Stories from April 8, 2025

Judge orders White House to allow AP access to news events
U.S. Judge Trevor N. McFadden rules the White House cannot deny the Associated Press access to news events because the wire service continues to use “Gulf of Mexico” rather than “Gulf of America.”
Scattered showers Wednesday; springy weekend ahead
Gradually milder temperatures across Minnesota this week. A weak weather system will bring a few scattered showers Wednesday and Thursday.
Minnesota pushes back on Trump demand to end DEI or lose school funding
Minnesota Education Commissioner Willie Jett told federal officials the state already complies with federal civil rights laws and that the Trump administration did not have the power “to unilaterally overrule the will of Congress.”
The University of Minnesota grad student currently detained pending deportation proceedings will be back in court later this week. And on Tuesday, the Minnesota Department of Education responded to the Trump administration’s request to eliminate DEI programs.
Former superintendent reflects on 50th anniversary of Voyageurs National Park
Barbara West served as park superintendent from 1995 to 2005. She spoke to reporter Dan Kraker about some of the issues she dealt with in her role and what she loves about Voyageurs. 
House GOP leaders prep vote on budget despite rift within the party
Republicans in Congress are closer to passing key elements of President Trump's legislative agenda — like extending tax cuts that expire at the end of the year — but only if the House and Senate can get on the same page.
Severe Weather Awareness Week: Severe storms, lightning and hail
April 7-11 is Severe Weather Awareness Week. It’s a time where we help educate the public about severe weather preparedness, safety and the importance of weather awareness. Let’s take a closer look at severe storms, lightning and hail.
Detained U of M graduate student will remain in custody
During a hearing at immigration court Tuesday, an attorney for Doğukan Günaydın asked the court to pause the removal proceedings in order to hold another hearing so he can address new charges filed by the Department of Homeland Security.
City of St. Paul condemns downtown parking ramp, closes skyway connections
The city of St. Paul has condemned a major downtown parking ramp, alleging the building owner has not been properly maintaining the facility. The ramp is owned by Madison Equities, which walked away from the nearby Alliance Bank Center last month.
U.S. stocks fall again, wiping out earlier gains as Trump tariff shock remains
After major slides in equity trading across the world, any slight uptick in stock prices will only repair part of the destruction of trillions of dollars in investor wealth over the past few days.
Morning Announcements for April 8
These are the Morning Announcements for Tuesday, April 8. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Minnesota sheriffs ink new agreements with ICE to identify immigrants for deportation
Five Minnesota sheriff’s offices have entered cooperation agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, bringing a controversial program coordinating local law enforcement and federal immigration agents to the North Star State. 
A special Republican primary election is being held on Tuesday, April 15, to fill a vacancy in State Senate seat District 6. The candidates running are Jennifer Carnahan, Steve Cotariu, Josh Gazelka, Keri Heintzeman, John Howe, Doug Kern, Angel Zierden and Matthew Zinda.
Cool high pressure departs after Tuesday
We have one more sunny day as high pressure moves east Tuesday. Temperatures warm the rest of the week, but we’ll have a few showers Wednesday and Thursday. 
An administrative law judge has signed off on the package of rules that will guide the launch of Minnesota’s retail cannabis market. And the Trump Administration says a federal judge in St. Paul has no authority to review ICE's decision to detain a University of Minnesota grad student.
Clayton's defensive stop leads Florida to national title in 65-63 win over Houston
Florida and Walter Clayton Jr. somehow overcame Houston’s spirit-crushing defense Monday night to will out a 65-63 victory in an NCAA title-game thriller not decided until Clayton’s own D stopped the Cougars from taking a game-winning shot at the buzzer.
Davis Moturi reflects on failed pleas to Minneapolis police that led to him being shot in his own yard
It’s been more than five months since Davis Moturi was allegedly shot and wounded by his neighbor in Minneapolis. Moturi, who is Black, says the shooting was preceded by numerous racist and violent threats by his white neighbor who is now in custody.
New exhibit chronicles final moments of ancient Minnesota bison in Detroit Lakes  
One day a few centuries ago, a couple bison met their end by drowning in a bog near Frazee. Their preserved bones are now the centerpieces of an exhibit at the Becker County Historical Society and Museum in Detroit Lakes.
Operation boosts FBI resources in Minnesota for unsolved violent crimes in Indian Country
The U.S. Justice Department announced the FBI will send additional personnel to field offices in 10 states, including Minnesota, over the next six months to help investigate unsolved violent crimes in Indian Country.
Voyageurs, Minnesota’s only national park, celebrates 50th anniversary
Voyageurs National Park, one of the nation’s most unique parks that is accessible largely only by water, preserves 220,000 acres of remote lakes, islands and forest along the Canadian border. But its creation was marked by local opposition.
St. Paul mayor appoints Matt Privratsky to vacant City Council seat
Matt Privratsky will serve as the interim council member until August, when the city will hold a special election to fill the seat vacated by the previous Council President Mitra Jalali.