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Stories from February 14, 2025

‘Just shoot,’ said Winston Smith before fatal exchange of gunfire with cops

‘Just shoot,’ said Winston Smith before fatal exchange of gunfire with cops

Winston B. Smith, who was fatally shot by sheriff’s deputies in Minneapolis more than three years ago, raised a handgun in the direction of officers and said “just shoot” before apparently exchanging gunfire with them, according to video of the incident made public on Friday.
by Matt Sepic

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Ellison tells Minnesota schools to follow law if immigration authorities show up

Ellison tells Minnesota schools to follow law if immigration authorities show up

Responding to the Trump administration’s decision to allow immigration enforcement in schools, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Friday advised district leaders to ensure that they and any federal officials who arrive at schools follow legal protocols. 
by Elizabeth Shockman

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Daughters of Target’s late cofounder raise concern over company’s pullback on DEI efforts

Daughters of Target’s late cofounder raise concern over company’s pullback on DEI efforts

The daughters of one of the cofounders of Target are expressing their alarm and shock at the discounter’s recent moves to roll back its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that have come under attack from conservative activists and of last month, the White House.
by The Associated Press

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3 Harry Potter fan fiction authors are coming to a bookstore near you

3 Harry Potter fan fiction authors are coming to a bookstore near you

Fan fiction — unsanctioned, unofficially published works based on popular novels or films — was intentionally never mainstream. The coming months will see a trio of titles by popular Draco and Hermione — Dramione — fanfic authors.
by Dhanika Pineda

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Around 14 percent of Minnesotans have filed their 2024 taxes so far

Around 14 percent of Minnesotans have filed their 2024 taxes so far

Two months out from the tax filing deadline, the Minnesota Department of Revenue is already beginning to see a stream of return filings. The state is encouraging people to file electronically and pick the direct deposit option if they’re looking to get their returns quickly.
by MPR News Staff

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University of St. Thomas scrambling after Dept. of Ed cuts millions in funding

University of St. Thomas scrambling after Dept. of Ed cuts millions in funding

The $6.3 million grant was targeted under President Donald Trump’s effort to cut programs the government considers “diversity, equity and inclusion,” or DEI.
by Cathy Wurzer, Gretchen Brown and Lukas Levin

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Valentine's Day forecast is more thorns than roses

Valentine's Day forecast is more thorns than roses

This Valentine’s Day weekend we will feel the frosty embrace of winter as arctic air moves in by Sunday night. Expect snowfall chances through Friday afternoon and evening, with another possibility of light snow Saturday night.
by Mandy Thalhuber

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Review: 'The Snowy Day' at Minnesota Opera

Review: 'The Snowy Day' at Minnesota Opera

Minnesota Opera’s adaptation of “The Snowy Day” stays true to author Ezra Jack Keats’ simple yet groundbreaking children’s book, preserving its vivid textures and colors while adding playful music and small expansions to the story, resulting in a brief but warmhearted production.
by Max Sparber

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Morning Announcements for Feb. 14

Morning Announcements for Feb. 14

Here are the morning announcements for Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.
by MPR News Staff

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Immigration poll shows growing support for restrictions, but deep divisions remain

Immigration poll shows growing support for restrictions, but deep divisions remain

A new NPR/Ipsos poll shows growing support for some restrictions on immigration. Still, many elements of President Trump's sweeping crackdown are unpopular with Democrats and independents.
by Joel Rose

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Timberwolves use timely performances from rookies Shannon and Dillingham for key win over Thunder

Timberwolves use timely performances from rookies Shannon and Dillingham for key win over Thunder

The Minnesota Timberwolves were short-handed for their final game before the All-Star break and facing the runaway Western Conference leader while playing on back-to-back nights. The rookies were more than ready.
by The Associated Press

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Recall petitions filed against House members. Authorities investigating possible links between high-profile burglaries

Recall petitions — the first step in a lengthy process for having a recall election — have been filed against seven Minnesota House members. And authorities are investigating possible links between burglaries at several Minnesota homes and similar high-profile incidents across the country, including the homes of at least two pro athletes.
by Phil Picardi

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YouTube turns 20 years old today

YouTube turns 20 years old today

Twenty years ago, three former PayPal employees activated the domain name “YouTube.com.” The first YouTube video followed soon after.
by Taylor Haney

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Snow develops Friday before brutal cold next week

Snow develops Friday before brutal cold next week

A widespread snowfall is on the way for eastern Minnesota Friday. Then frigid arctic air moves in for Sunday into the middle of next week. 
by Sven Sundgaard

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A federal worker tried to take Trump's 'Fork' resignation offer. Here's what happened

A federal worker tried to take Trump's 'Fork' resignation offer. Here's what happened

Liz Goggin, a social worker with the Veterans Health Administration, took the offer to resign in exchange for pay and benefits through September. Then she learned her position was exempt.
by Andrea Hsu

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Couple gets engaged with a ‘Frog and Toad’-inspired book at Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul

Couple gets engaged with a ‘Frog and Toad’-inspired book at Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul

Lily Tschudi-Campbell and Cassidy Foust’s love story includes a passion for children’s literature, the “Frog and Toad” series and the Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul.
by Sam Stroozas

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Federal education money and Minnesota: 4 questions

Federal education money and Minnesota: 4 questions

As the Trump administration presses for big cuts to the federal education bureaucracy, school leaders in large and small districts across the state say they rely on federal dollars to support their most vulnerable students. Here’s a look at what’s happening.
by Elizabeth Shockman

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New MSU Mankato, Wilder Research study examines barrier to obtaining mental health licensure among state graduates

New MSU Mankato, Wilder Research study examines barrier to obtaining mental health licensure among state graduates

The new study released on Thursday, conducted by Blue Cross and Blue Shield Center for Rural Behavioral Health at Minnesota State University, Mankato and Wilder Research, identified several barriers Minnesota graduates encounter during the licensing process. It’s one of the first studies to specifically examine the licensure process. 
by Hannah Yang

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Building awareness for missing, murdered Indigenous relatives through art

Building awareness for missing, murdered Indigenous relatives through art

Every year, Feb. 14 marks a day of remembrance for missing and murdered Indigenous relatives. In south Minneapolis, a community screen-printing event brought Indigenous community members and allies together to prepare art for the day’s rallies and marches. 
by Chandra Colvin

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Speedy cross-border work by Minnesota’s MMIR Office credited with quick return of First Nations woman to Canada

Speedy cross-border work by Minnesota’s MMIR Office credited with quick return of First Nations woman to Canada

Feb. 14 has dual significance. It’s Valentine’s Day, but also a day of remembrance to honor missing and murdered Indigenous relatives. It’s also a day to celebrate triumphs.
by Mathew Holding Eagle III

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Breath and beat: Terrell X’avion brings rhythmic fire to MacPhail

Breath and beat: Terrell X’avion brings rhythmic fire to MacPhail

Musician Terrell X’avion, an improvisational jazz beatboxer and storyteller, brings his deeply personal album “Transformation to Terrell X” to the MacPhail Center for Music, blending rhythm, lyricism and interactive performance.
by Jacob Aloi

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How Minnesota developers helped nationalize a racist housing practice

How Minnesota developers helped nationalize a racist housing practice

Land developers in Minneapolis helped turn a legally questionable practice into a standard policy in the burgeoning real estate industry.

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TikTok is back on the Apple and Google app stores

TikTok is back on the Apple and Google app stores

Apple and Google removed the app after the Supreme Court upheld a law prohibiting firms from doing business with TikTok as long as it is controlled by China-based ByteDance.
by Bobby Allyn

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