Stories from July 9, 2025

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has charged two people in what officials are calling a "massive" methamphetamine seizure. A Columbia Heights man is now charged with second-degree murder... in connection with the death of his 16-year-old son. Jordan Collins Sr. was charged in Anoka County and made his first court appearance this morning.
Promise & Peril: Technology and Mental Health
On Minnesota Now this week, we’re airing Call to Mind, the MPR News initiative fostering new conversations about mental health. Technology is ever-present in modern life, from remote work to communities on social media, from dating apps to telemedicine.
Gov. Tim Walz defends $430,000 ask for legal counsel used to prep for congressional hearing
The governor said the outside counsel had additional expertise in immigration law needed to prepare for the House Oversight Committee hearing on sanctuary states last month. Minnesota doesn’t have a sanctuary law, although some communities in the state do have ordinances limiting participation in immigration actions.
Minnesota extends P.J. Fleck's contract by 1 year through 2030 with retention bonus bump
Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck has agreed to a one-year contract extension through the 2030 season. The university's board of regents approved the deal. His $6 million annual salary remains unchanged, but retention bonuses have increased. Fleck will earn $1 million for staying through 2025.
What's on the table for the 5 African Presidents meeting Trump at the White House?
President Donald Trump is hosting 5 African leaders in Washington this week — a mini summit that's raising eyebrows over who was invited, what's on the table, and what it signals about U.S. rivalry with China and BRICS in Africa.
Clark takes Indiana teammate Boston No. 1 in WNBA All-Star Game draft. Collier picks Stewart
Caitlin Clark has picked Indiana teammate Aliyah Boston No. 1 while Napheesa Collier took her Unrivaled business partner Breanna Stewart first in the WNBA All-Star Game draft. Clark had the first overall pick by being No. 1 in the fan vote.
Are you sober curious?
What happens when you explore your relationship with alcohol — not because you have to, but because you want to? MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what it means to be “sober curious” and the health and other benefits of cutting back on alcoholic drinks.
State lawmakers convened at the Capitol Tuesday for the first legislative hearing since two colleagues were shot last month. The historic Stone Arch Bridge in downtown Minneapolis is reopening in full next month.
State laws to stop surprise ambulance bills face pushback from insurers
Policymakers agree patients shouldn't be stuck in the middle when an ambulance service charges more than what an insurer will pay. But they can't settle on what price is fair.
‘Big beautiful bill’ won’t kill clean energy in Minnesota, but will make it more costly
President Trump’s massive budget bill eliminates tax credits and incentives for small and large-scale solar and wind projects in Minnesota, and is projected to increase electricity bills across the state.
Growing up and growing the band: the evolution of Twin Cities indie folk rock group Second Hand Dan
Twin Cities band Second Hand Dan has been playing gigs for a decade and playing together for longer than that. They have seen each other through their teenage years, both as friends and bandmates, and now, as they gear up for a summer of live shows, they continue to celebrate their collaborative, creative process rooted in a unique language and bond between each other.
Earthquake? In Minnesota? The day the ground in Morris shook 50 years ago
The 1975 Morris earthquake released tremors so strong, people across much of Minnesota, northern Iowa and the eastern Dakotas were able to feel the tremors. Fifty years later, scientists and those who lived through it are still trying to figure out how Morris ended up as the epicenter of such a rare experience.
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