State News
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 · Redwood Falls
Mall of America Eyes New Hotel, Retail in Major Bloomington Push
The Mall of America, Minnesota's iconic Bloomington landmark, is plotting a fresh expansion with a 500-room hotel and luxury retail to supercharge Twin Cities tourism. Owners Triple Five Group aim to cement its status as America's top mall, drawing over 42 million visitors yearly. This builds on past triumphs amid booming local entertainment growth.
Minnesota Measles Surge Hits 16 Cases as Vaccination Gaps Widen
Minnesota is grappling with a resurgent measles outbreak that has confirmed 16 cases as of mid-April 2026, with health officials pointing to clusters of unvaccinated individuals across the state. The rise marks a sharp departure from 2023, when the state recorded zero cases, and underscores growing concerns about immunity gaps in communities across the Twin Cities and beyond.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Teen Birth Rates Reach Record Low, Driven by Declines Among Hispanic and Black Teens
A new CDC analysis reveals dramatic decreases in teen birth rates, particularly among Hispanic and Black teenagers. National teen births have fallen over 40% in the last decade, reaching an all-time low.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Tickborne Diseases on the Rise Across the United States
The U.S. is facing a growing threat from tickborne illnesses. Factors contributing to this rise include newly identified disease-causing germs and the expansion of tick habitats.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Rockets Defeat Lakers 115-96, Averting Sweep
The Houston Rockets avoided a sweep, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 115-96 in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series. Reed Sheppard led the Rockets, while Deandre Ayton had 19 points for the Lakers before being ejected.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Fantasy Football Analysts Project 2026 Rookie Performance
Fantasy football analysts Liz Loza, Matt Bowen, and Mike Clay have released their initial 2026 performance projections for early-round NFL draft picks. The analysis focuses on the fantasy potential of key rookies entering the league. Areas of consideration were positional impact and projected usage.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Makai Lemon Drafted 20th Overall by Philadelphia Eagles
USC Trojans receiver Makai Lemon was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 20th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Lemon was the only Trojan selected in the first round.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Mall of America in Bloomington Eyes $500M Luxury Revamp
The Mall of America, Minnesota's iconic shopping mecca in Bloomington, has unveiled ambitious plans for a $500 million-plus expansion targeting high-end luxury shoppers. Developed by Ryan Cos. US Inc. and owner Triple Five Group, the project promises new retail space, a luxury hotel and residential units amid booming local development. As the mall navigates financial extensions, this overhaul aims to cement its draw for tourists and locals alike.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Medtronic's Record Q3 Revenue Boosts Minnesota Economy
Medtronic plc posted record third-quarter fiscal 2026 revenue of $9.0 billion, propelled by innovations from its sprawling Minnesota headquarters and facilities. The Twin Cities-based medical giant's growth in diabetes and cardiovascular segments underscores its role as a powerhouse in the state's biotech hub. With strong local operations driving global profits, Minnesota reaps economic rewards amid rising challenges.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Target's Minneapolis HQ Expansion to Add Hundreds of Jobs
Target Corporation is pouring investment into its Minneapolis roots with a major headquarters expansion set to create hundreds of new jobs. The move bolsters the city's role as a retail powerhouse amid economic pressures. Local leaders hail it as a win for Minnesota workers.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Gophers Clinch 7th Big Ten Title in Dramatic Penn State Thriller
Captain Mike Koster's clutch goal with 3:04 left propelled the No. 2 Minnesota Golden Gophers to a 5-3 road victory over Penn State, securing a record seventh Big Ten regular-season championship. Oliver Moore's three-point explosion and Matthew Wood's two goals fueled the Maroon and Gold's triumph at Pegula Ice Arena. The win cements Minnesota's hockey dominance in the heart of the state.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Twins Rally Late for 10-5 Thrashing of White Sox in Target Field Opener
The Minnesota Twins erased a White Sox lead with a furious seventh-inning rally, surging to a 10-5 home opener victory at Target Field. Max Kepler and José Miranda's key hits flipped the script, extending Minnesota's streak to 10 straight wins. Chicago's dismal 6-25 squad couldn't hold on against the surging Twins.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Vikings Nab Florida DL Caleb Banks at No. 18 in NFL Draft
The Minnesota Vikings launched their 2026 NFL Draft class by selecting Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks with the 18th overall pick in Pittsburgh. Initially buzzed as a quarterback grab by FOX 9, the Vikings instead fortified their defensive front. Banks joins a haul addressing key roster gaps for U.S. Bank Stadium faithful.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Brooklyn Park Manhunt Ends? Police Hunt Armed Suspect After Family Gunfire
Brooklyn Park police launched a massive overnight manhunt for an armed man who fired multiple shots in a family dispute, locking down a north metro neighborhood. SWAT teams, armored vehicles and a state helicopter scoured 78th Avenue North, but the suspect remains at large as of early Tuesday. No injuries were reported, but residents were trapped outside their homes amid the chaos.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Minnesota Grooming Bill Nears House Floor After Survivor Testimony
A bill to criminalize grooming children as a felony in Minnesota advanced through its final House committee Tuesday, propelled by survivor Hannah LoPresto's harrowing account of abuse by her Eagan High School band director. HF 3489, sponsored by Rep. Peggy Bennett, defines grooming and mandates training to stop predators before assaults occur. With costs estimated at $1.45 million annually, the measure could reach the House floor next week.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Minnesota Senate OKs Bills to Shield Capitol, Courts and Lawmakers from Threats
In a swift bipartisan move, the Minnesota Senate passed a package of bills Monday to fortify security at the State Capitol, courtrooms and for targeted lawmakers amid rising threats. Driven by Sen. John Hoffman's personal ordeal after being shot nine times last summer, the measures create a new protective unit and expand screening protocols. The votes come as new Capitol checkpoints roll out this week under Gov. Tim Walz's January order.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Minnesota poised to ban crypto kiosks after scams bilk vulnerable residents
Minnesota lawmakers have passed legislation to ban cryptocurrency kiosks statewide, targeting ATM-like machines that law enforcement says facilitate rampant fraud. The bill, which received bipartisan support in both chambers, now awaits Governor Walz's signature as older Minnesotans face mounting losses to crypto scams.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Ducks Defeat Oilers 4-3 in Overtime, Take 3-1 Series Lead
The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in overtime after a controversial goal review. Ryan Poehling scored the game-winning goal, giving the Ducks a 3-1 series lead as the series shifts to Edmonton.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026