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Stories from April 16, 2026

Senate votes to overturn mining ban near Boundary Waters

The U.S. Senate has voted to overturn a 20-year ban on mining on about 350 square miles of federal land near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, paving the way for Twin Metals to renew efforts to open an underground copper mine near Ely, on the doorstep of the wilderness area. Minnesota lost jobs in February, and state officials are linking the decline to federal immigration enforcement.
by Emily Reese

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NPR receives $113 million in charitable gifts

NPR receives $113 million in charitable gifts

"My hope is that this commitment provides the stability and the spark NPR needs to innovate boldly and strengthen its national network," says Connie Ballmer, who gave $80 million of the $113 million.
by David Folkenflik

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St. Paul elementary in Rondo neighborhood set to become Afrocentric school this fall

St. Paul elementary in Rondo neighborhood set to become Afrocentric school this fall

Benjamin E. Mays will replace its International Baccalaureate program with a new Afrocentric program and curriculum in the fall. The principal of the school and superintendent of St. Paul Public Schools spoke more about how the program came to be.
by Kelly Gordon and Ngoc Bui

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37 years after son's killing, Jacob Wetterling's parents tell their story in new documentary

37 years after son's killing, Jacob Wetterling's parents tell their story in new documentary

Jacob Wetterling was kidnapped and killed 37 years ago. Now, a new film, premiering at this year’s Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, takes a look at what these years have been like for his parents who never gave up on finding answers about their 11-year-old son’s death.
by Kelly Gordon and Alanna Elder

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New report gives a behind-the-scenes look into Trump's DHS and immigration operations

New report gives a behind-the-scenes look into Trump's DHS and immigration operations

A team of New York Times reporters spoke to more than 80 former and current Department of Homeland Security employees as well as Justice Department officials about the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement operations.
by Kelly Gordon and Ngoc Bui

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Outdoor writer Stephanie Pearson's new book is a guide to the country's most iconic hikes

Outdoor writer Stephanie Pearson's new book is a guide to the country's most iconic hikes

Duluth native and outdoor writer Stephanie Pearson gives MPR News a glimpse into her new book, “100 Hikes of a Lifetime USA,” a culmination of her experiences hiking across the country.
by Kelly Gordon and Ellen Finn

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Hoffman and family file civil lawsuit against Vance Boelter

Hoffman and family file civil lawsuit against Vance Boelter

Sen. John Hoffman, DFL-Champlin, and his family have filed a civil lawsuit in Hennepin Country against Vance Boelter, who is accused of shooting Hoffman and his wife Yvette and shooting and killing Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark.
by Cait Kelley

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Mining industry group reacts to Senate overturning ban on mining near Boundary Waters

Mining industry group reacts to Senate overturning ban on mining near Boundary Waters

The U.S. Senate voted 50-49 Thursday morning to overturn a ban on mining near the Boundary Waters. The vote is a win for the company Twin Metals, which aims to build an underground copper-nickel mine just south of the boundary waters.
by Kelly Gordon and Alanna Elder

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ICE agent faces felony charges in February road rage incident in Minnesota

ICE agent faces felony charges in February road rage incident in Minnesota

Hennepin County authorities on Thursday charged an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent with felony assault in connection with a Feb. 5 road rage incident along Highway 62.
by Matt Sepic

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Statewide tornado drill for Severe Weather Awareness Week

Statewide tornado drill for Severe Weather Awareness Week

Thursday is our statewide tornado drill day as part of Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week. The drill is designed to help schools, businesses and families practice what to do in the event of a tornado warning and to ensure everyone knows where to go for shelter.
by Mandy Thalhuber

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Minneapolis headed for potential 'never-ending loop' in community safety commissioner nomination

Minneapolis headed for potential 'never-ending loop' in community safety commissioner nomination

The Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey are in a disagreement over whether to reappoint current commissioner Todd Barnette to another term. The city attorney says they could be at a standstill, without votes to either overturn a mayoral veto or confirm Barnette’s appointment.
by Estelle Timar-Wilcox

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Edwards is eager to bring Garnett-like energy to the playoffs after a so-so T-wolves regular season

Edwards is eager to bring Garnett-like energy to the playoffs after a so-so T-wolves regular season

Anthony Edwards has led the Minnesota Timberwolves back to the NBA playoffs for the fifth time in his six seasons. The Timberwolves must show some serious reinvigoration from a so-so performance over the last three months if they're going to match or better trips to each of the last two Western Conference finals.
by The Associated Press

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What to know about the first-round matchups in the NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs

What to know about the first-round matchups in the NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs

Six of the eight first-round series in the NHL's Stanley Cup Playoffs are set. In the Western Conference, Dallas vs. Minnesota and Vegas against Utah are locked in. The final two West series will be settled Thursday night.
by The Associated Press

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Jessie Eldridge scores 2 goals on assists by Alina Müller and the Fleet beat the Frost 3-2

Jessie Eldridge scored two goals to go with an assist, Alina Müller had two assists and a goal, and the Boston Fleet beat the Minnesota Frost 3-2. Boston (15-5-2-5) moved within one point of first-place Montreal (58), with the two teams set to face each other on Friday.
by The Associated Press

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Jet fuel prices double, leading airlines to increase baggage fees, raise fares

Jet fuel prices double, leading airlines to increase baggage fees, raise fares

Airlines are facing higher costs, and one airport group in Europe has warned of the risk of a "systemic jet fuel shortage" if traffic through the Strait of Hormuz doesn't normalize by the end of this month.
by Camila Domonoske

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Senate votes 50-49 to overturn mining ban near Boundary Waters

Senate votes 50-49 to overturn mining ban near Boundary Waters

The vote clears the path for Twin Metals to reapply to open an underground copper mine near Ely, just outside the wilderness area. Conservation groups argue mining in the region poses an unacceptable pollution threat.
by Dan Kraker

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Minnesota Supreme Court overturns murder conviction after finding cell phone location warrant was too broad

The Minnesota Supreme Court overturned a man's murder conviction after finding that a police search for cell phone location data was too broad. Meanwhile, the Minneapolis City Council is considering a proposal that would change how landlords screen tenants by specifically limiting questions about immigration status.
by Phineas Pope

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Above-normal temperatures Thursday with red flag warnings west

Above-normal temperatures Thursday with red flag warnings west

Temperatures will be 20 to 25 degrees above normal Thursday. A cold front will bring scattered showers Friday followed by much colder air for the weekend.
by Sven Sundgaard

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Owatonna residents force bonding question for new fire, police facilities to be on ballot

Owatonna residents force bonding question for new fire, police facilities to be on ballot

Officials in Owatonna say their city desperately needs new fire and police stations. But some residents question the need and the cost. Nearly 2,500 of them signed a petition to force the city to put $65 million bonding question to fund the facilities on the ballot.
by Catharine Richert

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Olivia Miles on legacy, Lynx and what it means to play alongside legends

Olivia Miles on legacy, Lynx and what it means to play alongside legends

The Minnesota Lynx chose Miles second overall in Monday’s WNBA draft. As she begins her rookie season, she looks forward to supporting a team with a legacy she’s honored to be a part of.
by Anika Besst

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Court overturns murder conviction after finding 'geofence' warrant too broad

Court overturns murder conviction after finding 'geofence' warrant too broad

The Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned a murder conviction after finding that a search for phone location data was too broad. But the justices did not ban “geofence” warrants outright.
by Matt Sepic

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