Stories from September 22, 2025

The Advisory Committee on Capitol security met Monday and heard about gun restrictions, screenings and other safety measures in capitols around the country. A professor at Minnesota State University in Mankato is catching heat for online comments.
Minnesotans mourn Charlie Kirk at Turning Point USA event at U of M
Michael Knowles, a conservative commentator and author, hosted the event at the University of Minnesota’s Northrop Auditorium on Monday. Audience members raised questions on topics from women’s suffrage to cancel culture and media bias.
St. Paul voters to decide ballot measure that would allow fines for ordinance violations
St. Paul voters will vote on a charter amendment that would allow the City Council to issue fines for ordinance violations. The ballot measure follows the council’s unanimous approval of the charter change in January.
ABC ends Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension and his show will return Tuesday
ABC will reinstate Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show after suspending it due to his comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The network announced Monday that the show would return on Tuesday.
Amid cancelation of U.S. hunger survey, new Second Harvest CEO says data is 'critical'
Sarah Moberg was named Second Harvest Heartland CEO last week. Just days later, the Trump administration announced it was ending the survey which tracks hunger in the U.S.
USDA cancels survey tracking how many Americans struggle to get enough food
The Department of Agriculture said it will end a longstanding annual food insecurity survey. Experts say the move will obscure the effects of recent changes that will lead to people losing food aid.
Psychiatric hospitals turn away patients who need urgent care. The facilities face few consequences.
Discharging patients who are at risk of harming themselves or others is illegal. But dozens of psychiatric hospitals aren’t honoring the law — and the government isn’t following up.
What type of speech can get you fired from your job?
Comedian Jimmy Kimmel was pulled off the air by ABC last week after his comments on how MAGA is characterizing the killing of Charlie Kirk. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about when what you say can get you in trouble at work.
Walking 161 miles in support of firefighter health
Minnesota firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode completed a 161-mile walk from Duluth to St. Paul Sunday to raise funds for MnFIRE, a nonprofit working to keep firefighters healthy across the state.
Colleges pull back as Trump cuts programs that help migrant students
Since 1972, the CAMP program has helped tens of thousands of migrant students succeed in college. The Trump administration has cut off funding for it, forcing some colleges to reduce or eliminate services.
After dropping during the pandemic, Minnesota universities see an enrollment spike
Across the state, colleges and universities are welcoming more freshmen to their campuses this fall. And while they don't have official numbers yet, many are reporting higher than usual enrollment.
Scientists look for cause of spike in swimmer’s itch plaguing Minnesota lakes
The itchy red rash is caused by tiny parasites in the water that can burrow into human skin. Researchers are looking at whether certain waterfowl, invasive species or warming lakes could be factors.
On a northern Minnesota island, arts and inspiration find safe harbor
A small island on Rainy Lake near the Canadian border was once home to a legendary Minnesota environmentalist. Now it’s a place for introspection and inspiration for artists and nature lovers.
Trump's new $100K fee on H-1B visas will hurt the tech companies trying to woo him
More than half a million high-skilled U.S. workers are in the country through the H-1B program, which is heavily used by the big tech companies trying to curry favor with the president.