Stories from April 3, 2025

State officials are voicing concern about delays in federal funding for energy assistance. And Minnesota 6th District Republican Representative Tom Emmer told constituents Wednesday night that Republicans are off to a great start in Washington with their control of Congress and the White House.
Minnesota child care centers struggling with rising costs, enrollment shifts
Enrollment is rising again at Minnesota child care operations but the counts remain below pre-pandemic levels, according to a new statewide survey that also found providers facing challenges with staffing and operating costs.
Prosecution of man accused of shooting neighbor paused after 2nd incompetency finding
The Hennepin County Attorney’s office announced Thursday it is pausing prosecution against John Sawchak, who allegedly shot his next door neighbor last October.  Sawchak, who is white, allegedly used racial slurs to harass and threaten his neighbor, Davis Moturi, who is Black. 
After federal firings, officials worry about program that helps many Minnesotans pay for heat
Minnesota was scheduled to receive an additional $12 million to $13 million in LIHEAP funds to help another 10,000 households. If that payment is delayed, the program could run out of money by mid-April.
Film documenting decades of abuse at Children's Theatre Company making its debut
‘Magic & Monsters’ features survivors of sexual abuse at the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis during the 1970s and 80s will premiere at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival.
University of Minnesota exploring naming rights for Williams Arena
The University of Minnesota’s venerable Williams Arena may soon have a new name. The U of M announced Thursday that it’s exploring possible naming rights for the venue that’s home to the Gophers men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Documentary about Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier opens Twin Cities film festival
The Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival opened with “Free Leonard Peltier” on Wednesday evening. The documentary revisits the case of Indigenous rights activist Leonard Peltier and the 1975 murder of two FBI agents on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
Bader and Buxton homer to back López as Twins take series from White Sox 6-1 after long rain delay
Harrison Bader and Byron Buxton hit home runs to back Pablo López’s solid start and the Minnesota Twins beat the Chicago White Sox 6-1 after rain delayed the start by nearly 3 1/2 hours.
Tori McKinney scores a season-high 26 points, Minnesota beats Belmont 75-63 to win WBIT championship
Freshman Tori McKinney scored a season-high 26 points, Mallory Heyer had 18 points and 16 rebounds, and Minnesota beat Belmont 75-63 to secure the WBIT championship at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
Many in northern Minnesota are digging out from Wednesday’s storm that left up to a foot of snow in some places. And a man who helped deliver a bag of cash to the home of a juror in the first Feeding Our Future trial has pleaded guilty to jury bribery.
April storm leads to second day of school delays, e-learning days across Minnesota
Many school districts across central and northern Minnesota are starting classes late Thursday morning — or moving to online learning — to give crews more time to clear streets and highways, after a spring storm dropped more than a foot of snow.
Unemployment extension for laid-off mine workers gets tangled up at Capitol
Two proposals include unemployment insurance benefit extensions. The Republican-sponsored one would tie the unemployment benefits to environmental regulation changes. A more-compact version has advanced, however.
Fired or frustrated federal workers may have eager employers waiting for them in Minnesota
For federal workers, the past few months have been filled with uncertainty as the Trump administration pushes ahead with efforts to reduce the size of government agencies. But whether they are forced or choose to leave, those workers may find employers eager to hire them.
‘Secret Warriors’ sheds light on Japanese American involvement in WWII
Rick Shiomi’s new play “Secret Warriors,” now running at the History Theatre in St. Paul, explores the overlooked contributions of Japanese American soldiers and interpreters during World War II, set against the backdrop of internment and racism.