The church on Summit Avenue was the site of an anti-ICE demonstration in January after activists learned David Easterwood, a pastor at the church, led ICE's field office in St. Paul. That incident led to federal charges against nearly 40 people, including journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort.

On Sunday, April 5, protesters were outside the church around 8:35 a.m. "using a blow-horn and yelling loudly, disrupting the church services," St. Paul police spokesperson Alyssa Arcand said in a statement.

St. Paul officers were working contracted overtime at the church and protesters were given "numerous" announcements by officers to stop, or face a citation or arrest, according to Arcand.

Police allege the majority of the protesters complied, but one woman allegedly "did not comply and was arrested by officers for interference with religious observance, and Saint Paul City Ordinances 293.02 and 293.07."

MPR News spoke with one of the protesters, Gaz Mulvaney, who said the group was peacefully protesting and followed police's orders to keep the noise down by immediately shutting their speakers off.

"There was no need for this to happen," Mulvaney told MPR.

Stanley's Northeast Bar Room shared pictures of the wreckage at the restaurant/bar at 2500 University Ave. NE. Monday morning, showing a red Chevy Silverado struck the window to the right of one of the entrances.

The impact left debris strewn at one end of the business' bar room, including smashed glass and remnants of the wall.

Despite this, Stanley's says its closure will only be temporary, and it should be ready to reopen by 3 p.m. Monday.

"Well ... that's one way to get a table," it posted. "Car vs. building: car wins."

There's no information at this time on the cause of the crash and whether any injuries were sustained by the driver.

Bring Me The News has reached out to Minneapolis PD for more details.

Stanley's was facing potential closure just last year due to planned Minnesota Department of Transportation construction on the University Avenue and Lowry Avenue Northeast intersection, which was intended to to reduce the rate of crashes.

The initial proposal would have seen MnDOT acquire the Stanley's building via eminent domain to complete the work, but that proposal was scrapped after an outpouring of public support.

The construction plans shifting the redesign for the intersection further south, to allow the Stanley's building to remain where it is.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement’s latest version of events, and may be subject to change.

Friday marked 44 years since Ted Dengerud was last seen leaving a bar near Sunburg. 

According to the Swift County Sheriff’s Office, Dengerud and a friend had traveled to the Twin Cities to inquire about a construction job on April 3, 1982. 

When the two returned to the area later that day, they arrived at a bar near Sunburg on the Swift-Kandiyohi County lines. 

Dengerud’s friend sat at the bar while he purchased a six-pack of beer. Dengerud had brief conversations inside the bar before leaving alone, according to the sheriff’s office. 

On the way back from the bar, Dengerud stopped at a nearby home to ask for directions, which included one turn before his destination. The interaction marked the last time Dengerud was seen. 

Dengerud’s car was later found at an intersection south of Camp Lake smashed against a tree. The car was seven miles northwest of Dengerud’s destination. 

Officials estimate the car crashed at around midnight. 

The sheriff’s office says it continues to investigate the case. Anyone who may have been in the area and remembers seeing Dengerud at the bar or his crashed car is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s office. 

“Ted’s family has been waiting 44 years for answers, and we are determined to find out what happened,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a social media post.

Why do the Lynx have the No. 2 overall pick?

The Lynx traded their original first-round pick to the Sun, which would've been 15th overall. They acquired the No. 2 overall pick in a trade with the Sky last year. The deal sent the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 draft, which became Hailey Van Lith, to Chicago, and the Sky's 2026 pick to Minnesota. The Sky had the second-worst record in the league last season, which is why Minnesota is now picking No. 2 after the lottery.

Why Betts should be their target

Numerous prospects have received buzz as the potential No. 1 overall pick this year. Spanish forward Awa Fam, UConn guard Azzi Fudd, TCU guard Olivia Miles and Betts are at the top of that list.

Betts just averaged 21.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.8 blocks in six NCAA Tournament games. She led UCLA to its first-ever championship in the NCAA era, and she was awarded Most Outstanding Player.

Lauren Betts is so freaking good at basketball.

Admittedly, I’ve never seen Awa Fam play, but I don’t really understand how/why Betts is not the overwhelming favorite to go No. 1 overall in the WNBA Draft. Such a talented player.

— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) April 5, 2026

Fudd's Huskies were upset in the national semifinals against South Carolina, and TCU lost in the Elite Eight round against the Gamecocks. Both guards are dynamic talents with bright professional futures, but players like Betts don't come around often.

At 6-foot-7, Betts would immediately be one of the tallest players in the WNBA, but she's much more than that. She's a really impressive passer for her size, with 3.2 assists per game this season. She obviously uses her height to be an elite rebounder, shot-blocker and physically imposing offensive presence, but she's a fluid athlete on both ends of the floor.

Betts didn't have many peers at the college level in terms of players who can match her size, which has raised questions about how her skills might translate. Cheryl Reeve helped Sylvia Fowles and Rebekah Brunson have tremendous careers in Minnesota as elite post players, so it's going to be hard to find a system more qualified to develop Betts at the professional level.

The Dallas Wings hold the No. 1 overall pick in the April 13th draft, so Betts obviously has to still be on the board in order for the Lynx to bring her to Minnesota. There are plenty of reasons to think why Fam or Fudd could be the first selection. If that happens, Minnesota should run the card in to take Betts.

Betts' fit on Minnesota's roster

The Lynx are coming off a 2025 season where they had the best regular-season record in the league, but lost in the semifinals of the playoffs. Star forward Naphessa Collier is expected to re-sign with the franchise as a free agent this spring, and Betts would be the perfect young star to put next to her in the frontcourt.

The brand new CBA will give the Lynx a ton of questions in free agency this offseason, but Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams, Natisha Hiedeman and DiJonai Carrington made a talented backcourt last season. They need help in the frontcourt.

Bringing in a dominant post presence like Betts to put alongside Collier would be an intriguing duo to lead Minnesota into the new era of the WNBA.

According to the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office, deputies and fire crews responded to a house fire on the 5700 Block of Marble Avenue in Mt. Iron just after 10 p.m. 

While initial reports stated that some of the home's occupants were unaccounted for, first responders were able to find everyone once at the scene.

The sheriff’s office, citing conversations with family members, determined that the fire was caused by a 10-year-old playing with a lighter and an aerosol can. 

One of the homeowners was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene. 

The home is considered a total loss, according to the sheriff’s office. The Red Cross was called in to help the family. 

🧢🧢🧢 pic.twitter.com/BQTFgbvrY0

— x - Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) April 5, 2026

Minnesota (44-21-12) is up 100 points, only two behind the Dallas Stars (45-20-12) for second place in the Central Division with five games to go. It's a critical battle, as the team that finishes in second place will undoubtedly have home-ice advantage in a best-of-seven playoff series against the other.

Kaprizov's winning shot came after Patrick Kane, one of the best players in American hockey history, blatantly tripped Quinn Hughes away from the play with 3:37 left in the third period, and not long after, the Red Wings rallied to tie the game after falling behind by three goals.

Minnesota trailed 1-0 after one period, only to send the Red Wings into the second intermission to the sound of home fans booing them off the ice after the Wild scored four times in the middle frame.

Matt Boldy's 41st goal of the season came just 18 seconds into the second period, and Kaprizov followed 67 seconds later with his 41st goal of the season. Vladimir Tarasenko made it 3-1 with his 22nd goal at 7:03 of the period, and Kaprizov's second goal came at 12:32 of the second.

Detroit came back with three goals in the span of 7 minutes, 18 seconds in the third period, only to have Kane's penalty, which came three minutes after his goal tied the game, proving deadly against Minnesota's fourth-ranked power play.

All eyes are on Minnesota and Dallas as the NHL regular season wraps up between now and April 15, and the biggest game of them all could very well be on Thursday in Dallas when the Stars host the Wild.

At the same time, the Wild need to keep piling up points, starting Tuesday night at home against the Seattle Kraken. Dallas is also in action Tuesday at home against the Calgary Flames.

The Winona County Sheriff’s Office and several other agencies conducted an operation on the river on Saturday as part of an ongoing search for 72-year-old Patricia Sweningson. 

Crews searched the area between the Winona Levee and Lock and Dam 6 using sonar equipment, underwater remote-operated vehicles, and K-9s, but did not locate anything of significance, according to the sheriff’s office. 

Sweningson was last seen in downtown Winona in mid-March. She is described as 5’6” and weighing 110 pounds. 

"This was a comprehensive, multi-agency search effort utilizing specialized resources to thoroughly examine the river area," Winona County Emergency Management Director Ben Klinger said in a statement. 

"While we did not locate any new evidence today, we remain committed to continuing the investigation and supporting the ongoing efforts led by the Winona Police Department."

Anyone with information on Sweningson’s location is encouraged to call the Winona Police at 507-457-6302.

On March 31, the United States Department of Agriculture announced changes to the National Forest Service, including moving the agency’s headquarters from Washington D.C. to Salt Lake City, Utah.

Minnesota is home to the Superior and Chippewa National Forests. 

As part of the reorganization, the USDA says 57 research facilities across the country will be shut down. The announcement lists stations in Grand Rapids and Ely among those set to close. 

The Forest Service’s St. Paul facility is not affected by the closures, according to the announcement. 

Ely is home to the Kawishiwi Research Station in the Kawishiwi Experimental Forest and has not housed Forest Service employees for several years, according to MPR. It is unclear how or if the announcement will affect that research station, which is being leased by the Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps to conduct training. 

A USDA spokesperson told MPR that the changes will take place over the next one or two years and that Forest Service employees affected by the reorganization will be relocated. 

The reorganization also means the USDA will shift to a “state-based organizational model” in which a designated Forest Service office will oversee select states. 

An office in Madison, Wisconsin, will oversee Minnesota as well as Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Missouri.

After highs on Sunday approach 50 degrees in the Twin Cities, Monday will be colder as air temps struggle to get out of the 30s. That will set the stage for a cold Tuesday morning, which the weather service says could possibly be "our last time in the teens until next winter."

Wednesday will be warmer with a chance for showers and thunder, although snow or a wintry mix can't be ruled out for far northern Minnesota.

Big precipitation-maker next weekend?

If you're sick of snow and freezing rain, the storm system set to move through the area in the next weekend window looks to be warm enough to avoid frozen precipitation.

"There is increasing confidence for a potential corridor of heavy precipitation to set up from Texas to the Great Lakes April 12-13," says the National Weather Service in Duluth.

"Periodic rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms are possible, but uncertainty is high on whether or not it would make it as far north as the Northland. If heavy rain occurs, it could enhance snowmelt and runoff, increasing area streamflow and river levels. It could also help alleviate ongoing drought."

As the weather service notes in Sunday's forecast discussion, most of the models are showing widespread precipitation late Friday through the weekend, though the exact storm track is yet to be determined.

