Stories from April 22, 2025

Judge orders DHS to restore visas to five international Concordia graduate students
In his order, U.S. District Court Judge John Tunheim said the plaintiffs “clearly face irreparable harm” after having their student status terminated. His decision comes after two other judges granted similar restraining orders last week to other students targeted by the DHS.
St. Thomas student who spoke at Easter Sunday in Vatican City remembers Pope Francis
Alex Lenzmeier, class of 2028, was one of a handful of students who gave a reading on Easter in St. Peter's Basilica and was surrounded by his peers when news of the pope’s passing broke Monday morning. He joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to share his experience of being in Italy right now.
The state of Minnesota is suing the Trump's administration over threats to withhold federal funding because the state has not complied with executive orders regarding transgender people. Maplewood-based 3M said today it’s taking steps to mitigate what it estimates could be an $850 million annual impact on the company from tariffs.
Sustainable jet fuel crops get a boost in state funding
Researchers at the University of Minnesota say they’re planning to plant more crops that can be converted to airplane fuel. The state is putting $75,000 toward the research, with a goal of planting a million acres of winter-hardy fuel crops.
Minnesota attorney general sues Trump administration over transgender executive orders
The latest in an escalating dispute between DFL leaders and President Donald Trump over transgender protections is a federal lawsuit seeking to block a possible funding cutoff to Minnesota.
Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards fined $50,000 for obscene gesture and comment directed at heckler
Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves has been fined $50,000 for directing inappropriate language and making an obscene gesture toward a fan during a playoff game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Americans Reconnect: Talking Across the Political Divide
At a time of stark polarization, Americans Reconnect: Talking Across the Political Divide offers an antidote to our national malaise: stories of people who model the listening skills and humanity necessary to bridge political differences, showing that Americans are still capable of civility and compassion when they disagree over hot button issues.
A special election is being held Tuesday, April 29, to fill a vacancy in Senate District 6. The candidates running are Republican Keri Heintzeman and DFLer Denise Slipy.
Twin Cities nun on Pope Francis' legacy, hopes more women can rise in Catholic Church
Sister Carolyn Puccio joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition Tuesday to reflect on the pope’s accomplishments and shortfalls, and her hopes for his successor.
3M estimates tariffs could have annual financial impact of $850 million
Maplewood-based 3M saw its stock price jump sharply on Tuesday after better-than-expected earnings in the first quarter. But the company estimated that tariffs could add up to an annual financial impact of hundreds of millions of dollars.
Trump administration to resume collections on student loan borrowers in default
The Education Department says millions of borrowers in default will have a chance to make a payment or sign up for a repayment plan. But on May 5, those who don’t will be referred for collection.
Frozen Four or NHL playoffs, stage not too big for Wild 19-year-old Zeev Buium
Zeev Buium was trying to help lead Denver to the NCAA’s Frozen Four championship less than two weeks ago. On Sunday night, he made his NHL debut for the Minnesota Wild. As a 19-year-old.
Women’s flag football grows on college campuses, from startup clubs to varsity teams with NFL boost
Flag football participation by girls has continued to spike across the country, with the sport’s inclusion in the Summer Olympics lineup for Los Angeles in 2028 serving as the most recent bump.
Catholics are remembering Pope Francis after his death Monday. At the same time, they’re thinking about what comes next for the church. The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from the state of Minnesota seeking to revive the state’s ban on gun-carry permits for young adults.
Lawmakers discuss state oversight of rental housing following MPR News investigation
MPR News found problems tied to inspections and local political pressures that leave low-income renters in potential danger across greater Minnesota. Now, some state lawmakers and lobbyists say change is necessary.