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Stories from April 13, 2026

New book with Minneapolis roots tells ‘How Black Music Took Over the World’

New book with Minneapolis roots tells ‘How Black Music Took Over the World’

Musician Melvin Gibbs has built a career over decades nimbly crossing genres. He spoke with MPR News host Clay Masters about his new book, “How Black Music Took Over the World,” described as part memoir, part history and part science.
by Clay Masters and Gretchen Brown

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Spring Lake Park district cancels school after cyberattack

Spring Lake Park schools were closed Monday after a cyberattack, according to an announcement from the district. In a notice on its website, the district says an outside actor gained access to some internal systems. Financial relief for small businesses affected by the federal immigration enforcement surge remains in the mix at the Legislature.
by Emily Reese

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Special elections on April 14: Vacancies and ballot questions

Special elections on April 14: Vacancies and ballot questions

There are a number of elections happening across the state on Tuesday as voters fill a vacancy on the Columbia Heights school board and voters decide on city, school district and county referendums.
by MPR News Staff

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Drownings drive new safety effort for Minnesota kids with autism

Drownings drive new safety effort for Minnesota kids with autism

Fay Jede created Waeys Water Safety Foundation to honor her son who drowned after wandering from his home in 2024. She hopes to support mothers, especially in the East African community, with scholarships and information on water safety and kids with autism.
by Kyra Miles

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Dissonance remains as Minneapolis proceeds with George Floyd Square reconstruction

Dissonance remains as Minneapolis proceeds with George Floyd Square reconstruction

Some neighbors still disagree with the city’s construction plan, Jeanelle Austin, the lead caretaker at George Floyd Square, told MPR’s Morning Edition.
by Cathy Wurzer, Gracie Stockton and Estelle Timar-Wilcox

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Beading, weaving and animal hides: New exhibitions showcase diversity of Native textile art

Beading, weaving and animal hides: New exhibitions showcase diversity of Native textile art

The exhibitions open Tuesday at the Textile Center. One focuses on the work of Two-Spirit artists in Minnesota. The second features Dakota and Anishinaabe artists working across traditional and contemporary forms.
by Kelly Gordon and Ngoc Bui

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Minnesota investigates the arrest by ICE of a Hmong American man as a possible kidnapping

Minnesota investigates the arrest by ICE of a Hmong American man as a possible kidnapping

Ramsey County Attorney John Choi and Sheriff Bob Fletcher said Monday they will pursue information from the Department of Homeland Security that they need for their investigation into the arrest of ChongLy “Scott” Thao, an American citizen.
by The Associated Press

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How federal efforts to oversee elections may weaken trust in voting

How federal efforts to oversee elections may weaken trust in voting

The SAVE Act would require voters to show proof of citizenship to register to vote. It’s the latest effort by the Trump administration to assert more control over federal elections.
by Kelly Gordon and Aleesa Kuznetsov

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11 new books in April offer a chance to step inside someone else’s world

11 new books in April offer a chance to step inside someone else’s world

The books we’re spotlighting this month don’t exactly radiate escapist good vibes — but they do offer the opportunity to step into someone else's life and get to know their view of our shared world.
by Colin Dwyer

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Behind the scenes with 911 call takers and dispatchers

Behind the scenes with 911 call takers and dispatchers

Every 911 call starts with a voice on the other end. MPR News host Angela Davis goes behind the scenes with 911 dispatchers and call takers — the voices that connect callers to lifesaving help.
by Angela Davis and Nikhil Kumaran

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Timberwolves welcome back Garnett and beat Pelicans in regular-season finale as playoffs await

Timberwolves welcome back Garnett and beat Pelicans in regular-season finale as playoffs await

The Minnesota Timberwolves rested almost all their regulars for the playoffs during a 132-126 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, as franchise icon Kevin Garnett made a special appearance for fan appreciation night in the regular-season finale.
by The Associated Press

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U.S. military to block ships from Iran’s ports after peace talks fail

U.S. military to block ships from Iran’s ports after peace talks fail

The U.S. Central Command said the blockade would be "enforced impartially against vessels of all nations" from 10 a.m. EDT, following the breakdown of talks after 21 hours of negotiations.
by NPR Staff

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Minnesota lawmakers consider decriminalizing psychedelic mushrooms

An Edina man is expected to plead guilty Monday to federal charges of ripping off COVID-era business relief programs. Meanwhile, Minnesota lawmakers are considering decriminalizing psilocybin, also known as psychedelic mushrooms.
by Phineas Pope

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How a $75 billion windfall from Congress has insulated ICE

How a $75 billion windfall from Congress has insulated ICE

Last year, Congress approved $75 billion for immigration enforcement. That money has allowed ICE to operate nearly unfettered during a record-long shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.
by Sam Gringlas

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Active weather week ahead: Severe storms possible Monday afternoon

Active weather week ahead: Severe storms possible Monday afternoon

The atmosphere is setting the stage for strong to severe thunderstorms Monday afternoon and evening, with the highest risk south of a line from Redwood Falls through the Twin Cities to Eau Claire, Wis.
by Mandy Thalhuber

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In heavily partisan Minnesota Legislature, some issues nudged along by cross-party cooperation

In heavily partisan Minnesota Legislature, some issues nudged along by cross-party cooperation

Because of the Legislature’s tight party divide, lawmakers are finding it in their benefit to team up on bills with members of the other party. A number of bills, including several dealing with new technology, have found bipartisan sponsorship this session.
by Peter Cox

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