Stories from August 23, 2025

Cool and calm tonight, staying chilly tomorrow
After a breezy Saturday, winds are finally beginning to ease across the region. Northwest winds are gradually diminishing this evening. As clouds continue to break up overnight, temperatures will slip into cooler territory.
Judge strikes down Minnesota law banning religious tests for college credit program
A federal judge has ruled that religious colleges in Minnesota that require students to sign a statement of faith cannot be excluded from a program allowing high school students to take college courses for credit. Friday's decision overturns a state law that the judge deemed an unconstitutional violation of religious freedom.
Trump ran on a promise of revenge. He's making good on it
Donald Trump ran on a promise to use the powers of the government for revenge against those he believed wronged him. He now appears to be fulfilling that campaign promise while threatening to expand his powers well beyond Washington.
 Being Muslim and American in the nation's heartland
The oldest surviving place of worship for Muslims in the United States was erected in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, almost a century ago by immigrants from present-day Lebanon.
Evacuations ordered as wildfire blazes California's famed Napa County
Firefighters are working to contain a blaze currently tearing through California's beloved wine country. The Pickett Fire first sparked Thursday afternoon and continued to rage Saturday.
U.S. seeks to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda after he refused plea offer in his smuggling case
Immigration officials intend to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda after he declined an offer to be deported to Costa Rica in exchange for remaining in jail and pleading guilty to human smuggling charges.
Texas passes midterm redistricting sought by Trump as California plans to counter
The Texas Legislature passed a plan called for by President Trump to give Republicans an edge. And California lawmakers are sending theirs to the voters as the two most populous states compete to shape the midterm elections for Congress.
Judge blocks Trump from cutting funding over 'sanctuary' policies
A judge ruled the Trump administration cannot deny funding to Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and 30 other cities and counties because of policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration efforts.
Titans beat Vikings 23-13 to wrap preseason
Cam Ward's first NFL touchdown will have to wait for the regular season. The No. 1 overall pick helped the Tennessee Titans wrap up the preseason with a 23-13 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Friday night.
Shepard's triple-double leads Lynx to 95-90 win over Fever
Kayla McBride scored 29 points, Jessica Shepard got the second triple-double in franchise history, and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Indiana Fever 95-90 on Friday night.
Ask a Bookseller: ‘The Hounding’ by Xenobe Purvis 
Mary Ellen Phillips of Maria's Bookshop in Durango, Colo., recommends The Hounding" by Xenobe  Purvis.
Aging U.S. railroad bridges are self-inspected and their findings are kept secret
A new investigation reveals the risks of railroads policing their own bridges. The Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at Arizona State University found railroads can withhold bridge inspection results from the public. 
Fall-like chill settles in for the weekend; blustery northwest winds
Unseasonably cool air settles in this weekend from Canada, sending temperatures 10–15 degrees below normal. Blustery northwest winds at 5–15 mph will add a noticeable chill.
Tinted sunscreen does something regular sun protection can't
Most sunscreens protect skin from UV light but the tinted variety also block visible light. And that can be important for people with hyperpigmentation or melasma, especially those with darker skin.
Trump makes over the Rose Garden, Mar-a-Lago style
Trump has swapped out the grass in the Rose Garden with stone, turning what had been a lawn into a patio that bears a striking resemblance to one at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla.
Minnesota State Senate District 29 candidates running in the special primary election include Rachel Davis, Michael Holmstrom Jr., and Bradley Kurtz who are competing for the Republican nomination..
Voters in Senate District 47 will choose between two DFL candidates, while Republican Dwight Dorau runs unopposed in the race to replace former Sen. Nicole Mitchell.
Wild, Marco Rossi agree to three-year extension
The Minnesota Wild have signed center Marco Rossi to a three-year, $15 million extension. Rossi, an Austrian native, posted career-best numbers last season and made his Stanley Cup Playoff debut.