Stories from April 3, 2026

MN Shortlist, April 3–9: Artists rethink how stories are carried
Artists across Minnesota use form itself — from ceramics and printmaking to captions and repertory film — to reinterpret history, place and collective experience as something active rather than fixed.
Half of those arrested by federal agents in Minnesota this winter have already been deported
The federal government moved at a rapid pace to deport nearly 1,700 people picked up during a surge of immigration enforcement in Minnesota this winter, according to data analyzed by APM Reports and MPR News.
He's the voice of romantasy audiobooks’ biggest heartthrobs. He’s never been busier
From Rhysand in “A Court of Thorns and Roses” to Kingfisher in "Fae and Alchemy," Anthony Palmini is a voiceover star for romantasy’s bestsellers — a book genre that continues to explode.
6 books named finalists for the 2026 International Booker Prize
The shortlisted titles include novels and novellas from authors and translators spanning four continents, with stories that range from Japanese-controlled 1930s Taiwan to the streets of Tehran in 1979.
Results of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe primary elections are in
Six member nations of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe held primary elections this week. Some candidates were elected to leadership positions by majority vote; others move on to the general election in June.
Politics Friday: 3 congressional candidates vying for their party's endorsement
Friday at noon, a check-in on the only Minnesota congressional race guaranteed to send a new person to Washington. MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst speaks with three candidates seeking to represent the 2nd Congressional District.
Morning Announcements for April 3
These are the Morning Announcements for Friday, April 3. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Play ball! How rising temperatures are powering more home runs
As the baseball season gets underway, one interesting weather factor affecting the game is warming temperatures. While fans may often focus on the players performance, the environment itself is quietly playing a bigger role than ever before.
Daisy Hernandez on the many layers of 'Citizenship'
Americans have been arguing about what it means to aspire to and possess U.S. citizenship almost from the beginning. A new book from professor Daisy Hernandez argues, through a personal and historical lens, that how we define this basic right says a lot about how we view race, class and the soul of this country.
Twins Opening Day at Target Field resumes after brief power outage
There was a weather curveball for the Minnesota Twins’ Opening Day on Friday, with chilly conditions and a chance for rain — but that didn’t stop fans from lining up hours before the first pitch at Target Field.
A half dozen Minnesotans sued Immigration and Customs Enforcement Thursday after masked agents broke into their homes without judicial warrants. Meanwhile, results from Minnesota Chippewa Tribe primary elections held Tuesday are now certified for most member nations.
As one system moves out, another moves in Friday into Saturday
As one storm system exits northeastern Minnesota, another will push into western Minnesota Friday. Heavy snow is expected north with a mixed bag south into Saturday.
Pistons past Timberwolves 113-108. Edwards ineligible for NBA postseason awards after ruled him out again
Jalen Duren had 22 points and 14 rebounds, Daniss Jenkins scored 26 and the Detroit Pistons beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-108 on Thursday night as both teams were without a superstar. Minnesota ruled out All-Star guard Anthony Edwards, listing his right knee injury and an illness.
Minnesota graduation rates hit record high in 2025
Minnesota’s four-year high school graduation rate continued to inch upward in 2025 after dipping in the pandemic. As they applauded the gains, state officials expressed concern about students affected by the federal immigration raids.
Fargo Forum lets go of liberal columnists, sparking protest
Forum Communications, which owns newspapers and TV stations throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana and both Dakotas, parted ways last week with left-leaning columnists. The move has sparked protest from readers.
The WNBA expansion draft is Friday. Here’s how it works
The league’s expansion draft on Friday will determine part of the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo’s make-ups and who will be leaving the rosters of existing teams. Two teams will make their debut in the 2026 season as the WNBA expands to 15 teams.
From classroom to sugarbush, immersion school connects students to Indigenous language and culture
Wicoie Nandagikendan, an early childhood Dakota and Ojibwe immersion program, uses cultural teachings and family engagement for hands-on language learning. Despite funding freezes and external pressures, the program has remained open, supporting young learners in their language journey.