Stories from June 27, 2025

MN Shortlist June 27-July 3: Stage legends, literary quests and brunch in fabulous heels
MN Shortlist is your weekly curated roundup of recommended events from MPR News, highlighting standout performances, exhibits and gatherings around the region.
Hot and humid weekend brings potential for severe storms
Several rounds of thunderstorms are possible in the region from Friday night through Sunday. Some storms may be capable of damaging winds, large hail and possibly a tornado. It will also be rather steamy.
 Feds unveil new investigation over Minnesota’s transgender athlete policy
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says it will examine whether the state’s policy allowing transgender athletes to play on women’s and girl’s sports teams constitutes sex discrimination. It’s the last in a legal tug of war over the issue.
June rains set records around Minnesota
A number of Minnesota cities experienced significant rainfall throughout the month. Some totals were the most in state history.
‘I’m not suicidal,’ says suspected Hortman assassin as court hearing is delayed
The man accused of killing former DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark appeared briefly in court Friday morning where his attorney said that she asked jailers to remove her client from suicide watch.
Another June soaker: Who saw the most rainfall?
Another round of heavy June rain swept across Minnesota this week, bringing impressive totals to parts of the state. We’ll also take a closer look at the latest drought conditions report.
'Behind the Red Velvet Curtain'
Joy Womack is one of the few American ballet dancers to train and perform at Russia’s storied Bolshoi Academy. Her new memoir, as told to MPR News’ Elizabeth Shockman, is an intimate look at what it takes to become one of the best ballerinas in the world.
Morning Announcements for June 27
These are the Morning Announcements for Friday, June 27. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
As Iran and Israel fought, people turned to AI for facts. They didn’t find many
AI-generated videos of fighting between Iran and Israel went viral, and people asked chatbots if they were real. "What we're seeing is AI mediating the experience of warfare," said one researcher.
T-wolves trade down twice in quiet 2nd round for Northwest, after getting French big Beringer in 1st
The Minnesota Timberwolves had the first pick in the second round of the NBA draft and were fully prepared to field multiple offers for the 31st overall selection. They kept their first-rounder at No. 17 for 6-foot-11 project Joan Beringer from France before yielding to the trade calls during the second round.
Asked to flag ‘negative’ National Park content, visitors gave their own 2 cents instead
Signs installed earlier in National Parks earlier in June asked for feedback on signs “that are negative about past or living Americans.” Comments viewed by NPR didn't provide the requested feedback.
Minnesota Wild trade center Freddy Gaudreau to Seattle Kraken
The Minnesota Wild traded center Freddy Gaudreau to the Seattle Kraken for a fourth-rounder. Gaudreau has three years left on his contract at an annual salary cap hit of $2.1 million.
Mainly dry Friday before a steamy, stormy first half of the weekend
Friday should be mostly dry with decreasing afternoon clouds. More storms are possible over the weekend, some could be strong to severe. It will also be humid. 
Major freeway closures planned in Twin Cities this weekend
If you’ll be driving in the Twin Cities this weekend — be warned: Several planned freeway closures may make for challenging travel in the metro.
Minnesotans mourn Melissa and Mark Hortman at the Capitol; Biden pays respects
Thousands of people lined up Friday to pay their respects to the late DFL House Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman at the Minnesota Capitol rotunda. They included former President Joe Biden, who came to the Capitol late in the afternoon.
DFL Leader Melissa Hortman: A political force known for ambitious goals, adept ways
Political leaders, family and friends will gather Friday at the Minnesota Capitol to pay tribute to Hortman. She was remembered for her calm demeanor, strategic thinking and lasting impact on Minnesota politics.
Minnesota corn fields pose migration risk for songbirds, study shows
A Cornell University study has found that songbirds are changing their migration patterns when traveling through what’s known as the “Corn Belt,” vast stretches of farmland in the Midwest.
Justice Department says Kilmar Abrego Garcia will face U.S. trial before any move to deport him again
The Justice Department says it intends to try Kilmar Abrego Garcia on federal smuggling charges in Tennessee before it moves to deport him, addressing fears that he could be expelled again from the U.S. within days.