Stories from February 13, 2025

Concerns over mass deportations lead to ‘Know Your Rights‘ discussion in Brooklyn Center
Amid concerns over the Trump Administration’s plans for mass deportations, nearly three dozen people who live in Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center attended a panel discussion Wednesday night to ask questions about how to respond if ICE shows up at a home or workplace, and also asked about the role of police when it comes to immigration enforcement. 
Democratic U.S. Senator Tina Smith says she will not seek another term when the seat is up in 2026. And Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan says she intends to run for the seat Smith will vacate in the U.S. Senate.
Minneapolis orders audit of police response in death of Allison Lussier
The Minneapolis City Council is requesting an audit of the police response to the death of Allison Lussier, an Indigenous woman found dead in her apartment a year ago. She had recently reported domestic violence; her family says police didn’t do enough to protect her from her abuser, or investigate whether he was involved in her death.
Second spike in flu hospitalizes hundreds of Minnesotans
Just last week, 750 Minnesotans were ill enough to be hospitalized because of the virus. Minnesota Department of Health data show flu hospitalizations ranging from 747 to nearly 900 cases from Jan. 5 through Feb. 2.
Minneapolis City Council postpones proposal to move violence prevention funds to county
After a lengthy and sometimes heated discussion, the Minneapolis City Council voted Thursday to indefinitely postpone a proposal to have Hennepin County temporarily oversee two of the city’s violence intervention programs.
Route 1 helps farmers of color put down roots
Famers at a local organization that supports emerging farmers of color in Minnesota are growing lettuce and herbs through a creative way of indoor farming.
A look at who might run for Sen. Tina Smith’s seat in the Senate
With Sen. Tina Smith’s announcement that she will not seek reelection in 2026, politicians on both sides of the aisle are eying her seat. Here are some of those who say they plan to run — or are at least considering it.
Partnership between Minnesota DNR, Fond du Lac Band could bring elk to northeastern Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa are hosting a public meeting on Feb. 13 to outline a new management plan to restore elk to the northeast.
Sen. Ted Cruz’s list of ’woke’ science includes self-driving cars and solar eclipses
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, says the National Science Foundation has given money to thousands of “woke DEI” studies. Researchers say that’s misrepresenting science and disparaging important research.
Trump administration was set to purchase $400 million worth of armored Teslas
That’s according to a public State Department procurement document. It comes as ethics experts raise conflict of interest questions about the chief executive of Tesla, Elon Musk, who is a top White House official.
Sen. Tina Smith won’t seek reelection in 2026, putting Minnesota seat up for grabs
Sen. Tina Smith, who has represented Minnesota in the U.S. Senate since 2018, won’t try for another six-year term next year. An open seat could set off a scramble in both parties ahead of the midterm election.
Joann moves to close 500 of its stores across the U.S. amid bankruptcy, 12 in Minnesota
Struggling fabric and crafts seller Joann plans to close about 500 of its stores across the U.S. — or more than half of its current nationwide footprint. That includes 12 of its 21 locations in Minnesota.
The power of film music in storytelling
MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the power of music written for films.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights is opening an investigation into the Minnesota State High School League — the governing body of sports and other extracurricular activities. And Fairview Health Services says it is not interested in a merger with the University of Minnesota and Essentia Health. 
Minnesota lawmaker wants statewide ban on new billboard signs
Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville, said the signs detract from the state's natural scenic beauty and pose a safety concern for motorists. Billboard companies say the bill would hurt local businesses and curtail First Amendment rights.
Cold sunshine Thursday with snow Friday
It’s another frigid day with sunshine and light winds Thursday. Snow develops Friday into Friday night followed by more very cold air. 
Mobile pharmacy brings meds to Winthrop customers after losing brick and mortar store
Some Minnesota pharmacies are closing their doors because of lower reimbursement rates for prescription drugs and dwindling profit margins — especially for pharmacies with a large customer base on public insurance. 
Ramsey County benefits recipients struggle amid application backlog
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, applications for public assistance — like SNAP and Medicaid — have gone up in Minnesota. In Ramsey County, that’s led to a backlog, leaving clients with questions and without coverage while they try to find help.