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.
New books this week: investigating rehab, fighting wildfires and a Slaughter thriller
Just published this week: A portrait of the lucrative drug-treatment industry; a memoir of a female firefighter; debut fiction from an Emmy-winning TV writer; and a brand new Karin Slaughter thriller.
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.
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. 
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. 
Trump administration claims D.C. police chief powers, but capital leaders push back
Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a directive issued Thursday evening that DEA boss Terry Cole will assume “powers and duties vested in the District of Columbia Chief of Police.”
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.