"For now, expect to see some wet weather towards the latter part of the week and next weekend, with some warmer temperatures as well," the weather service said.

When looking at the ensembles, which represent an average of dozens of possible outcomes, the European, American, and Canadian models are all putting down some significant precipitation (all rain) over the region.

Since it's April, severe weather becomes a possibility this far north. Iowa and southern Wisconsin have already had a taste of severe storms this spring, and it won't be too much longer before Minnesota gets in on the act.

We're still a week away, but the European model is hinting at dew points around 60 as far north as the Twin Cities next Sunday.

Could severe storms happen next weekend? It's too early to say, but it can't be ruled out.

But there are more intimate-feeling shows out there too, like Califone, Evicshen, and an album release show from alone-a.

Here are shows worth catching around the Twin Cities this week.

Califone

Wednesday, April 8, at Turf Club

For many fans, there's almost something mythic about Tim Rutilli and his band. Califone is simultaneously alt-country, rock, bluegrass, and psychedelic. Almost anything can happen on one of their LPs, from odd experiments, broad concepts, and living room-close warmth. The latter is present in their recent companion albums, "Villagers" and last year's "The Villager's Companion." Zak Sally (of Low) will open with a set of The Bee Gees covers.

A night earlier, GWAR will bring its grotesque costumes and blood buckets to First Avenue. After more than 40 years and dozens of lineup shifts, they're still reveling in chaotic, funny, heavy live shows and have managed to stay relevant. Max Cavalera's Soulfly opens, along with King Parrot.

Florence and the Machine

Wednesday, April 8, at Target Center

Florence Welch is bringing her gilded pop anthems to the Target Center for the first date of the band’s North American tour in support of last fall's “Everybody Scream.”

Welch’s art pop project has always orbited around her powerful voice, and the new album is no different, even if there’s a touch more navel gazing about pop stardom. But retains the thoughtful edge that has made her stand out, including immersive flourishes and driving guitars. It's not surprising that parts of the album were written in collaboration with Idles’ Mark Bowen, The National’s Aaron Dessner, and Mitski.

Lady Gaga

Thursday, April 9, and Friday, April 10, at Grand Casino Arena

Little monsters rejoice. Lady Gaga is bringing a second leg of the Mayhem Ball tour to the Twin Cities. The Grammy, Oscar, and Emmy-winner will close out the long, long trek over two nights at Grand Casino Arena.

While "Mayhem" has been out for more than a year, she's still celebrating the record, which landed on a lot of year-end lists and earned her a Grammy and a VMA nomination.

alone-a album release

Thursday, April 9, at The Cedar Cultural Center

Sound artist and musician Alana Horton is celebrating the release of her debut album, "a veil, a prism." It's a warm, atmospheric record that centers on her rich vocals, which are processed, sampled, and looped throughout the record's nine tracks with great delicacy and emotion. She'll be joined by sound artist Kenan Serenbetz and the Duluth-based percussionist and composer Zack Baltich.

Arturo Sandoval

Friday, April 10, at The Dakota

There aren't many musicians who are as decorated as Arturo Sandoval. The 76-year-old trumpeter has played alongside mentor Dizzy Gillespie, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Stan Getz, John Williams, and Alicia Keys, on top of nearly a dozen Grammys and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Sandoval is a tireless legend who will release a new album, "Sangú," in May. The funky Afro-Cuban track "Scat" was shared last month as a tease for the album and upcoming residencies in Los Angeles and New York.

On Thursday and Friday, the Minnesota Orchestra is joined by violinist Leila Josefowicz and conductor John Storgårds for a program that features Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6, as well as John Adams' Violin Concerto.

Twice

Sunday, April 12, at Grand Casino Arena

It’s going to be a massive night for Twin Cities K-pop fans. Twice is considered to be the biggest K-pop group to bring a tour to the Twin Cities.

Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu’s 2026 trek has them performing on a 360-degree stage, bringing an up-close-and-personal feel to shows that have a heavy dose of songs from their most recent record, "This Is For." And, yes, they have been playing "Strategy" and "Takedown" from "Kpop Demon Hunters" on their tour.

Less choreography and glitz will accompany Victoria Shen, aka Evicshen, when the San Francisco-based noise artist arrives at Cloudland Theater on Sunday.

Concerts on Monday, April 6

• Skullcrusher at Turf Club
• Niko Moon at The Fillmore
• Ladysmith Black Mambazo at The Dakota
• Krooked Kingz at 7th St. Entry
• Making Music: Mark Wheat interviews JG Everest at Berlin
• Erik Koskinen and the Helsinki Club with The Go Rounds at Icehouse’s Starlight Room
• Roe Family Singers at 331 Club (free)

Concerts on Tuesday, April 7

• Gwar with Soulfly and King Parrot at First Avenue
• Marissa Nadler at 7th St. Entry
• An Evening with Yagody at The Cedar Cultural Center
• Tierney Sutton and Tamir Hendelman Duo at The Dakota
• Lala Lala with Mother Soki at Zhora Darling
• The Knife Kickers with Issy, Zola, and Jackson Atkins at Pilllar Forum
• Tierney Sutton & Tamir Hendelman Duo at The Dakota
• Paranoid Jazz Androids at Indeed Brewing
• The Infernos at 331 Club (free)
• The New Halvoline Supremes at The White Squirrel Bar (free)

Concerts on Wednesday, April 8

• Florence and the Machine with Rachel Chinouriri at Target Center
• Califone at Turf Club
• On Cinema: The Certified “Five Bags of Popcorn” Tour at The Fitzgerald Theater
• An Evening with Loudon Wainwright III and Chris Smither at The Cedar Cultural Center
• An Evening with Jimmy Webb with Pete Mancini at The Parkway Theater
• Carly Cosgrove with Leisure Hour and Summerbruise at 7th St. Entry
• Slosylove & Slack / Peterson / Haneman / Gumm at Berlin
• The Silos 40th anniversary tour at Icehouse
• Based Negative Squad with Christ Dillinger, Acid Souljah, ZATOKAI, and theDEA at Zhora Darling
• Sewage of Youth, Quarter Moon, and Velvet Ghoul at Underground Music Venue
• Judith Owen at The Dakota
• Molly Maher & Her Disbelievers at The White Squirrel Bar (free)
• Mary Cutrufello at 331 Club (free)

Concerts on Thursday, April 9

• Lady Gaga at Grand Casino Arena
• alone-a album release with Zack Baltick and Kenan Serenbretz at The Cedar Cultural Center
• The Maine at First Avenue
• Minnesota Orchestra: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 at Orchestra Hall
• Third Day with Zach Williams at Target Center
• Robyn Hitchcock “Live and Electric - Full Band Shows” at Turf Club
• Worry Club with Edgehill and Bugsy at Zhora Darling
• Together Pangea and The Red Pears at Fine Line
• Colby Acuff at 7th St. Entry
• Takuya Kuroda at The Dakota
• Gifted Handz - live album recording at Berlin
• The Way Back Yard at Aster Cafe
• Sunken Planes with Dashed and Field Hospitals at Pilllar Forum
• IV and the Strange Band with Clownvis Presley and King Sickabilly at The Hook and Ladder
• Dean Magraw and Davu Seru at Jazz on LaFond
• Damn Tall Buildings at The Parkway Theater
• Georgia Jacobson, mezzo soprano, and Ryan Wolfe, baritone at Landmark Center’s Courtroom 317 (free)
• Thomas Sticha at The White Squirrel Bar (free)
• Joe Hysell at 331 Club (free

Concerts on Friday, April 10

• Lady Gaga at Grand Casino Arena
• Arturo Sandoval at The Dakota
• Minnesota Orchestra: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 at Orchestra Hall
• John Mulaney at The Armory
• Morgan Wallen at U.S. Bank Stadium
• Matt McCusker at The Fitzgerald Theater
• Health and Carpenter Brut at First Avenue
• KxllSwxtch with Warlord Colossus and Druidess at Fine Line
• Andrew Brady and Sang Yoon Kim Play Strauss’ Duet-Concertino at Ordway Concert Hall
• Fantastic Negrito at The Cedar Cultural Center
• Two Harbors, Madrean Sky, and Tender Comrade at Cloudland Theater
• Stage Fright: A Tribute to Bob Dylan and the Band at The Hook and Ladder
• The Back Alley and Easy Honey at Zhora Darling
• Favourite Girl album release with Sarah Morris & Sallyforth at The Parkway Theater
• Emily Haavik and The International Treasures at Icehouse
• Getdown Services at 7th St. Entry
• Alex Hitchcock Quartet at Berlin
• The Koffin Kats with Carrie Nation & the Speakeasy and The Rumours at Turf Club
• GoldFord at Varsity Theater
• Lisa Curtis with anni xo and IAMJOY at Pilllar Forum
• Mill City Hot Club at Berlin (free)
• Brunch with Bright Young Things at The White Squirrel Bar (free)
• Lost Evidence with Pencil Neck and Surrounded by Water at The White Squirrel Bar (free)
• OVRFWRD at 331 Club (free)

Concerts on Saturday, April 11

• Devotchka: Tribute to the Music of “Little Miss Sunshine” at First Avenue
• John Mulaney at The Armory
• Madison Cunningham at The Fitzgerald Theater
• Gary Owen at State Theatre
• Morgan Wallen at U.S. Bank Stadium
• Bloodywood at Varsity Theater
• Cat Clyde at Turf Club
• Andrew Brady and Sang Yoon Kim Play Strauss’ Duet-Concertino at Saint Paul’s United Church of Christ
• Oda Voltersvik at American Swedish Institute
• Afromatic feat. Brandyn Lee Tulloch and Poetic Roots, OsaDerae, DJ Faaji, Le Ru, and YG SOLO at The Cedar Cultural Center
• Letdown with Blame My Youth, Youth Year, and Luchiano at The Hook and Ladder
• Austin Mackay at The Underground Music Venue
• Ryan Caraveo at Fine Line
• Johnnyrook with Rad Owl, Drown the Lifeguard, and Exactlyno at Pilllar Forum
• Take 6 at The Dakota
• Via with Sunshine Behavior and Dead Amsterdam at Zhora Darling
• Rusko at The Loft at Skyway Theatre
• Katy Tessman, Samantha Grimes, and Mother Banjo at Dusty’s Bar
• New Jazz Underground at Berlin
• Malamanya at Uptown VFW
• Jennifer Grimm and Joe Cruz at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church in Plymouth
• Skizzy Mars at Green Room
• New Jazz Underground at Berlin
• The Brook and the Bluff at Amsterdam Bar & Hall
• Logan Michael at 7th St. Entry
• Jambalaya at Widespot Performing Arts Center
• Rebecca Lake Fritz with Deep Pool at The White Squirrel Bar (free)
• Battery Eyes, Spit Takes, Busey, and Selfish Teammate at 331 Club (free)

