Stories from April 11, 2025

Minnesota soybean growers are closely watching the Trump administration's approach to trade policy. Minnesota Senate Republicans have filed an ethics complaint against Senate President Bobby Joe Champion over a possible conflict of interest.
Immigration judge rules that Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil can be deported
A Louisiana immigration judge has ruled that the U.S. can deport Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil based on the federal government’s argument that he poses a national security risk.
What to know about Dan Caine, the nation's newly-confirmed top military adviser
The Senate voted around 2 a.m. Friday to confirm retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan Caine as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Trump plucked him from retirement to be his top military adviser.
Beltrami jail nurse charged in death of Hardel Sherrell makes first court appearance
Former Beltrami jail nurse Michelle Skroch made her first appearance in court Friday. She’s charged with criminal neglect and manslaughter in the 2018 death of Hardel Sherrell, who died while an inmate in 2018 in Skroch’s care.
Politics Friday: Affordable housing is a bipartisan focus, but what can lawmakers get done?
MPR politics editor Brian Bakst talks with Minnesota officials about steps being taken to address a shortage of low-to-moderate cost housing. Later, a check-in on the Minneapolis mayoral race.
Minnesota Senate Minority Leader Johnson is optimistic lawmakers will make session deadline
State lawmakers have a big hill to climb with just over a month before the Legislative session is over. Despite economic uncertainty, Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, said he’s optimistic they’ll get a budget passed before the deadline.
Union rally targets Walker Art Center
Protesters rallied outside the Walker Art Center, alleging that two union leaders were let go due to their organizing efforts, as part of broader claims involving scheduling changes, job classification concerns and workplace accessibility disputes.
The weather forecast farmers have been waiting for: Spring is here to stay
While snow may be possible for those in northern Minnesota, the “hesitant” start to spring is finally over, climatologist Mark Seeley told Morning Edition. Subzero to single-digit lows will disappear as warmth settles in statewide.
Severe Weather Awareness Week: Extreme heat
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 extreme heat.
Metro State student sues, saying ICE unlawfully ended his legal status
The nursing student from Thailand says immigration authorities yanked his legal status over a drunk-driving conviction. He’s one of several international students in Minnesota and the U.S. who have lost their status in recent weeks.
‘What did I say in class today?’: Teachers feel watched under Trump’s anti-DEI push
An Idaho teacher was told by her principal to take down an “Everyone is Welcome Here” poster in her classroom. It's a symptom of President Trump's crackdown on discussions of inclusivity in schools.
Trump administration lays out its evidence for deporting activist Mahmoud Khalil
Khalil’s attorneys say the government’s case against their client largely rests on a memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio alleging Khalil participated in “antisemitic” and “disruptive activities.”
Company says thousands of gallons of oil have been recovered from a pipeline spill in North Dakota
Workers have recovered thousands of gallons of crude oil from an underground pipeline spill on North Dakota farmland. However, the owner of the line says Thursday it remains unclear when oil will again start flowing to refineries.
WNBA mock draft 2.0: Paige Bueckers goes No. 1 to Dallas and Seattle selects French star Malonga 2nd
There’s no doubt who’s going first in the WNBA draft next Monday with Paige Bueckers the consensus top pick. After that it gets interesting with Olivia Miles' decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal instead of the draft.
Anthony Edwards scores 44, Wolves pour in 52 points in 3rd and beat Grizzlies 141-125
Anthony Edwards scored 44 points, including 18 during Minnesota’s franchise-record, 52-point third quarter, and the Timberwolves beat the Memphis Grizzlies 141-125 on Thursday night in a game between teams fighting to avoid the play-in tournament. 
Minnesota’s revenue for the prior two months beat expectations from the last economic forecast, but state finance officials are warning choppier waters are ahead. And a Hennepin County judge this week found a Twin Cities painting contractor guilty of underpaying five workers.
U of M student’s bid for freedom from ICE detention draws crowd to courthouse
More than 100 supporters gathered at the Fort Snelling Immigration Court on Friday morning to show solidarity with a University of Minnesota graduate student facing deportation.
Republicans vying for open Minnesota Senate seat laud conservative values, support for Trump
The pool of Republican state Senate candidates in north-central Minnesota includes some familiar names in state politics who joined the special election sprint. The GOP primary is April 15.