State News
Saturday, May 2, 2026 · Aitkin
Duluth Schools Roll Out AI Tools to High Schoolers This Spring
Duluth Public Schools is plunging into the AI era, deploying generative AI resources to high school students starting this spring. With Google Gemini as the centerpiece, the district aims to equip teens with ethical AI skills for a tech-driven workforce. Staff training paves the way for broader student integration amid rapid curriculum shifts.
Four Minneapolis Teens Arrested in Violent Robbery Spree
Minneapolis police arrested four teenagers Wednesday in connection with two back-to-back robberies that unfolded across the city Tuesday night. The suspects, ages 15 to 17, allegedly assaulted victims and attempted a carjacking before leading officers on a chase that ended in a crash.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
U of M Proposes 6.5% Tuition Hikes Amid $5.1B Budget Crunch
The University of Minnesota is grappling with federal funding cuts and enrollment drops, pushing officials to seek steep tuition increases and 7% program slashes. Twin Cities and Rochester undergraduates face 6.5% hikes under a $5.1 billion fiscal 2026 proposal. The Board of Regents meets next week to decide the fate of Minnesota students' wallets and academic programs.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Secretariat's Bloodline Present in 19 Kentucky Derby Horses
Nineteen of the twenty horses competing in the 2026 Kentucky Derby are descendants of Secretariat. The Puma and Demon Bourbon both have Secretariat four times in their bloodlines.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Ritchie Earns Win Despite Initial Home Run
JR Ritchie allowed a home run on his first Major League pitch but recovered to earn the win. He is the second pitcher in 50 years to achieve this feat.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Reaves' Status Uncertain for Game 3; Durant Also Questionable
Lakers' Austin Reaves is questionable for Game 3 after being upgraded from a previous designation. Rockets' Kevin Durant is also listed as questionable due to a sprained ankle, potentially impacting team performance.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Payton Tolle Impresses in Debut Against Yankees
Payton Tolle made his season debut for the Boston Red Sox against the New York Yankees. The left-handed pitcher recorded 11 strikeouts in the outing.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Eagles Finalize 8-Player 2026 NFL Draft Class
The Philadelphia Eagles completed their 2026 NFL Draft, selecting eight players including WR Makai Lemon and TE Eli Stowers. The draft focused on adding versatile offensive talent and bolstering defensive depth.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Atlético Madrid, Arsenal Draw 1-1 in Champions League Semifinal First Leg
Atlético Madrid and Arsenal played to a 1-1 draw in their Champions League semifinal first leg. Viktor Gyökeres and Julián Álvarez each scored from the penalty spot. The tie will be decided next week in London.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Anthony Edwards Diagnosed with Knee Injury, Out Multiple Weeks
Anthony Edwards sustained a bone bruise and hyperextension in his left knee and will be sidelined for several weeks, according to sources. The injury occurred in [Game situation - INSERT if applicable from other sources]. The Timberwolves will need to adapt their strategy in Edwards' absence.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
SEC Commissioner Stands Firm on 16-Team CFP
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey repeated his support for a 16-team College Football Playoff. His statement contrasts with the Big Ten's proposed 24-team format gaining traction among CFP stakeholders.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Marlins' Alcantara Throws First Complete Game; Trade Rumors Swirl
Sandy Alcantara pitched a complete game shutout for the Miami Marlins. The performance comes amid speculation that the Los Angeles Dodgers may pursue a trade for the Cy Young winner.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Liverpool Expected to Overhaul Attacking Lineup
Liverpool is preparing for significant changes in its attacking lineup, with Mohamed Salah expected to leave and Federico Chiesa potentially following suit. The club is reportedly considering signing two attackers to address the potential void.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Mall of America Hits Record Tourism Surge in Bloomington, MN
The Mall of America in Bloomington reported a 15% jump in out-of-state and international visitors, fueling a local economic boom. Black Friday 2025 shattered records with 235,000 attendees, signaling robust holiday momentum. This influx underscores the mall's status as Minnesota's top tourist draw.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Medtronic's $200M Mounds View Expansion to Add 300 Insulin Pump Jobs
Medtronic is pouring $200 million into its Mounds View facility, creating 300 new jobs focused on insulin pump production amid a booming diabetes care market. The expansion bolsters Minnesota's med-tech hub just as the company plans to spin off its Diabetes business by late 2026. Local leaders hail it as a win for Ramsey County's economy.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Target's Q1 Earnings Surge on Minnesota Roots, Digital Boom
Minneapolis-based Target Corp. posted Q1 net sales of $23.8 billion, beating expectations with robust digital growth and home-state store strength. Same-day delivery via Target Circle 360 jumped over 35%, powering a 4.7% rise in online comparable sales. CEO Brian Cornell hailed Minnesota market momentum as key to the $2.27 GAAP EPS.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Gophers Women's Hockey Claims First WCHA Title Since 2018 in Epic Run
The University of Minnesota women's hockey team captured the WCHA Final Faceoff championship with a thrilling 4-2 overtime victory over Wisconsin, their first title since 2018. After edging Ohio State 3-1, the Gophers triumphed at home from Ridder Arena in Minneapolis. This Border Battle win reignites hopes for a national title in St. Paul.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Timberwolves Punch West Semifinals Ticket, Top Nuggets 4-2
Anthony Edwards erupted for 40 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves clinched a gripping 4-2 first-round playoff series victory over the Denver Nuggets. Target Center erupted in celebration, marking Minnesota's third straight Western Conference semifinals appearance. The Wolves' physical defense and depth propelled them past the defending champs.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
U of M Expands Food Pantries to Fight Student Hunger in Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota is tackling rampant campus food insecurity with expanded food pantries serving thousands of students amid record demand. A key partnership with Second Harvest Heartland boosts fresh produce and hours at three Twin Cities locations. This initiative arrives as one-third of U students face hunger, backed by a $1.5 million budget boost.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Minneapolis Police Arrest Suspect in Downtown Robbery Spree
Minneapolis authorities have apprehended a 28-year-old man suspected of carrying out five armed robberies targeting late-night businesses in the city center. The arrest comes as police intensify efforts to combat a recent surge in violent robberies across the metropolitan area.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
DNR Lifts Most Northern MN Burn Bans, Keeps Northeast on Alert
After weeks of dry conditions fueling wildfire fears, the Minnesota DNR has lifted burning restrictions in 14 northern counties. But Cook and Lake counties remain under tight Class III rules amid lingering risks. Officials credit the measures with slashing wildfires by over 30% in the past decade.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Jokic, Randle Fined Following Game 4 Incident
Nikola Jokic and Julius Randle have been fined by the NBA for their roles in a Game 4 altercation. Jokic received a $50,000 fine, while Randle was fined $35,000.
Saturday, May 2, 2026