Stories from May 7, 2026

Lawmakers consider expanding program that helped St. Paul double its nonfatal shooting solve rate
Nonfatal shootings are difficult cases to solve, but doing so can prevent future violence. Lawmakers are proposing a grant program to help police around the state clear more nonfatal shooting cases.
Mayor Frey's vetoes of eviction notice extension, drug paraphernalia ordinances will stand
Frey was able to successfully block proposals that sought to extend the eviction notice period and to decriminalize drug paraphernalia. However, the council voted again to block the mayor’s reappointment of Todd Barnette as Community Safety Commissioner.
Ruiz powers the Nationals past the Twins 7-5 with a go-ahead 7th-inning homer and 4 RBIs
Keibert Ruiz homered, doubled twice and drove in four runs to lift the Washington Nationals to a 7-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins. Ruiz’s solo shot off John Klein broke a 5-all tie in the seventh, and Curtis Mead added an RBI single later that inning.
Chilly night gives way to a more May-like warmup
Another round of frost is possible Thursday night across parts of Minnesota and western Wisconsin, but the bigger weather story is the gradual warmup that’s finally beginning to take shape heading into next week.
Minnesota officials are forecasting air quality issues this summer due to wildfire smoke and high ozone levels. Meteorologists with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency say drought conditions are increasing the risk of wildfires and they're expecting 12 to 16 days of smoky air this summer. And a Minneapolis man pleaded guilty this morning to spraying vinegar on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar earlier this year.
Some smoky summer days are ahead for Minnesota
Drought conditions are expected to contribute to 12 to 16 days of smoky conditions and four to six days of high ozone levels this summer.
Minnesota teens continue to report declining rates of cannabis use
The findings come from survey data collected by the state in 2025 and show teens saying they’re using cannabis at half the rate they did a decade ago. Bloomington schools’ health services director shares her perspective.
'A birdhouse for loons': DNR studying human-made platforms loons can nest in
It comes after volunteers with the DNR say they’re seeing fewer chicks on Minnesota lakes in recent years. That has the agency looking for ways to make the state’s lakes a more desirable place for loons to nest and raise their young.
Minneapolis passes assault-weapon ban — but state law will block it
The ban would only go into effect if the Minnesota Legislature repeals a law preventing cities from regulating guns. A bill to do so was introduced at the Capitol this year but is not moving forward.
Trump vowed to fight crime in Minneapolis. Prosecutions plunged
The Trump administration blitz that flooded Minnesota with immigration agents also dramatically slowed other federal investigations and prosecutions into an array of serious crimes, a Reuters review of federal court records found.
Abrams has grand slam and 5 RBIs, House, Tena and Millas also homer as Nationals rout Twins 15-2
CJ Abrams hit a grand slam with a career-high five RBIs, Drew Millas, Brady House and José Tena also homered and the Washington Nationals set their season high for runs in a 15-2 rout of the Minnesota Twins.
MPR News meteorologist Mandy Thalhuber on what goes into forecasting the weather
An accurate weather forecast tells you what coat to wear, and can also save lives. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with MPR News meteorologist Mandy Thalhuber about what goes into forecasting the weather.
State fires director of Minnesota’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office
The director of Minnesota’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office has been terminated less than a year after being appointed to the position.
Border Czar Tom Homan says mistakes were made in Minneapolis earlier this year during ICE's enforcement on immigration. Homan says the public will continue to see mass deportations, especially in sanctuary cities.
Warmer days ahead
Temperatures start to warm up Thursday into next week. If you’re looking for rain for any lawns or new gardens, it will be spotty and light.
Wembanyama and Spurs rebound to hand Timberwolves largest postseason defeat, 133-95, to even series
Victor Wembanyama had 19 points and 15 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs handed Minnesota the worst postseason loss in franchise history, beating the Timberwolves 133-95 to even their Western Conference semifinal series at one game apiece.
Potential funding change could cost some Minnesota school districts millions
School systems across Minnesota say they're facing a dire funding emergency if the Legislature doesn't act to deal with a crucial funding issue. Those with high numbers of students living in poverty are especially hard-hit.
‘The damage was already done’: Minnesota immigrant families struggle after ICE deportations
The most recent data shows that about half of the 3,700 immigrants detained by federal agents during the ICE surge have been deported. Many detainees left behind families that depended on them, who are now asking themselves whether they can safely stay, or even safely leave.
Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness marks 50 years with familiar challenges
The challenges of 1976 facing what became Friends of the Boundary Waters Area Wilderness are similar to those faced by the group today after Congress overturned a federal ban on mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Art Hounds: City Mouse, gravediggers and songs about food
Art Hounds recommend monthly concerts from WideSpot Performing Arts Center, Teatro del Pueblo's “Los Profanadores de La Calle Arenas” and Caritas Vocal Ensemble.
Is forward-facing sonar making fishing in Minnesota too easy?
Real-time imaging technology allows anglers to spot fish, track their movement and even watch how they react to a lure. Critics say it crosses an ethical line and worry it could increase pressure on fish populations.
 Minnesota's enduring influence on 'Twin Peaks,' 35 years later
“Twin Peaks” went off the air 35 years ago. Though the fictional town was set in Washington state, Minnesota had a lasting impact on the series.