Stories from March 3, 2025

Northstar train ridership dip leads to rethinking of commuter transit
The Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Council are studying replacing the Northstar commuter train line with buses. MPR News host Tom Crann spoke to the author of the report driving some of this rethinking.
Trump’s speech to Congress comes as he wields vast power almost daring lawmakers, courts to stop him
President Donald Trump arrives this week on Capitol Hill to deliver a speech to Congress, a coequal branch of government he has bulldozed past this first month in office, wielding unimaginable executive power to get what he wants, at home and abroad.
President Donald Trump's plan to apply 25 percent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican exports is set to begin tomorrow, and a bill that would postpone the launch of Minnesota's paid family and medical leave program is advancing.
Minnesota’s 2025 moose population stable, but they’re not out of the woods yet
The DNR estimates there are 4,040 moose in northeastern Minnesota, up from 3,470 in 2024. Their numbers have remained stable for more than a decade after crashing from 2009 to 2013, but climate change, predators and parasites still put them at risk, officials say.
Disabled Minnesota veteran inverts American flag after losing job in federal downsizing
A Minnesota veteran left disabled following several overseas deployments used the flag a distress signal after being laid off as part of the Trump administration’s effort to downsize the federal government.
State boy’s hockey tournament features some newcomers
Hibbing/Chisholm boys high school hockey will make their first trip to the state tournament since 2011 after beating out Hermantown. The puck drops for the state tournament on Wednesday at the Xcel Energy Center.
Trump slams Zelenskyy for saying the end of the Russia war ‘is still very, very far away’
President Donald Trump has slammed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for suggesting that the end of Russia’s war against Ukraine likely “is still very, very far away."
How a groundbreaking genetics conference 50 years ago informs Minnesota research today
The historic Asilomar Conference changed the science world forever. Kate Adamala researches genetics and cell biology at the University of Minnesota. Her work now is a direct result of what scientists talked about at their conference 50 years ago.
Twin Cities meteorologist concerned about Trump cuts to NOAA
“I do worry about public safety,” Twin Cities meteorologist Paul Douglas told MPR News of the cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The concerns go beyond tornado warnings, he added. “It's the safety of our aviation system, shipping, agriculture.”
Another classic 'tournament snowstorm' slapshots into the Midwest
It’s that time of the year again when fans from all over the Upper Midwest converge on St. Paul for the Minnesota state boys hockey tournament. Travelers will once again need to face off with Mother Nature when it comes to the forecast.
Some Minnesota child cares closed Monday to call for more state funding
Hundreds of providers, teachers and families were expected to take part in a “Day Without Childcare” to underscore the need for more funding, affordability and accessibility for kids and parents, as well as living wages for staff.
Minnesota House rejects banning transgender athletes from girls sports
Republicans in control of the House had brought forward the proposal, which mirrored a recent executive order from President Donald Trump. The bill, however, wasn’t expected to pass.
Topps’ debut patch cards have become a sought-after collectible for some young major leaguers
Topps’ debut patch cards, which are autographed and contain a patch from the player’s jersey for his debut, have become popular with major leaguers and longtime collectors. 
Mexico makes case to avoid U.S. tariffs as it awaits Trump’s decision
Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum has said that her administration is waiting to see if U.S. President Donald Trump makes good on his threat to impose 25 percent tariffs on Mexican imports. 
Aging in place: What it really takes to live at home as you get older
MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon and her guests discuss the pros and cons of aging in place, what to plan for and the conversations we should be having when it comes to taking care of a loved one as they get older.
Edwards scores 44 points, Randle adds 20 in return to help the Timberwolves beat the Suns 116-98
Anthony Edwards scored 44 points, Julius Randle added 20 in his first game since missing more than a month with an injury and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Phoenix Suns 116-98 on Sunday night.
The Minnesota House will take up a bill Monday that would ban transgender athletes from participating women’s and girls youth sports. And the National Institutes of Health has slashed billions of dollars in overhead costs tied to grant-funded research. The move is prompting uncertainty for cancer researchers at the University of Minnesota.
Hennepin County Attorney's Office refuses to press charges against man struck by deputies during arrest
The attorney’s office cited lack of probable cause in the arrest of a 34-year-old man in south Minneapolis on Jan. 9 and announced they were not pursuing charges of possession of illegal drugs and a firearm.
Minnesota lawmakers get budget update that won’t include full scope of Trump federal pullbacks
Legislators are already weighing the ways they might have to bridge budget gaps if federal officials cut funding streams to Minnesota. A new economic forecast is released on Thursday.
Curious minds keep a southern Minnesota book group going for 142 years
Drawn by a love of literature and learning, eight women met in Blue Earth in 1883 to form the town’s Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. That tradition continues to this day, driven by the ethos: “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.”
Oscars 2025: The complete list of winners
“Anora” won five Academy Awards, including best picture. Zoe Saldaña and Kieran Culkin won best supporting actress and actor. “Flow” and “No Other Land” won best animated feature film and best documentary.