Stories from April 8, 2026

The Minnesota National Guard is assisting officials in Winona County as they respond to a cyberattack. And Minnesota mayors were at the state Capitol today asking for money to help businesses recover from the immigration agent surge.
Judge hears arguments to keep ICE away from Minnesota schools
Two Minnesota school districts and the state teachers union are suing to restore the Department of Homeland Security’s policy of recognizing schools as protected areas safe from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
How one group rapidly distributed millions in just 3 months during ICE surge
The Immigrant Rapid Response Fund raised and gave out more than $10 million in funding to organizations statewide in just a matter of months. The convener of the coalition of philanthropies behind the effort shared how they pulled it off.
How Trump went from threatening Iran's annihilation to agreeing to a 2-week ceasefire with Tehran
Over the course of a single day, President Donald Trump went from threatening Iran with “annihilation” to proclaiming that Iran's leadership had presented a “workable” plan that led him to agree to a two-week ceasefire.
DNR: 75-year-old system of protected lands is the 'heartbeat' of wildlife conservation
Wildlife Management Areas emerged from a movement in the 1950s to conserve wetlands after many were drained or filled for agriculture. There are now about 1,500 of these protected areas in a variety of habitats across the state.
Minneapolis Public Schools works to reenroll students dropped during ICE surge
In Minnesota, students who miss 15 consecutive days of school are dropped from enrollment in a district. MPS Director of Student Retention and Recovery Colleen Kaibel said there are multiple factors impacting absenteeism and enrollment in the district.
Minnesota's Taj Bradley shines on an off night for Tarik Skubal as Twins beat Tigers 4-2
Taj Bradley outdueled Tarik Skubal and Ryan Jeffers drove in two runs as the Minnesota Twins beat the Detroit Tigers 4-2. Bradley gave up one run on six hits with no walks and 10 strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings as the Twins won their second straight.
Wild beat skidding Kraken 5-2 for 4th straight win, setting up showdown with Stars
Vladimir Tarasenko scored the go-ahead goal in the second period, Matt Boldy had a goal and an assist, and the Minnesota Wild twice benefited from replay reviews in a 5-2 victory over the skidding Seattle Kraken.
As Minneapolis reconsiders its adult bathhouse ban, here’s what to know about the history
In the 1970s and 1980s, the bathhouse scene in Minneapolis was plentiful. Some activists say it’s time to update outdated language in a 1988 ordinance banning them and create an opportunity to bring them back.
State officials are investigating after a police officer in Superior, Wis., fatally shot a person on Tuesday night.
Michelin Guide announces expansion to include Minneapolis restaurants
Michelin announced Wednesday that it’s launching an American Great Lakes guide to restaurants, including Minneapolis and five other Great Lakes-area cities. It’s the first time reviewers will consider Minneapolis restaurants for a coveted Michelin star.
Getting ahead of the sneeze: Preparing for spring allergy season
Snow is still on the ground across parts of Minnesota, but it’s not too early to start thinking about spring allergies. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two allergists about what’s coming this season and how to get ahead of it.
Trump administration terminates agreements to protect transgender students in several schools
The Education Department says it has terminated agreements that previous administrations reached with five school districts and a college aimed at upholding rights and protections for transgender students.
Democratic-backed Chris Taylor wins Wisconsin Supreme Court race, growing liberal majority
Democratic-backed candidate Chris Taylor has won election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Her victory Tuesday grows the liberal majority on the court as cases affecting congressional redistricting, union rights and other hot button issues await.
Foster youth advocates will testify Wednesday in support of a bill protecting Supplemental Security Income and Survivor Benefits for those in the foster care system. Meanwhile, Minnesota's electrical grid is in the midst of a massive expansion.
Hegseth and Caine hold news conference after U.S. and Iran agree to 2-week ceasefire
As part of the agreement, set to take effect immediately, Trump said the U.S. and Israel would suspend bombing Iran for two weeks, subject to Iran following through on its commitment to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for safe passage during the ceasefire period.
Warm, windy day ahead before cold front sweeps through
Gusty winds and mild temperatures are in place for Wednesday, but a cold front will arrive with spotty precipitation. Seasonal temperatures return to close out the workweek, before a muggy, mild and stormy pattern sets up for the weekend.
MSPIFF opens with Maria Bamford documentary and a wide-ranging slate of global films
MSPIFF combines local premieres and international films with panels and filmmaker conversations to connect Twin Cities audiences to both regional storytelling and the wider film industry.
In southeast Minnesota, transmission line for green energy raises environmental concerns
A massive expansion of the electricity grid through southern Minnesota has local landowners and conservationists worried about the impact on wildlife, ground water and the land. Utilities say the project is necessary to expand the reach of renewable energy produced in the upper Midwest.