Stories from June 23, 2025

Active weather pattern brings frequent storms and cooler air
A break from the heat kicks off the work week, but the trade-off for cooler temperatures is a shift to a stormier pattern. A deluge of rain is possible by week’s end, with temperatures trending closer to seasonal levels.
Beltrami County and the city of Bemidji have declared a state of emergency due to severe storm damage over the weekend. The storms early Saturday had winds of more than 100 miles per hour. And another defendant in the Feeding Our Future case admitted that he tried to bribe one of the jurors at his trial last year.
Woman who died after going missing in White Bear Lake identified as Metro Transit police sergeant
Authorities say a woman who died after going missing in the waters of White Bear Lake on Sunday afternoon was a Metro Transit police sergeant. Beverly Rodriguez joined Metro Transit police in 2017 and led its Homeless Action Team.
From Eiffel Tower to bistro chairs: Paris expos take center stage in new release by Minnesota author
After losing Minneapolis bid for Expo 2027, Charles Pappas took a dispirited walk in Paris that led him to realize how deeply the city’s iconic identity was shaped by its World Expos — an epiphany that inspired his new book, “Nobody Sits Like the French,” a historical exploration of Paris through its expos from 1855 to 1937.
Trump claims ceasefire between Iran and Israel after Iran’s missile attack on US base in Qatar
President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Iran had agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire" soon after Iran launched a limited missile attack Monday on a U.S. military base in Qatar, retaliating for the American bombing of its nuclear sites.
Jewish students at Minnesota universities will have additional support this fall
University campuses have become the center of tensions during Israel’s war in Gaza. In response, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas have created a the role of director of campus affairs to support students.
Trump said he’d send 30,000 migrants to Guantánamo. He’s sent about 500
Trump vowed in January to send up to 30,000 migrants to Guantánamo, but so far about 500 have been flown to and from there. Critics say his goal appears to be frightening migrants into self-deporting.
GOP tax bill would ease regulations on gun silencers and some rifles and shotguns
The massive tax and spending cuts package that President Donald Trump wants on his desk by July 4 would loosen regulations on gun silencers and certain types of rifles and shotguns. It advances a longtime priority of the gun industry as Republican leaders in the House and Senate try to win enough votes to pass the bill.
The Trump administration’s latest moves on immigration enforcement
MPR News host Angela Davis will talk with two immigration attorneys about how Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials are trying to fulfill President Trump’s pledge of mass deportations.
How covering your face became a constitutional matter: Mask debate tests free speech rights
President Donald Trump and his Republican allies have repeatedly called for masks at protests to be banned and for protesters wearing masks to be arrested. Meanwhile, legal experts and First Amendment advocates are warning of a rising number of laws banning masks being wielded against protesters and their impacts on people’s rights to protest and privacy amid mounting surveillance.
What to know about debate over protesters and ICE agents wearing masks amid immigration crackdowns
People fearful of being arrested for wearing masks while protesting immigration raids in Los Angeles and other cities have voiced anger over Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents covering their faces.
Cleanup of damaged buildings, downed trees and mangled power lines continued Sunday in Bemidji. Storms hit the region with 100 mph winds over the weekend. Minneapolis police on Monday will discuss the city’s ordinance that limits local participation in federal immigration actions.
Minnesota lawmakers consider security measures after Hortman killings
The assassination of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark has thrust the issue of how best to protect elected officials back into the spotlight. Lawmakers are grappling with how to protect themselves while not “fencing off the voice of people” in democracy.
 Meet the wedding painter: Minnesota artist captures real-time wedding scenes on canvas
Artist Shanna Cramer uses paint brushes, oils and canvas to capture precious scenes on wedding days. In an era of instant video and photography, she finds young people embracing her old-soul approach. 
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