Stories from March 25, 2026

‘It's time to speak up’: Minnesota senators change rule to allow children on the floor
The Minnesota Senate is known for its strict rules, and one of them was up for debate on Wednesday. The chamber approved a new resolution to allow children on the floor on a 41-25 vote that didn’t break neatly along any party lines.
EPA approves sale of higher ethanol fuel to try to lower gas prices
The Environmental Protection Agency has announced it would allow gas stations to continue selling slightly cheaper E15 this summer in a move that may be good for drivers and corn growers but will likely contribute to air pollution.
Eighth Circuit says some immigrants arrested in U.S. can be detained without bond hearings
In a decision Wednesday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit sided with the Trump Administration’s position that some immigrants arrested inside the U.S. may be held without a bond hearing.
Minn. Court of Appeals weighs challenge to megabills at the Capitol with gun law at stake
The Minnesota Court of Appeals will rule by summer on a gun case that has a bearing on how large bills get assembled at the Capitol. The Gun Owners Caucus sued the state over a bill that sought to ban binary triggers, arguing the law violated the state’s single subject requirement.
Rochester event to use headscarves for storytelling, connection among Minnesota women
For years, Rose McGee has gathered Minnesota women together to share about their lives, backgrounds and style, with headscarves as a common thread. She’s organizing a Headscarf Story Circle in Rochester, happening Saturday.
Group launches new space to support creative businesses in St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood
A new retail and business incubator space has officially opened in the historic Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul. Rondo Exchange on Selby Avenue is now home to four new businesses that span photography, visual art, self-care products and digital illustration.
Advocates: Recent deaths of two Minnesota women reveal gaps in domestic violence prevention
Ashley Kittelson and Jennifer Marsaw were allegedly killed by their husbands, along with Marsaw’s 5-year-old son. Both women had filed orders for protection from the men accused of killing them.
Minnesota making bid to host the 2028 NFL Draft
Minnesota Sports and Events is teaming up with U.S. Bank Stadium and the Minnesota Vikings in an effort to bring the multi-day sports spectacle to Minneapolis.
Meet the caretakers archiving Renee Macklin Good's memorial
It’s been nearly three months since Renee Macklin Good was killed, but a dedicated group of volunteer caretakers, including Ryan Vizzions, still watches over the block daily. They’ve started thinking about the future of the memorial.
Minneapolis artist turns strangers’ dreams into a shared archive
A Minneapolis artist collected strangers’ dreams through a call-in line, turning late-night voicemails into a zine that unexpectedly deepened her sense of connection to the city.
New studies of old dogs help scientists understand where they came from
Scientists are tracing back the history of dogs using the oldest genes from the species ever studied. Scientists think dogs descended from an ancient population of gray wolves somewhere in Europe or Asia.
Morning Announcements for March 25
These are the Morning Announcements for Wednesday, March 25. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
How unemployment affects our mental health
It’s a tough moment in the job market right now. Layoffs are happening across industries and finding a job isn’t easy. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a researcher and a therapist about how unemployment affects our mental health.
Netflix swings into MLB with Yankees-Giants opening night, betting on 3 marquee events
Netflix’s forays into live sports have already been successful with the NFL and WWE. The streamer is hoping for another home run when its partnership with Major League Baseball begins with Wednesday night’s opening night game between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants.
Cernak scores on crazy carom late in 3rd period as the Lightning beat the Wild 6-3
Erik Cernak scored a tiebreaking goal with 2:53 left in the third period when Minnesota goaltender Filip Gustavsson misplayed a carom off the end boards and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Wild 6-3.
A Minneapolis student is one of five Americans receiving a national award Wednesday in Washington, D.C. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society named Victor Greenawalt this year’s Young Hero Honoree. The 11-year-old was injured and hospitalized after he shielded a classmate with his body during the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in August.
Parents, community members urge Bemidji school board to reconsider closure plan
The public had one final chance Tuesday night to weigh in on a proposal to shutter J.W. Smith Elementary School in Bemidji. The school board will make a final decision on the school closure plan next week.
Very warm Wednesday followed by a few showers and cooler air
Temperatures will warm to 20 to 30 degrees above normal Wednesday afternoon. A disturbance brings a few showers Thursday and colder air with it.
Deaths, neglect, calls for help: Group home boom overwhelms Brooklyn Park
Taxpayer-funded group homes help thousands of Minnesotans with physical or mental disabilities live as independently as possible. But the industry’s rapid growth in the Twin Cities northwest suburbs has led to problems that leave vulnerable people in danger and local governments struggling with the consequences. Nowhere is that clearer than in Brooklyn Park, the state’s group home capital.
Seeking volunteer firefighters in small-town Minnesota
Pemberton needs more volunteer firefighters or risks having to shutter its fire department. It’s part of a nationwide pattern: While call volume for emergencies has increased, there’s been a big drop in the number of people trained and willing to respond to them.
Unpacking the Trump administration’s growing tensions with Cuba
The Trump administration is increasing pressure on Cuba, cutting off vital oil supplies and straining its economy, while rolling blackouts leave millions of people without power. MPR News host Catharine Richert talks with foreign policy analyst Peter Kornbluh about the latest developments and what they mean for the future of U.S.-Cuba relations.