Stories from February 25, 2025

Carleton College president says federal ‘Dear Colleague’ letters are an ‘effort to intimidate colleges’
The letters sent earlier this month warn any scholarships, programming and even graduation ceremonies based on race could be considered “discriminatory” due to a 2023 Supreme Court case.
Rideshare drivers in Minnesota would be able to unionize under a bill state lawmakers plan to introduce, and warm temperatures and a dwindling snowpack have forced organizers of this year's John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in northeast Minnesota to move the starting location.
How to save a life: Revived bill would prepare schools for cardiac emergencies
Minnesota Sen. Bonnie Westlin wants to pass a bill that would require Minnesota school districts and charters to develop a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, or a CERP, and implement it by the 2026-27 school year.
A closer look at how the harm reduction strategy plays out in Minneapolis
In Minnesota, deadly drug overdoses doubled between 2018 and 2023. In Minneapolis, those deaths are disproportionately represented. In 2022, Minneapolis had nearly a quarter of the opioid deaths in the state, while the city only makes up eight percent of the population.
New bills look to track student absenteeism data faster, hopes to find solutions
In 2023, more than a quarter of students missed at least 10 percent of school. Some legislators want the state to reconsider how it’s addressing chronic absenteeism.
Appeals court upholds sex trafficking conviction against ex-GOP operative Lazzaro
Anton Lazzaro had appealed the conviction that led to a 21-year sentence, arguing the sex-trafficking charge was unjust and his trial was unfair. The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals disagreed.
Federal watchdog agency intervenes in Trump’s purge of probationary employees
U.S. Special Counsel Hampton Dellinger has asked the Merit Systems Protection Board to temporarily reinstate six federal employees fired from their jobs and is considering ways to seek relief for others.
Pope Francis met at the hospital with Vatican No. 2, took major governing decisions
The Vatican says Pope Francis is still hospitalized in critical condition with double pneumonia. But he was well enough to meet with the Vatican secretary of state and his deputy to approve new decrees for saints and call a formal meeting to set the dates for their canonization. 
Dwindling snowpack causes Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon to move farther north
Warm temperatures and a dwindling snowpack have forced organizers of this year’s John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in northeast Minnesota to move the starting location north of Two Harbors instead of near Duluth.
Power Pair: The rabbi and the politician
Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman, the senior rabbi of Minnesota’s largest synagogue, and Frank Hornstein, a former representative in the Minnesota House, have been married for 42 years. MPR News host Angela Davis talks to the longtime couple about religion, politics and the power of relationships.
Commissioner reduces ban of Wild’s Ryan Hartman from 10 games to 8, but seeks ‘wake-up call’
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has upheld the suspension of Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman for slamming an opponent’s head to the ice. Bettman made the unusual decision to reduce the penalty from 10 games to the union-recommended eight after hearing Hartman’s in-person appeal.
Health care workers are rushing to learn about immigration law in case of ICE raids
A policy change by the Trump administration allows immigration agents to enter and arrest people in health facilities. Some clinics are training health workers to support patients in the event of arrests.
Timberwolves gain confidence after rallying from 25-point deficit to beat West-leading Thunder
Just when it appeared the Oklahoma City Thunder were going to run away from Minnesota like they’ve run away from the pack in the Western Conference standings, the Timberwolves made a stand. Minnesota rallied from a 25-point deficit in the second half to win 131-128 in Oklahoma City on Monday night.
A federal judge jailed a Feeding Our Future defendant Monday over allegations of witness tampering. And organizations that support victims of domestic violence say a federal funding freeze announced by the Trump administration has put their work in limbo, and will likely lead to cuts.
At Welch Village, people living with disability learn courage through skiing
For decades, people living with disabilities have hit the slopes at Welch Village ski resort. They ski, they snowboard and enjoy being outside — all as students in the Courage Kenny adaptive ski program through Allina Health. 
Wild words: New book features creative writing on animal conservation
A new book turns scientific studies into poetry and prose about the needs of animals and includes work by four Minnesota authors, including Claire Wahmanholm and Christopher Kondrich.
Fabric and craft retailer Joann to go out of business and close all of its stores
Fabric and crafts retailer Joann Inc., which has been a destination for generations of quilters, knitters and other lovers of crafts for more than 80 years, is going out of business and shuttering all its stores. 
Feeding Our Future restaurateur started with legitimate work before turning to fraud
Abdulkadir Awale said that he had operated a legitimate charitable meal service before joining what prosecutors allege was a $250 million scheme to fleece taxpayer-funded child nutrition programs during the pandemic.