Concerts on Sunday, April 12

• Twice at Grand Casino Arena
• Throwing Muses with Transmission’s DJ Jake Rudh at The Parkway Theater
• John Mulaney at The Armory
• Evicshen and Lee Noble at Cloudland Theater
• Minnesota Jazz Legends Concert with Arne Fogel, Gary Raynor, and Gary Gauger at Minnesota History Center
• Hunter Hayes with Franklin Jonas and the Byzantines at Fine Line
• Thoughts on Bowling and Adjust the Sails with halftimeshow and MooseCreek Park at Pilllar Forum
• Dobet Gnahoré at The Dakota
• Al Olender - The Worrier with Ahna Ell at Icehouse
• Virginia’s Basement, Station Zero, Sonic Sea Turtles, and Weeklong Weekend at Zhora Darling
• Washington Express residency with Kevin Washington and Ra Spirit at Berlin
• Products Band, Sophie Hiroko, Anything You Want, and Stonewalker at Underground Music Venue
• Jammy Buffet at 7th St. Entry
• Southside Student Mutual Aid Matinee Fundraiser feat. Sweet Rhubarb, Papa John Kolstad and the Poppettes, Sunsets Over Flowers, and Green at The Hook and Ladder
• Obi Original and the Black Atlantics at Icehouse
• Emmy Woods at 331 Club (free)
• Lodge at The White Squirrel Bar (free)

The Minnesota Zoo's Farm Babies event is returning to the Wells Fargo Family Farm from April 25 through May 17, with a little more tiny animal fun than most years.

The weeks-long attraction offers the chance to hang out with baby goats, sheep, pigs, llamas, and chicks. New this year, there will also be miniature Highland and White Park cows and miniature donkeys.

In addition to the standard exhibit, there will be special weekend activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Those events include education activities, games, story times, and photo opportunities. 

There will also be an adults-only night, dubbed Cowchella, with the fresh farm critters. The 18+ version of Farm Babies will take place on Saturday, April 25, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. It includes live music, cocktails, free carousel rides, goat feeding, a costume contest, and the option to add on a farm-to-table BBQ meal for $40. 

When Farm Babies opens on April 25, it'll be open during regular zoo hours, and admission is included with a standard Minnesota Zoo ticket.

This game meant more to the Senators than it did to the Wild. Ottawa is in the middle of a heated race for a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, so this home loss dealt a blow to that pursuit. Minnesota officially clinched a playoff spot on Thursday, and the only thing on the line for the Wild — other than trying to take some momentum into the postseason — is potentially catching the Stars for home-ice advantage in their first-round series.

This was an intense, physical game between two good teams, but the Senators could never put together much sustained pressure on the Wild's net. Although Ottawa had a 34-23 advantage in shots on goal, Minnesota was clearly the more dangerous team in the offensive zone.

Wallstedt came a few minutes from what would've been his fifth shutout of the season. He'll settle for stopping 33 of 34 shots in his 16th victory of the year. The .971 save percentage is his best mark in a start since he recorded shutout No. 4 all the way back on December 12.

The Wild struck first midway through the game's opening period with a Jonas Brodin goal that took a couple fortunate bounces and got past Ottawa's Linus Ullmark. It was Brodin's fourth goal of the year, with assists from Vladimir Tarasenko and Jared Spurgeon.

Later in the period, Hartman's 21st goal of the season made it 2-0, as Mats Zuccarello found him on the back door to cap off an odd-man rush right after the conclusion of a Senators power play. That marked the fourth straight game with a goal for Hartman. And he wasn't done.

Late in the second period, Zuccarello set up Hartman again to make it 3-0. That's two straight games with two goals for the Wild's top-line center, who previously hadn't had a multi-goal game since the season opener. He's scored six times in the last four games and is up to 22 goals on the year.

Hartman and Zuccarello connect for a beauty and it's a 3-0 Wild game. pic.twitter.com/Cq8Yfy0iMN

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 4, 2026

With seven minutes left, Quinn Hughes' 68th assist of the season set up Jake Middleton's second goal of the season. The Senators spoiled the shutout with a Drake Batherson goal with a little over three minutes left, but they didn't have nearly enough time to mount a comeback.

The Wild have another weekend matinee game on Sunday, as they'll take on the Red Wings in Detroit at 12 p.m. CT. Then they'll be back in St. Paul for their penultimate home game of the regular season against the Kraken on Tuesday night.

The company has requested approximately 20,000 square feet above Concourse G in Terminal 1 for the construction of a Delta One Lounge, according to documents from the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which owns and operates the airport. 

Next week, a MAC subcommittee will decide whether to approve $1 million for a feasibility study as part of its capital improvement plan, which will identify structural changes and the estimated cost of the project.

Delta Air Lines did not respond to a request for comment, but has previously confirmed plans to eventually construct a Delta One Lounge at MSP Airport.

The first Delta One Lounge, a step up from the Atlanta-based carrier's Delta Sky Club, was opened at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport in 2024 and has subsequently been rolled out to airports in Boston, Los Angeles, and Seattle.

It was introduced, in part, to help ease crowding in its Delta Sky Clubs and to offer top spenders a luxury experience. The lounges are larger and offer fine dining, wellness areas, a bar, and a market, as well as places to shower and design intended to appeal to travelers paying premium prices.

Those luxury areas are only made available to travelers with a Delta One ticket. Delta Sky Club membership and American Express cardholder credentials have not been given access at the current locations.

Meanwhile, as fuel prices continue to soar as a consequence of the U.S.'s war in Iran, airlines have begun raising baggage fees, even as fares have already been on the rise.

This week, both JetBlue and United Airlines announced steeper baggage fees across the board. Industry experts expect that other airlines will follow suit. 

Both Lowertown Sounds and the rooftop concert series at the Hewing Hotel unveiled their schedule, with lineups that include Dessa, Martin Zellar, Kiss the Tiger, Tina Schlieske, Poliça, Salsa del Soul, and others.

Additionally, Allianz Field has announced plans for its first-ever summer concert series, which includes six tribute band shows outside the stadium.

Here's a look at the shows announced this week, including the return of Sturgill Simpson's Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds project.

Concerts announced in the Twin Cities this week:

• May 14: Joe Pulice Big Band feat. Ricky Peterson at The Dakota
• May 15: Riot Ten at The Loft at Skyway Theatre
• May 17: The Dan Israel Band at Hewing Hotel rooftop
• May 19: Southside Aces: A Night in New Orleans at The Dakota
• May 23: The Kickoff with Papa Mbye, D. Santos, Nectar, and DJ Miguel Vargas at The Cedar Cultural Center’s Cedar Plaza (free)
• May 25: Glen David Andrews at The Dakota
• May 27: Weird Nightmare at Turf Club
• May 29: Obadiah Gamble with Bakkwooddrift at Icehouse
• May 29: Brit Floyd: The Moon, The Wall and Beyond at Allianz Field’s Great Lawn
• May 30: Ms. Lisa Fischer and Grand Baton at The Dakota
• May 30: Machaki with Austeria at The Loft at Skyway Theatre
• May 31: Jon Cleary at The Dakota
• May 31: Gozu and Restless Spirit at 7th St. Entry
• May 31: Al Church at Hewing Hotel rooftop
• June 2: Vincen García at The Dakota
• June 4–5: Taj Mahal and The Phantom Blues Band at The Dakota
• June 4: The Menagerie with Toadstool, Agony in the Living Room, and Milk at 7th St. Entry
• June 4: Leo Middea at Icehouse
• June 4: Dr. Mambo’s Combo, Purple Funk Metropolis, Lips Speak Louder at Mears Park (free)
• June 7: SWAG at Hewing Hotel rooftop
• June 11: Poliça, Sophie Hiroko at Mears Park (free)
• June 13: Artikal Sound System at Turf Club
• June 13: Louiejayxx and Lev3l at The Loft at Skyway Theatre
• June 13: Blank Space: The Unofficial Taylor Swift Tribute Band at Allianz Field’s Great Lawn
• June 14: del Amitri at First Avenue
• June 14: Dessa at Hewing Hotel rooftop
• June 18: An Evening with Van Orman and Helwin with Marc Anderson at The Cedar Cultural Center
• June 18: The New Standards, Black Market Brass at Mears Park (free)
• June 21: Tina Schlieske at Hewing Hotel rooftop
• June 22: John Pizzarelli Trio at The Dakota
• June 25: L.A. Buckner and BiG HOMiE EP release at The Dakota
• June 25: Flamin’ Oh’s, Christy Costello & the CC Club at Mears Park (free)
• June 28: Leanne Morgan at Orpheum Theatre (second show added)
• July 7: Novulent with Babyteeth at 7th St. Entry
• July 8: Corto.Alto with Cool Nel D at Berlin
• July 9: Ashley DuBose, Mae Simpson at Mears Park (free)
• July 12: Going to the Sun at Hewing Hotel rooftop
• July 16: Wax and DJ Hoppa at 7th St. Entry
• July 16: The Scarlet Goodbye, High on Stress at Mears Park (free)
• July 17: Yeah at The Armory
• July 17: Man Man with Death Valley Girls at Turf Club
• July 17: Johnny Dynamite and the Bloodsuckers at Cloudland Theater
• July 17: ford. (live) at 7th St. Entry
• July 23: Salsa del Soul, Tropical Zone Orchestra at Mears Park (free)
• July 24: Mr. Brightside: The Ultimate Killers Experience at Allianz Field’s Great Lawn
• July 26: Rogue Valley at Hewing Hotel rooftop
• July 28: Jukebox the Ghost’s Variety Show Spectacular at Fine Line
• July 30: Pert Near Sandstone, Cole Diamond, Jack Klatt at Mears Park (free)
• July 31: Bohemian Queen: A Tribute to Queen Worldwide and Separate Journeys: A Tribute to Journey at Allianz Field’s Great Lawn
• Aug. 2: Nur-D at Hewing Hotel rooftop
• Aug. 6: Noeline Hoffman at 7th St. Entry
• Aug. 9: Martin Zellar at Hewing Hotel rooftop
• Aug. 12: Riff Wood with Willowake at 7th St. Entry
• Aug. 14: AM Gold Yacht Rock: Featuring Hit Songs from the Late 70s through the Mid-80s at Allianz Field’s Great Lawn
• Aug. 16: The Scarlet Goodbye at Hewing Hotel rooftop
• Aug. 23: Umphrey’s McGee at First Avenue
• Aug. 23: Leslie Vincent and Sarah Morris at Hewing Hotel rooftop
• Aug. 29: Grey Day feat. Suicide Boys, Destroy Lonely, Shakewell, Drain, and more at Mystic Lake Amphitheater
• Aug. 30: ABBAsolutely Fab at Hewing Hotel rooftop
• Sept. 1: Ugly Kid Joe with Platinum Moon at Fine Line
• Sept. 13: Jeremy Messersmith at Hewing Hotel rooftop
• Sept. 18: SuperSonic: North America's Tribute to Oasis at Allianz Field’s Great Lawn
• Sept. 20: Kiss the Tiger at Hewing Hotel rooftop
• Sept. 27: Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds at Grand Casino Arena
• Sept. 29: Artemas at The Fillmore
• Oct. 4: Davina and the Vagabonds at Hewing Hotel Rooftop
• Oct. 15: Friko at 7th St. Entry
• Oct. 21: Baby Bugs with Elliot Lee at 7th St. Entry
• Oct. 29: Akeem Ali at Amsterdam Bar & Hall
• Dec. 4–5: Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at Orpheum Theatre
• Dec. 11: Dusty Slay at The Fitzgerald Theater

The North Dakota Highway Patrol has announced that Interstate 94 is closed westbound near Medina, where the lanes are "blocked by commercial motor vehicles and passenger vehicles."

