Stories from April 23, 2025

Thursday soaker; severe storms possible Monday
A weather system brings widespread rain Thursday especially across southern Minnesota.
Largest credit unions in Minnesota, Colorado announce plans to merge
Apple Valley-based Wings Credit Union is calling the deal with Colorado’s Ent Credit Union a “merger of equals.” If approved by members and regulators, the combined credit union will serve nearly a million members.
Employees at a Mankato business asked police to investigate him after he purchased several magazines for a 9mm firearm, bear spray and body armor. The business became suspicious when he selected high-priced items without checking the prices. 
NIH autism study will pull from private medical records
The National Institutes of Health plans to pool information from private sources like pharmacies and smartwatches.
State lawmakers are advancing budget bills to the House and Senate floor this week. And a search is underway for a man who vanished during his trial in Stillwater on charges of criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping and domestic assault.
Out to Lunch: Anton Treuer has found healing in learning to love all parts of his identity
Anton Treuer is a professor of Ojibwe language, history and culture at Bemidji State University. His most recent book, “Where Wolves Don't Die,” won the 2025 Minnesota Book Award for young adult literature.
Weather update: warm, sunny weekend to follow Thursday rain
MPR chief meteorologist Paul Huttner joins MPR News host Emily Bright with details on the forecast, plus the latest on funding for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration climate centers.
'It's a great time to be a bear': Biologist explains population trends as hibernation ends
It is the time of year when bears are coming out of hibernation and looking about for their next meal. There have been bear sightings not only in northern Minnesota, but also in the Twin Cities region this spring.
Thursday soaker ahead; severe risk emerging Monday
Our wet weather pattern continues Thursday across southern Minnesota. Strong to severe storms look possible next Monday.
A magnitude 6.2 quake shakes Istanbul and injures more than 230 people
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.2 has shaken Istanbul and other areas in Turkey. The quake prompted widespread panic and scores of injuries in Istanbul, though there were no immediate reports of serious damage.
Sen. Dick Durbin, a top Senate Democrat, says he will not seek reelection
The Illinois Democrat has announced he will retire at the end of his term next year after nearly three decades in the Senate. His departure creates a key opening in Democratic leadership.
Six-team PWHL selects Vancouver as its 1st expansion franchise with 2nd city to be determined
The PWHL is heading west by selecting Vancouver as its first expansion franchise as part of the six-team league’s objective to broaden its reach across North America. And league executive Amy Scheer tells The Associated Press the PWHL expects to add a second expansion team for the start of next season, with Seattle being a candidate.
Gaza’s Catholics mourn Pope Francis. ‘He used to call us at 7 p.m. every night’
Pope Francis called to check in on a Christian congregation in Gaza sheltering at their church almost every night since the Gaza war began. “Today we feel like we are orphans,” a spokesperson says.
Harvey Weinstein is on trial, again. Opening arguments start Wednesday
Weinstein is facing sex crimes charges after his 2020 New York conviction was overturned last year. The #MeToo movement was catalyzed in part by the many women who came forward to accuse the disgraced producer of misconduct.
Oscar voters actually need to watch the nominated movies now
In an announcement Monday about rules for the next Oscars, the Academy also said that a film’s use of generative AI and other digital tools “neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination.”
President Trump says he has ‘no intention’ to fire Federal Reserve’s Jerome Powell
President Trump said Tuesday he had “no intention” of firing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, ending days of speculation about the independence of the central bank that had roiled the financial markets.
Morning Announcements for April 23
These are the Morning Announcements for Wednesday, April 23. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Marco Rubio announces overhaul of U.S. State Department
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has unveiled his plan to streamline a department that he says has become too bloated over the years. He’s cutting 132 offices and about 700 jobs at the state department
Understanding autism
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with experts and advocates about the rise in autism diagnoses, what autism is, what it isn’t and why the conversation matters.
Like measles, misinformation is spreading, poll finds
With the U.S. now reporting more than 800 measles cases, a new poll from health policy research group KFF finds that many people are being exposed to false claims about measles and the measles vaccine.
Wild's top line more than the Golden Knights can handle through first 2 games
If the Wild finally break through and win their first playoff series in a decade, Minnesota’s top line likely will be the reason. They were all over the Golden Knights through the first two games of this series, which is 1-1 going back to Minnesota for Game 3 on Thursday night.
Minnesota is suing President Trump’s administration over executive orders related to transgender people. Gov. Tim Walz delivers his State of the State speech tonight to a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature.
Pleasant Wednesday ahead of more rain developing Thursday
We get a mostly dry break Wednesday with just a few isolated showers and partly cloudy skies. More rain develops for Thursday into Thursday night and again Sunday into early next week. 
Byron Buxton’s diving catch in the 9th inning seals the Twins’ 4-2 win over the struggling White Sox
Bailey Ober worked six strong innings to win his second straight start, Trevor Larnach hit a two-run homer and Byron Buxton made a diving catch to end the game and seal the Minnesota Twins’ 4-2 win over the Chicago White Sox.
Kaprizov’s 3-point game leads the Wild to a 5-2 win over the Golden Knights, tying the series
Kirill Kaprizov had two goals and an assist as the Minnesota Wild took advantage of turnover-prone Vegas and beat the Golden Knights 5-2, tying the first-round playoff series at a game apiece.
Gov. Tim Walz delivers State of State as gaze goes beyond Minnesota
In a Wednesday night State of the State address to a joint session of the Legislature, Gov. Tim Walz offered a roadmap to crafting a budget that would “bring everyone to the table” and that involves cuts to spending many in his party might flinch at and Republicans would want to take further. 
Domestic dispute involving a firearm causes lockdown at Edina hospital
Fairview Southdale Hospital went into lockdown Tuesday after staff called 911 to report that there was a man with a gun inside the building. The suspect fled and was arrested elsewhere.
Looking for a new book this week? Here are 5 wide-ranging options
A true smorgasbord is on offer for readers this week. Care for an inspirational memoir? Reminders of the precarious position of civilization? Early summer read? They’re all here.