Stories from June 20, 2025

Gov. Tim Walz says the Minnesota Legislature should consider prohibiting people from carrying firearms in the state Capitol. Current law says Minnesotans with a permit to carry are able to bring a gun inside the statehouse. Walz comments come after authorities just arrested a registered lobbyist who allegedly sent a text message threatening violence at the Minnesota Capitol.
MN Shortlist, June 20-26: Drag shows, refugee beats, and Sherlock with a twist
MN Shortlist is your weekly curated roundup of recommended events from MPR News, highlighting standout performances, exhibits and gatherings around the region.
Steamy, stormy summer solstice
The summer solstice arrives with intense heat, soaring dew points and dangerous heat indices climbing into the triple digits. Meanwhile, strong to severe storms are expected to sweep through northern Minnesota late Friday night.
In ‘Sleep,’ Honor Jones examines the paradox of parenthood
Can childhood trauma, once suffered, be kept from the next generation? That’s one of the many psychological questions at the a heart of Honor Jones’ debut novel, “Sleep,” one of the must-read books of the summer.
Buxton powers Twins past Reds to stop 6-game slide
Byron Buxton hit two home runs, including the second of back-to-back shots with Kody Clemens, and Ryan Jeffers had a homer and four RBIs as the Minnesota Twins beat the Cincinnati Reds 12-5 to end a six-game losing streak.
Iran’s internet blackout leaves public in dark and creates an uneven picture of the war with Israel
As the war between Israel and Iran hits the one-week mark, Iranians have spent nearly half of the conflict in a near-communication blackout, unable to connect not only with the outside world but also with their neighbors and loved ones across the country. 
‘Always had Melissa’s back’: Friends, family remember Mark Hortman as smart, funny, fierce protector
As they struggle now through their own grief, those who knew Mark Hortman say he loved mountain biking, music, his family and playing pool. He easily made friends and kept them close, and centered his life on Melissa Hortman and their kids.
National Loon Center to break ground on new facility in Crosslake
The $18.5 million project has been a decade in the making. It will include a visitor center and space for research and education, and aims to teach people how to conserve freshwater ecosystems that are vital to loons’ health.
Hoffman family issues statement recounting shooting, giving thanks for first responders and community support
State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, wounded in last weekend’s shootings that also claimed the lives of Minnesota House DFL leader Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, have issued their first statement on the events of last Saturday.
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