Stories from August 7, 2025

Federal judge halts construction at Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz'
The 14-day stoppage comes as a federal judge considers whether additional construction of the immigration detention facility in south Florida's Everglades is detrimental to the environment.
The man charged with killing the top Democrat in the Minnesota House and her husband, and wounding a state senator and his wife, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in federal court Thursday. An MPR News investigation has found that several Minneapolis police trainers were accused of using excessive force in civil lawsuits the city settled before they received their current assignments.
Two die when helicopter crashes into a barge in the Mississippi River near Illinois
Two people working on powerlines near the Mississippi River died Thursday when their helicopter hit the lines, crashed into a barge and sparked a fire that belched plumes of black smoke, officials said.
End of week severe weather threat
Warm, humid air ahead of an approaching cold front could lead to dangerous storms Friday afternoon and evening.
Months after shooting in south Minneapolis, community shows up for National Night Out
Residents of one apartment building in south Minneapolis gathered Tuesday on National Night Out to eat and play games. Organizers of the event say it was an important opportunity for residents to connect with one another after their neighborhood had been rocked by violence this past April.
What to know as Trump's immigration crackdown strips tuition breaks from thousands of students
Tens of thousands of U.S. college students without legal residency are losing access to in-state tuition as part of the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration. The Justice Department has been suing states to end these tuition breaks.
Help me cook with seasonal produce
Summer in Minnesota is the perfect time to take advantage of local produce and neighborhood farmers’ markets. How do you make sure all that produce doesn’t go to waste?
Morning Announcements for Aug. 7
These are the Morning Announcements for Thursday, Aug. 7. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Congress looks to ease veterans' use of health care outside the VA
It can be difficult for veterans to use their health benefits for care outside the federal system. A bill in Congress could ease that. Opponents are wary funds being "siphoned" away from the VA.
As youth sports grow more intense, some coaches and officials struggle with parent behavior
MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with two youth sports coaches about how they set expectations for parents, players, and fellow coaches — and what it takes to cool down when behavior off the field gets too heated. 
Trump cuts threaten access to birth control for millions of women
Birth control is routine for many Americans and polls show it's popular across party lines. Now, the Trump administration is withholding funds that provide contraception for low income people.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty will not run for reelection in 2026. In a statement, Moriarty said she is choosing to focus on reforms and wants to spend the next 17 months "running the office, rather than running for office."
What to know as Trump’s immigration crackdown strips tuition breaks from thousands of students
Tens of thousands of U.S. college students without legal residency are losing access to in-state tuition as part of the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration. The Justice Department has been suing states to end these tuition breaks. 
Minnesota author takes readers on scenic journey of North Shore in new book
Retired professor Arnold Alanen has researched and written an extensive history of the buildings along Highway 61 and the stories of the people who shaped the North Shore. He joined Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer to give a glimpse into his new book, “The Scenic Route.”
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty won’t run for a second term
In a statement, Moriarty said that rather than running for reelection next year, she is instead “choosing to focus on creating enduring change in the system” over the remaining 17 months of her term.
Steamy with some storm chances, especially Friday night into Saturday
Dew points will be in the humid 70s Thursday and Friday. Heat indices could reach the triple digits Friday. Isolated to spotty storms are possible with the best chances Friday night into Saturday. 
Man charged with shooting Minnesota lawmakers pleads not guilty
The man charged with killing the top Democrat in the Minnesota House and her husband, and wounding a state senator and his wife, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in federal court on Thursday.
Four Minneapolis officers were accused of excessive force — and now train other police
The Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot Amir Locke and until recently led MPD’s use-of-force training is not the only trainer whose record has raised concerns over the department’s commitment to changing its culture.
'We did not want to take this guy’: Abuse rates higher at nursing homes with more mental illness
Nursing homes are designed to care for patients with physical infirmities. But nationwide, 1 in 5 residents has been diagnosed with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia or psychosis — conditions few of the facilities are equipped to handle. A new data analysis from APM Research Lab shows that can lead to higher levels of abuse, putting both residents and staff at risk.
‘They are remembered’: Hundreds gather to honor Ojibwe who died 175 years ago
175 years have passed since what is now known as the Sandy Lake Tragedy, an event that unfolded during the 1850 removal of Lake Superior Ojibwe tribes by the U.S. government. For the last two decades, descendants and allies have gathered at Big Sandy Lake near McGregor in remembrance. 
The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy filed lawsuits against two Minnesota cities Tuesday, claiming the cities did not adequately study the environmental impact of what it claims are large-scale data centers.