Stories from August 26, 2025

One dead, 6 hurt after shooting outside Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Minneapolis
One person was killed and six others were injured in a shooting Tuesday afternoon in south Minneapolis. Hours later, two people died in two other shootings in the city. Police said Wednesday that they don’t yet know if any of the shootings are connected.
West Nile virus cases are increasing across the state. The Minnesota Department of Health reports 20 cases of West Nile virus so far this year. Two of the affected people have died. Monday's daily attendance at the Minnesota State Fair hit a record. The daily attendance creeped just past 145,000 people yesterday -- about 500 more people than the record set in 2017.
Critical DMs: Exploring the many collections featured at the State Fair
Critical DMs finds arts editor Max Sparber and senior arts reporter and critic Alex V. Cipolle exploring the Minnesota State Fair’s Collections exhibit — an eclectic, chaotic counterpoint to the more codified tradition of crop art, featuring everything from stamps and postcards to scrapbooks, mail ephemera and license plates.
Mayor Frey considers legal action against encampment on private property
The owner of the property where the encampment is set up, which is on 28th Avenue and East Lake Street in Minneapolis, said he does not plan to clear the encampment, despite city orders.
Vikings shave down final roster as they prepare for season kickoff
The Minnesota Vikings are making changes to their roster in the gap between the preseason and their opening game on Sept. 8. Our sports contributors broke down the team’s decisions on who to keep and who to trade.
Minnesota school choice advocates prepare for federal tax credit opportunity
Organizations like the Aim Higher Foundation in St. Paul could get new dollars from the federal government to give kids scholarships for private school — if Minnesota Governor Tim Walz opts into the program.
Scientists wonder if Lake Superior can continue to avoid an invasion of mussels
Tiny and unmoving in their plastic prison cell, the thumbnail-sized shellfish didn’t look like much to fear. But knowing that invasive quagga and zebra mussels have destroyed entire ecosystems and killed billions of baby fish in the lower Great Lakes, it would be foolish to underestimate them.
Monday's State Fair attendance sets first record of the year
Monday's daily attendance at the Minnesota State Fair hit a record. The daily attendance creeped just past 145,000 people — about 500 more people than the record set in 2017.
'I'm his American dream': Guthrie actor whose father was detained by ICE speaks out
Berto Borroto is a Minnesota actor and drag queen whose father was recently taken into ICE custody. He spoke with MPR News’ Cathy Wurzer about the impact the event has had on his family.
Democratic leaders withdraw measure clarifying the party position on the Israel's war in Gaza
The Democratic National Committee planned to clarify its position on Israel’s war in Gaza. But after a surprise reversal, it may be several months before DNC officials adopt a formal position on an issue that has divided their party perhaps more than any other.
 Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged
It’s a love story and, baby, she said yes: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged. The superstar singer and football player revealed the news in a five-photo joint post on Instagram on Tuesday.
DNC chair says he's tired of Democrats bringing 'pencil to a knife fight'
Day 1 of the Democratic National Committee's summer meeting saw party chair Ken Martin detail how the party is pushing back on Trump administration policies and trying to win back voters.
Minnetonka police, fire departments launch drones as first responders for some calls
The Minnetonka police and fire departments are launching a new program to respond to 911 calls — one that will see drones arrive on-scene before emergency responders for some calls. 
The 2025 Low-Stakes Debate from MPR News: Because even in a non-election year, everyone has an opinion about everything
Join us for a lively, fun-filled debate at the Minnesota State Fair! 📅 Thursday, Aug. 28 🕥 10:30 a.m. 📍 MPR Booth, at the corner of Judson Ave and Nelson St on the fairgrounds.
Talent booker juggles all sorts of acts for the Minnesota State Fair
Entertainment companies all across the country compete to get contracts with the Minnesota State Fair. One Minnesota talent booker has been working with the Fair for over 42 years.
A bit warmer Tuesday as high pressure slides southeast
Temps will be a bit warmer today and tomorrow before cooling off slightly again late week behind a ‘back door’ cold front. Northeast Minnesota may see a few showers Wednesday. 
Authorities in Mankato are investigating an early Monday morning fire that killed two children and left a woman seriously injured.
Ojibwe jingle dress brings education, healing to the State Fair
Regalia made in remembrance of Indigenous people impacted by violence is on display in the State Fair’s Fine Arts Center. The jingle dress features names of missing and murdered relatives inside red handprints.
Library of Congress acquires only known lyrics sketch of ‘Over the Rainbow’
Scrawled in pencil on a scrap of yellow legal paper by lyricist E.Y. "Yip" Harburg, the artifact is among dozens of treasures from The Wizard of Oz donated by composer Harold Arlen's sister-in-law Rita Arlen.
Trump fires Fed Governor Lisa Cook, opening new front in fight for control over central bank
President Donald Trump has fired Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, a sharp escalation in his battle to exert greater control over what has long been considered an institution independent from day-to-day politics. 
Trial starts for former teacher accused of grooming, sexually assaulting student
The trial began Monday for a former teacher, accused of grooming and sexually assaulting a former student when she was 14 years old. Abdul J. Wright was charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct after the woman’s mother reported the allegations, which date to 2017.