www.minneapolisnews.net latest rss headlines

Exxon refining profit could jump $4.5 billion on higher margins

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 04:45:46 GMT

HOUSTON, Texas: ExxonMobil said soaring refining margins could boost its downstream profit by US$4.5 billion in the third quarter compared with the previous three months, as disruptions to global energy supplies drive fuel prices higher.

Refining margins have surged amid the ongoing Iran war, which has restricted energy exports through the Strait of Hormuz, as well as Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries.

Kirill Marchenko faces former team as Maple Leafs meet Blue Jackets

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 08:19:03 GMT

(Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski)

Kirill Marchenko blossomed into one of the league's most potent offensive performers in his first four NHL seasons, all with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

However, Marchenko reportedly was searching for greener pastures, and following an offseason trade to Toronto, he returns to Columbus on Tuesday night, trying to help the Maple Leafs post back-to-back victories for the firs

Wild, Oilers bring red-hot superstars into showdown

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:55:10 GMT

(Photo credit: Peter Creveling)

The league's biggest stars take center stage as the Minnesota Wild travel north of the border to face the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday.

Both teams enter the contest with six wins apiece and their superstars at the top of their game.

Oilers center Connor McDavid sits atop the NHL with 23 points (six goals, 17 assists), while Wild sniper Kirill Kaprizov has buried a league-

Magic seek fresh start under new coach as they host Hawks

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 23:19:17 GMT

(Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck)

The Atlanta Hawks will try to pick up where they left off last season when they travel to Orlando for the season opener Wednesday, while the Magic are looking for a fresh start under a new coach.

The Hawks were one of the hottest teams in the second half, winning 19 of their last 24 games to finish 46-36 atop the Southeastern Division. Atlanta pushed the New York Knicks to

Reports: Hornets F Brandon Miller agrees to five-year, $209M extension

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 21:55:06 GMT

(Photo credit: Petre Thomas)

Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller agreed to a five-year, $209 million extension, according to multiple reports on Monday.

Miller became the main building piece for the Hornets when the club traded guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the offseason.

Entering his fourth season, Miller underwent offseason surgery on his left shoulder but is ready for the

Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (thumb) closing in on return

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 18:55:07 GMT

(Photo credit: Jerome Miron)

Quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has been sidelined since dislocating his right thumb during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, is getting closer to a return.

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles told reporters Monday that Mayfield is expected to practice this week for the first time since the injury occurred.

'He's supposed to practice Wednesday,'

Kansas adds NBA draft pick Trey Kaufman-Renn to roster

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 16:05:06 GMT

(Photo credit: Christine Tannous)

Trey Kaufman-Renn, the 59th overall pick by Minnesota in the 2026 NBA Draft in June, is officially on the Kansas roster as he seeks a sixth year of eligibility.

Kaufman-Renn, 24, never signed a pro contract with the Timberwolves. As a second-round pick, contract agreements are not guaranteed in the NBA.

Last season, the 6-foot-9 forward averaged 14.2 points, 8.3 rebou

2026-27 NBA Preview: Power rankings

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 05:55:14 GMT

(Photo credit: Vincent Carchietta)

There's an argument to be made that the previous season's champion should always be given the honor of topping power rankings to begin the following season.

I love to argue, so I'll take that debate.

Kudos to the New York Knicks for stunning the basketball world with an impressive run through the Eastern Conference playoffs and then a shocking upset over the San Anto

Kirill Kaprizov nets 10th goal in 9 games, pacing Wild past Jackets

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 01:05:04 GMT

(Photo credit: Matt Blewett)

Kirill Kaprizov joined elite company Sunday with his goal that helped the Minnesota Wild edge the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 in St. Paul, Minn.

Kaprizov continued to live up to his eight-year, $136 million contract by scoring a power-play goal in the second period that broke a 1-1 tie. The Russian winger has scored at least one goal in three straight games and has points in six s

Kirill Kaprizov nets 10th goal in 9 games, pacing Wild past Blue Jackets

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:55:15 GMT

(Photo credit: Matt Blewett)

Kirill Kaprizov joined some elite company on Sunday with his goal that helped the Minnesota Wild edge the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 in St. Paul, Minn.

Kaprizov continued to live up to his eight-year, $136 million contract by scoring a power-play goal in the second period that broke a 1-1 tie. The Russian winger has a goal in three straight games and points in six straight.

Browns get walk-off winner to catch Ravens in AFC North

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 20:40:26 GMT

(Photo credit: Scott Galvin)

Andre Szmyt kicked a 37-yard field goal as time expired to give the Cleveland Browns a 13-10 victory over the visiting Baltimore Ravens on Sunday and a share of first place in the AFC North.

Deshaun Watson connected with Jerry Jeudy on a 33-yard pass to the Baltimore 29-yard line with 22 seconds remaining to set up the decisive kick.

