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Stories from June 20, 2025

Severe risk north overnight; extreme heat warning this weekend

Severe risk north overnight; extreme heat warning this weekend

A tropical warm front will trigger severe storms across much of northern Minnesota overnight. Extreme heat warnings are up for the weekend.
by Paul Huttner

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Gov. Walz says lawmakers should look at banning firearms from the State Capitol

Gov. Tim Walz says the Minnesota Legislature should consider prohibiting people from carrying firearms in the state Capitol. Current law says Minnesotans with a permit to carry are able to bring a gun inside the statehouse. Walz comments come after authorities just arrested a registered lobbyist who allegedly sent a text message threatening violence at the Minnesota Capitol.
by Emily Reese

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MN Shortlist, June 20-26: Drag shows, refugee beats, and Sherlock with a twist

MN Shortlist, June 20-26: Drag shows, refugee beats, and Sherlock with a twist

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 Emily Bright

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Minnesota religious leaders call for end to political violence

Minnesota religious leaders call for end to political violence

Leaders from several different faiths held a news conference at the State Capitol on Friday to denounce political violence and urge civility and cooperation.
by Mark Zdechlik

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Steamy, stormy summer solstice

Steamy, stormy summer solstice

The summer solstice arrives with intense heat, soaring dew points and dangerous heat indices climbing into the triple digits. Meanwhile, strong to severe storms are expected to sweep through northern Minnesota late Friday night.
by Mandy Thalhuber

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Man charged in attempted kidnapping of mayor, Memphis police say

Man charged in attempted kidnapping of mayor, Memphis police say

Police say a man has been charged with attempted kidnapping of the mayor of Memphis, Tenn. The incident happened just one day after the killing of Minnesota House DFL leader Melissa Hortman.
by The Associated Press

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In ‘Sleep,’ Honor Jones examines the paradox of parenthood

In ‘Sleep,’ Honor Jones examines the paradox of parenthood

Can childhood trauma, once suffered, be kept from the next generation? That’s one of the many psychological questions at the a heart of Honor Jones’ debut novel, “Sleep,” one of the must-read books of the summer.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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What children in poverty could lose from the 'Big Beautiful Bill'

What children in poverty could lose from the 'Big Beautiful Bill'

Republicans want to change or reduce key social safety net programs that provide health care, food benefits and financial assistance for millions of children.
by Cory Turner

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Buxton powers Twins past Reds to stop 6-game slide

Buxton powers Twins past Reds to stop 6-game slide

Byron Buxton hit two home runs, including the second of back-to-back shots with Kody Clemens, and Ryan Jeffers had a homer and four RBIs as the Minnesota Twins beat the Cincinnati Reds 12-5 to end a six-game losing streak.
by The Associated Press

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Ancient Roman masterpieces emerge from a London demolition pit

Ancient Roman masterpieces emerge from a London demolition pit

Thousands of newly discovered fragments, which once adorned a high-status Roman building, offer an unprecedented glimpse into the artistic sophistication and daily life of ancient Londinium.
by Willem Marx

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New law, fewer thefts? Depends who you ask

Streetlight copper theft complaints are down 50 percent in St. Paul, but Minneapolis is still struggling.
by Alex Simpson

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Iran’s internet blackout leaves public in dark and creates an uneven picture of the war with Israel

Iran’s internet blackout leaves public in dark and creates an uneven picture of the war with Israel

As the war between Israel and Iran hits the one-week mark, Iranians have spent nearly half of the conflict in a near-communication blackout, unable to connect not only with the outside world but also with their neighbors and loved ones across the country. 
by The Associated Press

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Expert dispels myth that cities are immune from tornados

Expert dispels myth that cities are immune from tornados

MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner talked to climatologist Kenneth Blumenfeld about the probability of a tornado striking downtowns and densely populated urban areas.
by Paul Huttner and Matthew Alvarez

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‘Always had Melissa’s back’: Friends, family remember Mark Hortman as smart, funny, fierce protector

‘Always had Melissa’s back’: Friends, family remember Mark Hortman as smart, funny, fierce protector

As they struggle now through their own grief, those who knew Mark Hortman say he loved mountain biking, music, his family and playing pool. He easily made friends and kept them close, and centered his life on Melissa Hortman and their kids.
by Kate Martin, Olivia Chilkoti, Carmela Guaglianone, Cait Kelley, Jennifer Lu and Peter Cox

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National Loon Center to break ground on new facility in Crosslake

National Loon Center to break ground on new facility in Crosslake

The $18.5 million project has been a decade in the making. It will include a visitor center and space for research and education, and aims to teach people how to conserve freshwater ecosystems that are vital to loons’ health.
by Kirsti Marohn

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U of M study finds lead contamination threatens butterflies

U of M study finds lead contamination threatens butterflies

University of Minnesota researchers say they’ve found a correlation between lead levels and smaller wing sizes, which could keep the pollinators from thriving.
by Jaylan Sims

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Hoffman family issues statement recounting shooting, giving thanks for first responders and community support

Hoffman family issues statement recounting shooting, giving thanks for first responders and community support

State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, wounded in last weekend’s shootings that also claimed the lives of Minnesota House DFL leader Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, have issued their first statement on the events of last Saturday.
by MPR News Staff

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