Stories from April 4, 2025

Politics Friday: Budget begins to take shape as leaders huddle
Friday at noon, MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks with the top budget adviser to the governor: Erin Campbell, commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget. Then, a conversation with the new DFL Party Chair Richard Carlbom.
Chris Bohjalian's new novel about the Civil War sees the humanity in our enemies
Chris Bohjalian’s 25th novel, “The Jackal’s Mistress,” was inspired by the true story of a Southern woman who helped an injured Union soldier during the Civil War.
Minnesota rabbis say Trump administration’s tactics against antisemitism aren’t making Jewish people safer
The Minnesota Rabbinical Association released a letter on Tuesday calling the Trump administration’s immediate solution to curbing antisemitism “short-sighted.”
Women’s Final Four brings powerhouses UConn, UCLA, Texas and South Carolina to Tampa
Three of four teams in the women’s Final Four are No. 1 seeds. None of the four have lost more than three games this season. All but one have been the top-ranked team in the country at some point. 
Edwards shakes off injury scare and scores 28 points to lead Timberwolves past Nets 105-90
Brooklyn coach Jordi Fernandez took the blame for Minnesota star Anthony Edwards’ injury scare in the Nets’ 105-90 loss to the Timberwolves. Fernandez says he was trying to move out of the way and has “to be faster than that.”
States sue to block Trump’s election order, saying it violates the Constitution
Democratic officials in 19 states are suing over President Donald Trump’s attempt to reshape elections across the U.S., calling it an unconstitutional invasion of states’ clear authority to run their own elections. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is one of the 19 officials suing.
Morning Edition celebrates editor Euan Kerr’s 40 years at MPR News as he retires
In his 40 years, Euan Kerr has covered everything from the arts and city hall to rambunctious critters at the State Fair. Morning Edition dug through the archives to find some favorites and highlight Kerr’s contributions to the newsroom and the community.
The Trump Administration is continuing to target international students attending college in Minnesota and the U.S. The University of Minnesota says it's now aware of three students across its system who've had their visas canceled. And protestors are mobilizing across the U.S. for an anti-Trump protest this weekend.
RAGBRAI (and MN): For first time, iconic Iowa cycling event will include Minnesota on its route
Organizers of the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa — that’s RAGBRAI for short — on Thursday released this July’s 400-mile route. For the first time, it takes the thousands of cyclists into Minnesota.
A Pentagon inspector general announces investigation into Hegseth’s use of Signal
The announcement comes after lawmakers voiced concern about whether top national security officials discussed classified information on Signal about a military strike against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Sex ed in Minnesota schools is up for a rewrite: 4 things to know
Lawmakers, advocates, students and teachers are working now to update standards for teaching sexual health education in schools. But the topic is uncomfortable and reaching a deal will be a challenge. Here’s where things stand now.
Cross-cultural concert blends Somali memory with soul joy
A new concert series called “Meet You at the Crossroads” brings together Somali blues and Black soul music in a cross-cultural collaboration led by Ahmed Ismail Yusuf and JD Steele, highlighting the Twin Cities' diversity through shared musical traditions.
Twins president speaks to season ahead, new watching options for baseball fans
Derek Falvey recently stepped into a new role as President of Baseball and Business Operations for the Twins. He joined Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer to talk about what’s in store this season before the gates opened.