Szmyt's initial attempt from 42 yards w

2026-27 NBA Preview: Northwest Division capsules

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 19:40:33 GMT

(Photo credit: Alonzo Adams)

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

2025-26 record: 64-18, 1st in the Northwest, lost to Spurs in Western Conference finals

Head coach: Mark Daigneault, 7th season (275-207)

Coming and going: The reality of the salary cap has begun to water down the Thunder, who traded key rotation pieces Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe to remain financially responsible. Technically, gett

Blue Jackets try to build on success with road game vs. Wild

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 08:55:15 GMT

(Photo credit: Jeff Curry)

The Columbus Blue Jackets will seek their first winning streak of the young season on Sunday when they face the Minnesota Wild in Saint Paul, Minn.

Columbus needed overtime on Saturday before skating away with a 1-0 win over the visiting New York Rangers to stop a two-game skid. It was quite the turnaround from the Blue Jackets' previous game on Tuesday, when the visiting Florida

Minnesota rallies, halts St. Louis City's 21-match unbeaten run

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 07:40:23 GMT

(Photo credit: Matt Krohn)

Marcus Caldeira scored the go-ahead goal in the 86th minute as Minnesota United rallied from an early 2-0 deficit to snap St. Louis City's record 21-game unbeaten streak with a 3-2 victory on Saturday afternoon in Saint Paul, Minn.

Caldeira controlled Joaquin Pereyra's long outlet pass near midfield and then dribbled down the middle of the field and blasted a left-footed shot from

Timbers, Rapids play to draw in battle of fringe playoff contenders

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 05:19:12 GMT

(Photo credit: Howard Lao)

The Colorado Rapids halted a five-game losing streak in Portland but still didn't celebrate a victory as they played to a scoreless draw with the Timbers on Saturday night.

Colorado was outscored 16-4 during the skid - one of the setbacks came in Leagues Cup play - before playing the Timbers even in a tightly marked match.

The Rapids (11-13-6, 39 points) remained in possessi

Minnesota United rallies past St. Louis City; snaps 21-match unbeaten run

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 23:19:29 GMT

(Photo credit: Matt Krohn)

Caldeira controlled Joaquin Pereyra's long outlet pass near midfield and then dribbled down the middle of the field and blasted a left-footed shot from

Report: Bears QB Caleb Williams to start vs. Falcons

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 23:19:12 GMT

(Photo credit: Matt Marton)

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is expected to return to the starting lineup Sunday against the Falcons in Atlanta after missing the previous three games with a hamstring injury, ESPN and NFL Network reported Saturday.

Williams, who has been sidelined since injuring his right hamstring against the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 20, practiced fully throughout the week without

Timbers rue recent rut, try to track down ninth-place Rapids

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 03:40:30 GMT

(Photo credit: Darren Yamashita)

The struggling Portland Timbers face a pivotal late-season match when they host the Colorado Rapids on Saturday night.

Portland is winless in its past six matches (0-4-2) entering the contest against Colorado (11-13-5, 38 points), which currently holds the ninth and final playoff position in the Western Conference.

The Timbers (9-14-6, 33 points) are tied for 10th in t

Dream, Valkyries launch WNBA Finals journey from 'Ballhalla'

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 03:05:15 GMT

(Photo credit: Robert Edwards)

Two teams new to the bright lights of the WNBA Finals go head-to-head Saturday afternoon when the best-of-seven championship series between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries tips off in San Francisco.

Both teams swept their semifinal series. The fourth-seeded Dream defeated the New York Liberty, the 2024 champs, three games to none, while the second-seeded Valkyries

Central rivals Blues, Predators aim to keep building

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:40:27 GMT

(Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers)

Two teams looking to climb the Central Division standings will face off Saturday in Nashville, when the Predators host the St. Louis Blues.

The Blues will wrap up a three-game road trip after they lost 5-4 to the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night. St. Louis scored twice in the final four minutes, including a short-handed goal by Robert Thomas, but coach Jim Montgomery's team c

Surging St. Louis City can topple another record at Minnesota

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 22:05:04 GMT

(Photo credit: Tim Vizer)

St. Louis City will put the longest unbeaten streak across all competitions in MLS history on the line Saturday afternoon when they face struggling Minnesota United in Saint Paul, Minn.

St. Louis (14-6-9, 51 points), second in the Western Conference and just one point behind the first-place Vancouver Whitecaps, hasn't lost a match since May 3. That's a span of 166 days and 21 match

Defending champion Hurricanes finding groove, face Jets next

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 20:55:06 GMT

(Photo credit: James Guillory)

The defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes look to continue an early-season hot streak when they visit the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday afternoon.

This is the first meeting in a two-game season series between the teams. Carolina has taken three straight in the overall series, defeating Winnipeg 5-1 in Raleigh when they last met last November.

The Hurricanes have

Dream, Valkyries to launch WNBA Finals journey from 'Ballhalla'

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 20:05:03 GMT

(Photo credit: Robert Edwards)

Both teams swept their way into the Finals. The fourth-seeded Dream defeated the New York Liberty, the 2024 champs, three games to none in the WNBA semifinals, while t

Bears QB Caleb Williams 'on track' for Week 6 return

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 19:05:03 GMT

(Photo credit: Patrick Gorski)

Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears are optimistic he turned the corner from hamstring injury recovery to full acceleration this week.

