Stories from April 25, 2025

Ukrainian workers at landmark Minneapolis restaurant seek answers after Trump halts work permit renewals
Thousands of Ukrainians who’ve settled temporarily in Minnesota fear that they may soon have to return home, even as Russia’s assault on their country continues. The concern is especially high at Kramarczuk’s deli and restaurant in northeast Minneapolis, a cornerstone of the city’s Ukrainian community.
Mississippi named 'most endangered' river in the U.S.
The Mississippi River has topped an endangered rivers list. Extreme floods, drought cycles, toxic runoff and poor river management threaten it. MPR News correspondent Kirsti Marohn​ spoke to chief meteorologist Paul Huttner about the stresses on this vital waterway.
A Minnesotan will be among a congressional delegation visiting the Vatican City this weekend for the funeral of Pope Francis. And state regulators are giving a St. Paul iron foundry a final notice to submit information on its operations... or lose its air quality permit.
New senior staff announced as White House looks to 'right the ship' at the Pentagon
The defense department has announced new senior level positions after recent firings and resignations. But with Pentagon head Pete Hegseth under fire for missteps, the way ahead is still unclear.
ICE is reversing the termination of legal status for international students around the U.S.
Federal officials say the government is reversing the termination of legal status for international students after many filed court challenges around the U.S. That word came Friday. 
Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to federal murder charge in killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO
Luigi Mangione has pleaded not guilty to a federal murder charge in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, as prosecutors formally declared their intent to seek the death penalty against him.
Former Hennepin County judge reprimanded for sexual harassment, inappropriate contact with clerk
Former Hennepin County Judge Jay Quam has been reprimanded by the Minnesota Board on Judicial Standards after it said an investigation concluded he engaged in sexual harassment — including inappropriate sexual contact with a law clerk.
Pope Francis’ doctor says pontiff died ‘without suffering, at home’
Pope Francis’ doctor has recounted the pope’s last moments in Italian newspaper interviews. Dr. Sergio Alfieri said the pope “died without suffering, at home.” The doctor found the pontiff with his eyes open and breathing normally, but unresponsive when he was called to the Vatican early Monday morning. 
Twins third baseman Royce Lewis to start injury rehab assignment on Friday
Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis will begin an injury rehab assignment on Friday at Triple-A St. Paul. Lewis hasn’t played since he picked up a moderate hamstring strain while running out a ground ball in a spring training game on March 16.
Trump and Zelenskyy among dignitaries converging on Rome for funeral of Pope Francis
Heads of state and royalty will begin converging on Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral in the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square, but the group of poor people who will meet his casket in a small crosstown basilica are more in keeping with Francis’ humble persona and disdain for pomp.
Rain moves out, bringing sun and warmth later Friday and Saturday
A few light rain showers will stick around Friday morning, but clearing skies will take over by lunch. Saturday looks absolutely beautiful with highs near 65 and a light breeze out of the east. More rain is in the forecast for Sunday night and we could see a stormy Monday.
Kaprizov scores 2 power-play goals to help the Wild beat Vegas 5-2 for a 2-1 series lead
Kirill Kaprizov had two power-play goals and the Minnesota Wild beat the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2 on Thursday to take a 2-1 lead in the first-round series. Matt Boldy scored for the third straight game, Marco Rossi had his first career postseason goal and Marcus Foligno added an empty-netter.
Rulings coming fast and furious in lawsuits over Trump’s policies on immigration, elections and DEI
The Trump administration was handed a rapid-fire series of court losses Wednesday night and Thursday in lawsuits filed over its policies on immigration, elections and its crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion programs in schools.
A U.S. District Court judge in California has blocked an attempt by President Donald Trump’s Administration to withhold federal funds from cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul because of the cities’ immigration policies. A Georgia sheriff is dropping citations issued to a Minnesota man after a deputy told the man his tribally issued license plates were not valid on Georgia roads.
Vikings get Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson in NFL draft with 24th pick
The Minnesota Vikings have selected Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson with the 24th pick in the NFL draft to complete an offseason overhaul of the interior of their offensive line. The 6-foot-4, 315-pound Jackson was a second-team Associated Press All-American for the national champion Buckeyes.
Citations issued to Red Lake Nation citizen driving through Georgia have been withdrawn
Johnathon Carlson was driving home from a weeklong family vacation in Florida when he was pulled over in Georgia. He was cited for speeding and for “fake plates.” Carlson’s license plates are issued by Red Lake Nation, which are valid on Minnesota roads. Both citations have since been withdrawn.
‘It’s not just fashion’: Native Nations Fashion Night returns for a fifth year
Six Indigenous designers will showcase their collections this Friday in downtown St. Paul. “I Am Water” is the evening’s theme — the apparel designs will highlight the designers’ relationships with water and the significance of water in their lives.
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