Stories from May 28, 2026

What’s changing — and what isn’t — for Minnesota’s group home industry
Lawmakers revised regulations following an investigation by MPR News and APM Reports into the group home industry’s explosive growth in the northwestern suburbs of the Twin Cities — and the surprising number deaths among residents.
New Minnesota law makes sexual grooming of children a felony
Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill into law aimed at preventing the sexual grooming of children. Championed by a former student, the bill passed with rare unanimous bipartisan support in a divided Legislature.
Attorneys for independent journalist Don Lemon are renewing their push for access to grand jury transcripts in the case of Lemon and 37 others charged in connection with a protest at a St. Paul church in January.
Minnesota's dry and getting drier in the coming weeks
We have a mostly hotter and drier forecast in the coming days, which will likely mean that drought expands even more by next week. For many, however, the forecast is a warm and beautiful opportunity to get outside.
Crime novel author says fictional Iowa hit man 'Gerry Sass' is just doing the best he can
Emily Bright interviewed visiting author Tiffany Hanssen about her new crime novel “My Name Was Gerry Sass” in advance of her May 28 reading at Once Upon a Crime Bookstore in Minneapolis.
Dust devils vs. landspouts: Twisting columns of air that confuse everyone
On warm, windy days you might spot a spinning column of dust dancing across a field, parking lot, or prairie. At first glance, it can look like a tornado, but not every spinning vortex is created equal.
Black bears move farther south and west in Minnesota; expert says don't fear
Andrew Tri, bear project leader at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, told MPR News their range has been stretching south and west since the ‘60s and ‘70s, but “markedly so over the last 20 years.”
ICE is spending millions of dollars on iris scanners, expanding its arsenal of tech tools
ICE is expanding its use of iris recognition technology, with plans to deploy hundreds of scanning devices across the country. The practice raises concerns among privacy experts that the Department of Homeland Security is amassing a database of biometric data.
Morning Announcements for May 28
These are the Morning Announcements for Thursday, May 28. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
The role of a liberal arts education in a changing world
Tuition prices, student debt and changing workforce needs are raising questions about what students should get out of education after high school. MPR News guest host Annie Baxter talks with guests about the future of liberal arts and higher education.
The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is one step closer to getting land back from the University of Minnesota. Gov. Tim Walz signed legislation paving the way for the university to return the land on which its Cloquet Forestry Center is situated.
High pressure dominates next several days
High pressure will be the dominant weather feature into next week. That means warmer and drier-than-normal conditions persisting for the foreseeable future.
Minneapolis City Council calls on mayor to collaborate in search for new police chief
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is facing criticism from city council members over his handling of investigations into former Police Chief Brian O’Hara, who resigned after investigators found he likely interfered with a probe into his conduct.
Here’s how a new law will change Minnesota’s cannabis and hemp industries
Cannabis and hemp supply chains will merge, businesses making hemp-derived products will have an easier time transitioning into the cannabis market, hemp-derived THC drinks can now be sold in sizes similar to liquor bottles, and more.
 Amid statewide race losing streak, Minnesota Republicans look for a new formula for success
Minnesota Republicans will convene this weekend in Duluth to endorse candidates in several statewide races. They split on whether steering candidates closely aligned to President Donald Trump or those seen as more politically moderate will be the best path to victory in November.
Minnesota breweries are feeling the pain as the craft beer industry continues to decline
There are more than 200 breweries across Minnesota and some are struggling to stay open. Brewers credit the tough times to tariffs, a shift in drinking habits and competing shelf space.