Stories from January 22, 2025

Police group sues state over release of undercover officers’ names
In August, the Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training sent independent journalist Tony Webster police licensing information in response to his data request, but failed to remove the names of officers who work undercover.
Trump order halting refugee resettlement disrupting Minnesota agencies’ efforts
Officials with refugee resettlement agencies in Minnesota say Trump’s executive order halting the Refugee Admissions Program is disrupting efforts to bring people facing strife in their home countries to the U.S. and to the state.
Netflix raises monthly fees after a record jump in new subscribers
The company says it added 19 million new subscribers during the last quarter of 2024, fueled by live events and new shows. Netflix is also raising subscriptions by $1 to $2 per month in the U.S.
Republicans in the Minnesota House are looking to roll back taxes and fees approved when Democrats had complete control of the Legislature. Republicans are holding hearings in the House while their Democratic counterparts are boycotting over a power dispute. And Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is suing to block President Donald Trump's order to end birthright citizenship.
House Republicans seek to roll back DFL taxes, fees tied to transportation programs
Minnesota House Republicans are seeking to roll back taxes and fees approved when Democrats had full control of state government. A delivery fee and automatic increases to the gas taxes are on the GOP chopping block.
Federal health agencies told to halt all external communications
In a memo obtained by NPR, acting Health Secretary Dorothy Fink forbade staff from public communications on most matters until Feb. 1, unless they get express approval from "a presidential appointee."
Group looks to protect wild rice for future generations by recognizing its rights under state law
A campaign launching this year asks the state of Minnesota to recognize legal rights for wild rice, as the White Earth Band of Ojibwe and the 1855 Treaty Authority have done.
Twin Cities area school employee charged with possesing child sexual abuse images
A recess and traffic monitor in the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District was arrested last week. Authorities say they have not found any indication that students at the schools he worked at were involved.
Doctor explains rising cancer rates, says survivor rates and data collection provide reasons for hope
A recent report by the American Cancer Society found six of the most common cancers are on the rise, including cancers found in the breasts and uterus.
Expert: Birthright citizenship order would mark ‘massive change’ to 157-year-old law
Minnesota has joined a multi-state legal challenge to President Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship, which guarantees citizenship to all babies born in the U.S., regardless of their parents’ legal status.
As ‘Sing Sing’ film spotlights prison theater programs, similar effort in Minnesota rebuilds from pandemic
The organization Ten Thousand Things is partnering with educational institutions to bring theater courses to Minnesota Correctional Facilities in Shakopee, Stillwater and Faribault.
How to talk to kids about the Los Angeles wildfires and other climate crises
You can help reassure and inform children about the Los Angeles wildfires and broader climate concerns, with age-appropriate tips, expert insights and practical ways to ease eco-anxiety.
11 Minnesota chefs and restaurants named 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists
Eleven Minnesota chefs and restaurants were named James Beard Award semifinalists for 2025. The list includes five Minnesota chefs being awarded Best Chef in the Midwest category and one Minneapolis chef, Ann Ahmed, being named Outstanding Chef.
Auto-followed Trump on Facebook? It's probably because you previously liked the POTUS account
Some Facebook and Instagram users were surprised to find themselves automatically following the accounts of President Donald Trump or Vice President JD Vance this week after the president was inaugurated. 
The link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk
MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about the U.S. Surgeon General’s recent advisory calling for expanding the warning label on alcohol to link it to an increased risk for some cancers.
Trump demands an apology from former Minnesotan bishop who asked him to ‘have mercy’
President Donald Trump is demanding an apology from the former Minnesotan and Episcopal bishop of Washington after she asked him to have mercy on the LGBTQ+ community and migrants in the United States illegally during a prayer service marking his inauguration. 
Justice Department directs prosecutors to probe local efforts to obstruct immigration enforcement
The Justice Department is directing its federal prosecutors to investigate any state or local officials who stand in the way of beefed-up enforcement of immigration laws under the Trump administration.
