Stories from February 21, 2025

The puppets take Minnesota: A new exhibition features the art of puppetry from around the state
The Anderson Center at Tower View’s exhibition “Puppetry! In Minnesota!!” showcases the state’s diverse puppetry scene from the 1970s to today, featuring works from traditional to experimental styles.
Experts foresee negative ripple effects in termination of USDA scientists in St. Paul lab
A team at the U.S Department of Agriculture’s Cereal Disease Lab in St. Paul got notice last week that some of their jobs were getting cut. Experts warn that cutting jobs in this area will harm research and potentially affect the prices of wheat, barley and oats.
State officials say the payroll tax for a paid family and medical leave program will be significantly higher than initially expected, and Xcel Energy and the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission have agreed on a new 15-year production plan, which both say will be good for the environment and consumers.
Above-freezing temperatures on tap for the weekend
Warm temperatures are on the way, accompanied by breezy southwesterly winds. Seasonal highs expected on Saturday, with 40s and 50s returning by Sunday into Monday. An active weather pattern will bring a few brief opportunities for a wintry mix.
2 more people have been charged in the killing of a transgender man in upstate New York
Two more people have been charged with murder in the death of a transgender man who authorities say was tortured for more than a month before being killed in upstate New York. State Police said they arrested 29-year-old Kimberly Sochia and 21-year-old Thomas Eaves on Thursday and charged with them with second-degree murder.
Delta releases some details about crew piloting Minneapolis-to-Toronto flight that crashed
Delta Air Lines has shared some information about the crew who piloted a Minneapolis-to-Toronto flight that crashed while landing on Monday. The airline said it released the information in response to social media posts “containing false and misleading assertions.”
First known cookbook by a Black American woman gets new edition 160 years later
Malinda Russell’s “A Domestic Cookbook” was first published in 1866. It contains least a hundred recipes for sweets, plus recipes for shampoo and cologne — and remedies for toothaches.
After mass layoffs, some federal agencies are trying to bring employees back
A number of federal agencies, from HHS to the USDA, have laid off employees only to rescind those terminations days later. An expert says it "suggests something about mismanagement of government."
Their mosque burned down in LA-area wildfire. They’re still determined to gather for Ramadan
The mosque has served the community for over four decades. It was founded in the 1970s by a few African American families. Over the past two decades, it has grown into a diverse, multicultural place of worship.
Lindsay Chervinsky’s new book ‘Making the Presidency’ teaches us about the past and present
Historian Lindsay Chervinsky’s new book, “Making the Presidency,” is a profile of John Adams. But it’s also an instructive examination of how the presidency has evolved to become what it is today.
Can there be peace in Ukraine, or is Putin just playing for time?
As the Trump administration works toward a halt in the fighting, many experts fear that Ukraine will be forced to accept a ceasefire deal that will only give Russian forces a badly needed breather.
UnitedHealth shares dive after report of U.S. investigation into Medicare billing
UnitedHealth Group shares tumbled early Friday on a report that the U.S. Department of Justice has started an investigation into the health care giant’s Medicare billing practices. 
Senate Republicans approve budget framework, pushing past Democratic objections after all-night vote
The early Friday vote was a key step toward providing money the Trump administration says it needs funds for mass deportations and security measures that top the Republican agenda.
Canada beat the U.S. 3-2 in overtime to win the contentious 4 Nations Face-Off
The North American hockey rivals turned what had been a tune-up for the 2026 Olympics into an geopolitical brawl over anthems and annexation as much as international hockey supremacy.
Luigi Mangione draws crowd for first court hearing since arraignment in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing
 Luigi Mangione attended a hearing Friday in a bulletproof vest and shackles that the judge said were safety precautions. The hearing attracted throngs of supporters for Mangione, who has become something of a cause célèbre for people upset with the health insurance industry. 
New data from the Minnesota Department of Health shows seasonal virus hospitalizations are trending downward. And Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says President Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender students from competing in sports consistent with their gender identity violates state law.
Measles cases are rising in the U.S. Do adults need a vaccine booster?
With a measles outbreak growing in West Texas, and cases popping up across the country, experts say vaccination is your best protection. And it's not just for kids. Some adults may need a booster.
‘It’s completely draining’: Rising food prices causing continued stress in Minnesota, nationwide
Food prices continue to rise in Minnesota and nationwide — though at a slower rate than dramatic spikes during the pandemic. The high price of eggs is top of mind right now for many grocery shoppers.
Volume Button
Volume
Now Listening To Livestream
MPR News logo
On Air
MPR News