Stories from August 15, 2025

MPR parent company cuts 30 jobs following federal funding cuts
Minnesota Public Radio's parent company laid off 30 staff members Friday after Congress clawed back funding that it had previously approved for public broadcasting. Cuts in state funding from the Minnesota Legislature exacerbated the budget gap.
‘Cabaret at the Guthrie,’ 100 years of Gatsby and the most vital restaurants in MN
MPR News shares a conversation from the “Worth It” podcast, from the Minnesota Star Tribune and Lemonada Media. Get the inside scoop on the Guthrie’s “Cabaret, ”a classic and century-old novel with Minnesota roots, and the Twin Cities’ dining scene.
Minneapolis Park Board announces Hiawatha Golf Course redesign options
The historic Hiawatha Golf Course has experienced major flooding over its century-long history. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announced redesign options to mitigate the course’s water issues.
From antique furniture to odd metal aliens, Gold Rush Days brings thousands to Oronoco
This weekend, the quiet downtown area in Oronoco becomes an antique mecca as hundreds of sellers of well aged and vintage collectables descend on this small southeast Minnesota town for Gold Rush Days, which is taking place for the 53rd year.
More than two decades after a group of Boy Scouts stumbled upon a skull while hiking near Houlton, Wis., a nonprofit has identified the remains as those of Alyce Catharina Peterson, Stillwater woman who died of natural causes in 2001 and was reported to have been cremated.
The man accused of killing former DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark is facing new state charges of first-degree premeditated murder. And the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announced today it will reduce the historic Hiawatha Golf Course from 18 to nine holes. The course, which has ties to the Twin Cities Black Community, has experienced major flooding over its century long history.
July jobs report: Minnesota economy strong but slowing as shifting federal policy creates uncertainty
Minnesota Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Matt Varilek spoke about a new jobs report for the state. “We have a very resilient economy in Minnesota, but we fear that we may be finally seeing some of the impacts of a variety of federal actions that really create headwinds for us,” he said.
Eastbound I-94 between I-35 in Minneapolis and Highway 280 reopens
A section of Interstate 94 in the Twin Cities has reopened ahead of schedule. All lanes of eastbound I-94 between I-35 in Minneapolis and Highway 280 in St. Paul opened at about 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Hurricane Erin kicks off the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season
Erin strengthened into a hurricane early Friday morning, becoming the first named storm of the 2025 Atlantic season to reach hurricane status.
UnitedHealth Group shares climb as Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway discloses stake in the insurer
Shares of UnitedHealth Group are surging before the market open Friday as Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway disclosed that it recently purchased shares of the beleaguered insurer. Berkshire Hathaway bought around 5 million shares of UnitedHealth last quarter, according to a regulatory filing.
‘A Marriage at Sea’ by Sophie Elmhirst
This week on Big Books and Bold Idea, author Sophie Elmhirst joins Kerri Miller to talk about the true story of a British couple who survived more than a hundred days together on the open seas after a whale sunk their boat. Even more amazing: When it was over, their marriage was stronger than ever.
No widespread drought in Minnesota for first time in recent memory
For weeks, drought in Minnesota has been the norm. That’s no longer the case, according to meteorologist and climatologist Mark Seeley.
Looking back at the nuclear age of filmmaking
Movies can tell us a lot about what scares us. And ever since the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the fear of nuclear war has reverberated across decades of film.
Lynx getting along just fine while Collier recovers, with Carrington making seamless arrival
The Minnesota Lynx haven’t missed a beat since falling one game short of a WNBA championship last year. Their recent acquisition of DiJonai Carrington has helped reinforce their depth and bolster their defense while superstar Napheesa Collier recovers from a sprained right ankle. 
A Hennepin County grand jury has returned a first-degree premeditated murder indictment against the man suspected of killing former DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark.
Plastic pollution treaty talks in Geneva end without an agreement
Talks on a treaty to address the global crisis of plastic pollution in Geneva ended without an agreement Friday. The session was adjourned and will be resumed at a later date. Nations were meeting for an 11th day at the United Nations office to try to complete a landmark treaty to end the plastic pollution crisis. 
Humid air, stalled front setting the stage for heavy rainfall risk
We have tropical dew points back over the region into the weekend. Friday will be hot and humid for southern Minnesota. Several rounds of thunderstorms will add up this weekend. 
Trump and Putin conclude talks on Ukraine touting progress, but no breakthrough
President Trump has finished his high-stakes summit with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, and though the two leaders touted progress over ending the war in Ukraine they did not announce any steps toward reaching a ceasefire.
MN Shortlist, Aug. 15-21: Magicians return, Finnish folk tales in puppetry and more
MN Shortlist is your weekly curated roundup of recommended events from MPR News, highlighting standout performances, exhibits and gatherings around the region.
A photo of her grandmother in moccasins sparked Cindy Godin Hamilton’s artistic awakening
Cindy Godin Hamilton’s artistic and cultural awakening came in her adult years. Now her solo exhibit at the Warroad RiverPlace Gallery includes hand-stitched mittens, mukluks and gauntlets featuring intricately beaded animals and flowers, as well as oil and pastel paintings of Native faces garbed in traditional regalia.
Minnesota booksellers share their favorite beach reads
MPR News reached out to Minnesota booksellers across to the state to get their recommendations on the best beach reads to add to your TBR this summer.
Meteorologist sues KSTP for sexual harassment, discrimination
Wren Clair alleges that KSTP news director Kirk Varner repeatedly commented on her physical appearance, said she should wear tighter fitting clothes and complained about a change in her hair color.