Stories from April 29, 2026

Thank you, Minnesota
I’m retiring on Thursday. I feel so fortunate to have enjoyed the past 40 years talking about weather every workday of my career.
Citizens' group files lawsuit to block Google's proposed Hermantown data center
Stop the Hermantown Data Center has sued the city of Hermantown to try to block a massive data center proposed by Google. The group alleges the city improperly changed zoning rules and violated state open meeting laws.
More Medicaid fraud investigators remain in the mix for the state Attorney General's office. And the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating after gunfire left one person dead and a police officer injured early this morning in Richfield.
In the courts and the Capitol, Minnesota leaders take aim at fossil fuel companies
Two scholars explain steps to hold big companies accountable for their role in contributing to climate change. One route has been through the courts. Another has been through legislation that would make fossil fuel companies pay for their emissions.
Frost open PWHL playoffs seeking to three-peat, with semifinals featuring familiar mix of contenders
The Minnesota Frost are seeking to three-peat and open against two-time regular-season defending champion Montreal. The Boston Fleet return following a one-year absence, and face the Ottawa Charge in a matchup of the PWHL’s two other teams to reach the Walter Cup Final before losing to Minnesota.
Morning Announcements for April 29
These are the Morning Announcements for Wednesday, April 29. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Julio Rodriguez has 3 doubles, Josh Naylor homers as Mariners beat Twins 7-1
Julio Rodriguez hit three doubles, scored twice and drove in two runs, and Josh Naylor had a homer and four RBIs as the Seattle Mariners beat the Minnesota Twins 7-1. Four Seattle relievers combined to retire the last 12 Twins hitters. Eduard Bazardo pitched a scoreless sixth inning.
Annunciation Catholic school's long road to healing
The shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School was over in minutes, but the healing continues. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how the Annunciation community is finding a way forward and how some parents are working to prevent future tragedies.
Gov. Tim Walz delivered his final State of the State speech Tuesday. The two-term Democrat had plenty of support from members of his party as he listed off the changes his administration has ushered through, but Republicans see his legacy, and the work of his administration, differently. Meanwhile, a new health inequities analysis released Wednesday shows widespread racial and ethnic disparities persist in Minnesota.
Wild going home against Stars with chance to advance in NHL playoffs for 1st time since 2015
The Minnesota Wild are going home with a chance to advance in the NHL playoffs for the first time since 2015. The Wild have a 3-2 series lead going into Game 6 on Thursday night against the Dallas Stars. The Wild won 4-2 in Dallas on Tuesday night.
Cool temperatures continue through Friday
The cooler-than-normal temperatures continue through the end of the week. An upper-level disturbance will touch off a few showers Wednesday.
In farewell State of the State, Gov. Tim Walz seeks action after Minnesota’s trying year
Gov. Tim Walz acknowledged his complicated record as he urged lawmakers to put an exclamation mark on their session. The divide in reaction in the room for his annual speech demonstrates the difficulty he faces in enacting agenda.
‘Your own Minnesota badge of honor’: The Rebel Loon becomes walking resistance artwork
The Rebel Loon, a round graphic of the state bird with wings outstretched above it — has become a symbol of Minnesotan's response to the immigration enforcement surge. It didn’t take long for the arts world to adapt it into anything imaginable, including tattoos.