"Plows and wreckers are unable to reach the area due to stranded traffic," the patrol adds, with troopers "pushing through heavy snow to reach stranded motorists."

Sign up for our BREAKING WEATHER newsletters

"Those currently stranded may not be able to be reached by emergency responders for an undetermined amount of time," it adds, with nearby residents urged to avoid travel.

No travel is advised on I-94 between Fargo and Jamestown, with a wide swath of eastern North Dakota in and around Fargo also under a "no travel" advisory.

In Minnesota, the roads in the northern half of the state – particularly in northwestern Minnesota – are covered or partially covered with snow, which comes after 12 inches of snow had fallen as of noon Saturday, with more still to come.

Minnesota State Patrol spokesperson Jesse Grabow says troopers have been "responding to a number of crashes/spin outs/jackknifed semis" in west-central Minnesota on Saturday morning.

"Roads are snow covered and slippery," he says.

The NWS in Grand Forks suggests snow totals could ultimately reach 16 inches in its forecast region, saying it is "significantly impacting the area."

"The heavy nature of large snow accumulations are resulting in impossible travel, sporadic power outages, and poses a health risk to those removing snow," it warns.

Members of the Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force pulled over a vehicle on the 2700 block of Highway 53 in Unincorporated Township 56-17 just after 7 p.m. on March 31, as part of an investigation into meth sales.

Two suspects, identified as Jason Nordin and Nathan Starkey, were arrested during the stop, the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office says.

Around 450 grams of methamphetamine was allegedly found during a search of the vehicle, along with a digital scale and drug packaging materials. 

During a search of Nordin’s Duluth’s home, officers allegedly found nine firearms , four of which were stolen.

Additional methamphetamine was also seized along with psilocybin mushrooms, drug packaging and digital scales.

Nordin and Starkey were arraigned in St. Louis County District Court on Friday for first-degree sale of methamphetamine, with bail set at $100,000.

The jeweler's arrival at the Edina mall marks the completion of Southdale Center's long-gestating luxury wing, part of a multi-million-dollar overhaul intended to revitalize the shopping complex. 

The wing officially opened last summer, with a slow roll-out of tenants that started with David Yurman, which relocated from the nearby Galleria. That's the same move Tiffany & Co. has made.

In addition to the luxury wing, the mall's transformation includes revamped public spaces and artwork, more than 50 new stores, and an expansion of its dining options. 

“The opening of Tiffany & Co. and the completion of the luxury wing represent a defining moment for Southdale Center,” says Jonathan Murphy, Co-President, North American Real Estate at Simon Properties, which owns Southdale Center. 

“This milestone reflects both the strength of the Twin Cities market and our continued investment in thoughtfully reimagining the center as a place where luxury, design, and community intersect.”

The opening means that all eight storefronts in the luxury wing are occupied and open. In addition to the jeweler and David Yurman, the wing features Burberry, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara, Moncler, and Watches of Switzerland. 

Authorities say Irene Lentz went missing Saturday morning. She was located by the Nebraska State Patrol on Saturday afternoon, with 44-year-old Joseph Nicpon being arrested in connection to her suspected abduction.

Wautoma Police Department did not provide information about Lentz other than saying she was found by the Nebraska State Patrol and that Nicpon was taken into custody.

Wautoma PD says Lentz was taken from a different county but is from Watuoma. They were believed to be traveling in a blue Buick Terreza minivan with license plate BCU 3028.

State authorities say they were last seen traveling westbound on I-90 near Sparta in Monroe County, Wisconsin, at 12:55 p.m. on Friday. Sparta is about 30 miles east of the southeastern Minnesota border.

"There is concern for Irene's safety," the alert said.

The FBI was assisting with the investigation into the girl's abduction.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement’s latest version of events, and may be subject to change.

The fire broke out on March 25 while Leopoldo Martinez was grilling on his deck and briefly stepped inside to grab some vegetables, according to a GoFundMe, which says the whole deck was already in flames by the time he came back outside.

"Leopoldo made it outside with his service dog, but when he realized his wife wasn’t with him, he ran back inside to save her," the fundraiser details. "He shielded her with his body as they escaped the fire. Sadly, his loyal service dog ran back inside after him and didn’t make it out."

Martinez suffered first-, second- and third-degree burns on his arm and head.

"Their home was completely destroyed, and they lost everything they owned," the GoFundMe reads. "With no family here in the Twin Cities, Leopoldo and his wife need our help as they start to rebuild their lives."

The fundraiser was organized by a fellow member of the Local 68 carpenters union.

"Anything helps — every donation, every share, and every word of support means the world to them. Thank you all for showing what union brotherhood is truly about," Diego Morales writes.

A winter storm warning was extended through 1 a.m. on Sunday in northern Minnesota as heavy snow arrived overnight, while the Twin Cities were hit by a thunderstorm that brought torrential rain and small hail on Friday evening.

Now that the snow and rain are done falling, check out the totals as they are updated via the National Weather Service and the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRAHS).

Sign up for our BREAKING WEATHER newsletters

Snow totals

• 17.0 inches - Vergas
• 13.5 inches - Fargo
• 13 inches - Fertile
• 12.8 inches - Muskoda
• 12.0 inches – Bemidji, Mahnomen, Ulen, Audubon, Tenstrike
• 11.0 inches – Fosston, Borup, Rindal, Ponsford
• 10.8 inches – Hawley
• 10.5 inches - Kabetogama
• 9.8 inches – Kragnes
• 9.2 inches - International Falls
• 9.1 inches – Lake Park
• 9.0 inches – Moorhead, Glyndon, Dilworth, Dunvilla
• 8.5 inches – Shooks, Muskoda, Ogema
• 8.2 inches – Palmers, McGregor, Detroit Lakes
• 8.0 inches – Duluth, Hermantown, Crookston, Thief River Falls, Indus, Aitkin, Laporte, Jacobson
• 7.9 inches – Finland
• 7.8 inches – Libby
• 7.7 inches – Fond Du Lac
• 7.5 inches – Carlton, Puposky
• 7.4 inches – Hackensack
• 7.1 inches – Goodridge
• 7.0 inches – High Landing, Bena, Cass Lake, Deer River, Twin Valley
• 6.8 inches – Deer Creek
• 6.7 inches – Lester Park, Coleraine
• 6.3 inches – Nevis, McGregor
• 6.1 inches – Cloquet
• 6.0 inches – Inguadona, Williams, Baudette, Ada, Holyoke
• 5.9 inches – Grygia, Grand Rapids
• 5.6 inches – Hibbing
• 5.5 inches – Detroit Lakes, Walker, Kerrick, Crookston, Silver Bay
• 5.4 inches – Iron Junction
• 5.3 inches - Cook
• 5.2 inches – Maple Bay, Big Falls, Cohasset, Erskine, Eveleth
• 5.1 inches – Crosby
• 5.0 inches – Battle Lake, Lengby, Saint Mathias, Brainerd, Ashby, Two Harbors
• 4.8 inches – Two Inlets, Lake Itasca, Bovey, Hovland, Park Rapids
• 4.6 inches – Lake Itasca, Ely, Shevlin
• 4.5 inches – Cuyuna, Cormorant, Grand Marais, Outing, Longville
• 4.4 inches – Baxter
• 4.2 inches – Marcell, Brimson
• 4.0 inches – McGrath, Lake Park, Backus, Remer, International Falls, East Grand Forks, Cotton, Cook, Lawndale, Farwell
• 3.9 inches – Fort Ripley
• 3.8 inches – Long Prairie
• 3.6 inches – Brainerd, Alexandria, Winton, Chisholm
• 3.5 inches – Lutsen, Pillager, Cushing, Twin Valley, Biwabik, Osakis, Menahga

Rain totals

• 2.63 inches - Caledonia
• 2.43 inches – La Crescent
• 2.29 inches - Brownsville
• 2.28 inches – Stewartville
• 2.26 inches – Chatfield
• 2.20 inches – Ham Lake
• 2.04 inches – Wykoff, Spring Valley
• 1.90 inches - Austin
• 1.83 inches – Lanesboro, Austin
• 1.81 inches – Winona
• 1.78 inches – Byron
• 1.74 inches – Winona
• 1.70 inches – Rochester
• 1.63 inches – Stillwater
• 1.55 inches – St. Paul, Kellogg
• 1.54 inches – Maplewood, Caledonia
• 1.53 inches – Janesville
• 1.44 inches – Houston
• 1.41 inches – Roseville
• 1.39 inches – Minneapolis
• 1.38 inches - Duluth
• 1.35 inches – Mankato, White Bear Lake, Marine on Saint Croix
• 1.32 inches – Falcon Heights
• 1.31 inches - Rochester
• 1.30 inches – Savage
• 1.27 inches – Kasota, North St. Paul
• 1.25 inches – Forest Lake
• 1.23 inches - Rosemount
• 1.20 inches - Ham Lake

Meanwhile, parts of northern Wisconsin are in an ice storm warning as freezing rain leads to dangerous travel conditions.

The National Weather Service says snow and ice accumulations will continue throughout the day, with 4-8 inches of heavy, wet snow in northern Minnesota, along with up to four-tenths of an inch of ice accumulation in northwestern Wisconsin.

The snow will wrap around and drop as far south as the Twin Cities on Sunday afternoon, with snow squalls a possibility, leading to reduced visibility on the roads.

As this system wraps up, a series of cold fronts will swing through the region Sunday through Tuesday. They'll keep temperatures on the cool side, with winds a bit brisk out of the northwest. There's also a chance of each delivering light rain or snow, especially on Sunday.

