Daily Breakdown

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Author

Sam Hill
April 23, 2026

Good morning everyone,

Finals season is upon us, and I hope you are stocking up on nuts for the end times. For a cozy break from your troll hole studying, take a look at today’s stories.

Top story is regarding the ongoing hunger strike surrounding the Hennepin County trash incinerator. Also, UMN economist Chris Phelan has been selected by Trump to chair a board of federal economists and an explainer on why Coffman hasn’t been renamed. A&E has a sweet book fair and new Mia exhibit, and sports has an updated WBB roster piece.

Take a break from your belt-fed, gas operated 1500 rpm Quizlet live AI flashcard academic weapon lifestyle. Check out some news.

Pura Vida,

Sam Hill | Managing Editor | [email protected]

Top Story

Natasha Villanueva and Joshua Lewis, who were on hunger strike since April 10, watch from wheelchairs as protesters chant at the end of the board meeting. | Image by Shay Scanlan

HERC protestors call an end to hunger strike after flooding Hennepin County Board meeting

by Shay Scanlan | City Reporter | Published April 22, 2026

About 50 community members with the Zero Burn Coalition packed a Hennepin County board meeting Wednesday afternoon, demanding officials set a date to shut down the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center.

HERC is slated to close sometime between 2028 and 2040, but no specific date has been set. The coalition urges commissioners to close the incinerator by 2028. The meeting marked the first time since April 10 that protesters were able to speak face-to-face with commissioners after three members began a hunger strike, according to Zoe PiSierra, a spokesperson for the Zero Burn Coalition.

HERC is located near Target Field, between downtown and north Minneapolis, and burns about half of Hennepin County’s garbage, totaling around 360,000 tons annually. Protesters with the Zero Burn Coalition said HERC emits harmful pollutants, which increase health risks such as asthma and heart disease.

 

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City and Campus

Trump picks UMN economist for high-level White House position

By Jingyuan Liu | City Reporter

President Donald Trump has nominated Christopher Phelan, a University of Minnesota professor, to lead the Council of Economic Advisors.

 

More from City

Opinion

Opinion: College students deserve better period resources

By Callie Burch | Columnist

Stigma around periods halts progress for adequate menstrual support.

 

More from Opinion

Arts & Entertainment

You’re never too old to go to the book fair

By Abbey Mulcahey | A&E Reporter

The Rewind Book Fair brought back the magic of Scholastic Book Fair days with authors, crafts and community.

 

More from Arts & Entertainment

 

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Sports

Gophers women’s basketball reloads core with mix of size and skill

By Samantha Roering | Sports Reporter

With key starters set to return, Minnesota also reloaded through the transfer portal, adding Gracie Merkle, Tayla Thomas and Leah Harmon.

 

More from Sports

Podcasts

Music and Minneapolis: Remembering Prince 10 years later

Ten years ago today, Minneapolis musician Prince died due to an overdose, ending his historic and revolutionary music career. Hear from local experts about Prince’s musical genius and his lasting legacy.