Stories from April 21, 2026

Workers lose $240 million during ICE surge, survey estimates
Workers in the Twin Cities lost an estimated $244 million in wages during the ICE surge while businesses lost $610 million in revenue.
Taste of July Wednesday; severe risk returns Thursday
Our beautiful spring air mass gives way to more scattered strong storms Thursday. There is a risk for severe weather Thursday afternoon and evening.
Nitrate is quietly polluting rural drinking wells. How researchers are working to help
Across the central U.S., nitrate from crop fertilizer and livestock facilities is seeping into water underground. Many family wells are no longer safe to drink from without pricey treatment.
Minnesota lawmakers are still sorting through requests to reimburse cities for unplanned expenses during a surge of immigration agent activity earlier this year. And the Nobles County Board voted this morning to deny a zoning change that would've allowed data centers to be built on farmland in the southwestern Minnesota County.
Report shows some Minnesota companies are profiting from war in Iran
A report from MinnPost detailed numerous companies with defense contracts with the U.S. military. The war in Iran ballooned military spending, which made its way into the state’s economy.
Nothing compares 2 Prince: A look at his life and legacy 10 years after his death
10 years ago Minnesota — and the world — mourned the loss of cultural icon Prince. Andrea Swensson was a music journalist for The Current at the time and had a professional relationship with Prince. She reflects on the day she sat down with Prince and how his legacy lives on.
More than 70 Minnesota children detained in Operation Metro Surge, data show
Sahan’s analysis of court records and federal deportation data represents the most thorough accounting yet of the Minnesota children detained during “Operation Metro Surge.”
Prince's legacy still shines in downtown Minneapolis 10 years after his death
Ten years after Prince's death, his legacy still looms large over his home state. Local writer Frank Bures takes us on a tour of downtown Minneapolis to explore Prince's life and impact.
What it takes to make elections secure and accessible
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon and an election security expert about how our election systems can balance security with access.
Prince fans reflect on his legacy 10 years later
Prince is remembered as more than a musician. His impact on fashion, gender expression and artistic freedom continues to resonate with Minnesotans and people across the world.
A bill that enhances penalties for coercion passed the House unanimously Monday. The bill is called Carter's Law, after Carter Bremseth. He was a 16-year-old from Olivia, Minnesota. Carter died by suicide after a scammer pressured him to send nude photos and then extorted him. Meanwhile, nursing home workers at five metro-area homes launched a three-day unfair labor practices strike Monday.
Even warmer Tuesday and Wednesday; storms possible Thursday
The warmup continues as 70s return to most of southern Minnesota today. Tomorrow will be windy and even warmer with widespread 80s. Storms are possible again Thursday.
Johnston and Stars beat Wild 4-2 in Game 2 to even their first-round playoff series
Wyatt Johnston had two goals and Matt Duchene scored a tiebreaking power-play goal as the Dallas Stars beat the Minnesota Wild 4-2 in Game 2 to even their Western Conference first-round playoff series at a game apiece.
‘Houses are just gone’: Stewartville, Marion Township clean up after Friday’s tornadoes
Clean up efforts are underway in parts of Rochester, Stewartville and other communities in SE Minnesota after tornados swept through the region Friday afternoon. Olmsted County’s sheriff says at least 60 to 70 homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed.
 Nobles County Board votes against zoning change, preventing massive data centers
The Nobles County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to reject a zoning change that would allow data centers to be built on farmland. The county's planning commission also rejected the measure earlier this month as hundreds of local residents voiced opposition.