Stories from May 2, 2025

MPR leader addresses executive order seeking to end funding to NPR and PBS
President Donald Trump signed an executive order that calls for a halt in funding for NPR and PBS through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. We spoke to MPR President Duchesne Drew about potential impact of the order on Minnesota’s public radio stations.
Trump budget would slash rental aid by 40 percent — and let states fill the gap if they want
The proposal would cut off rental subsidies after two years for able-bodied adults. Advocates warn if enacted, the White House plan would tip many low-income renters over the edge into homelessness.
President Donald Trump's executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's board of directors to "cease federal funding for NPR and PBS" has local stations trying to figure out how the move will affect them. Rochester law enforcement says it's investigating a video of a local woman calling a child a racial slur. The video surfaced on social media earlier this week.
Microsoft hikes Xbox prices worldwide as gaming industry faces tariff uncertainty
As new tariffs continue to strain global supply chains, some gamers are already feeling price hikes. Microsoft raised recommended retailer pricing for its Xbox consoles and controllers around the world this week.
José Ramírez reaches milestone, then scores winning run in Guardians’ 4-3, 10-inning win over Twins
José Ramírez became the first player in Cleveland franchise history to reach 250 career homers and 250 steals and then scored the winning run in the 10th inning as the Guardians rallied for a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
Rural communities were promised millions in disaster funds. Trump is ending it
Rural communities are scrambling after the Trump administration canceled billions in disaster grants. Many were counting on the funds for infrastructure fixes meant to withstand future disasters.
China says it’s considering trade talks with U.S., but demands canceled tariffs
Exporters, importers and recent government statistics all suggest that trade in both directions is slowing sharply as a result of the tariffs. Neither side appears willing to be seen giving ground.
Victims in quadruple homicide identified; suspect arrested and charged
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner identified three of the victims Friday. Joseph Douglas Goodwin, 17, of Minneapolis, Merelle Joan White, 20, of Red Lake, and Evan Ramon Denny, 27, of St. Paul died of gunshot wounds around midnight on Tuesday near 25th Street East and Bloomington Avenue.
A bipartisan bill to fund the state government, including the Capitol, elections and the attorney general’s office, passed the Minnesota House Thursday night. And a virtual immigration court hearing ended in a fiery exchange over a Marshall man’s possible deportation.
Wild streak of opening-round losses hits 8, hits harder with close series vs. Vegas and Fleury exit
The final on-ice tribute to retiring goalie Marc-Andre Fleury gave the Minnesota Wild a few minutes to forget about another frustrating finish. The harsh reality after a well-played series was yet another first-round exit, however, and one that formally ended the 21-year career of one of the most revered players in history.
Cooler Friday with lingering cloud cover. Weekend warmup ahead
Friday begins with lingering cloud cover and cooler temperatures. Skies will gradually clear from west to east, but highs will struggle to rebound, remaining in the upper 40s to low 50s. A much warmer and sunnier pattern is on the horizon with highs climbing into the 70s over the weekend.
Hundreds gather at the Minnesota Capitol for May Day rally, International Workers’ Day
Sara Nelson is the International President of the Association of Flight Attendants and flew to Minnesota from Washington, D.C. to join the rally. Nelson said the day is important because it marks a significant moment in history when workers stood up for their rights — and a reminder that the fight continues today.
‘I Kissed a Girl’ singer-songwriter Jill Sobule killed in Woodbury house fire
Jill Sobule, the award-winning singer-songwriter whose witty and poignant writing first attracted widespread attention with the gay-themed song “I Kissed a Girl,” died in a house fire Thursday. She was 66.
Marshall man whose student visa was revoked remains detained
The hearing was at times heated, due to exchanges between his attorney and the judge. His attorney argued his detainment was illegal and requested that the removal proceedings be terminated. However, Judge Sarah Mazzie said the U.S. Department of State revoked the visa and concluded that she does not have “judicial review” to terminate removal proceedings.
For two women whose misdemeanors defined life, new ‘clean slate’ program is ‘joyful’
Around 500,000 Minnesotans with low-level offenses will have their criminal records sealed through Minnesota’s new automatic expungement law, which has been delayed since January. Officials are aiming for the first round of records to be expunged in late June.
For 50 years, Hmong immigrants and their children have shaped Minnesota culture
In honor of 50 years of Hmong refugee resettlement and immigration to Minnesota, MPR News will feature Hmong Minnesotans in a variety of careers through the month of May as part of our “ChangeMakers” series. This series highlights Minnesotans from diverse and often underrepresented backgrounds who are making an impact. 
One of literature's most lucrative prizes goes to debut fiction writer Canisia Lubrin
The judges of the annual prize for female and nonbinary writers praised Lubrin's debut short story collection, “Code Noir,” for breaking "new ground in short fiction." The award comes with $150K.
Minneapolis police announce arrest in Tuesday quadruple homicide
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said an FBI SWAT team and a U.S. Marshals Service task force arrested a suspect Thursday afternoon in connection with a shooting this week that left four people dead and another with life-threatening injuries. O’Hara said the man was taken into custody near the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood.
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