Looking further down the barrel, the weather service says models "continue to suggest a turn to a more active pattern for the second half of the week."

The European and Canadian models suggest potential for some rain and perhaps thunder in Minnesota on Wednesday, with more rain further south Thursday-Friday. The American model shows a similar setup for Wednesday, followed by another messy storm system on Friday. Nothing is a slam dunk at this point, but the active pattern will bear watching.

The home of Minnesota United unveiled the Great Lawn Concert Series this week, a debut event that will feature six tribute band concerts outside the stadium. Each concert will have a capacity of 5,000 attendees, a representative tells Bring Me The News.

"We’re incredibly excited to launch our first-ever summer concert series and welcome world-class artists to our stadium," Justin Borrell, Allianz Field general manager, says in a statement.

"Allianz Field was built to be a premier entertainment destination, and this concert series shows the growth of being more than just a sports venue; it's a gathering place for music, culture, and community."

The series debuts on May 29 with Brit Floyd: The Moon, The Wall and Beyond, a tribute to Pink Floyd. It will also feature bands dedicated to the music of Taylor Swift, The Killers, Queen, Journey, and yacht rock classics.

Fittingly, its finale will be an evening with SuperSonic, an Oasis tribute band that is likely to be a hit with the Wonderwall.

The announcement comes just weeks before the Breakaway Music Festival launches its third-annual Twin Cities festival, which brings big-name EDM artists to the space outside the Loons' stadium. When it debuted in 2024, it was the first music-based event to be hosted at Allianz Field. 

Here's the full lineup for the Great Lawn Concert Series.

• May 29: Brit Floyd: The Moon, The Wall and Beyond
• June 13: Blank Space: The Unofficial Taylor Swift Tribute Band
• July 24: Mr. Brightside: The Ultimate Killers Experience
• July 31: Bohemian Queen: A Tribute to Queen Worldwide and Separate Journeys: A Tribute to Journey
• Aug. 14: AM Gold Yacht Rock: Featuring Hit Songs from the Late 70s through the Mid-80s
• Sept. 18: SuperSonic: North America's Tribute to Oasis

Tickets for the concert series are on sale now, with general admission ticket prices ranging from $43 to $68. Each show also has VIP experience tiers, which range from $98 to $147.

More specifically, 60,000 ladybugs will take flight as the mall hosts its annual ladybug release on April 7, a representative tells Bring Me The News.

Each year, the Bloomington shopping center hosts the event during Earth Month at Nickelodeon Universe as a natural pesticide to keep its 30,000 live plants healthy.

The mall touts the event as one of its sustainability initiatives. Throughout the year, it maintains thousands of live plants as a way to "naturally clean the air for visitors," and the ladybugs aid in that effort.

The release takes place in multiple phases, starting with a 6 a.m. near the carousel at Nickelodeon Universe. 

Later in the morning, from 10 a.m. to noon, it'll host activities for kids leading up to another batch of ladybugs being released at 11:30 a.m.

When they're set free, there are a lot of them around, but they quickly disperse into the more than 5.5 million square feet of retail space inside the mall. 

New this year, there will be an all-ages Toddler Tuesdays Pop-up event in the Huntington Bank Rotunda, where kids can learn about ladybugs and take part in themed craft activities. There will also be chances to get tree seedlings and meet Dora the Explorer.

Veteran guard Bridget Carleton was the first overall selection by the Fire. She started 44 games for Minnesota last season, averaging 6.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. She had been with the Lynx since 2019 after joining the franchise as a free agent.

thank you for everything, BC. 💙

Carleton was selected by the Portland Fire in the Expansion Draft. pic.twitter.com/N5XcSpHPlB

— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) April 3, 2026

Maria Kliundikova joined the Lynx as a free agent last season, and she was the first selection of the second round for the Tempo. Listed at 6-foot-4, she played 34 games last season, and only one was in the starting lineup. She averaged 11.0 minutes and 4.4 points per game.

The Fire and the Tempo were allowed to select one unprotected player from each of the other 12 existing teams' 2025 rosters. It's fair to assume that the player for Minnesota was Carleton.

The traditional 2026 WNBA Draft is set for Monday, April 16, and the Lynx own the No. 2 overall pick. The preseason is set to begin on April 25.

The Minnesota Department of Education released the annual data Friday, showing significant improvement among Black, Asian and Native students, who outpaced their white peers in year-over-year gains, though racial disparities remain.

The largest increase was among Native students, with a statewide graduation rate of 67.6% in 2025, compared to about 62.9% in 2024, almost a 5% increase.

“The progress we’re seeing among Native students is meaningful and long overdue,” said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said in a statement. “This represents real momentum and reflects intentional investments in education. While we celebrate this progress, we remain committed to continuing this work until every student has the support and opportunity to graduate and thrive.”

The rate improved for Latino or Hispanic students as well, but the 0.7% increase was smaller than gains by Black (2.4%) and Asian (2%) students.

Meanwhile, white students also saw a small bump, as their rate went from 89.3% in 2024 to 89.9% in 2025.

“Our students are succeeding and leaving school prepared for career, college, and citizenship at record rates,” Minnesota Education Commissioner Willie Jett said. “While there is still more to accomplish, it is clear our schools continue making gains in closing achievement gaps and ensuring every student of every background, zip code, and ability can thrive both in and out of school.”

This is the second consecutive year that Minnesota has tallied its highest-ever graduation rate. The previous record of 84.2% was set in 2024, up from 83.3% in 2023.

“This is a moment worth celebrating,” Gov. Tim Walz said. “Decades in the classroom have helped inform many of the goals I’ve set and the policies we’ve passed over the last seven years to support our students, teachers, and parents. Every student who receives that diploma is better equipped to navigate the challenges of landing a job, pursuing higher education, and building a future they feel excited about. Congratulations to an incredible class of students.”

Districtwide graduation rates are included in the newly released data from the Minnesota Department of Education, too.

Minneapolis Public Schools dropped one percentage point in 2025 to a rate of 73%, while St. Paul Public Schools increased by one percentage point, bringing its rate to 78%.

“I am so proud of our 2025 graduates who worked diligently to reach this important milestone in their young lives – a key that unlocks the door to their dreams,” SPPS Superintendent Stacie Stanley said. “I am especially heartened to see increases for many student groups, notably our American Indian, Asian, Black and white students. While this is one data point, it is a testament to the hard work of our educators and the high-quality education that our community should expect from Saint Paul Public Schools."

Check your local school district’s performance here.

In a presentation before the Edina City Council on March 17,  general manager of liquor operations Mike McBride said the city started to see the "drastic impact" of nearby street and road closures in late April of last year, as MnDOT commenced a bridge replacement project at Vernon Avenue and Highway 100.

"We lost the primary access point to that parking lot where most folks come in," said McBride, adding the construction forced the store to close for two weeks this summer. 

In all, the Grandview Edina Liquor location, situation in a strip mall alongside Vernor Avenue, saw a 20% loss in revenue in 2025, which amounts to about $926,000, according to McBride. 

Construction work replacing the Vernon Avenue Bridge over Hwy. 100 wrapped up in mid-November, but another portion of the project was delayed after hitting a big snag. 

The replacement of another Vernon Avenue bridge – over the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad, next to the Davanni’s restaurant – was initially supposed to wrap up at the same time, but was delayed to 2026 because crews “struck a buried power line” that wasn’t expected to be there based on construction plans.

Construction on that bridge was forced to pause during the winter months, and resumed this spring.

Amid the ongoing construction, McBride details staff is focusing on expanding monthly sales events and promotional programming to drive up store traffic, as well as continuing to support local events and growing partnerships within the community.  

Edina Liquor's store at 50th and France saw a slight increase in business in 2025, but the Southdale location also suffered due to a sewer project nearby, per the Sun Current.

Vessel tracking sites show the Lee A. Tregurtha, a 250-meter long Great Lakes freighter, as being stationary as of 1:50 p.m., with Duluth Harbor Cam showing a view of the ship surrounded by ice not far from the Aerial Lift Bridge.

Shipping content creator Vibe with Mike told Northern News Now that the ship has contacted the U.S. Coast Guard for help breaking through the ice.

Northern News Now's Dan Wolfe is reporting that a cutter is en route to assist.

Lake Superior shipping season started again on March 24, with resumption confirmed when the Soo Locks connecting Superior with the lower Great Lakes opens for ship traffic.

However, MPR News reports that a U.S. Coast Guard cutter left Duluth weeks earlier to embark on Operation Taconite, "the Coast Guard’s largest domestic icebreaking operation."

It's not just the Twin Cities Jazz Festival setting up shop in the St. Paul park; Lowertown Sounds is back with eight Thursday night concerts.

Dr. Mambo's Combo will kick off the series on June 4, giving the group a chance to finally hit the Mears Park stage after their 2025 Lowertown Sounds show was canceled twice due to bad weather.

The 2026 schedule continues the tradition of bringing in a variety of genres, with many playing the series for the first time, including Twin Cities bluegrass stalwarts Pert Near Sandstone.

"I believe this just might be our best lineup yet; I am incredibly proud of the variety and the music styles we’ve covered," Clint Roberts, founder and director of Lowertown Sounds, says.

"We’ve seen how our community shows up, and the unique connection we share, and we are thrilled to be a place for that on Thursday nights in a beautiful park in the heart of St. Paul, amongst your neighbors from near and far."

As has been the case in the past, all of the concerts will be free and run from 6 to 10 p.m. throughout the series' seventh season.

Here's the lineup for the summer of 2026:

• June 4: Dr. Mambo’s Combo, Purple Funk Metropolis, Lips Speak Louder
• June 11: Poliça, Sophie Hiroko
• June 18: The New Standards, Black Market Brass
• June 25: Flamin’ Oh’s, Christy Costello & the CC Club
• July 9: Ashley DuBose, Mae Simpson
• July 16: The Scarlet Goodbye, High on Stress
• July 23: Salsa del Soul, Tropical Zone Orchestra
• July 30: Pert Near Sandstone, Cole Diamond, Jack Klatt

In addition to free music, Lowertown Sounds will have craft beer from Pryes Brewing and local wines, as well as a roster of food trucks that will include Que Tal Street Eats, HomeTown Creamery, Hopper’s Mini Donuts, Sizzling Wagon, Asian Invasion, Nozy’s Grill, Amazing Momos, and Taste the Real Nawlins.

This year's Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby in downtown Excelsior was originally planned for Feb. 14 and postponed to March 7, then ultimately canceled because there wasn't enough snow on the lake to build a safe trail following record high temperatures and rain.

Unfavorable weather also prevented the 40-mile race around the lake from happening in early 2025 or 2024.

"We've been dealt a difficult hand these last few years as the Twin Cities has seen both iceless and snowless winters," organizers wrote on Facebook in February.

