Stories from July 25, 2025

Little evidence of a COVID-19 ‘summer surge’ so far in Minnesota
National data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are showing increases in COVID-19 activity. But data from the state’s health department show continued low numbers of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths here in Minnesota.
State Sen. Nicole Mitchell has resigned, 10 days before she'd initially announced, following her conviction for breaking into her stepmother's home. Mitchell, a DFLer who represents Woodbury, initially said after her conviction last week that she would step down Aug. 4. The Minneapolis police officer who shot and killed Amir Locke during a no-knock raid in 2022 will no longer lead use of force training for the department.
Minneapolis officer who killed Amir Locke will stop leading police use-of-force training
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara announced Friday that the Minneapolis police officer who shot and killed Amir Locke during a no-knock raid in 2022 and who was later named the lead use-of-force trainer has been reassigned.
Minnesota state Sen. Nicole Mitchell resigns after burglary conviction
After a jury found her guilty of breaking into her stepmother's home, Mitchell indicated she would leave the Senate on Aug. 4. On Friday morning, though, the DFLer informed Gov. Tim Walz that she had resigned, opening the door for Walz to call a special election.
Minnesota beaches are closed due to bacteria, toxic algae. Here's where and what to look for.
As the weather gets hotter and more humid, it’s tempting to take a dip into the nearest body of water to cool off. But several Minnesota beaches have seen a rise in bacteria levels that can make people or animals sick. 
Education Department says it will release billions in remaining withheld grant money for schools
The Trump administration is releasing billions of dollars in grants to schools for adult literacy, English language instruction and other programs, the Education Department said Friday.
'Rabbit fever’ cases see an uptick in Minnesota 
Minnesota health officials are urging caution after a small but noticeable rise in cases of tularemia, a disease known as “rabbit fever” that can affect humans and is potentially deadly to outdoor pets. 
New England noir chills and thrills in 'The House on Buzzards Bay'
Dwyer Murphy’s new novel, “The House on Buzzards Bay,” is New England noir at its finest. College friends reunite at a beach house one member inherited — but everyone and everything is out of sorts, and when a group member disappears and a mysterious stranger arrives, long-simmering tensions are revealed.
Warning labels on menopause treatments 'scare women,' doctors tell the FDA
The FDA may remove the warning labels on hormone replacement therapies used to treat the symptoms of menopause. Doctors say the warning is scaring people who could benefit from these treatments.
West Nile virus detected in mosquitoes across Twin Cities metro
The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District reported that Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, which are primarily responsible for the human transmission of West Nile virus, are present in some of the highest numbers ever recorded for July.  
President Trump takes aim at college sports with a new executive order
The order aims to ban "pay-for-play" NIL deals, mandates scholarships for women's and Olympic sports and threatens to withhold funds from schools who don't comply. But its legality is in question.
Federal funding freeze leaves Minnesota school districts scrambling to fill budget gaps
The Trump administration put already allocated education funding on hold, including $74 million slated for Minnesota. After pushback, it released $13 million for Minnesota after-school and summer school programs, but $61 million is still missing.
Trump's USDA to scatter half its Washington staff to field offices. Critics see a ploy to cut jobs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to move thousands of employees out of Washington, D.C., aiming to save money and bring them closer to farmers and ranchers.
How to watch two meteor showers peak together in late July
It's almost time to catch summer's double meteor showers. The Southern Delta Aquariid and Alpha Capricornid meteor showers peak in the early morning of July 30. With minimal interference from moonlight, the meteors should appear bright and clear if viewed away from city lights.
NYC pawn shop owner pleads guilty to fencing luxury items stolen from homes across U.S.
A Manhattan pawn shop owner has pleaded guilty to serving as a fence for luxury items stolen from wealthy people across the U.S. Dimitriy Nezhinskiy admitted Friday that he purchased watches, jewelry and other high-end goods to sell despite knowing they were stolen.
What we know about Columbia’s $221 million settlement with the Trump administration
The complex settlement allowed both sides to claim victory. It gives the university access to federal funds that had been frozen, and restores some terminated contracts.
Great Lakes swimmers plan to complete the journey the Edmund Fitzgerald started
This weekend, a group of long-distance swimmers plan to begin a more than 400 mile swim relay across Lakes Superior and Huron to complete the journey of the ill-fated Edmund Fitzgerald started 50 years ago this fall.
Frenzy over Gremlin-like viral ‘Labubu’ dolls hits Minnesota
Minnesotans are searching high and low online and at local resellers to find a popular collectible called “Labubu.” Some wait in line before a Roseville mall opens hoping to score a doll at vending machines.
Plans for 8,000-seat outdoor concert venue in Minneapolis move forward
An outdoor music venue is one step closer to opening along the banks of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. City council members Thursday approved funding for construction, with the first events expected to take place in 2027.