama responds to Trump sharing racist AI video depicting him as an ape
“There doesn’t seem to be any shame about this among people who used to feel like you had to have some sort of decorum,” Obama said in an interview that was posted on YouTube Saturday.
Robert Duvall, Oscar-winning actor and 'Godfather' mainstay, dead at 95
Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor whose classic roles included the wily confidant of the first two “Godfather” movies, had died at age 95. He first gained notice for a small part as the reclusive neighbor in “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
Frankel makes 21 saves, U.S. beats Sweden 5-0 to reach Olympic women’s hockey final
Aerin Frankel stopped 21 shots for her third shutout of the Olympic women’s hockey tournament and the favored United States advanced to the gold-medal game by defeating Sweden 5-0 at the Milan Cortina Games.
Many families in Minneapolis still attend school from home despite promise of ICE drawdown
Although U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is expected to remove another 100 or so agents from the Twin Cities by Monday, many families are not letting their guard down.
Morning Announcements for Feb. 13 and Feb. 16
These are the Morning Announcements for Friday, Feb. 13 and Monday, Feb. 16. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Unseasonably warm weather continues ahead of midweek storm
Our stretch of mild, springlike temperatures will continue into the start of the workweek before a powerful winter storm system begins making headlines, bringing heavy, wet snow to the Northland.
Farm income is declining in the Upper Midwest
A survey of lenders said farm incomes were down in the fourth quarter of 2025 and will stay down into 2026.
 Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota names one of its founders as new CEO
The Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota's new CEO Kim Kleven knows the educational institution inside and out, as she's been with the organization as a volunteer, board member, and staff member since its inception. If fact, the idea for a space for children of all backgrounds to learn, grow and play was largely her idea.
Near record high gold and silver prices make coin and jewelry exchange shops busy
The Olympic Gold and silver medals some Minnesota athletes are pursuing are worth more than ever this winter, thanks to skyrocketing gold and silver prices. While the prices have dropped somewhat from record highs reached in late January, they’re still much higher than a year ago, as uncertainty about the economy drives investors towards more stable options.