Stories from July 30, 2025

Meatpacking union sues Hormel Foods for alleged earned sick, safe time violations
Workers represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 663 allege Hormel Foods failed and refused to provide workers with paid leave benefits under Minnesota’s Earned Sick and Safe Time laws.
Minnesota team assists flood rescue and recovery efforts in Texas
Over the past several weeks, rescuers from all over the country have helped Texas sort through destruction after floods swept through the state. A rescue team from Minnesota was part of that effort and is now back home after a 16-day mission.
Safety concerns, attacks prompt lawmaker to call for audit of Minnesota Capitol security
DFL state Sen. Heather Gustafson of Vadnais Heights joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition Tuesday to explain her request to the Office of the Legislative Auditor for a Capitol security assessment.
Out to Lunch: The Kris Lindahl beyond the billboards
In his new memoir, “Arms Out,” real estate CEO Kris Lindahl shares about growing up in poverty and not always stable housing, his father’s struggles with addiction, and navigating high school after his father was murdered.   
'It's a big deal': Response to St. Paul cyberattack suggests large breach
The city is working with the Minnesota National Guard, the FBI and two private cybersecurity firms to respond to a cyberattack that is disrupting city services including payment systems, libraries, recreation centers and city hall.
The high cost of easy credit
In a world of widely available credit, the costs of going into debt are often hidden by the marketing of convenience. It’s a world that older people are particularly vulnerable to.
The U.S. economy rebounds in second quarter — but tariffs skew picture
The U.S. economy grew this spring after a slowdown earlier this year. A report from the Commerce Department shows the nation's GDP grew at an annual rate of 3 percent in the second quarter of the year.
Union Pacific and Norfolk seek 1st transcontinental railroad through a massive merger
Union Pacific is seeking to buy Norfolk Southern in a $85 billion deal that would create the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S, and potentially trigger a final wave of rail mergers across the country.
Dew points fall Wednesday as high pressure pushes in; a few showers south
Muggy air lingers in southern Minnesota where showers will dissipate Wednesday morning. Highs will be mostly in the 70s Wednesday with dew points continuing their fall as high pressure settles in. 
8.8-magnitude earthquake sends tsunami into coasts of Russia, Japan and Hawaii
One of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded struck Russia’s Far East, sending tsunami waves into Japan, Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast. No substantial damage has been reported so far, but authorities warned people away from shorelines and said the risk could last more than a day. 
3 fired DOJ workers add to chorus of layoffs in 'foundering' workforce
The Department of Justice has fired hundreds of employees this year, transforming a federal workforce that enjoys vast powers and responsibility over issues affecting the lives of everyday Americans.
Minnesota Capitol safety to be examined after man found inside after hours
A criminal complaint alleges the 36-year-old went to the Capitol during open hours that day and used a wooden wedge to prop open a door. He then returned in the evening when the building was closed.
This Minnesota Greek folk dance group has spread joy for nearly 30 years
The Greek Dancers of Minnesota practice and perform dozens of authentic Greek folk dances with traditional costumes and music year round. The dancers say that over the years they’ve developed something even more special: friendship.
New Smithsonian exhibit highlights American fairs, including crop art, butter from Minnesota
An August exhibition at the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery, inspired by Minnesota’s State Fair traditions, will highlight American craft through artworks like crop art, butter sculptures and textiles.