Stories from April 16, 2026

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.