Stories from June 2, 2025

 American Public Media to sell popular Brains On! podcast, eliminate jobs
American Public Media, an affiliate of MPR News, said Monday it was in active talks to sell the Brains On! Universe, an award-winning science podcast for children and young adults. The sale will cut 15 positions.
Former DOGE engineer on his experience working for the cost-cutting unit
NPR's Juana Summers talks with Sahil Lavingia, who worked for the Department of Government Efficiency as a software engineer assigned to the Department of Veterans Affairs, about his experience.
Minneapolis police are investigating after a shooting at Boom Island Park last night left one person dead and five more injured. And more rounds of smoke from Canadian wildfires are forecast to move across Minnesota over the next couple of days. That’s prompted officials to extend an air quality alert for the entire state through midday Wednesday.
Air quality alert continues through Wednesday, northwest Minnesota warned of 'hazardous' air
An air quality alert for all of Minnesota has been extended through midday Wednesday, as more — and more-intense — rounds of smoke from Canadian wildfires are forecast to move across the region.
Report finds housing costs outpacing growth of teacher salaries
The report from the National Council on Teacher Quality looked at school districts nationwide. In Minnesota, the report focused in on Anoka-Hennepin Public School District and St. Paul Public Schools, and found housing costs outpacing teacher salaries growth.
Helping turtles cross the road? There’s an app for that, thanks to these Minnesota sisters
Turtle populations as a whole are declining, and roadway mortality is a significant factor, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Their natal homing instinct takes them across roadways and into the path of cars.
Suspect in Colorado attack told police he researched for a year and targeted ‘Zionist group’
The FBI says the man charged in the attack in Boulder, Color., that left eight people injured told police he planned it for a year and specifically targeted what he described as the “Zionist group.”
Stormy Monday afternoon may bring severe weather
A stormy Monday afternoon and evening is on tap, with the chance for severe weather primarily across western Minnesota. A cold front moving through the region will spark showers and thunderstorms, some of which could produce large hail and damaging winds.
These researchers think the sludge in your home may help save the planet
What if the solutions to some of Earth’s biggest problems could be found in some of its smallest creatures? That bet has led a team of researchers to places both remote and — lately — rather familiar.
Ukraine destroys Russian bombers with shocking barrage of drones ahead of peace talks
Officials from Russia and Ukraine are meeting in Istanbul today for the latest round of peace talks. Both countries are trying to get the upper hand militarily ahead of possible negotiations.
Ultramarathon runner breastfeeds her baby 3 times on her way to a surprise win
The extreme sport of ultrarunning is known for seemingly impossible feats. But Stephanie Case’s recent performance — six months after giving birth — is making waves far beyond the running community.
Different paths, same destination for the Thunder and Pacers, who will face off in the NBA Finals
Oklahoma City spent most of the regular season alone atop the Western Conference standings and just kept adding to its lead. Indiana didn’t spend a single day atop the Eastern Conference standings and was still under the .500 mark in early January.
What’s next for remote and hybrid work?
Starting this week, Minnesota state employees who had been working remotely are required to return to the office. Private employers are also dialing back on remote work policies. MPR News host Angela Davis dives into the pros, cons and future of remote and hybrid jobs.
Trump’s $5 million Gold Card offers the rich a fast lane to residency
Foreign nationals with $5 million to spare will be able to register for a “gold card” visa that would give them the right to live and work in the U.S. But details about the program remain unclear.
Tani Oluwaseyi scores twice in the second half and Minnesota claims its first-ever win in Seattle
Tani Oluwaseyi scored two goals in the second half and Minnesota claimed its first-ever win in Seattle with a 3-2 victory over the Sounders. Minnesota (8-3-6) beat the Sounders (7-5-5) for just the second time in 16 meetings — and won in Seattle for the first time in nine tries.
Raleigh hits 23rd homer and Arozarena gets winning hit in 9th to lift Mariners over Twins 2-1
Cal Raleigh hit his major league-leading 23rd homer and Randy Arozarena singled home the winning run in the ninth inning to give the Seattle Mariners a 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
Collier scores 24 points, Lynx use big 2nd-half run to beat Valkyries 86-75
Napheesa Collier had 24 points and 11 rebounds, Courtney Williams added 20 points, five rebounds and five assists and the Minnesota Lynx beat the expansion Golden State Valkyries 86-75 on Sunday night. Minnesota (7-0) tied with New York a top the WNBA standings after losing in the championship series to the Liberty last season.
Minnesota public TV station leads fight against Trump executive order to defund public media
Joining a PBS lawsuit on Friday, Lakeland PBS said the White House is threatening its ability to serve its audience of 490,000 people across northern and central Minnesota.
These 11 Minnesotans reflect the richness of Hmong culture in the state
To honor 50 years of Hmong refugee resettlement and immigration to Minnesota, MPR News highlighted Hmong Minnesotans throughout the month who are making a difference in our state. From a park naturalist to a soccer coach, these are our ChangeMakers.
NW Minnesota farmer stays grounded with plans to help a new generation of growers
He’s been a successful farmer for 44 years, but rather than cash out to a corporate interest, Tim Dufault decided to give six young farmers access to his land in Polk County. He hopes to cultivate a new generation of farmers who’ll stay rooted in his community.
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