Stories from February 2, 2025

Trump used fentanyl to justify tariffs, but the crisis was already easing
The White House says fentanyl smuggled to the U.S. justifies tariffs against Canada, China and Mexico. But fentanyl deaths and smuggling have been dropping fast — and Canada plays almost no role.
2-4 inches of snow likely for north metro; morning commute affected
Winter weather advisories will go into effect Sunday night for central Minnesota, including the northern metro area. A narrow band of 2-4 inches of snow is expected, which will impact the morning commute. Snow totals will vary significantly to the north and south of this band.
U of M Law School holds off on hiring assistant dean of DEI
University of Minnesota Law School Dean William McGeveran said the school had “no choice” but to pause the search for assistant dean of diversity, equity and inclusion, citing a shift in the national landscape for higher ed.
USAID security leaders on leave after trying to keep Musk's DOGE from classified info, officials say
The Trump administration has placed two top security chiefs at the U.S. Agency for International Development on leave after they refused to turn over classified material in restricted areas to Elon Musk’s government-inspection teams.
Here are some goods in the crosshairs of Trump's tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China
President Donald Trump declared an economic emergency Saturday in order to place duties of 10 percent on all imports from China and 25 percent on imports from Mexico and Canada. 
Photos: Duluth hosts USA Curling Nationals
The USA Curling National Championships wrapped up Sunday in Duluth — with Minnesota well-represented on teams in both the women’s and men’s finals. Photojournalist Erica Dischino documented a day in the weeklong tournament.
Demonstrators protest Trump’s ‘dystopian’ immigration policies, promise to fight back
Demonstrators rallied on Minneapolis’ East Lake Street — a vibrant corridor of Mexican, Somali and other immigrant-owned businesses — packing the area on a grey and cold winter afternoon. They carried signs reading “All are welcome here” and “Immigrants Make America Great.”
El programa de visas de trabajo H-2A podría mantenerse en pie bajo el gobierno de Trump
En el marco de una exhaustiva revisión de políticas migratorias por parte del gobierno, uno de los programas que otorga permisos de trabajo temporales a trabajadores agrícolas migrantes sigue sin verse afectado.
Foggy start with 40s in the forecast; snow arrives tonight
A mild, foggy start with temperatures in the 30s Sunday morning. Fog will clear as northwesterly winds move in, gradually cooling temperatures in the late afternoon after reaching the low 40s. Our next weather system will move through overnight into Monday morning, bringing a swath of snow with totals possibly reaching up to half a foot.
Fidgeting at your desk? Your body may be trying to tell you something
That spontaneous restless movement plays an important role in our health. Here's what to do the next time you find yourself bouncing your knee or clicking and unclicking your pen.
On the frontline against bird flu, egg farmers fear they're losing the battle
The tools the U.S. used to contain previous bird flu outbreaks just aren't working this time, according to some agricultural experts. Some egg farmers have called for vaccinations for poultry.