The decision to retire the Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby came Friday.

"This isn't the finish line we imagined crossing, but the reality of our unpredictable winters has made it impossible to guarantee a safe, world-class experience for our mushers and their teams," organizers said in an announcement.

A farewell event is being planned to "honor the legacy" of the race, which was first held in 2020.

Man-made climate change is warming Minnesota's winters faster than any other season, with the average winter temperature rising by 5.4F over the past 130 years, and the average low increasing by 6.8F.

Minnesota just experienced the 11th warmest March on record, which comes after a February in which the average temperature was 20.9F, about 8.8F above normal, per the University of Minnesota.

BMTN Note: Weather events in isolation can't always be pinned on climate change, but the broader trend of increasingly severe weather and record-breaking extremes seen in Minnesota and across the globe can be attributed directly to the rapidly warming climate caused by human activity. The IPCC has warned that Earth is "firmly on track toward an unlivable world," and says greenhouse gas emissions must be halved by 2030 in order to limit warming to 1.5C, which would prevent the most catastrophic effects on humankind. You can read more here.

Robbinsdale PD says that the driver of a 2016 Infinity X50 was seen traveling on Victory Memorial Parkway at around 1:45 a.m. Thursday at around 90 mph.

The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but a pursuit ensued, with the driver fleeing into north Minneapolis and then across the Mississippi River into Northeast, traveling north on East River Road.

The suspect vehicle was around 1,000 feet ahead of the nearest squad car when the driver lost control and went off the road, according to the department. The vehicle then rolled onto its roof on the 4300 Block of Marshall Street Northeast, at the site of the Minneapolis Water Treatment Plant.

The driver, identified as a 20-year-old Minneapolis man, was compliant with officers when he got out of the vehicle, according to the department. He was placed under arrest and taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 

The suspect was later booked into Hennepin County jail on probable cause charges of fleeing, possession of stolen property, reckless driving, driving without a valid driver's license and speeding.

Over its 15-concert run, bands will perform on the hotel’s intimate rooftop with the city beyond as an enviable backdrop. The series will get underway on May 17, with each event taking place on a Sunday night.

That launch will feature the Dan Israel Band, with subsequent nights featuring appearances from Dessa, Tina Schlieske, Nur-D, Martin Zellar, and Kiss the Tiger, among others.

Here’s the full calendar for the Hewing’s 2026 concert series.

• May 17: The Dan Israel Band
• May 31: Al Church
• June 7: SWAG
• June 14: Dessa
• June 21: Tina Schlieske
• July 12: Going to the Sun
• July 26: Rogue Valley
• Aug. 2: Nur-D
• Aug. 9: Martin Zellar
• Aug. 16: The Scarlet Goodbye
• Aug. 23: Leslie Vincent and Sarah Morris
• Aug. 30: ABBAsolutely Fab
• Sept. 13: Jeremy Messersmith
• Sept. 20: Kiss the Tiger
• Oct. 4: Davina and the Vagabonds

Tickets are on sale now, with prices ranging from $20 to $50.

Deputies with the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office stopped Mike Madden, a member of the organization's Twin Cities chapter, and issued the citation on Feb. 13, claiming that he's not allowed to protest beyond a fenced-in boundary along Federal Drive.

Impeding traffic is a petty misdemeanor that only carries at $90 fine, but Madden has every intention of fighting the charge, he tells Bring Me The News.

Madden, a self-described "First Amendment purist," says he was "very careful to observe all the laws" and was mindful of vehicle traffic, though there wasn't much at the time, as he rode his bike, "flying the flag and singing a little bit" while pedaling up and down the street.

"I'm always looking for creative ways to express myself," he explains.

According to a police report obtained by Bring Me The News, Madden was initially given a verbal warning for "driving his bike slowly and blocking traffic," but he kept riding and refused to get off Federal Drive, which has no bike lane or shoulder.

The 70-year-old Air Force veteran says he told the deputies that he couldn't comply with their order because he wasn't doing anything wrong.

"After they wrote the citation for impeding traffic, I got on my bike without the flag and kept riding, and they left me alone at that point," he says.

The citation was changed on Feb. 19 to improper bicycle operation, with deputies claiming in the police report that Madden was "serving throughout the roadway."

Madden demanded a formal complaint and other discovery, including body-camera footage from deputies and surveillance footage from Whipple, and refused to pay a lesser fine of $50 because it would be an admission of guilt.

Madden says he holds no animosity towards the deputies cited him, calling them "respectful and professional," but doesn't think the law is on their side.

Member Mike Madden received a ticket from authorities for riding his bike and waving a VFP flag. Veterans For Peace Twin Cities chapter continues actions at the Whipple Bldg. (immigrant detention center) each Friday. /1https://t.co/vUdBeoIhzk pic.twitter.com/x2Gtkw4x8A

— Veterans For Peace (@VFPNational) March 18, 2026

Alt-right influencer Jake Lang didn't receive any citation from law enforcement on Feb. 7 as he spewed abuse from the back of a U-Haul driving slowly on the same road outside the Whipple Building at Fort Snelling. A few of his pro-ICE pals fired a paintball gun and sprayed a chemical irritant at protesters, brandished a large wooden cross, and dumped bags of ice onto the road.

Several hours later, 42 protesters were arrested outside Whipple after sheriff's deputies declared unlawful assembly, claiming that some agitators had throw ice chunks and damaged property, and that the people who were arrested refused to comply with their dispersal order.

View this post on Instagram

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota State Patrol did not respond to a previous attempt by Bring Me The News to learn why the group in the U-Haul was not cited for their actions.

Lang was famously pardoned by President Donald Trump for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 Insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, including hitting officers with an aluminum baseball bat. More recently, he destroyed an anti-ICE sculpture commissioned by a different veterans organization outside the Minnesota State Capitol on Feb. 5, and is set to go to trial for a felony first-degree property destruction charge on July 27.

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office issued a ticket to a veteran who was protesting ICE by waiving a “Veteran’s for Peace” flag on a bike in front of the Whipple Building.

Maybe if Sheriff Witt actually lived here like she’s supposed to then she wouldn’t be so out of touch. https://t.co/2zH7rwohck pic.twitter.com/x0igBuDvs5

— Mike Norton (@NortonMpls) March 18, 2026

Protests have been ongoing outside Whipple, where federal immigration agents bring people who they've detained, since the start of Operation Metro Surge.

The Veterans For Peace Twin Cities chapter continues have a presence there every Friday afternoon. Madden has been seeing fewer protesters show up in recent weeks as the ICE surge winds down, though agents are still taking detainees to the Whipple facility.

Madden says he's committed to continuing to protest the Trump administration's campaign against immigrants because it's "against everything that I learned this country was about."

"This is pretty personal for me," he says. "I worked with a guy named Luis Yapa on and off for about two years ... and I learned that he was abducted while sitting in his car in the parking lot of his bank, and then they shipped him off to Kentucky, away from his family. He's been here for like 16 years. He's from Ecuador, and he's the kind of person you want in the country."

Here is what's in Sven's video forecast today:

• Next storm system already moving in later today!
• Heavy snow again for northern Minnesota…
• ICE potential for southwest, central Minnesota into northwest Wisconsin
• A mix of mostly rain, some sleet/freezing rain and a bit of snow Saturday for Twin Cities
• Brighter, seasonable Sunday…
• Spring is back next week with 60s Wednesday!

Sign up for our BREAKING WEATHER newsletters

BMTN Note: Weather events in isolation can't always be pinned on climate change, but the broader trend of increasingly severe weather and record-breaking extremes seen in Minnesota and across the globe can be attributed directly to the rapidly warming climate caused by human activity. The IPCC has warned that Earth is "firmly on track toward an unlivable world," and says greenhouse gas emissions must be halved by 2030 in order to limit warming to 1.5C, which would prevent the most catastrophic effects on humankind. You can read more here.

The Alex Pretti Nursing Scholarship will be awarded to a University of Minnesota School of Nursing student with financial need, with preference given to someone who's interested in providing exceptional health care to American veterans.

"This scholarship carries forth Alex’s legacy as a dedicated ICU nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System by empowering aspiring nurses to follow his path of caring for and advocating on the behalf of our nation’s veterans," reads a description on the U of M website.

Pretti graduated from the University of Minnesota’s College of Liberal Arts before pursuing his nursing qualifications at Metro State University, then went on to work at the Minneapolis VA as an ICU nurse.

Pretti was shot and killed by federal immigration agents on Jan. 24 in south Minneapolis as he tried to help a woman who was being sprayed with a chemical irritant and tackled to the snowy ground.

In a Facebook post announcing the $50,000 scholarship, the School of Nursing says it "will serve as a testament to Alex's enduring spirit of care, hope, and unwavering commitment to humanity."

"It also ensures that his role caring for those who served our country continues through the nurses of tomorrow," the post reads.

Following JetBlue's fee hike on Tuesday, United Airlines has announced higher checked bag fees for anyone traveling in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, or Latin America. Prices will jump $10 per bag in the vast majority of instances for tickets purchased on or after Friday, April 3.

Prior to the change, a first checked bag cost $35 and a second was $45, unless those were purchased within 48 hours of a flight, when prices rose to $40 and $50, respectively.

For tickets sold on or after April 3, a first bag is $45 and a second is $55. Any further bags will be $200 each, a rise from $150. Purchased within 24 hours of the flight, those prices rise to $50 and $60, respectively.

United operates daily direct flights from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to its major hubs at Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Newark, Houston, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.

A representative notes that United Chase cardholders, MileagePlus Premier members, military personnel, and travelers in premium cabins still get a free checked bag. They also add that it's the first time in two years that United has raised bag fees.

While United did not share details about why the price hike has taken effect, many reports and insiders have attributed the changes to fuel costs, which have soared since the war in Iran started on Feb. 28.

Jet fuel prices have risen more than 80% since the war began, hitting $4.88 a gallon on Thursday, per Argus Media.

Experts have noted that baggage fees are rising in part because fares are already up due to fuel costs. High fares can deter travelers, while fees help avoid some of the sticker shock and offer more favorable tax implications for airlines.

Kyle Potter of Twin Cities-based Thrifty Traveler suggested on X that "JetBlue gave every airline cover" to raise baggage fees, predicting that more will follow suit as fuel prices continue to rise.

Around 4:20 a.m. Wednesday, two individuals who were accompanied by a slow-moving vehicle were seen walking around 31st Avenue North and Drew Avenue with flashlights and apparently looking into cars, according to Robbinsdale PD.

Officers located the vehicle and attempted to make contact with the two individuals, who got in and fled, prompting a police pursuit.

The suspects were followed to south Minneapolis, but "officers chose to discontinue (the pursuit) due to the threat to public safety," the department says.

