Stories from February 8, 2025

The American tailgate: Why strangers recreate their living rooms in a parking lot
There's nothing quite like a tailgate, where fans serve food to strangers who share the same passion. We went to a Philadelphia Eagles tailgate to learn what drives this uniquely American tradition.
For high school sports, decisions loom: Follow Trump or state law on transgender athletes
Minnesota’s governing body for high school sports says it will follow state law and continue to allow any transgender athletes to compete. The Minnesota State High School League says the participation by and eligibility of transgender athletes is controlled by the Minnesota Human Rights Act and the state constitution.
How conspiracy theories about Politico led Trump to cancel subscriptions
Less than 24 hours after misleading claims started circulating that tied Politico to USAID, the White House vowed to end subscriptions for the insider news outlet's services and others.
Chris Swanson, prominent sheriff and Democrat, announces run for Michigan governor
Genesee County Chris Swanson has told The Associated Press he's launching a Democratic bid to be Michigan's next governor. Swanson made national headlines in 2020 when he marched with protesters calling for police reform after George Floyd's killing by a Minneapolis police officer.
Twins value depth signings Bader and Coulombe despite offseason holding pattern for payroll
The Minnesota Twins were determined to add some depth to their roster despite an offseason holding pattern for their player payroll. They have finalized one-year contracts with outfielder Harrison Bader and reliever Danny Coulombe that added a guaranteed $9.25 million to the books.
Hamas releases 3 frail-looking Israeli hostages for 183 Palestinian prisoners under Gaza ceasefire
Hamas-led militants have released three gaunt, frail-looking Israeli civilian men held for the past 16 months and Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners as part of a fragile agreement that has paused the war in the Gaza Strip. 
Public input sought on elk restoration plan in northeast Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa will host meetings on Feb. 10 and Feb. 13 to outline a new management plan to restore elk to the northeast.