What cabinet appointments for Sean Duffy, Kristi Noem, and Doug Burgum could mean for Minnesota
Three regional leaders—Doug Burgum, Kristi Noem, and Sean Duffy—are among President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees. Their potential appointments could significantly influence Minnesota and neighboring states.
U.S. border patrol agent from Minnesota fatally shot in Vermont near Canada
Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a U.S. Border Patrol agent near Canada that also left a suspect dead and another injured. U.S. Customs and Border Protection says agent David Maland was killed following a traffic stop.
The state of Minnesota has joined an effort to challenge the constitutionality of President Donald Trump's executive order, which seeks to overturn birthright citizenship. Separately, a trial for two Minnesota men charged in the Jan. 6 riots in Washington did not resume as scheduled Tuesday following Trump’s sweeping pardons of those who participated in the riots.
45-degree temperature swing with seasonal highs returning
Seasonal temperatures are returning following our arctic freeze, with highs expected to reach the 20s and even 30s in southern Minnesota. Flurries are possible with a brief cooldown on Thursday, followed by a warming trend into the weekend.
Brianne Jenner scores her first PWHL goal, the Charge beat the Frost 1-0 to end 3-game skid
Brianne Jenner scored her first PWHL goal less than four minutes into the game, Gwyneth Philips made 22 saves for her first career shutout and the Ottawa Charge beat the Minnesota Frost 1-0 on Tuesday night to end a three-game losing streak.
Fire risk and strong winds continue in Southern California with rain on the horizon
Southern California was forecast to face more dangerous winds on Wednesday, but could get some badly needed rain this weekend, which could create new challenges like toxic ash runoff.
First phase of Mankato’s supportive housing project receives $7.2 million state grant
Mankato is one of many communities around Minnesota facing challenges as people experience chronic homelessness. One barrier is the lack of affordable housing, but there are continuing efforts moving unhoused people into permanent supportive housing. 
House Democrats stick to work closer to home as row with Republicans persists at Minnesota Capitol
Democrats in the Minnesota House are boycotting the Capitol over a disagreement about the power Republicans should hold given a temporary advantage there. They’re doing events in their districts instead.
After 100 years of waiting, a Latino Museum is proposed for St. Paul
The Minnesota Latino Leadership Alliance is advocating for a proposed Minnesota Latino Museum, aiming to raise $20 million for a cultural center in St. Paul’s historic West Side Flats, with hopes to open by 2029 to celebrate and preserve Latino arts, heritage and community.
Could winter-hardy crops fuel airline flights of the future? U of M researchers think it’s possible
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have been studying winter oilseed crops that can be turned into sustainable aviation fuel and provide other environmental benefits. Interest in SAF has been on the rise as the airline industry looks to reduce its carbon emissions.
 Photos: Landing on a frozen Minnesota lake? These Forest Service pilots are cool with it
Snow and ice aren’t ideal conditions to take off or land an airplane, but they’re business as usual for pilots who fly through the winter out of the U.S. Forest Service seaplane base in Ely — the only Forest Service seaplane base in the country. 
Trump administration puts federal diversity, equity and inclusion staff on leave
Employees in the programs will be placed on paid administrative leave. Agencies have the next few days to submit reports on how they are complying with the orders, including plans to fire them.
Minnesotans among those pardoned for Jan. 6 riots on President Trump’s first day
The president’s move halted a trial for two southern Minnesota men that had been underway in Washington D.C., and it erased the criminal convictions of another seven people who took part in the insurrection.
Pete Hegseth’s former sister-in-law alleges abuse against second wife in affidavit to Senate
Senators vetting the nomination of Minnesotan Pete Hegseth for defense secretary received an affidavit Tuesday from a former sister-in-law alleging that the onetime Fox News host was abusive to his second wife, to the point where she feared for her safety. Hegseth denies the allegations.