Stories from May 14, 2025

 Federal judge orders Marshall man detained by ICE to be immediately released
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrested Aditya Harsono in March at his job at a Marshall hospital, days after his student visa was revoked without his knowledge. He has been in custody for nearly two months at the Kandiyohi County Jail. 
Minnesota Freedom Fund switches focus from cash bail to policy
A nonprofit that seeks to end cash bail in Minnesota said Wednesday that it’ll no longer post bail for people who are in pretrial detention. The Minnesota Freedom Fund says it’s shifting its focus from helping individual clients to education and legislative advocacy.
Two large wildfires burning uncontrolled in northeastern Minnesota grew significantly overnight. The Jenkins Creek fire more than doubled in size and has now burned more than 20,000 acres of forest, or about 31 square miles. It's burning north in a long, narrow band east of Hoyt Lakes and south of Babbitt.
Medtronic lays off employees at Coon Rapids research lab
An employee who works at the lab confirmed the layoffs.  He said about 20 people were let go this morning, and he was laid off later in the day. 
Republicans voice concern over Trump‘s support for a new Air Force One from Qatar
In a rare break with the president, some inside the GOP are expressing concern over the potential national security risks of accepting a luxury Boeing 747 jet from Qatar to replace Air Force One.
DHS ends Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan, raising concerns for Minnesota’s Afghan community
The status allows people fleeing violence, political unrest and instability temporary protection from deportation and immediate work permits. The Department of Homeland Security says Afghanistan is becoming safer and the country no longer meets the requirements, but some community advocates disagree.
Severe weather risk Thursday for much of Minnesota
A storm system will produce thunderstorm that could be severe Thursday. Large hail and damaging winds are possible.
NASA rover spies the first aurora at Mars that's visible to the human eye
NASA's Perseverance rover has detected the first aurora at Mars that's visible to the human eye. That's good news for future astronauts who can savor the view on the red planet. European and U.S. scientists reported Wednesday that the green aurora in the dusty Martian sky was generated by a solar storm and had three days' advance notice last year to set aside viewing time. 
Art-a-Whirl returns to northeast Minneapolis for the 30th year
The neighborhood has long been a hub for artists and creatives. Throughout the festival weekend, it transforms as artists open their studio doors and businesses host local music and food trucks.
End of legal protections for Afghans bringing 'fear' to community in Minnesota
The Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday it will end the Temporary Protected Status program for Afghan refugees, a move that could lead to the deportation of thousands of migrants from the U.S., including in Minnesota.
Buttigieg presses an anti-Trump message in Iowa and demands Democrats make their agenda clear
Pete Buttigieg returned to Iowa with some messages about what’s changed since he ran in the state’s 2020 Democratic presidential caucuses. President Joe Biden's transportation secretary gave a critique Tuesday of President Donald Trump’s administration while demanding that Democrats make their agenda clear and reach out to people who disagree with them.
Morning Announcements for May 13 and 14
These are the Morning Announcements for Tuesday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 14. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
EPA announces rollback for some Biden-era limits on so-called forever chemicals in drinking water
The Environmental Protection Agency says it will roll back limits on several types of so-called forever chemicals in drinking water. The agency, however, will keep limits on the two most common types, called PFOA and PFOS, although it will offer a two-year deadline extension for utilities to comply.
Trump administration’s universal flu vaccine project puzzles scientists
The Trump administration has launched a $500 million project to develop a universal flu vaccine that won’t need yearly updates. But vaccine experts are mystified by its focus on a dated technology.
Reset your health habits with highlights from Wellness Wednesday
Are you taking care of yourself? MPR News host Angela Davis revisits Wellness Wednesday expert advice on managing high blood pressure, getting good sleep and starting a running habit.
ESPN’s new streaming app could replace cable for some but may end up costing them more
ESPN says its long-anticipated subscription plan will cost $29.99 a month. An analyst says that, combined with subscriptions to other stream services, could drive the cost up to the price of cable packages.
New Jersey says chemical maker 3M agrees to ‘forever chemical’ settlement worth up to $450M
New Jersey’s attorney general says chemical manufacturer 3M has agreed to pay up $450 million to resolve lawsuits over natural resource contamination stemming from PFAS — commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.”
Trump meets Syria’s interim president after pledging to lift sanctions
Gulf states are keen to invest in Syria, which has important mineral and oil reserves, but had been prevented from doing so by U.S. sanctions. President Trump has now pledged to lift the restrictions.
Three wildfires burning in northeastern Minnesota have exploded in size, driven by strong winds and hot, dry conditions. Preliminary data from the Minnesota Department of Health show that 988 Minnesota Lifeline Centers answered about 90,000 contacts in 2024 — a 75 percent increase from 2023.
As data center concerns heat up, Rochester company develops solutions to keep them cool
The power demands of data centers for cooling have raised concerns about whether utilities and the electric grid will be able to keep up. LiquidCool offers a different solution: covering computer components with fluid, then circulating it to remove heat.
One last hot, dry day before a cooler, stormy pattern takes hold
Wednesday will be the last mostly sunny, dry and hot day for a bit. Our chances for rain and thunder increase Wednesday night into Thursday and will be followed by much cooler weather. 
Minnesota court scrutinizes gun law tucked into 2024 tax bill
A gun rights group argues that a ban on a certain type of trigger that DFLers added to the sprawling 2024 tax plan violates a prohibition on multi-subject bills.
From Nye’s to Betty’s Pies: A Minneapolis designer photographs the signs of Minnesota
Minneapolis-based designer and sign painter Kelsi Sharp showcases her photo collection and hand-painted signs in the exhibition “Greetings From” at Augsburg University, reflecting on Minnesota’s visual history through iconic and hidden signage.