Stories from August 1, 2025

The Minnesota Department of Human Services wants to terminate a housing stabilization program recently flagged for possible fraud. The department announced Friday it is asking the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services to end the program. Minnesota was the first state to use Medicaid funds to find more stable housing options for residents.
Two plead guilty to fraud in Feeding Our Future case
Two Twin Cities metro women pleaded guilty Friday to collecting fraudulent payments from federal child nutrition funds. They’re the latest of dozens of people convicted in the $250 million fraud case.
Minnesota moves to end housing stabilization program after reports of possible fraud
The Department of Human Services said it didn’t have adequate guardrails on the program to prevent bad actors from improperly obtaining the funds. It said it would work with the Legislature to redevelop the program.
A taste of the Fringe Festival: Four shows
With more than 100 productions scattered across the city, the Minnesota Fringe Festival is too sprawling to capture in a single take. From a reanimated insult comic to a Shakespeare lottery, here’s a glimpse of what this year’s Fringe has to offer.
 Trump demands official overseeing jobs data be fired after dismal employment report
President Donald Trump on Friday called for the firing of the head of the agency that produces the monthly jobs figures after a report showed hiring slowed in July and was much weaker in May and June than previously reported.
Corporation for Public Broadcasting says it’s shutting down
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funnels federal money to public media stations, says it’s winding down operations after President Trump signed a law rescinding all funding.
Remember running the mile in school? The Presidential Fitness Test is coming back
The Cold War-era test was a staple of school gyms for half a century before the Obama administration replaced it. President Donald Trump says his focus on childhood fitness is for both physical and patriotic reasons.
Extra-wet weather made July feel hotter than normal
For nearly half a decade, Minnesota Julys have been extra dry. This year broke that streak, says climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley.
Warm and Wet: July by the Numbers
July started off hot and dry, but a shift in the pattern brought wetter-than-normal conditions by mid to late month, leaving us with a warm and wet end to the month overall.
Child dies after being hit by city truck in Moorhead
Authorities say a 9-year-old boy died Thursday after being hit by a city public works truck in Moorhead.
Lonely people find connection in ‘The Satisfaction Café’
Kathy Wang’s new novel, “The Satisfaction Café,” offers a quirky, thoughtful and unexpected antidote to loneliness: mannered, purposeful conversation.
Morning Announcements for August 1
These are the Morning Announcements for Friday, August 1. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
The White House sets a swath of new tariff rates — and a new date — for dozens of countries
An executive order says most of the tariffs will not take effect for at least a week, despite an earlier assertion that new rates would take effect on Friday. Some goods from Canada would get a new 35 percent tariff rate beginning Friday, though.
The city of St. Paul and state and federal agencies are investigating a cyber attack that took place a week ago Friday.
Friday brings another comfortable day with smoky skies
We will continue to be comfortable with cooler temperatures and lower dew points, but wildfire smoke will linger into Saturday, reducing air quality. Next week warms up with thunder chances. 
Federal judge delays expiration of TPS for Hondurans, Nicaraguans and Nepalese
The Trump administration has said the conditions in the three countries have improved, therefore the immigrants can return back to their homelands. But federal Judge Trina Thompson suggested Trump's motives are discriminatory.
Several freeway closures planned in Twin Cities this weekend
The list includes three freeway closures in St. Paul, along with closures affecting parts of Interstate 694 in the north metro and State Highway 5 in the west metro.
Rochester’s new bus line comes with pain — and promise — for local businesses
Rochester is a decade into the largest economic development project in state history. And a big part of the plan is a rapid bus line that stands to move more than 10,000 people around Rochester daily. For local businesses, it comes with some pain — and promise.