Stories from April 14, 2026

The federal government is still withholding more than $240 million in Medicaid reimbursements to Minnesota, despite approving the state’s plan to address fraud concerns. Gov. Tim Walz says the funds should now be released. Thunderstorms, hail and at least one tornado scoured southern Minnesota last night.
At least 3 tornadoes hit southern Minnesota Tuesday evening
NWS survey teams found at least three tornadoes. Dozens of damaging hail reports across many locations in southern Minnesota Monday.
Local group wants to see St. Paul reach a more climate-forward, flexible contract with Xcel
The city of St. Paul is working out a new franchise agreement with one of its main utilities, Xcel Energy. Unidos MN says it wants to see changes to the fee structure and a shorter contract.
Winona-Rochester Bishop Robert Barron, a Trump ally, urges president to apologize to Pope
Conservative Catholic Bishop Robert Barron, who is a close ally of President Trump, sharply rebuked the president for his harsh rhetoric criticizing Pope Leo XIV, calling it “inappropriate and disrespectful.”
A new poetry book, 20 years in the making
A new poetry book explores poems of spring and connection through 20 years of poetry.
Ramsey County launches $320 million development plan
Ramsey County is launching a new plan to sell off county-owned property and invest millions of dollars into development in downtown St. Paul.
Former diplomats gather in Minneapolis to discuss nuclear proliferation amid war in Iran
The “Great Decisions Conference” comes at a tense time for global security as the standoff between the U.S. and Iran intensifies. Mary Curtin, one of the panelists and a former diplomat, shared more about the gathering.
Elk River teacher and veteran explains educating students about war as it's happening
Some of the burden of helping children make sense of those wars and other fraught international relations falls onto teachers. But how do you teach history as it's unfolding?
Morning Announcements for April 13 and 14
These are the Morning Announcements for Monday, April 13 and Tuesday, April 14. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Turkeys, coyotes and other city critters
Wild animals are thriving in the city. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two researchers about the coyotes, foxes, turkeys and other city critters that have adapted to urban life.
Minneapolis prepares to break ground at George Floyd Square
City staff are holding public informational meetings this week about reconstruction plans at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis ahead of a planned June groundbreaking.
A severe storm system bombarded southern Minnesota with hail Monday. A Burnsville woman could die if she's not freed from immigration detention soon. And friends and family of a Wisconsin man who was shot and killed last week by a Superior police officer are speaking out against the death.
Foggy start after stormy night, then a midweek warmup before Friday storms
Dense fog and low clouds have settled in following Monday night’s storms, creating a slow and gloomy start to the day. A stretch of warm temperatures and additional storm chances will continue through the week before a sharp cooldown arrives this weekend.
Efforts underway for second round of U.S.-Iran talks as Strait of Hormuz showdown endures
The standoff between the United States and Iran is deepening as the U.S. has declared it has blockaded the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan says it is racing to bring the sides together for more talks. Last week’s ceasefire appeared to hold on Tuesday.
Why Congress is fighting over a central tool of American surveillance
Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is responsible for a huge share of intel collected by the U.S. Lawmakers and civil liberties advocates are worried it enables warrantless spying on U.S. citizens.
'Fargo' 30 years later: How it put Minnesota on the map, for good and bad
To celebrate 30 years of “Fargo,” a special showing at the Fargo Theatre features one of its stars, Peter Stormare, who will watch the movie in its entirety for the first time. Here’s how the movie put Minnesota on the map and changed how people thought of the state.
River in the Boundary Waters is again named to list of country’s most endangered waterways
American Rivers says the South Kawishiwi River is threatened by proposed copper mines in the watershed. The clock is ticking on a Congressional effort to reverse a 20-year mining ban in northeast Minnesota.