Stories from April 30, 2026

Feeding Our Future judge limits Bock's document access after file leak
The judge in the Feeding Our Future case is limiting convicted ringleader Aimee Bock's access to confidential case documents amid allegations that she directed her sons to send the files to public officials and reporters.
New online licensing system for hunting, fishing to launch this summer
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says Minnesotans will soon be able to purchase licenses online or through a new mobile app for fishing and hunting.
A document obtained by MPR News shows that dozens of Minneapolis police officers worked with a previously undisclosed Homeland Security Task Force last year, which city leaders say is not involved in immigration enforcement.
Clergy hold 24-hour vigil urging lawmakers to fund HCMC
Dozens of Twin Cities clergy gathered outside Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis for a 24-hour vigil urging state lawmakers to fund the financially struggling hospital, which leaders say is critical to providing care for low-income patients and serving as a major training site for the region’s doctors.
Minnesota poised to become first in the nation with AI nudification ban
The bill prohibits anyone from using a program that nudifies images or videos of real people. Advertising for any of those programs would also be banned. The bill passed the state Legislature and now heads to the governor’s desk for a signature.
Congress ends record shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security
Thursday's vote in the House provides funding for DHS after a more than two-month shutdown, but does not include dollars for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.
Trail cameras capture footage of cougar kittens in northern Minnesota
Cougars were native to Minnesota before becoming extinct within the state, according to the DNR. Over the past two decades, there have been dozens of sightings of lone cougars across Minnesota.
Hot tub boats soon to make a splash on Mississippi River
Minnesota Hot Tub Boats has been approved to operate out of Boom Island Park in Minneapolis. The floating hot tubs will sail from Nicollet Island railway bridge up to the Broadway Street Bridge.
Morning Announcements for April 30
These are the Morning Announcements for Thursday, April 30. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
What's next for DEI? How to make workplaces more inclusive of everyone
What’s next for DEI? MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about how diversity, equity and inclusion efforts are evolving and what it takes to create workplaces that work for everyone.
Lindsey Vonn tells the AP she is not yet in position emotionally to decide if she will race again
Lindsey Vonn is still recovering physically and emotionally from her frightening crash at the Winter Olympics. She has undergone eight surgeries after suffering a complex left leg fracture — one that nearly led to amputation — in the women’s downhill skiing race on Feb. 8.
The Minnesota Supreme Court has upheld the first-degree premeditated murder conviction of Adam Fravel, who is convicted of killing Madeline Kingsbury. Three members of a Prior Lake family are facing federal charges for allegedly attacking a conservative influencer outside the Whipple federal building earlier this month.
A couple more cooler days before a warmer weekend
The cool pattern persists for a couple more days with a mix of clouds and sun. Temperatures warm up this weekend, but we’ll also have a few disturbances moving through into Tuesday.
Supreme Court paves the way for largest-ever drop in Black representation in Congress
By weakening Voting Rights Act protections against racial discrimination in redistricting, the Supreme Court has paved the way for the largest-ever drop in representation by Black members of Congress.
Minneapolis police participation with Homeland Security Task Force raises concerns
City officials say the task force was not related to civil immigration law enforcement. However, some say, given how the surge damaged trust between citizens and local and federal law enforcement, this kind of cooperation doesn’t help efforts to repair those relations.
'It's very overwhelming': Minnesota drivers make tough choices at the gas pump as prices rise
A gallon of regular gas is about $3.99 in Minnesota, with some Twin Cities gas stations charging more than $4 a gallon on Wednesday. The national average is about $4.30 a gallon.
Transgender athlete reaches settlement with USA Powerlifting
Minnesota trans athlete JayCee Cooper has reached a settlement agreement with USA Powerlifting, after the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that the organization violated her rights by barring her from women’s competitions.
Art Hounds: Fresh dance, short plays and a nightmare gala
Art Hounds recommend Strange Loop Project’s “Fresh Baked,” Threshold Theater’s “More 4Play” and Plains Art Museum’s Spring Gala.
Amid DEI backlash, a liberal and a conservative Minnesotan seek common ground
Prince Corbett leans liberal; Kofi Montzka considers herself a conservative. They’re both Black Minnesotans who want to bridge political divides and address racial disparities. The challenge? Figuring out how to find common ground amidst their big political differences.
How rising jet fuel prices are driving up the cost of fighting wildfires
The Iran war has nearly doubled jet fuel prices in the United States. That means the bill for firefighting aircraft operations this summer will likely rise by tens of millions of dollars.