Stories from May 27, 2026

Environmental cleanup of St. Louis River nears completion
The St. Louis River where it flows into Lake Superior was heavily polluted for decades by a legacy of historic industrial pollution. Now Minnesota is on the cusp of completing the river’s environmental transformation.
NPR's newsroom shrinks through buyouts and layoffs
At least 18 NPR journalists have accepted buyouts and another 10 have been laid off as the public media network attempts to save money and reorganize the newsroom.
U.S. Rep. Angie Craig says she'll skip the DFL convention in Rochester and head straight to a Senate primary. Minneapolis city leaders are searching for a new police chief after Brian O'Hara resigned Tuesday.
15 books NPR critics can't wait for this summer
A gothic horror tale, a creepy science-fiction romp, a sweeping romance, an intergenerational saga, a book about birds — here are the fiction and nonfiction our critics are most looking forward to.
Here's how the National Weather Service analyzes dangerous heat
Extreme heat is one of the deadliest weather hazards in the United States. That’s why the National Weather Service created HeatRisk, a tool designed to show when heat goes from uncomfortable to dangerous, and who is most at risk.
Near record temperatures roll on, storms pause
After a bunch of record high temperatures were broken on Tuesday, we’ve cleared out even faster on Wednesday, and it could end up even hotter in many cases! Much of the coming week will be dry, so expect some drought conditions to expand.
Morning Announcements for May 27
These are the Morning Announcements for Wednesday, May 27. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Minneapolis City Council leaders speak after O'Hara resigns as police chief
News of O’Hara’s sudden departure — and details about the investigations — brought statements of sharp criticism of the mayor and the police chief from some city council members and community groups.
Reyna, Berhalter, Zendejas on U.S. World Cup roster, while Luna and Tessmann left off by Pochettino
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino has announced his 26-man World Cup roster. It includes Gio Reyna and Sebastian Berhalter. Alejandro Zendejas also made the squad, while Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann were left out in the announcement Tuesday.
ICE detainees are dying by suicide at an 'alarming' rate, an AP investigation finds
Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees are taking their own lives at a pace that’s unprecedented in the agency’s two-decade history, highlighting what experts call failures in care and oversight.
New Trump immigration guidance could force some green card applicants to wait abroad
Immigration attorneys say the new policy memo doesn’t target existing green card holders, but could impact immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for years while navigating complicated immigration backlogs or waiting for other legal pathways to open.
Minneapolis police chief Brian O'Hara resigned Tuesday amid allegations that he interfered with an internal investigation. The investigation explored allegations that the chief had sexual relationships with city employees.
Steamy again Wednesday with isolated, spotty thunder
It’ll be another very warm, muggy day Wednesday. Isolated and spotty thunder will be possible again. High pressure brings more stable conditions Thursday into the weekend.
Xcel customers to see gas rates increase by nearly 5 percent
Advocates say that higher gas rates will make it tougher for those struggling to already pay for other rising costs like groceries and gasoline.
U.S. Senate hopeful Craig heads straight to primary, paving way for Flanagan's DFL endorsement
As the DFL heads into its convention this weekend, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has all but secured the party endorsement for U.S. Senate as Angie Craig, a Minnesota congresswoman, announces she will skip the convention process.