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Stories from April 3, 2025

Social media platforms could be in for a popularity tax in Minnesota

Social media platforms could be in for a popularity tax in Minnesota

A DFL bill would tax social media companies that access Minnesotans data. The lawmaker behind it said it could help bridge the state’s rocky budget outlook without adding costs for Minnesotans.
by Dana Ferguson

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Dow drops 1,600 as U.S. stocks lead worldwide sell-off

Dow drops 1,600 as U.S. stocks lead worldwide sell-off

Financial markets around the world reeled following President Donald Trump’s latest and most severe set of tariffs, and the U.S. stock market took the worst of it.
by The Associated Press

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State officials concerned about federal funding. Emmer says Republicans off to great start in Washington

State officials are voicing concern about delays in federal funding for energy assistance. And Minnesota 6th District Republican Representative Tom Emmer told constituents Wednesday night that Republicans are off to a great start in Washington with their control of Congress and the White House.
by Emily Reese

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Minnesota child care centers struggling with rising costs, enrollment shifts

Enrollment is rising again at Minnesota child care operations but the counts remain below pre-pandemic levels, according to a new statewide survey that also found providers facing challenges with staffing and operating costs.
by Kyra Miles

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Prosecution of man accused of shooting neighbor paused after 2nd incompetency finding

Prosecution of man accused of shooting neighbor paused after 2nd incompetency finding

The Hennepin County Attorney’s office announced Thursday it is pausing prosecution against John Sawchak, who allegedly shot his next door neighbor last October.  Sawchak, who is white, allegedly used racial slurs to harass and threaten his neighbor, Davis Moturi, who is Black. 
by Cari Spencer

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After federal firings, officials worry about program that helps many Minnesotans pay for heat

After federal firings, officials worry about program that helps many Minnesotans pay for heat

Minnesota was scheduled to receive an additional $12 million to $13 million in LIHEAP funds to help another 10,000 households. If that payment is delayed, the program could run out of money by mid-April.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Morning Announcements for April 3

Morning Announcements for April 3

These are the Morning Announcements for Thursday, April 3. Tell us what you’re celebrating!

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Film documenting decades of abuse at Children's Theatre Company making its debut

Film documenting decades of abuse at Children's Theatre Company making its debut

‘Magic & Monsters’ features survivors of sexual abuse at the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis during the 1970s and 80s will premiere at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival.
by Nina Moini and Aleesa Kuznetsov

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University of Minnesota exploring naming rights for Williams Arena

University of Minnesota exploring naming rights for Williams Arena

The University of Minnesota’s venerable Williams Arena may soon have a new name. The U of M announced Thursday that it’s exploring possible naming rights for the venue that’s home to the Gophers men’s and women’s basketball teams.
by MPR News Staff

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After promising transparency, RFK guts public records teams at HHS

After promising transparency, RFK guts public records teams at HHS

Despite promises for "radical transparency," Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. laid off many staff on teams that fulfill public records requests at health agencies.
by Sydney Lupkin

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Documentary about Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier opens Twin Cities film festival

Documentary about Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier opens Twin Cities film festival

The Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival opened with “Free Leonard Peltier” on Wednesday evening. The documentary revisits the case of Indigenous rights activist Leonard Peltier and the 1975 murder of two FBI agents on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
by Chandra Colvin

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Using improv to improve communication

Using improv to improve communication

MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about how improv skills can help us have better conversations about divisive topics.
by Angela Davis and Cari Dwyer

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Bader and Buxton homer to back López as Twins take series from White Sox 6-1 after long rain delay

Bader and Buxton homer to back López as Twins take series from White Sox 6-1 after long rain delay

Harrison Bader and Byron Buxton hit home runs to back Pablo López’s solid start and the Minnesota Twins beat the Chicago White Sox 6-1 after rain delayed the start by nearly 3 1/2 hours.
by The Associated Press

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Snowfall totals from April Fools' Day storm

The April Fools’ Day snowstorm slammed the Northland, dumping over a month’s worth of heavy, wet snow on the region.
by Mandy Thalhuber

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What does the shark say? Click, click, click

What does the shark say? Click, click, click

Scientists in New Zealand believe they may have the first-ever recording of a shark making noise.
by Julie Depenbrock

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Tori McKinney scores a season-high 26 points, Minnesota beats Belmont 75-63 to win WBIT championship

Tori McKinney scores a season-high 26 points, Minnesota beats Belmont 75-63 to win WBIT championship

Freshman Tori McKinney scored a season-high 26 points, Mallory Heyer had 18 points and 16 rebounds, and Minnesota beat Belmont 75-63 to secure the WBIT championship at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
by The Associated Press

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Tariffs threaten to upend markets American farmers depend on

Tariffs threaten to upend markets American farmers depend on

President Trump said that he is standing up for skilled workers and farmers by slapping tariffs on imports but farmers aren't happy.
by Frank Morris

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Northern Minnesota digs out from April storm that left up to a foot of snow

Many in northern Minnesota are digging out from Wednesday’s storm that left up to a foot of snow in some places. And a man who helped deliver a bag of cash to the home of a juror in the first Feeding Our Future trial has pleaded guilty to jury bribery.
by Phil Picardi

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Dry, cool weather Thursday with lingering clouds

Dry, cool weather Thursday with lingering clouds

Lingering clouds will break up a bit late Thursday. Temperatures will be below normal, mostly in the 40s. Overall cooler-than-normal temperatures will persist into early next week. 
by Sven Sundgaard

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April storm leads to second day of school delays, e-learning days across Minnesota

April storm leads to second day of school delays, e-learning days across Minnesota

Many school districts across central and northern Minnesota are starting classes late Thursday morning — or moving to online learning — to give crews more time to clear streets and highways, after a spring storm dropped more than a foot of snow.
by MPR News Staff

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The key players to watch for in this weekend’s Final Four games

The key players to watch for in this weekend’s Final Four games

Cooper Flagg and Paige Bueckers, the presumptive top picks in this year’s NBA and WNBA drafts, are on deck this weekend with hopes of a national title. But the star power doesn't stop with them.
by Becky Sullivan

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MN Shortlist: April 3-9

MN Shortlist: April 3-9

MN Shortlist is your weekly curated roundup of recommended events from MPR News, highlighting standout performances, exhibits and gatherings around the region.
by Jacob Aloi, Anika Besst, Alex V. Cipolle and Max Sparber

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Unemployment extension for laid-off mine workers gets tangled up at Capitol

Unemployment extension for laid-off mine workers gets tangled up at Capitol

Two proposals include unemployment insurance benefit extensions. The Republican-sponsored one would tie the unemployment benefits to environmental regulation changes. A more-compact version has advanced, however.
by Clay Masters

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Fired or frustrated federal workers may have eager employers waiting for them in Minnesota

Fired or frustrated federal workers may have eager employers waiting for them in Minnesota

For federal workers, the past few months have been filled with uncertainty as the Trump administration pushes ahead with efforts to reduce the size of government agencies. But whether they are forced or choose to leave, those workers may find employers eager to hire them.
by Mark Zdechlik

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‘Secret Warriors’ sheds light on Japanese American involvement in WWII

‘Secret Warriors’ sheds light on Japanese American involvement in WWII

Rick Shiomi’s new play “Secret Warriors,” now running at the History Theatre in St. Paul, explores the overlooked contributions of Japanese American soldiers and interpreters during World War II, set against the backdrop of internment and racism.
by Jacob Aloi

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Got a dying plant? These tips could help you save it

Got a dying plant? These tips could help you save it

Here's what a few plant and gardening experts say it takes to save a dying plant.
by Ana Perez

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