But head coach Ben Johnson didn't want to declare Williams ready to go Friday. Williams missed three games and said his hamstring was torn in the Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

'I'm hopeful we'll have more clarity at the end of th

Austin FC sign top scorer Christian Ramirez to new deal

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:55:06 GMT

(Photo credit: Daniel Jefferson)

Austin FC signed top scorer Christian Ramirez to a new guaranteed contract through the end of the 2027-28 season on Friday.

The 35-year-old forward has tallied nine goals and two assists in 25 regular-season matches (14 starts) this season.

The nine-year MLS veteran and former MLS Cup champion signed with Austin in February 2026.

'At the start of this season, I d

NHL roundup: Panthers' Brady Tkachuk caps 2nd straight hat trick in OT

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 07:19:03 GMT

(Photo credit: Sam Navarro)

Brady Tkachuk scored twice in the final nine minutes of regulation, then completed his second straight natural hat trick 2:23 into overtime, leading the Florida Panthers to a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday in Sunrise, Fla.

Tkachuk is the first player since the Toronto Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews in February 2024 to record a hat trick in back-

Wild ride Matt Boldy's hat trick to win over Blues

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 03:19:08 GMT

(Photo credit: Matt Blewett)

Matt Boldy scored his fifth career hat trick and added an assist as the Minnesota Wild held off the St. Louis Blues 5-4 Thursday night in Saint Paul, Minn.

Kirill Kaprizov scored his third goal in two games and added two assists for the Wild, who have won three of four. Quinn Hughes and Joel Eriksson Ek each had two assists and Jesper Wallstedt made 20 saves.

Kaprizov, who

Overworked Avalanche look to grind out win vs. Penguins

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 21:25:06 GMT

(Photo credit: Sergei Belski)

Playing its third game in four nights, the Colorado Avalanche will attempt to beat the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins off a healthy dose of adrenaline Friday night.

The Avalanche split back-to-back, home-and-home contests against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday and Wednesday, both by 3-2 final scores. Colorado managed to earn three of four points in the mini-series thanks to a shooto

MN evacuation sheds light on flood risks for some nursing homes

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:37:13 GMT

By Brett Kelman, Holly K. Hacker, Daniel Chang, Frankie McLister/WCCO-TV and Jason Rantala/WCCO-TV for KFF Health News.

Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the KFF Health

Economic pain in MN linked to ICE enforcement becomes clearer

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 01:04:22 GMT

Minnesota would have more jobs today and not as many economic disruptions had mass deportations not been aggressively carried out over the past year, according to emerging research looking into its effects.
The latest report, out this month from the Minnesota Budget Project and the Immigration Research Initiative, estimated there are now

Where to watch Chicago Bears vs. Atlanta Falcons

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:36:06 GMT

All the information you need to watch, stream or listen to the Bears vs. Falcons game on Sunday.
Will McFadden
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. The Atlanta Falcons will play their first 1 p.m. ET game in nearly a month on Sunday when the Chicago Bears come to town.
The Falcons went 2-1 in prime time, and only an overtime effort from the Baltimore Ravens prevented the full three-game sweep. Atlanta showed up well

2026 Game Preview: Steelers-Buccaneers, Week 6

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

As the Buccaneers try to build on their first win in Week Five and stay in the mix in the NFC South hunt, they will face a visiting Pittsburgh team that features a Hall of Fame quarterback and one of the NFL's fiercest pass rushers
Scott Smith
The 1-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers and 3-2 Pittsburgh Steelers are set to meet for just the 13th time in the two franchises histories, and despite their disparate records

Minnesota defends social media warning labels amid Big Tech ire

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:55:55 GMT

MINNEAPOLIS (CN) - Minnesota urged a federal judge on Monday to throw out a suit challenging the state's first-of-its-kind social media warning label law, pushing back against free speech claims.

U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel presided over the motion-to-dismiss hearing, which centered on whether the state's mandatory warning labels cross the line into unconstitutional compelled speech.

Minnesota

Trump appears to cast doubt on prospects for meeting Kim Jong Un next month

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 12:11:50 GMT
Trump appears to cast doubt on prospects for meeting Kim Jong Un next month

NZ-India free trade agreement officially begins - RNZ

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 22:13:27 GMT
NZ-India free trade agreement officially begins - RNZ

Bullara station rebuilds after being hit by Cyclone Narelle

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:06:53 GMT
Bullara station rebuilds after being hit by Cyclone Narelle

Former Elgin Lloyds Pharmacy to be transformed by new business

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 11:14:20 GMT
Former Elgin Lloyds Pharmacy to be transformed by new business

Northern Ireland school bomb threat email revealed

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 20:37:44 GMT
Northern Ireland school bomb threat email revealed

Enniskillen primary school evacuated after bomb threat email

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:40:26 GMT
Enniskillen primary school evacuated after bomb threat email

Northern Ireland school bomb threats treated as hoax

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:40:01 GMT
Northern Ireland school bomb threats treated as hoax

Melco abandons bid for 20% of Crown Resorts due to coronavirus outbreak - Crown Resorts

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 10:05:20 GMT
Melco abandons bid for 20% of Crown Resorts due to coronavirus outbreak - Crown Resorts