Stories from August 14, 2025

Boelter faces new charges from Hennepin grand jury, including animal cruelty
A Hennepin County grand jury on Thursday returned a first-degree premeditated murder indictment against the man suspected of killing former DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. It’s among several new charges Boelter is facing.
DFL State Senator Tou Xiong arrested on suspicion of DWI
Minnesota Sen. Tou Xiong was booked at the Ramsey County Jail around 4 a.m. Thursday on suspicion of DWI. Xiong pleaded guilty to DWI in 2022, when he was a member of the Minnesota House.
Trump's friendly-to-frustrated relationship with Putin takes the spotlight at the Alaska summit
President Donald Trump’s meeting in Alaska with Vladimir Putin could be a decisive moment in the war in Ukraine and in the U.S. leader’s anomalous relationship with his Russian counterpart. 
Minnesotan says being Palestinian comes with ‘survivor’s guilt’ amid war in Gaza
Mnar Adley is the founder and director of MintPress News, an independent organization covering international news, including Israel’s war on Gaza. She is also a Palestinian-Minnesotan.
Minnesota's unemployment rate has ticked up to 3.5 percent. July's figure is the highest since summer of 2021 — and the fifth straight month of rising unemployment. The Stearns County Sheriff's Office reported this morning that a vehicle they pulled from the Mississippi River last night may be connected to a missing person case from 1967.
Fifteen people file to run in Minneapolis mayor's race
The start of early voting is just over a month away. Minneapolis voters will select the next mayor, 13 council members, park commissioners, as well as members of the Board of Estimate and Taxation.
As Canada wildfires choke U.S. with smoke, Republicans demand action. But not on climate change
The sternly worded statements and letters are filled with indignation and outrage: Republican U.S. lawmakers say Canada has done too little to contain wildfires and smoke that have fouled the air in several states this summer.
Another soaker on the way for an already saturated Minnesota
No signs of drought heading into mid-August as another round of heavier rainfall sets its sights on central and eastern Minnesota. Humid conditions will lead to multiple chances for rainfall through the weekend.
Help me shop for school supplies on a budget
In midst of concerns that tariffs and inflation will drive up the price of school supplies, many families are starting their back-to-school shopping earlier in the summer.
Newly appointed Office of Cannabis Management director says state has issued 13 microbusiness licenses
Gov. Tim Walz named Eric Taubel to the role on Thursday. Taubel has been serving as interim director of the Office of Cannabis Management since January.
Morning Announcements for Aug. 14
These are the Morning Announcements for Thursday, Aug. 14. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Minnesota jobless rate reaches highest level in nearly four years
New figures from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, released Thursday, show the seasonally adjusted rate ticked up to 3.5 percent in July. That’s up from 3.3 percent the month before.
Appeals court agrees NFL can be put on trial over claims Black coaches face discrimination
A federal appeals court says the NFL can be put on trial over claims that Brian Flores and other Black coaches face discrimination. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Thursday. It upheld Manhattan federal Judge Valerie Caproni’s ruling that Flores can proceed with claims against the league and three teams: the Denver Broncos, the New York Giants and the Houston Texans. 
Volunteering in Minnesota: How to get involved and make a difference
Are you interested in giving back to your community as a volunteer? Need ideas on how to get started and what you can do? MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests share ways to get involved.
Venus Williams to get new Barbie as part of Inspiring Women collection
Venus Williams has a new Barbie, this one part of the dollmaker’s Inspiring Women collection. Williams’ doll, to be released on Friday, will celebrate the tennis great and pay equity champion with a doll wearing the uniform she wore while winning Wimbledon in 2007. 
New York man charged with cyberstalking a family member of killed UnitedHealthcare CEO
A New York man has been charged with cyberstalking a family member of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, allegedly leaving threatening voicemails that expressed glee about the insurance executive's killing. 
Human remains found in 1960s-era car pulled from Mississippi River in Sartell
Authorities in central Minnesota say human remains were recovered from a vehicle pulled from the Mississippi River late Wednesday — and may provide the answer to a missing-person case from 1967.
The fight is on. How redistricting could unfold in 8 entangled states
State leaders in both parties say they're ready to redraw political lines ahead of 2026, but state laws and constitutions make mid-decade redistricting virtually impossible in many places.
Humid air returns along with chances of showers and storms
Humid air is moving back into the region Thursday into Friday. The increased moisture combined with several disturbances will also increase the chance for showers and thunderstorms. 
Crime is down in Washington, D.C., but still a reality in some neighborhoods
Residents across Washington have different takes on crime in their communities. Overwhelmingly, however, people opposed President Trump’s takeover of the city with federal agents and National Guard troops.
The luck of the Irish spice bag: The takeout dish that’s found a home in the Twin Cities
O'Shaughnessy Distilling Company in Minneapolis has turned its Irish-American twist on Ireland’s beloved late-night dish, the spice bag — complete with cheese curds — into a viral sensation and permanent menu item, drawing crowds from across the metro.
Ceremonial walk along the Rum River serves as ‘a prayer’ for the water
This year’s Indigenous-led water walk followed the Rum River from Mille Lacs Lake in Vineland to Peninsula Point Park in Anoka, where the river converges with the Mississippi River. 
As Stillwater prison closes, advocates say inmates’ legal documents at risk
As inmates are transferred out of Stillwater prison, advocates say they are forced to choose between packing personal items and educational and legal documents. The corrections department disputes this is a widespread problem.