Stories from February 4, 2025

FBI gives Justice details on employees who worked Jan. 6 cases, FBI agents sue
The details on FBI employees comes in response to a Justice Department memo last week, asking for names of all current and former FBI personnel who worked on Jan. 6 cases or the prosecution of Hamas leaders.
Minnesota Farm Bureau president Dan Glessing says many people in the state's agriculture industry are relieved that President Donald Trump has paused his plan to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Those tariffs -- and any retaliatory trade measures -- could have had a major effect on Minnesota farmers. And the University of Minnesota is among five colleges under federal investigation for reports of widespread antisemitism.
A guide to what the U.S. Education Department does (and doesn't) do
The department tracks student achievement, manages college financial aid and sends K-12 schools money to support students with disabilities and lower-income communities, among other things.
Alleged mistreatment of migrant workers nets felony charges for Minnesota farmer
A central Minnesota dairy farmer is facing felony wage theft and racketeering charges over allegations that he underpaid and threatened his immigrant workers and subjected them to unsanitary living conditions.
Target is sued for 'defrauding' shareholders about DEI
Target has been sued for allegedly concealing the risks of its diversity and social initiatives, leading to a backlash that caused customers to flee and the stock price of the Minneapolis-based retailer to plummet.
Before barges start moving, crews head out to measure Lake Pepin ice
Each February, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers starts sending crews out onto the frozen Mississippi River at Lake Pepin to take ice measurements. The information helps determine when towboats and barges can start the navigation season.
About 10 killed at adult education center in what officials say is Sweden’s worst mass shooting
About 10 people including the gunman have been killed at an adult education center in what Sweden’s prime minister called the country’s “worst mass shooting.” But a final death toll, a conclusive number of wounded and a motive hadn’t yet been determined hours later.
New MPR radio documentary explores program bringing Minneapolis police officers, Black community members together
A group of Minneapolis police officers and Black community members went on a trip to Montgomery, Alabama as part of the Police and Black Men project. MPR News host Angela Davis joined them on a recent trip.
New mental health crisis and recovery center opens in West St. Paul, easing psychiatric bed shortage
Some Minnesota patients are spending as long as two weeks in a hospital waiting for psychiatric bed placement. A new facility in West. St. Paul is hoping to ease some of those shortages.
U.S. Rep Ilhan Omar: Shutting down USAID is a constitutional crisis
The Trump administration announced Monday it intends to significantly shrink USAID and fold it into the state department. U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and other Congressional Democrats argue President Trump does not have the authority to shut it down.
Trump administration launches investigation into U of M on antisemitism reports
The U.S. Department of Education announced Monday it is opening investigations into five universities – including the University of Minnesota – where the agency says “widespread antisemitism harassment” has been reported.
How Trump’s pledge to punish South Africa reflects Musk’s criticism of his homeland
U.S. President Donald Trump says he will cut all funding to South Africa over what he called a massive human rights violation. It’s a move that reflects South African-born Elon Musk’s repeated claims over the years that authorities in the country he grew up in are anti-white and even encouraging the killing of white people.
‘We’re not just playing defense’: Minnesota elected leaders push back on federal rush to end DEI
President Donald Trump has moved swiftly to erase diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in federal agencies and programs. However, elected leaders in Minnesota say they won’t scale back similar policies at the moment.
David Brancaccio on rebuilding after the Los Angeles fires
The home of Marketplace host David Brancaccio was one of nearly 17,000 buildings destroyed last month in the Los Angeles fires. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with him about the challenges and costs of rebuilding.
The Minnesota Senate is back to a 34-33 split after a Democrat was sworn into office Monday.  Some Minnesota businesses — including restaurants — were closed Monday in support of a nationwide movement aimed at demonstrating the importance of immigration.  Organizers called it A Day Without Immigrants.
‘Beyond betrayal.’ Venezuelans in Florida are angry at Trump immigration policy
Trump's decision to remove Temporary Protected Status means more than 500,000 Venezuelans may be forced to leave the U.S. Venezuelan Americans, many of whom voted for Trump, call it a betrayal.
North Carolina pastor pushed out after parishioners complain about focus on racial justice
Leaders of a Baptist church in North Carolina ousted the pastor after congregants started leaving. A secret tape provides a rare look at the debate when a message threatens a business model.
Owl ‘irruption’ brings joy for birders, concerns for owls in northeast Minnesota
An uncommon owl “irruption” has brought large numbers of owls to northeast Minnesota, and also brought a ton of tourists and birders flocking to see them. Several owls have been killed and injured by vehicles.
‘This Is Fine’ meme-inspired portrait and other works by Minneapolis artist Russ White
Minneapolis artist Russ White, known for his bright, photo-realist portraits of Minnesota locals, presents “Sitters,” a series of eight acrylic and digital collage paintings at Gallery 120 in Inver Grove Heights that explores complex beauty and themes of abundance.
Cannabis business license applications to open in February
Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management said it will start accepting applications for business licenses in two weeks. It’s the next step in the state’s rocky launch of a legal cannabis market.
Minnesota Farm Bureau president on tariffs, Trump agriculture secretary pick
Dairy, corn, soybean and alfalfa farmer Dan Glessing, who serves as president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau’s board of directors, said tariffs concern him and his peers.
Rubio says El Salvador will house deportees from U.S., including Americans
A U.S. official said the Trump administration had no plans to try to deport American citizens. The U.S. government cannot deport American citizens and such a move would be met with legal challenges.
Elon Musk is barreling into government with DOGE, raising unusual legal questions
The billionaire’s campaign to radically upend federal agencies is stunning former White House officials, even in a political moment when many things are described as unprecedented.