The vehicle was eventually found unoccupied in St. Louis Park and towed to Robbinsdale PD to be searched.

Most of the cars that were damaged did not have anything stolen from them.

Robbinsdale PD issued these recommendations:

• Always lock your vehicle and remove any valuables, even when parked in a garage.
• Do not leave your vehicle running with the keys inside, especially when unlocked.
• Do not have items visible from the outside of your vehicle.
• Do not keep loose change in your center console or cup holder.

An investigation into the vehicle break-ins is ongoing.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement’s latest version of events, and may be subject to change.

The attack on Iran, and the retaliatory throttling of the vital Strait of Hormuz by the Middle Eastern nation, saw gas prices spike above $3 per gallon in Minnesota by early March before rising gradually to around $3.40, where it has hovered for the past few weeks.

But with no end of the war in sight and energy supplies continuing to be restricted, barrel prices have risen again in recent weeks, and it's now starting to filter through to Minnesota's gas stations, where the average price for unleaded was $3.43 per gallon a week ago and has now risen to $3.55 as of Friday.

In the Twin Cities, the average price last week was $3.47, but it now stands at $3.61 as of Friday morning, per AAA. A month ago, drivers were paying $3.09 per gallon.

The impact has been more keenly felt on those with diesel vehicles, which has risen by more than $1 per gallon in the past month, and is now more than $1.40 per gallon more expensive than a year ago.

But despite the rise, drivers in Minnesota are still dealing with significantly lower gas prices than much of the rest of the United States, where the national average stands at $4.09 per gallon for unleaded.

Minnesota's unleaded price is 25 cents lower per gallon than Wisconsin's, and only slightly higher than in Iowa and the Dakotas.

MinnPost has detailed why Minnesota's prices stay lower than the rest of the U.S., the first reason being the state's relatively moderate gas tax at 28 cents per gallon.

The other main factor is that Minnesota gets a dependable oil supply, importing most of its oil from Canada and – to a lesser extent – North Dakota, which is delivered via pipelines to refineries near the Twin Cities.

Shelly Kittleson was working as a freelance journalist for AL-Monitor, an independent news organization that covers the Middle East, when she was kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq, on Tuesday.

The outlet confirmed the news of her kidnapping, writing in a statement it is "deeply alarmed" by Kittleson's disappearance.

“We call for her safe and immediate release. We stand by her vital reporting from the region and call for her swift return to continue her important work.”

🚨AL-MONITOR statement calling for the release of contributor Shelly Kittleson after her kidnapping in Iraq: https://t.co/vBVXVi2zdg

— AL-MONITOR (@AlMonitor) March 31, 2026

Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson also addressed Kittleson’s kidnapping on social media, saying the State Department had warned Kittleson of threats against her and that the office is working with the FBI to ensure her release as quickly as possible. 

"An individual with ties to the Iranian-aligned militia group Kataib Hizballah believed to be involved in the kidnapping has been taken into custody by Iraqi authorities,” Johnson wrote. "Iraq remains at a Level 4 Travel Advisory and Americans are advised not to travel to Iraq for any reason and to leave Iraq now."

The U.S. Department of State is aware of the reported kidnapping of an American journalist in Baghdad, Iraq.

The State Department previously fulfilled our duty to warn this individual of threats against them and we will continue to coordinate with the FBI to ensure their…

— Dylan Johnson (@ASDylanJohnson) March 31, 2026

According to TMJ4, Shelly Kittleson grew up in Darlington, southwestern Wisconsin, and spoke with her mother who said Kittleson had been living in the Middle East for about 20 years, and at the time of her kidnapping was living in Damascus, Syria.

Kittleson is a graduate of Darlington High School, which provided Bring Me The News with the following statement:

"We are aware of reports that Shelly Kittleson, a graduate of Darlington High School, has been kidnapped while working abroad as a journalist.

"Our thoughts are with Shelly and her family during this incredibly difficult time. We are hopeful for her safe return and are keeping her, her loved ones, and all those impacted in our thoughts.

"Out of respect for Shelly’s family and the sensitivity of this situation, we will not be providing further comment. We appreciate our community’s understanding and request privacy for the family at this time."

It has emerged this week that Jodi Pfarr made the decision to return to the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, her previous employer, following a stint at St. Paul City Hall as assistant mayor for people and neighborhood vitality. As of Friday, no details have been provided regarding the reason for her departure.

Pfarr's brief tenure lasted from Jan. 5 to March 23, with her pay set at $79.33 per hour, or $165,000 per year. Her role involved overseeing parks, libraries, water, and the city's human resources, technology and communications, and human rights departments.

“Per data privacy, we are unable to provide information regarding Jodi’s departure,” the mayor's office said in a statement provided to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

When she took office in January, Her opted to appoint four assistant mayors who split city operations rather than a single deputy mayor, all chosen from her transition team and former campaign staff.

Erica Schumacher is technically Her's No. 2, as senior assistant mayor for safety and justice. She oversees the city attorney’s office, police, fire and emergency medical services, emergency management and the Office of Neighborhood Safety.

Nick Stumo-Langer is assistant mayor for housing, economic vibrancy and infrastructure.

Her’s former campaign director Hnu Vang is assistant mayor for staff and strategic partnerships, directing operations within the mayor’s office.

“We have temporarily shifted the departments over to the other assistant mayors,” said Her spokesperson Matt Wagenius, adding that the mayor’s office is actively looking for Pfarr’s replacement.

The National Weather Service added Douglas, Todd, Grant, Morrison, and Pine counties to the warning due to a southward shift for the highest snow and ice accumulation amounts. The warning means cities such as Alexandria, Little Falls, Elbow Lake, and Long Prairie could see upwards of 7 inches of snow Friday evening into Saturday morning.

The winter weather advisory has also expanded south, and now ends just outside the Twin Cities metro, with cities such as St. Cloud and Willmar potentially seeing 2-4 inches of snow.

Sign up for our BREAKING WEATHER newsletters

The heaviest snow is still expected further north, with a "wide swath of 6 to 12 inches of snow expected across much of eastern North Dakota and northwest to west central Minnesota," per the NWS in Grand Forks.

The NWS is warning that travel in areas with the heaviest snow could be "very difficult to impossible."

Here's a look at the latest snow predictions from the NWS:

Just outside the Twin Cities, in counties including Sherburne, Wright, Isanti, and McLeod, mixed precipitation could result in up to an inch of snow and ice accumulations between 0.1 and 0.2 inches.

Pine County, on the Minnesota-Wisconsin border north of the Twin Cities, is also in the winter storm warning due to the threat from ice accumulation, with 1-3 inches of snow set to be joined by up to 0.25 inches of ice.

The biggest ice threat appears to be in western and northwestern Wisconsin, where up to half an inch is possible.

"Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice," the warning says. "Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute."

With their 5-2 victory over the lowly Vancouver Canucks, the Wild (42-21-12) officially clinched a playoff spot. They've been headed for the postseason for months now, but this win finalized their berth.

Three of the five goals were scored by the Wild's star forwards, Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov. Both Boldy — who scored twice — and Kaprizov reached 40 goals on the season on Thursday. It's the first time in franchise history that two players have hit the 40-goal mark in the same season.

These are just the sixth and seventh 40-goal seasons in Wild history. Kaprizov has four of them, having reached that mark in each of his last four fully-healthy seasons. The others belong to Marian Gaborik, Eric Staal, and now Boldy.

This was also a full-circle game for several players. It was the first time the Wild and Canucks have played since the teams pulled off a blockbuster trade that sent Quinn Hughes to Minnesota in exchange for Zeev Buium, Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, and a first-round pick in December.

Hughes recorded his 67th assist of the season (his 46th in 43 games with the Wild) and was a plus-4 in the win over his old team. None of the three ex-Wild players got on the scoresheet for Vancouver (22-45-8).

Filip Gustavsson made 29 saves for Minnesota in his 100th victory in a Wild sweater.

Boldy came into this game having gone a season-high seven consecutive contests without a goal. He ended that drought by opening the scoring midway through the first period, with assists from Marcus Johansson and Joel Eriksson Ek.

The Canucks tied it later in the period when a puck caromed off of the end wall and Gustavsson was caught out of position. Vancouver struck 42 seconds later on a Jake DeBrusk power-play goal to surge in front.

Just 23 seconds into the second period, Boldy scored his 40th of the season on a breakaway to knot the game at 2. Around six minutes later, Kaprizov matched him at 40 on a beautiful give-and-go with Mats Zuccarello that gave the Wild a lead they wouldn't relinquish.

Two goals from Ryan Hartman in the third period sealed the deal for Minnesota. He tipped in a Zuccarello shot to give the Wild some breathing room, then added an empty-netter — with assists from Kaprizov and Boldy — for his 20th goal of the campaign.

The Wild, who have seven games left in the regular season, will be back in action in Ottawa on Saturday. They're all but locked into a first-round series against the Dallas Stars.

A Spring Weekend Getaway to Northern MN is the perfect solution to cabin fever. This spring trip itinerary is perfect for a single, couple or family. This spring come for the outdoors, and stay to make memories in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. This small town located in northern Minnesota is perfect to relax, reconnect with loved ones, and recharge in Minnesota’s nature. A going to the lake destination, Grand Rapids is a scenic drive far enough but close enough to be convenient. 

There is a wide variety of lodging properties from in town Hotels, Motels, a Bed and Breakfast, and Vacation Rentals to off the beaten path and located on beautiful area lakes Resort Cabins and Vacation Rentals. You will find several cultural and historic attractions to tour, and an abundance of outdoor recreation trails, lakes and rivers. Try new bites and sips while you are in town, and discover the locally owned boutique style shops. Before you arrive, make sure that you check out our Events Calendar to see live music, live performances, seasonal events and festivals that are happening. This spring take a weekend getaway to northern Minnesota where you can relax, reconnect with loved ones, and recharge in Minnesota’s nature.

On this three day, two night vacation, you will take in six experiences that include: driving up the Avenue of the Pines Scenic Byway, hiking, eating out, live music, biking, axe throwing, and walking across the Mississippi River. The trip itinerary will help guide you through these experiences, places to eat & drink, and additional outdoor recreation resources and tips.

Trip Tips

• Packing layers of clothing for the spring in northern MN is essential. Mornings and evenings will be cool and afternoons will be mid-50's to low 70's.
• Spring lodging offers affordable points.
• If you are wanting to get rentals you will want to get in advance.
• Some area attractions and shops will be closed on Sunday.

Ready to shake off cabin fever? Start planning your spring weekend getaway to Grand Rapids, Minnesota, where scenic drives, outdoor adventure, local flavors, and small-town charm are waiting.

USA Today's 10best readers' choice is giving the market a little national recognition, nominating it as one of the nation's best public markets. 

