Stories from May 15, 2025

Minnesota legislative leaders and Gov. Tim Walz say they have a budget deal. Leaders say the negotiations brought a bipartisan plan that balances the budget into the future. And the University of Minnesota will close a research center focusing on racial health disparities following a plagiarism scandal.
NFL owners to consider resolution allowing players to participate in flag football at the Olympics
NFL owners will discuss a proposal to allow players under contract to participate in flag football when the sport makes its Olympic debut in 2028 in Los Angeles. The league released a proposed resolution on the issue that will be considered next week by owners at the spring meetings in Minnesota.
Twins extend winning streak to 11 games with victory over Orioles, Correa and Buxton collide
DaShawn Keirsey Jr. and Byron Buxton hit Minnesota’s first back-to-back homers this season, Chris Paddack pitched seven shutout innings and the Twins extended their winning streak to 11 games with a 4-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.
Where does the ginseng in your tea come from? A new graphic memoir explains the trade
Craig Thompson, author of the award-winning graphic memoir “Blankets” returns with its spiritual successor. It’s a look at his childhood growing up on ginseng farms, and the intricate balance of the global ginseng trade.
Twins send struggling starting pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson to Triple-A
The surging Minnesota Twins have sent struggling pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson to Triple-A St. Paul. The move comes after the right-hander was tagged for six runs and eight hits in four innings of work in the second game of a doubleheader against Baltimore.
WNBA set to tipoff season with host of teams looking to challenge for title including Clark's Fever
There are no shortages of challengers to the reigning WNBA champion New York Liberty or star power across the league. A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier are some of the veterans who will share the spotlight with Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers as the league, in its 29th season, hopes to continue its rise in popularity.
Former infielder Rich Rollins, an All-Star for the Twins in 1962, dies at age 87
Former big league All-Star Rich Rollins has died. Rollins was an infielder whose decade-long career included All-Star honors for the Minnesota Twins in 1962. He died Tuesday at age 87. The news was confirmed by the Twins and Cleveland Guardians. The Guardians were informed of his death by a family member.
Coinbase said cyber crooks stole customer information and demanded $20 million ransom payment
Coinbase, the largest cryptocurrency exchange based in the U.S., said Thursday that criminals had improperly obtained personal data on the exchange’s customers for use in crypto-stealing scams and were demanding a $20 million payment not to publicly release the info.
Tornado watch until 8 p.m. includes Twin Cities
A tornado watch has been issued until 8 p.m. in Minnesota, including the Twin Cities and a large swath of the middle of the state and western Wisconsin, as conditions remain favorable for the development of strong storms. These storms could produce damaging winds, large hail, and the potential for an isolated tornado.
Minnesota Department of Corrections announced phased closure of Stillwater prison
The Minnesota Department of Corrections announced Thursday that state leaders have agreed to a plan to close the Stillwater prison. Lawmakers say the facility is outdated, unsafe and too expensive to maintain.
The Timberwolves have advanced to the NBA Western Conference championship series for a second straight year. And the Minnesota Frost topped the Toronto Scepters Wednesday 4-3 in overtime to win a PWHL semifinal playoff series 3-1 and advance to the finals.
Minnesota lawmakers reach budget deal with days left in session but dissent could be an obstacle
Gov. Tim Walz and top lawmakers detailed the agreement after legislative leaders shared it with their caucus members. What’s less clear is whether there is sufficient time remaining to write and pass bills by midnight Monday.
Poland prepares for war
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and President Trump’s efforts to change the U.S. relationship with Europe and NATO have caused some European countries to rethink their own defense. One example is Poland, which shares a 500-mile border with Russia and Russian ally Belarus. Poland is preparing to repel a Russian invasion, and this preparation includes a plan to train every adult male in the country to be ready for war. We go to Poland to see what the preparations look like.
Majority of Americans oppose ending birthright citizenship, NPR/Ipsos poll finds
As the Supreme Court takes up birthright citizenship, a new poll finds that less than a third of Americans want it to end. But other parts of the White House’s immigration crackdown are more popular.
More crews, milder weather slow growth of northeast Minnesota wildfires
A break in the hot, dry weather is slowing the growth of several wildfires burning in northern Minnesota, which have scorched about 50 square miles and destroyed about 150 structures. More than 200 firefighters are now battling the fires, including four new elite hotshot crews that flew in from other parts of the country. 
Timberwolves beat Warriors in Game 5 to reach Western Conference finals for 2nd straight year
Julius Randle scored 29 points on 13-for-18 shooting to send the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals for the second straight time with a 121-110 victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 on Wednesday night.
Minnesota Frost beat Toronto Sceptres to advance to PWHL championship
 Minnesota — the fourth and final seed in both postseasons — rallied from two goals down to become the first team in the league’s two seasons to win a best-of-five series in less than five after splitting the first two matches in Toronto.