Stories from May 8, 2025

Minnesota disabilities advocates push back on plan to restore school seclusion rooms
In 2023, Minnesota banned the use of school seclusion rooms for children in kindergarten through third grade. A proposal in the state Senate now would repeal the ban. Critics say seclusion is an inappropriate disciplinary approach to use on young children.
MN Shortlist: May 8-14 Mid West Music Fest, Hygge Happy Hour
MN Shortlist is your weekly curated roundup of recommended events from MPR News, highlighting standout performances, exhibits and gatherings around the region. This week's list includes Mid West Music Fest, Hygge Happy Hour and the St. Croix River Pottery Tour.
‘It’s a very big deal’: Benedictine monk on election of first American pope
Father Nickolas Becker, an assistant professor of theology at College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University as well as the graduate School of Theology and Seminary, shared why the election of Pope Leo XIV is notable.
Local Catholics are excited about the election of Pope Leo XIV from Chicago. "We have a pope! An American!" said Joan McLeod and Gailyn Ryan. The University of Minnesota says it has lost more than 70 federal grants totaling more than $22 million in Trump administration budget cuts and that it does not know what's coming next. And the first Republican contender has entered the 2026 Minnesota governor's race.
Trump asks Supreme Court to allow him to end humanitarian parole for 500,000 people from 4 countries
President Donald Trump's administration is asking the Supreme Court to allow it to end humanitarian parole for hundreds of thousands of immigrants from four countries, setting them up for potential deportation.
Robert Prevost, first pope from U.S. in history of the Catholic Church, takes the name Leo XIV
Cardinal Robert Prevost, a missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and leads the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, has been elected the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church. Prevost, 69, took the name Leo XIV. 
Americans are already seeing Trump's tariffs kick in. They sent in receipts to prove it
There's new tariffs on almost everything that is imported. Some of that increased cost is being eaten by exporters in other countries, but a lot of the higher prices are being picked up by Americans, who are seeing it in their receipts.
AmeriCorps at risk: What federal cuts mean for Minnesota
What happens when public service disappears? With major cuts to national volunteer programs, Minnesotan communities could lose support. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what AmeriCorps participants do, and why their work matters. 
80 years after VE Day a veteran says, ‘I hope people will see the futility of it all’
Army veteran Harry Miller was stationed in Germany when the Nazis surrendered. Upon hearing the news, he recalls that American troops went to sleep or shook hands. “And some just couldn’t believe it.”
Warriors will rely on the Jimmy-Buddy show to help stay afloat vs. Wolves with Curry out
Jimmy Butler and Buddy Hield delivered in their own ways the both-ends-of-the-floor production necessary for Golden State to fend off Minnesota for a Game 1 victory after star Stephen Curry went down with a strained left hamstring early in the second quarter. Butler pitched in 20 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and sound defense.
Conservation groups plan to gather at the Minnesota Capitol Thursday to rally in support of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The supporters want to prevent mining in the area and will advocate for legislation to protect public lands. The Minnesota House has passed an energy bill that keeps spending flat for electricity and home weatherization programs in the state’s next two-year budget.
Gosling scores twice to help the Sceptres beat the Frost 3-2 in PWHL playoff opener
Julia Gosling scored twice in a 1:55 span in the second period and the Toronto Sceptres beat the defending champion Minnesota Frost 3-2 on Wednesday night in Game 1 of the PWHL semifinal series.
No pope chosen as black smoke billows from Sistine Chapel
Black smoke has again poured out of the Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating no pope was elected on the second or third ballots of the conclave to choose a new leader of the Catholic Church. The smoke appeared just before noon in the Vatican after morning voting sessions to elect a successor to Pope Francis.
Viral video of racial slur incident sparks calls for legal action in Rochester
In a video that’s gained national attention, a Rochester woman called a Somali American child a racial slur on a playground at a public park. Leaders of the Black and Somali American communities in Rochester are calling for legal action in the wake of the incident.
Poll: Americans wary about the president taking unconventional actions
A new poll finds that Americans strongly prefer that the president achieves his political goals through conventional, sometimes slow, procedures. Republicans are more supportive than Democrats of unconventional presidential actions.
In Crosslake, governor’s fishing opener spotlights lethal impact of lead tackle to Minnesota’s loons
One of the biggest threats loons face is poisoning from swallowing lead sinkers, lures and jigs. Yet efforts to ban lead tackle in Minnesota have repeatedly failed and convincing anglers to voluntarily switch out their lead tackle for non-toxic alternatives has been a slow process.