Stories from June 4, 2025

As state workers return to the office, downtown St. Paul’s Keys Cafe is optimistic
MPR News host Catharine Richert sat down with Keys Cafe owner Carol Hunn-Gregory at the downtown St. Paul restaurant to find out what it has been like to weather the past five years.
Shutdown planning moves into picture amid upbeat talk of completing a Minnesota budget
For weeks top state leaders have tried to tie up loose ends on a new Minnesota budget. Weeks from now there would be a partial government shutdown if they can’t cross off remaining items.
Gov. Tim Walz says his administration will send out tens of thousands of layoff notices by Monday if legislative leaders don't reach a final deal before then that can win passage in a special legislative session.
Sen. Ron Johnson says Trump's megabill 'doesn't have a chance of passing' Senate
Republican Sen. Ron Johnson told NPR that President Donald Trump's domestic policy bill — which narrowly passed the House — will not pass the Senate in its current form because it will "skyrocket" the deficit.
Many of White’s books chronicled his own experiences as a gay man, making an indelible impression on gay culture and how LGBTQ experiences were understood more broadly at the dawning of the AIDS health crisis.
Role reversal: Millions of kids are caregivers for elders. Why their numbers might grow.
Researchers estimate at least 5.4 million U.S. children who provide care to an adult in their home. As state officials eye federal Medicaid funding cuts that could drastically reduce home care services for those who are disabled or have chronic health conditions, many predict that number will rise.
Driver escapes serious injury after semi crashes off I-94 in western Minnesota, lands on county road below
The driver of a semi escaped serious injury after a crash along Interstate 94 in western Minnesota on Wednesday that sent the tractor-trailer tumbling down an embankment and onto a county road.
Trump wants to cut tribal college funding by nearly 90%, putting them at risk of closing
ProPublica found that Congress was underfunding tribal colleges by a quarter-billion dollars per year. Rather than fixing the problem, proposed federal funding cuts unveiled this week would devastate the schools, tribal education leaders say.
Hazy skies clearing with possible return of smoke this weekend
In a bizarre sight on Tuesday, many Minnesotans witnessed rain pouring through smokey air. MPR Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner joins MPR News host Nina Moini to explain a wacky week of weather and what’s to come.
Grand Rapids, Willmar residency programs aim to train more doctors in rural health care
The University of Minnesota Medical School is expanding rural physician training in the state with a new residency program planned for Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital in Grand Rapids.
Hennepin County Sheriff concerned about misinformation, armored vehicles in Tuesday operation
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office partnered with federal agencies to carry out the investigation that led dozens of federal agents to surround a south Minneapolis restaurant, according to a statement posted on social media.
Corrections officials begin setting milestones, plans for closing Stillwater prison
The Minnesota Department of Corrections has formed teams to work on staffing impacts and plans for transfer for incarcerated people as it looks ahead to the 2029 closure of the Stillwater prison.
Trump tax bill will add $2.4 trillion to the deficit and leave 10.9 million more uninsured, CBO says
President Donald Trump’s big bill will cut taxes by $3.75 trillion but increase deficits by $2.4 trillion and leave 10.9 million more people without health insurance over the next decade.
Living with and reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia
Does someone you love have Alzheimer’s disease? Or do you wonder what you can do to reduce your risk of developing it? MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the latest research and how to support caregivers. 
Castro homers twice and Twins win 10-3, sending Athletics to 8th straight loss and 19th in 20 games
Willi Castro hit a pair of homers and the Minnesota Twins scored four runs in both the sixth and seventh innings to hand the Athletics their eighth straight loss and 19th in their last 20 games, 10-3.
McCarthy, Vikings value Jefferson’s presence and leadership in offseason practices
The Minnesota Vikings urged Justin Jefferson to fully participate in their offseason program. That's a commitment some established NFL stars aren’t willing to make each spring.
With steel tariffs doubling today, a North Carolina manufacturer wonders how to compete
President Trump is doubling tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50 percent. It’s designed to protect domestic steel and aluminum workers, but critics say it will raise prices for those that use the metals.
Jewish communities across the country and here in Minnesota are heartbroken and outraged after another targeted act of violence. Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas, or JCRC, joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer on Tuesday to talk about the uptick in antisemitism and its implications.
New York and Minnesota still leading the way, both unbeaten Commissioner’s Cup play begins
The New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx picked up right where they left off last season when reaching the WNBA Finals. Both teams have gone undefeated so far this season games with the Lynx improving to 8-0 with a win over Phoenix on Tuesday night in a Commissioner’s Cup matchup.
Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer, the GOP House whip, praised the Trump administration’s tax bill during a telephone town hall Wednesday night. A former federal law enforcement leader says he was surprised by the tactics used during Tuesday’s raid on a south Minneapolis restaurant. 
A large federal law enforcement presence drew protesters to Lake Street in Minneapolis Tuesday. But officials say it was part of a narcotics and money laundering investigation and not related to immigration.
Trump food aid cuts eliminate key income source from some smaller Minnesota farms
The Trump administration slashed funding for a program that helps feed school children and the food insecure this spring, and it’s affecting not only those in need but also those who grow that food, leaving some farmers without a critical source of income.
Much more pleasant and brighter Wednesday
We enjoy a break from the wildfire smoke Wednesday and the sun is back thanks to high pressure. Highs will be mostly in the 70s. Shower chances increase heading into the weekend. 
Minnesota lawmakers back K-12 ed spending plan amid worries over future cuts
The deal raises per-pupil funding in line with inflation but slashes special education transportation spending and teacher pipeline programs. It also gives schools flexibility around the state tradition of starting the academic year after Labor Day.
Massive Duluth hilltop housing project in doubt after developer fails to meet deadlines
A planned $500 million housing development perched on the hilltop overlooking Duluth broke ground in December— but now its future is in doubt after the city says the developer has breached its contract.
Trump asks Congress to wipe out funding for public broadcasting
President Trump is asking lawmakers to claw back the $1.1 billion in federal subsidies for public broadcasting that Congress approved earlier this year. His request also includes cuts to foreign aid.