Stories from May 20, 2026

The Flanders wildfire in Crow Wing County is now 95 percent contained. Authorities say they believe it was sparked by a campfire. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources it has identified people of interest in connection with the case. Good financial news for Target today -- the Minneapolis-based retailer saw better-than-expected sales in the first quarter.
'Vigilant, not fearful': Minnesota Muslim leaders coordinate safety after California mosque shooting
Minnesota Muslim leaders gathered with state and federal law enforcement this week following a deadly shooting at an Islamic center in California. As Eid approaches, communities are focusing on preparation and coordination to keep worshippers safe.
Wolves will be as aggressive as possible this summer in trying to improve, Tim Connelly says
Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly is promising to be aggressive about trying to improve the team this summer after losing to the San Antonio Spurs in a six-game second-round playoff series.
New kids podcast demystifies puberty with help from experts and teens who've been through it
"Puberty (The Podcast)" from Brains On Universe is designed for kids ages 7-12. It is also a resource for parents helping their kids navigate their changing bodies and brains.
Nationwide report shows economic, racial achievement gaps persist in Minneapolis schools
New scorecards are out for school districts across the country. Known as the Education Scorecard, the results in Minneapolis Public Schools show large achievement gaps across race and class.
U.S. announces criminal case against former Cuban President Raúl Castro
Federal prosecutors have announced charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro in the 1996 downing of civilian planes operated by Miami-based exiles. The announcement was made Wednesday as the Trump administration escalated pressure on the socialist government.
Minneapolis police announce arrests in attempted auto theft that turned deadly
Minneapolis police say two suspects are in custody in connection with an attempted auto theft that turned deadly. Amos Ferrier, who worked with a local veterans’ nonprofit, died from injuries suffered while trying to stop the theft.
Mayor Frey names his choice to lead the Minneapolis Fire Department
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has nominated Reginald Freeman, a veteran fire leader from Oakland and Hartford, to be the city’s next fire chief, pending City Council approval.
Minnesota's incoming Chief Justice Theodora Gaïtas wants to make courts more accessible
There will be a new lead at the top of Minnesota’s Supreme Court. Supreme Court Associate Justice Theodora Gaïtas will be taking over after Chief Justice Natalie Hudson retires at the end of September.
Leave it to beavers! How these rodents damn wildfires
Man-made firebreaks, like dozer lines created by heavy machinery and hand lines dug by firefighters, help stop flames from spreading — but so do natural barriers like beaver ponds.
Why prosecuting federal agents can be so difficult
MPR News host Emily Bright speaks with Craig Futterman, a professor at the University of Chicago Law School, on the challenges that come with prosecuting federal law enforcement officers.
Memorial Day forecast: From unsettled to warm, sunny and gorgeous
Could we make a run at 90 degrees by the end of next week? We’ve got a look at fog, rain, frost then warmth and sunshine for the end of the holiday weekend!
Barney Frank, former congressman and gay-rights pioneer, dies at 86
The former congressman was politically engaged until the end. As GBH reports, Even in hospice, Frank was actively working to spread the message of his forthcoming book, "The Hard Path to Unity: Why We Must Reform the Left to Rescue Democracy."
Ebola outbreak in Africa raises global concern
MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with an infectious disease physician about what’s fueling the Ebola outbreak in central Africa and what it will take to contain it.
North Shore Highway 61 reopens after fire just in time for Memorial Day
Highway 61 between Two Harbors and Silver Bay was closed for several days as firefighters worked to control the Stewart Trail Fire. With the fire now fully contained, the highway has reopened ahead of a busy holiday weekend for travel.
Target books strongest sales growth in 4 years with customers buying into refreshed lineup
Target, which embarked on a turnaround plan under its new CEO earlier this year, reported the biggest increase for a widely watched measure of quarterly sales in four years. The retail chain embarked earlier this year on a $6 billion plan to reverse three consecutive years of declining sales.
Minnesota lawmakers are giving counties and tribal communities $90 million to upgrade the old and inefficient technology they use to administer SNAP and Medicaid benefits. Meanwhile, Red Lake Nation tribal band members will cast votes Wednesday in an election for leadership positions, including tribal chairman.
High pressure brings back some sunshine for Wednesday
We’ll see cooler-than-normal temperatures Wednesday behind the system from the last two days. It’ll also be windy with some lingering showers. Brighter and warmer conditions will return.
Two arrested after Moorhead middle schoolers eat THC candy
Moorhead police arrested the parents of a student who brought candy to school that police believe contained THC, the compound in cannabis that gets people high. Two students were sent to a medical facility after consuming the candy, and 10 other students were sent home.
DNR identifies starting location, people of interest connected to Flanders Fire
The Crow Wing County sheriff says he thinks a campfire may have caused the blaze. On Tuesday, fire crews continued working to put out remaining hot spots, and residents who live in the evacuation zone were able to return to their homes.
Minnesota-based Good Luck High Five podcast brings Magic to new players
Meghan Wolff and Maria Bartholdi have turned their love for a nerdy pastime into a professional podcast and content creation business in Minnesota. They’ve also brought new enthusiasts into the popular trading card game Magic: The Gathering and diversified the professional coverage of tournaments.