Stories from July 1, 2026

Fourteen people facing federal charges for protesting ICE in Minnesota pleaded not guilty in federal court today. And Minnesota's attorney general's office won't enforce a new law requiring warning labels for social media sites while a lawsuit plays out.
Want to get rid of your creeping bellflower? Try eating it.
Minnesota gardeners are on the lookout for a weed with delicate flowers and a tendency to take over. Some have posted yard signs and Facebook posts urging their neighbors to help keep the plant in check. And some like to cook with it.
Lynx’s Collier returns to practice: ‘It’s the same goal as every year. To win a championship.’
Napheesa Collier and Dorka Juhász have returned to practice after an offseason filled with injury and being sidelined by a recovery that has kept them away for a little over a quarter of the 2026 season.
Creators of legal defense hotline say it fills a critical gap in early hours after arrest
Hollywood has taught entire generations that if you’re arrested in the U.S., you have the right to an attorney. But unless they can pay, a defendant likely won’t meet with a lawyer until their first court appearance. A Hennepin County law firm is trying to change that.
State funding kicks in for Minnesota counties to upgrade old technology systems
Starting July 1, Minnesota's counties can start a makeover of the technological systems and online databases that keep their services running. The state legislature approved $90 million dollars this year to upgrade sluggish and outdated computer systems.
Two dozen alleged gang members indicted for drug trafficking
A federal grand jury in Minneapolis has indicted two dozen alleged gang members on drug trafficking conspiracy charges. Two of the defendants are also accused of killing a rival.
Rescue dogs and cats coming to Minnesota face New World screwworm scrutiny
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health imposed restrictions Tuesday on animals coming from areas where there are active New World screwworm infestations, including Texas and New Mexico.
Stormy Wednesday night; July Fourth looks rainy
Expect several more quick-hit thunderstorms in the days ahead. None of these storm complexes will affect all parts of the state. Temperatures will stay above average. At least a few thunderstorms are likely on the Fourth of July.
St. Paul council president: Tax-exempt groups should help close budget gap
Universities, hospitals, larger nonprofits and religious establishments in St. Paul are tax-exempt but they should still kick in money to “pay their fair share” as the city struggles with a $26 million budget gap, City Council President Rebecca Noecker told MPR News.
How the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on transgender athletes impacts Minnesota
The court ruled Tuesday states can ban transgender girls and women from playing on girls sports teams in schools and universities. Minnesota currently has no such ban, but an advocate says the decision sends a harmful message to transgender people.
Superior Shores Resort on North Shore of Lake Superior sold to investment firm
Landmarq Capital purchased the resort this week for an undisclosed sum. When it was last sold in 2020 it went for nearly $15 million. The buyer then was Bryce Campbell, who has since been charged with arson for the fire that burned down another of his properties, the landmark Lutsen Resort lodge.
Cheap Week: Making your grocery dollars go further
Groceries are expensive. So how can you stretch your food budget and still eat well? MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about tips for shopping smarter, wasting less and saving money on food.
More than a dozen people facing conspiracy charges in connection with anti-ICE protests are expected back in Minneapolis federal court Wednesday afternoon. Meanwhile, a Minnesota Senate committee will meet Wednesday to discuss the Department of Human Services' revalidation process.
Minnesota's ‘sprint medic' pilot program aims to get paramedics to rural emergencies faster
In an effort to reduce long ambulance response times in rural parts of the state, three Minnesota counties are testing a new program that aims to get paramedics to the scene of emergency injuries or illnesses faster. The sprint medic program puts paramedics centrally located in their coverage area in pickup trucks packed with advanced life support gear.
He sent a harsh email to ICE's top official. 5 months later, federal agents tracked him down
Federal agents went to a Rochester, N.Y., man's home to warn him that an email he sent five months ago could be an illegal threat. He was on vacation but another agent found his hotel hundreds of miles away.
Across north Minneapolis, neighbors help neighbors survive the opioid crisis
An overdose response network of healthcare providers, community coalitions, a fire station and neighbors equipped with naloxone saw opioid-related emergency room visits decline in north Minneapolis in recent years. An MPR News data analysis finds reasons for hope and concern.
Pop-up warnings on social media? Not yet as Minnesota law is paused until court sorts it out
Under a Minnesota law taking effect Wednesday, new warning labels were supposed to pop up on social media sites and apps to flag potential mental health risks of spending too much time online. But enforcement is on hold as a court sorts it out.
Having fun finding fungi: Rochester artist makes crocheted mushrooms to teach and delight
Blink and you’ll miss them. Dotting the trails around an environmental learning center in Lanesboro are life-like crocheted mushrooms. They’re a lesson in mycology and finding art in unexpected places.