Stories from April 27, 2026

Trump ends ban on mining near the Boundary Waters
President Trump has signed into law a resolution that ends a 20-year mining moratorium on about 350 square miles of federal land just south of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
North Dakota state legislator Liz Conmy died in a plane crash Saturday. Her family, friends and colleagues are remembering her as a mentor and “a source of joy.” And a bill to help businesses affected by this winter's federal immigration crackdown is headed for a Minnesota Senate floor vote.
Shakopee teacher dies in crash along Twin Cities freeway
Extra support staff are on hand at Shakopee High School this week after a teacher died in a crash along a Twin Cities freeway over the weekend.
Somali Day at the State Capitol comes after a challenging several months for community
Organizers of the event say less people showed up this year due to lingering fears from “Operation Metro Surge.” The event was an opportunity for the Somali community to come together and advocate for support from lawmakers.
Man charged with attempted assassination of Trump in White House correspondents' dinner shooting
The man who authorities say tried to storm the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner with guns and knives has been charged with the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump.
Reporter's notebook: Examining Minnesota's group home industry
The death of Ryan Riggs last year led a state investigator to conclude Riggs' group home had neglected his needs. His death and the neglect finding devastated his family. For the state’s fast-growing group home industry, it was part of a troubling pattern.
Minnesota journalist attended White House Correspondents' Dinner to protest, but didn't get the chance
Minnesota-based independent journalist Georgia Fort attended the White House Correspondents’ Dinner to stand for the First Amendment by walking out during the president's speech. She didn’t have the opportunity.
Researchers say remote Lake Superior island's wolves are thriving as packs prey on moose
Researchers say more wolves are roaming a remote Lake Superior island, using moose as one of their primary food sources. Isle Royale is a 134,000-acre island in far western Lake Superior between Grand Marais, Minnesota, and Thunder Bay, Canada.
Morning Announcements for April 27
These are the Morning Announcements for Monday, April 27. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
1st-place Victoire opt to open PWHL playoffs against 3rd-place Minnesota; Boston to play Ottawa
The PWHL regular-season champion Montreal Victoire bucked the standings by choosing to open their semifinal playoff series facing the third-place — and two-time defending Walter Cup champion — Minnesota Frost. In selecting Minnesota, Montreal also set the other best-of-five semifinal matchup of second-place Boston Fleet facing fourth-place Ottawa Charge.
A new investigation by MPR News and APM Reports found that at least 50 Minnesota group home residents have died unexpectedly in recent years. In 19 of those cases, the state investigated and found neglect had occurred. State law caps the fines for a maltreatment at $5,000. Some cases resulted in fines of just $1,000 — or no fine at all.
Rain and thunder Monday followed by a cool midweek
We’ll have scattered showers and thunderstorms through Monday night. Some sun should appear Tuesday with cooler midweek temperatures.
Short on cash, Minnesota lawmakers search for new ways to pay for priorities
Leaders at the Capitol agree on the top priorities they need to tackle this year: Getting funding to HCMC and counties, combating fraud and approving a slate of local construction projects. But with relatively little money to go around, they’re weighing options to cover as much as they can.
Fifty deaths, few consequences: Inside Minnesota’s group home industry
At least 50 Minnesota group home clients have died since late 2022 under circumstances serious enough to trigger state maltreatment investigations. But many penalties amounted to fines of $5,000 or less, and most homes kept their licenses. When Ryan Riggs died in the backyard of his group home, the state’s initial fine was just $1,000.