Stories from October 27, 2025

Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday $4 million in emergency state funding for Minnesota's food shelves as the federal shutdown continues. Funding comes as the federal government shutdown threatens to halt grocery benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. An old government center in downtown Buffalo could soon make way for new development.
Record attendance expected for Edmund Fitzgerald memorial ceremony at Split Rock Lighthouse
Organizers of the annual Edmund Fitzgerald memorial ceremony at Split Rock Lighthouse on Minnesota’s North Shore say next month’s event is now sold out — with record-breaking attendance expected on the 50th anniversary of the wreck.
Minnesota high school seniors are getting college acceptance letters, without ever applying
More than 50 colleges and universities in the state participate in the Direct Admissions program, which automatically admits Minnesota graduating high school seniors based on their academic records. Throughout October, students have been learning which schools they got into.
Hundreds of residents evacuated after fire, utility outage in St. Paul high-rise
Hundreds of St. Paul residents were in temporary housing Monday, a day after a fire and utility outage forced the evacuation of the city’s Skyline Tower high-rise apartment building.
Brazilian farmers beef up soybean production as China halts business with U.S. during trade fight
Brazilian farmers are increasing soybean production as the U.S. and China engage in a trade fight. The conflict has shut American soybeans out of the Chinese market, leading China to seek more Brazilian supply. China’s customs body reported no U.S. soybean imports in September, a first since November 2018. 
The power of good credit: Understanding and improving your credit score
What’s your credit score? And why does it matter? MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with a financial coach about how your credit can open doors — or quietly cost you thousands — and what habits can build better credit. 
A Minnesota panel tasked with reviewing security for the state Capitol complex will get an update Monday about potential weaknesses. Minnesota Democrats held a town hall on gun violence Saturday in Waconia.
Melissa strengthens to a Category 5 hurricane as it nears Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa has intensified to a Category 5 storm as it nears Jamaica. On Monday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that Melissa is expected to make landfall on the island Tuesday, bringing destructive winds and up to 30 inches of rain.
Minneapolis mayor candidates differ over policing, minimum wage at MPR News/Star Tribune debate
Minneapolis mayoral candidates DeWayne Davis, Jacob Frey, Omar Fateh and Jazz Hampton — four of 15 candidates on the ranked choice ballot — met for a debate ahead of Election Day on Nov. 4. MPR News and The Minnesota Star Tribune sponsored it.
‘This is now our mission forever’: Father of Annunciation survivor pushes for change
Ivan Ayala has three kids who attend Annunciation Catholic School. His 7-year-old son was injured during the mass shooting two months ago. Ayala, along with other parents, is now dedicated to making sure it never happens again.
Minnesotans flock to Como Zoo for their last chance to buy nostalgic animal figurines
The St. Paul zoo’s four Mold-A-Rama machines, which make colorful plastic toys in the shape of a gorilla, sea lion, polar bear and lion, will be leaving for good starting sometime in early November.
Minnesota home sales up as mortgage interest rates fall
Listings rose 4.9 percent across the state while pending sales increased 5.9 percent, according to data from the industry trade group, Minnesota Realtors. In the Twin Cities region, listings were up 5.2 percent and pending sales rose 7.9 percent.
Minnesota minister rediscovers his faith among people in need
When the Rev. Devlyn Brooks started a new job, it challenged his faith and his view of religion. That helped transform him, his ministry and the success of a Moorhead-based emergency shelter and food pantry.