Stories from May 31, 2025

Lingering haze with clear skies continuing
Lingering haze will give way to clear skies as the evening progresses. Meanwhile, a summer-like warmth will persist through Monday, with temperatures climbing into the 80s and 90s.
Sen. Ernst doubles down on bleak response to Medicaid grilling
The Republican senator offered a glib response to constituent questions at a town hall regarding cuts to Medicaid under the Trump-endorsed One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Hamas responds to U.S. ceasefire proposal for Gaza
While the militant group says it will release 10 living and 18 deceased hostages still held in Gaza, there appear to be other details that need to be worked out before a ceasefire is declared.
Ernst draws groans at Iowa town hall after retort on Medicaid cuts, saying 'we all are going to die'
Republican Sen. Joni Ernst is facing backlash after saying “we all are going to die” while talking about potential changes to Medicaid eligibility at a town hall in north-central Iowa.
Hamas says it is still reviewing a U.S. proposal for a Gaza ceasefire
Hamas says it is continuing to review a U.S. proposal for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza. The ceasefire plan, which has been approved by Israeli officials, won a cool initial reaction Thursday from the militant group.
Where the wild things are: St. Paul’s Raspberry Island
A vibrant exhibition of giant, hand-crafted Mexican alebrijes now transforms St. Paul’s Raspberry Island, blending folk art tradition with community revival efforts led by the Minnesota Latino Museum.
Ask a Bookseller: ‘Come Home to My Heart’ by Riley Redgate
Michelle Tuplin of Serendipity Books in Chelsea, Mich., recommends the YA novel “Come Home to My Heart” by Riley Redgate.
Hazy skies ahead as temperatures climb
Hazy skies are ahead as temperatures climb, with wildfire smoke continuing to blanket much of the state. An air-quality alert remains in effect through Monday at 6 p.m. Temperatures will heat up over the weekend and into early next week, with highs in the 80s and 90s expected across the region.
Trump pardons drug kingpins even as he escalates U.S. drug war rhetoric
President Trump has promised to attack drug gangs and called for the death penalty for street dealers. But he has also pardoned more than 20 people serving time for serious drug crimes, some involving violence.