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Stories from September 15, 2026

Inver Grove Heights exempts data center project from city moratorium

Inver Grove Heights exempts data center project from city moratorium

The project in question — a proposed 55,000-square-foot data center on Carmen Avenue East — had already been in the works when the council approved the one-year data center moratorium.
by MPR News Staff

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After rough skies, monarch butterfly population on the rise

After rough skies, monarch butterfly population on the rise

In recent years there have been concerns about whether the monarch butterfly was a threatened species. Thanks to good weather, and an increase in their food, the pollinator’s numbers increased in 2026.
by Brent Jabbour and Clay Masters

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FBI works with utilities to strengthen cyber security; Carleton College eliminates loans

FBI Director Kash Patel says his agency continues to work with utilities across the country to strengthen their cyber defenses. That's in the wake of cyberattacks on U.S. water systems earlier this year, including in Minnesota. And Carleton College has announced it will eliminate loans from its financial aid packages beginning next fall.
by Emily Reese

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Overnight rains into the start of fall foliage

Overnight rains into the start of fall foliage

Looking forward to some more rain? Sure, some overnight showers Wednesday into Thursday and Thursday into Friday will take down some dried-out leaves, but we should get some aid for our drought. We have a generally cooler forecast but nothing is really leaping off the computer screen for an unbelievable chill — this is actually all pretty standard.
by Ben Cathey

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Federal regulators sue to close pest-infested Minneapolis food warehouse

Federal regulators sue to close pest-infested Minneapolis food warehouse

Gold Star Distribution is planning to close after pest problems and product recalls. Investigators with the Food and Drug Administration had found a slew of pests in the building during the 2025 inspection.
by Estelle Timar-Wilcox

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Lynx forward Natasha Howard releases memoir

Lynx forward Natasha Howard releases memoir

Her memoir, “The Vision Through My Lens: My Life in Basketball and Beyond,” was released Tuesday.
by Nina Moini and Alanna Elder

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Justice Bus provides free mobile legal services across greater Minnesota

Justice Bus provides free mobile legal services across greater Minnesota

The Justice Bus is a mobile office set up to help with civil cases related to issues like eviction or custody arrangements. Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services is one of four organizations that operates a Justice Bus across the state.
by Nina Moini and Alanna Elder

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FBI chief Kash Patel defends loosening of employment standards on bestiality, prostitution

FBI chief Kash Patel defends loosening of employment standards on bestiality, prostitution

FBI Director Kash Patel is defending the bureau’s loosening of hiring requirements regarding prostitution and bestiality, saying the changes were meant to enable victims of those acts to apply for employment without fear of automatic disqualification.
by The Associated Press

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Chief Justice Natalie Hudson reflects on a life dedicated to justice

Chief Justice Natalie Hudson reflects on a life dedicated to justice

Minnesota’s top judge retires at the end of this month. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Minnesota State Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson about her career, cases and the role of the courts.
by Angela Davis and Maja Beckstrom

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150 doctors at Allina Health’s Mercy Hospital and its Unity campus began a four-day strike Monday

Physicians have been negotiating their first union contract for three years but haven’t been able to reach a deal. Meanwhile, fire officials in Duluth say a worker was injured when a large fuel tank exploded at a fuel transfer facility.
by Phineas Pope

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High pressure makes a nice Tuesday with more rain chances ahead

High pressure makes a nice Tuesday with more rain chances ahead

High pressure clears skies out for most Tuesday making for a pleasant day. It will be pretty breezy however. A few showers are possible Wednesday with better chances Friday.
by Sven Sundgaard

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Why is Rochester’s 10-acre Seneca site still vacant seven years later?

Why is Rochester’s 10-acre Seneca site still vacant seven years later?

The Seneca Foods processing and canning facility closed in 2018 and Olmsted County purchased the property the following year for $5.6 million. But seven years later, the site is still empty, and county commissioners said that the process to find realistic options to fill the site has been slow, meandering and somewhat controversial.
by Molly Castle Work

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After 30 years, Minnesota's longest paved bike path is finally finished

After 30 years, Minnesota's longest paved bike path is finally finished

The Mesabi Trail cuts a 165-mile path across northern Minnesota’s Iron Range. Officials will celebrate the trail’s completion with a ribbon cutting Tuesday in Tower.
by Dan Kraker

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Ask a Bookseller: 'The Inquisitive Raven' by Richard Wagamese

Ask a Bookseller: 'The Inquisitive Raven' by Richard Wagamese

Pallas Erdrich of Birchbark Books in Minneapolis recommends a picture book written by Richard Wagamese and illustrated by Bridget George.
by Emily Bright

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Emmys 2026: Here's the list of winners

Emmys 2026: Here's the list of winners

“Law & Order: SVU” star Mariska Hargitay is hosting the Emmy Awards on Monday night. We'll be updating this list as winners are announced.
by Beth Novey and Clare Lombardo

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