The Minneapolis food and shopping hall is one of 20 to make the publication's longlist, which is created by editors and experts.

Now, it's up to readers to determine the top 10 finishers, with the category up for a public vote through noon on Monday, April 13. 

The editors call it "a vibrant cultural hub that offers a unique blend of global cuisine, local arts, and lively community events."

It's competing in the reader vote against hubs like the Milwaukee Public Market, Los Angeles' Original Farmers Market, and the Pike Place Market in Seattle.

The home of Manny's Tortas, Momo Dosa, and other culinary treasures has been up for the recognition previously, placing eighth in 2025 and fourth in 2023. 

The National Weather Service has issued warnings covering a large swath of northwestern Minnesota, with heavy snow set to arrive on Friday afternoon and continue into early Saturday morning.

The warning is in effect for an area stretching from Fergus Falls in west-central Minnesota up to Roseau near the Minnesota-Canadian border. A winter storm watch is in effect for the North Shore which could see an additional 4-7 inches of snow on top of the large amounts that already fell on Thursday.

A winter weather advisory is in effect for areas of the state south and east of the warning zones, which includes cities such as St. Cloud, Brainerd, and Walker.

Sign up for our BREAKING WEATHER newsletters

Per the NWS in Grand Forks, the chances of over 6 inches of snow is in the 60-90% range in the warning area, though it notes there are still differences in how far north and west the system tracks.

In Northeastern Minnesota, the NWS in Duluth says that the winter storm watch will likely need to be upgraded to a warning in Koochiching, Itasca, and parts of St. Louis County due to planned heavy snowfall.

"Furthermore, winter storm warnings or even ice storm warnings may be needed across areas of northwest Wisconsin since ice totals have increased significantly.

"Highest ice accumulations will be in Wisconsin counties along Lake Superior with a quarter to a half inch possible," it says.

It will be too warm in the Twin Cities for snow in the Friday-Saturday storm, but the NWS says there's the potential for thunderstorms in east-central Minnesota on Friday evening, with a possible threat from small hail.

The president's Truth Social tirade came in the days after Springsteen opened his "Land of Hope and Dreams Tour" in Minneapolis on March 31, which itself took place just a couple of days after he appeared at the flagship No Kings rally in St. Paul.

"Bad, and very boring singer, Bruce Springsteen... has long had a horrible and incurable case of Trump Derangement Syndrome," the president posted to his Truth Social platform at 6:58 a.m. CT. "Under Sleepy Joe and the Dems, our Country was DEAD, and now we have the 'hottest' Country, by far, anywhere in the World."

The post also called Springsteen a "loser" and asserted that "MAGA SHOULD BOYCOTT HIS OVERPRICED CONCERTS, WHICH SUCK. SAVE YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY."

The opening night of the 76-year-old Springsteen's tour has garnered rave reviews from multiple publications. 

On top of recently releasing the anti-ICE song "Streets of Minneapolis," the songwriter spoke to the Minneapolis crowd before the March 31 concert began at Target Center, and was highly critical of the actions taken by the federal government under Trump, describing his administration as "corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless, and treasonous."

"I want to begin tonight with a prayer for our men and women in service overseas. We pray for their safe return. The mighty E Street Band is here tonight to call upon the righteous power of art, of music, of rock ‘n’ roll in dangerous times," Springsteen said, per Consequence of Sound.

"The America I love, the America I’ve written about for 50 years, that’s been a beacon of hope, of liberty around the world is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless, and treasonous administration. Tonight we ask all of you to join with us in choosing hope over fear democracy over authoritarianism, the rule of law over lawlessness, ethics over unbridled corruption, resistance over complacency, unity over division, and peace over war."

He offered similar remarks before playing "Streets of Minneapolis" at the No Kings rally, where he praised the resistance to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minnesota. 

"Your strength and your commitment told us that this is still America. This reactionary nightmare and these invasions of American cities will not stand. You gave us hope. You gave us courage," he said.

“For those who gave their lives, Renee Good, mother of three, brutally murdered. Alex Pretti, VA nurse, executed by ICE, shot in the back and left to die in the street without even the decency of our lawless government investigating their deaths. Their bravery, their sacrifice, and their names will not be forgotten.”

A sitting president calling for a boycott due to criticism did not sit well with the American Federation of Musicians. Local 802 president, Dan Point, and Local 47 president, Marc Sazer, released a statement on Trump's remarks. (Springsteen is a member of the Local 47 in Los Angeles and the Local 399 in Asbury Park, N.J.)

"We can not remain silent as one of our most celebrated members is singled out and personally attacked by the President of the United States," the joint statement reads. 

"Bruce Springsteen is not just a brilliant musician, he is a voice for working people, a symbol of American resilience, and an inspiration to millions in this country and around the world. From 'Nebraska' to 'Born to Run,' his music has spoken truth to power for decades, and that is exactly what he is doing now. Musicians have the right to freedom of expression, and we stand in complete solidarity with Bruce and every member who uses their platform to speak their conscience. Local 802 and Local 47 will always defend that right."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment about what exactly prompted the post and call for a boycott.

JMAC IS BACK. 🔥

McCarville joins the staff as an assistant coach. pic.twitter.com/00LbFnaOYc

— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) April 2, 2026

A native of Stevens Point, WI, McCarville was the Big Ten freshman of the year under Brenda Frese in 2001-02, which was the best season in Gophers women's basketball history to that point. She stuck around when Pam Borton took over the program the following year and, along with All-American Lindsay Whalen, helped the Gophers reach the Sweet 16 for the first time in 2003.

As a junior, McCarville took a leap into stardom. The Gophers were a No. 7 seed in the 2004 NCAA Tournament and went all the way to the Final Four in Whalen's senior year. McCarville was an All-American as a senior in 2004-05. She ranks seventh in Gophers history in points scored and is second in both rebounds and blocks. Minnesota went 98-31 and made four straight NCAA Tournaments during McCarville's career.

After a standout college career, McCarville was selected with the No. 1 overall pick by the Charlotte Sting in the 2005 WNBA Draft. She then went third overall to the New York Liberty in the 2007 Dispersal Draft following the folding of the Sting franchise. McCarville was the WNBA's most improved player in her first year with New York, then had a career year in 2008 with 13.7 points per game.

In 2011, McCarville was suspended for the entire season after failing to report to training camp. She didn't play in 2012 either, choosing to spend more time with her family. But in 2013, McCarville was acquired by the Lynx in a three-team trade, reuniting with Whalen. She started every game that season and helped Minnesota win the 2013 WNBA title. She was also the Lynx's starting center in 2014 and 2016, sandwiched around a season missed due to injury.

In total, McCarville played 313 games across nine WNBA seasons with three teams. Recently, she's served as the girls' varsity head coach at her high school alma mater in Stevens Point. She now joins Eric Thibault, Rebekkah Brunson, and Whalen as an assistant coach under Reeve.

The Lynx also announced the hiring of Jasmine Allen as basketball operations manager, Jeremy Ford as dietitian, Imani Lewis as video coordinator, Andy Oakland as basketball operations coordinator and Grace Allen as sports performance coordinator.

The Lynx hold the No. 2 overall pick in this year's WNBA draft, which will take place on April 13. Their preseason slate begins in late April, with the regular season opener set for May 10 at Target Center.

Minneapolis police responded to the shooting just after 12:30 a.m. on March 27 near Chicago Avenue and Franklin Avenue East, and arrived to find three victims.

One man – 51-year-old Daniel Benson – died at the scene, while the other two victims – a man in his 40s and a man in his 50s – were taken to a local hospital in unknown condition. 

Preliminary information from the Minneapolis Police Department indicates that the men were on a sidewalk when at least one suspect opened fire before fleeing in a vehicle.

A GoFundMe has been created to help Benson’s family pay for funeral costs and other expenses. According to the fundraiser, Benson was a father to three children and grandfather to seven grandchildren. 

“Daniel Benson was the eldest brother in a family of five children – two boys and three girls. He was the family protector, always attentive, kind-hearted, and quick to laugh. Daniel loved his mother dearly and was known for his ever-present smile, even during difficult times,” the GoFundMe reads. 

As of Thursday, the fundraiser had raised around $1,900 of its $4,000 goal. 

No arrests have been announced in connection with the shooting.

Stormcloud Trading Co. is holding a public closing sale to sell all merchandise, fixtures and store supplies – with regular prices discounted up to 50% off – from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 9.

A private sale takes place a day earlier, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Stormcloud owner Sandi Graves-Priesnitz says she's sad to go, but also knows when it's time to turn the page.

"I've invested a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into this business over the past 39 years, and I've loved each and every one of my customers along the way, so look at this as more of a celebration of a new chapter," she says.

“I will truly miss all my loyal customers. After being in business this long I have developed relationships and thank them dearly for the support over the years."

The store at 725 N. Snelling Ave. sells semi-precious stone beads, Indigenous art, craft supplies, Czech pressed glass, beading supplies, jewelry findings and more.

Jontae Brandon Lee, 27, was last seen on the 7000 block of Lakeland Avenue North on March 11. Police say he was last spotted traveling on foot and is believed to be in danger because of a medical condition. 

Investigators are now asking for residents and business owners located on the 7000 block of Lakeland Avenue North and along West Broadway/County Road 81 to check their properties and surveillance cameras to see if they have any information or footage that may be helpful for police. 

KARE 11 reports Lee’s family held a candlelight vigil for his safe return on Tuesday, which was also his 27th birthday. 

Lee was last seen wearing a white shirt and jeans, and stands 5'11" tall, and weighs 192 lbs. 

Anyone with information about Lee’s whereabouts is asked to call Brooklyn Park Police Department at 763‑493‑8222 or the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Dispatch 24-hour non-emergency line at 952‑258‑5321.

Simpson and his band, the Dark Clouds, are bringing their tour to St. Paul on Sept. 27. It's the third year in a row that Simpson will pass through the Twin Cities after an eight-year absence. Only, this time, he'll be playing at an arena.

Following recent, widely praised concerts at The Armory and Roy Wilkins Auditorium, he'll bring the band to Grand Casino Arena this fall. 

The outspoken country songwriter will be playing music from his latest record, "Mutiny for the Masses." After its release, the album hit No. 3 on the Billboard 200 — a feat, since it was only released on vinyl, CD, and cassette. However, the record was made available through iTunes as a full-album-only purchase this week.

Simpson adopted the Johnny Blue Skies moniker in 2024, opening for himself under the name and releasing "Passage Du Desir" that year.

Like other recent tours, the man behind "Metamodern Sounds in Country Music" won't have an opener for his first-ever gig at Grand Casino Arena.

Tickets for Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 10, with an artist presale taking place on Wednesday, April 8.