Stories from February 3, 2025

Family of MSU Mankato student killed in landslide at Minneopa State Park sues DNR
The family of Jack Loso, the Minnesota State University, Mankato student who died in a landslide at Minneopa State Park in December 2023, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 
Child care options start to rebound as Minnesotans return to the office
The state’s child care centers have long struggled with staffing and funding shortages that worsened in the COVID-19 pandemic. Five years later, though, operators see reasons to be optimistic as big companies call back workers, creating more need for child care. 
Minnesota USAID contractor: Program’s future is unclear
Minnesotan Laura Wangsness-Willemsen has worked as a subcontractor with USAID for eight years. She spoke with MPR News host Tom Crann about her work and its uncertain future.
Treasury Secretary Bessent, tapped to run CFPB, orders staff to halt work
Staff at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau were instructed by email to cease much of their work. Bessent, a wealthy Wall Street investor, replaces Rohit Chopra, who was fired on Saturday.
Pacific Coast Highway reopens nearly a month after devastating Southern California wildfires
The Pacific Coast Highway is back open in Malibu, California, nearly a month after the deadly Palisades Fire ripped through hillside Los Angeles neighborhoods, destroying properties all the way down to the beach.
Trump targets USAID as Marco Rubio becomes acting head of the embattled agency
Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he is acting director of the U.S. Agency for International Development, following days of upheaval at USAID as the Trump administration froze many of its programs.
Monday morning snow makes for messy morning commute
It’s a snowy start to the week, with several inches of snow accumulating across central Minnesota and the metro area. After a few calm days, another round of snow is expected to arrive midweek.
Will the Timberwolves make a move before the trade deadline?
NBA fans are reeling from a blockbuster trade between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers. But it’s still uncertain if the Timberwolves will make a move of their own.
Here’s how Trump’s tariff plan could impact Minnesota
Canada is Minnesota’s top trading partner. According to the state’s trading office, in 2023 Canada’s total trade with Minnesota was $21.2 billion.
Morning Announcements for Feb. 3
Here are the morning announcements for Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.
How sports can empower youth
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with former pro soccer player Tony Sanneh about his foundation’s work to empower young people to become the best version of themselves.
Jury selection is underway Monday in the second trial of people charged in an alleged $250 million fraud scheme. And the University of Minnesota Law School is pausing its search for a new assistant dean of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Snow showers end; windy and colder Monday night
Our latest round of snow will taper off through Monday morning. It will also be colder Monday night into Tuesday. More snow is possible Wednesday.
Vagus nerve stimulation may tame autoimmune diseases
The next big advance in treating diseases like rheumatoid arthritis could be tiny pulses of electricity delivered to the vagus nerve.
How corporate America got DEI wrong
President Trump is accelerating the attacks on diversity-in-business programs. But DEI experts say this may be the wakeup call big companies need.
Another week to be shaped by court fight over power dynamic within Minnesota Legislature 
There’s another lawsuit headed to the Minnesota Supreme Court this week regarding the power standoff in the House that’s bleeding into week four. Meanwhile, the Senate returned to DFL control. 
Trial starts for alleged ringleader of massive COVID food fraud
A federal jury was selected Monday in the second criminal trial to stem from a lengthy federal investigation into Feeding Our Future. The judge put security measures in place after an alleged attempted bribe of jurors in the first trial in the case.
Duluth’s one-man newsroom embraces ‘bare-knuckles’ journalism
John Ramos started the Duluth Monitor in 2019 with an aggressive approach to reporting local news. His reporting has upset some local officials but he says readers appreciate his muckraking style.
At the 2025 Grammys, Beyoncé takes home album of the year and Kendrick Lamar wins big
The unpredictable 67th Grammy Awards were filled with surprising wins for artists including Beyoncé — with her first album of the year win — as well as multiple wins for Kendrick Lamar and awards for rising stars like Chappell Roan and Doechii.