Stories from April 17, 2026

ICE went on a hiring spree. Sterling credentials were not required, AP investigation finds
Some new U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers started working before passing background checks and had problems in their past. ICE announced in January that it completed an unprecedented hiring spree, adding 12,000 officers and agents to double its force.
Strong storms are possible with even a couple of isolated severe storms ahead of a big cold front. The Storm Prediction Center says there is an enhanced risk (level 3 out of 5) for the southeastern corner of Minnesota and west-central Wisconsin. Meanwhile, Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman and his family have filed a civil lawsuit against the man charged with shooting them last June.
ICE acting director Todd Lyons will resign at end of May, DHS says
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director Todd Lyons, a key executor of President Donald Trump’s mass deportations agenda, will resign at the end of May, federal officials announced Thursday.
Lynx re-sign 5-time All-Star forward Napheesa Collier
The Minnesota Lynx have re-signed five-time All-Star forward Napheesa Collier. The team announced the move Thursday night but didn't provide contract details.
Minnesota earns its 1st NCAA finals appearance in women's gymnastics, joins Oklahoma, Florida, LSU
Minnesota clinched the program’s first NCAA finals appearance in women’s gymnastics, joining top three seeds Oklahoma, Florida and LSU to battle for the national title. No. 13-seed Minnesota became the lowest seed to reach the final since the NCAA began seeding in 2014.
Minnesota up against the clock on Medicaid changes
Democrats and Republicans in the Minnesota Legislature say they need to either pass legislation or update existing rules soon to ensure that state programs comply with new requirements from the federal government.
How resilience hubs are giving climate aid before, during, and after a crisis
Dr. Kent Boyd, a Climate Adaptation, Resilience, and Public Health Extension Educator at the University of Minnesota spoke with MPR News about what actions the public health industry is taking to adapt to climate change.