Stories from April 9, 2025

In ‘The People’s Way,’ a revolution through the eyes of 3 Minneapolis women
A new documentary follows three community organizers through their fight for change, justice and healing in the aftermath of that murder seen round the world. MPR News host Tom Crann spoke with its directors.
There are conflicting assessments of what the shutdown of the Keystone oil pipeline will mean for fuel prices in the Midwest. And a key Jewish advocacy organization says it's pleased with the approach the president of the University of Minnesota is taking to address antisemitism on campus.
U of M president outlines efforts to combat antisemitism in wake of White House investigation
University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham sent a letter to faculty, students and staff underscoring her commitment to preventing antisemitism. A key regional Jewish advocacy organization says the school is making the right moves.
St. Cloud school district voters approve $65 million for renovations, new athletic facility at Apollo HS
Voters in the St. Cloud Area School District approved a levy referendum Tuesday for up to $65 million in improvements to Apollo High School. There were mixed results for other school referendums on the ballot in Minnesota.
How a patchwork inspection system is leaving low income renters vulnerable
Like most of the country, cities across Minnesota are facing severe housing shortages. It’s caused cities to strike an uncomfortable balance between keeping renters safe and keeping them housed.
Severe weather awareness week: What to watch for this season
We’re approaching that time of spring where thunderstorms, hail and even tornadoes are common. MPR’s chief meteorologist Paul Huttner joined Minnesota Now to educate listeners about how to stay safe during severe weather.
'We're already on thin margins': Minnesota retailers react to the potential global tariffs
The severe change in economic policy has rocked financial markets globally. But how could these tariffs affect markets in Minnesota? Two retailers expressed their disappointment and hope.
New interim St. Paul City Council member could become tie-breaking vote
Matt Privratsky replaces former City Council President Mitra Jalali after her resignation in January. He will represent Ward 4 until a special election for the permanent seat in August.
Trump pauses tariffs on most nations for 90 days, raises taxes on Chinese imports
Facing a global market meltdown, President Donald Trump on Wednesday abruptly backed down on his tariffs on most nations for 90 days, but raised his tax rate on Chinese imports to 125 percent.
Severe Weather Awareness Week: Floods
April 7-11 is Severe Weather Awareness Week. It’s a time where we help educate the public about severe weather preparedness, safety and the importance of weather awareness. Let’s take a closer look at floods.
Judge rejects new trials for 2 convicted of human smuggling in death of family of 4 from India
A federal judge has rejected requests for new trials for two men convicted on human smuggling charges in the deaths of four members of a family from India who froze to death while trying to cross the Canadian border into Minnesota during a blizzard in 2022.
The Israeli troop killing of a U.S. teen in the West Bank sparks outrage
The killing of a Palestinian American teen by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank has sparked an outcry from relatives and community members in the Palestinian territory as well as the U.S.
Twins lose to Royals 2-1, ace Pablo López left the game in with right hamstring tightness
Cole Ragans struck out 11 in six crisp innings, and the Kansas City Royals beat the sloppy Minnesota Twins 2-1. Kansas City won for the fourth time in five games despite managing just two unearned runs and three hits. Pablo López left the game in the bottom of the fifth inning due to right hamstring tightness, according to the Minnesota Twins medical staff.
Sen. Smith introduces bill to ban copper mining near the Boundary Waters
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota has introduced legislation to permanently ban mining for copper, nickel and precious metals over about 350 square miles within the watershed of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Timberwolves watch their playoff position tumble after blowing huge lead in 4th quarter
 Regular-season defeats don’t get much more brutal than the one the Minnesota Timberwolves suffered Tuesday. The wide-open nature of the Western Conference playoff race doesn’t give them much time to stew over what went wrong.
Stopping the spread: What you need to know about measles in 2025
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a doctor and a state epidemiologist about the recent spread of measles in the U.S. They’ll break down what's happening nationally and what Minnesota is doing to stay ahead of the curve.  
Minnesota joins other states in push back on threats to cut school funding over DEI
Some Democratic-led states and cities are pushing back on a Trump administration threat to cut education funding over diversity, equity and inclusion programs, creating a standoff that could test how far the White House is willing to go to press its demands on the nation’s schools. State leaders in Minnesota and New York said they will not comply with an Education Department order to gather signatures from local school systems certifying compliance with civil rights laws.
Warmer Wednesday with spotty showers
Our latest disturbance brings increased cloud cover and some spotty showers, mainly north, where it will mix with snow. Temperatures will continue their upward trend. 
Real ID rules take effect in May; Minnesota officials say it’s time to apply
Starting May 7, travelers will need a Real ID or approved alternative to get through airport security. Officials say about 40 percent of Minnesotans have a Real ID. They’re encouraging everyone to get the necessary travel documents ahead of the deadline.
Several Minnesota school districts yesterday asked voters to approve more funding through ballot questions. The biggest, the St. Cloud School district, got voter approval to raise $65 million for upgrades. The University of Minnesota grad student currently detained pending deportation proceedings will be back in court on Friday. 
Keystone oil pipeline shutdown could quickly lead to higher gasoline prices
The nearly 2,700-mile Keystone oil pipeline was shut down Tuesday morning after it ruptured in North Dakota, halting the flow of millions of gallons of crude oil from Canada to refineries in the U.S. and potentially leading to higher gasoline prices.
As cost of new products rises, many thrifty shoppers look to secondhand
President Trump has said tariffs will counter imbalance in the country’s trade partnerships, but experts have warned this could lead to higher costs for American businesses and consumers — which could mean more people shop secondhand.  
Inspection shortfalls, political pressures leave low-income renters vulnerable in greater Minnesota
MPR News found problems tied to inspections and local political pressures that leave low-income renters in potential danger across greater Minnesota. In Bemidji, those problems have pushed their way to the surface.