Stories from August 27, 2025

Democrat Catelin Drey's victory in Iowa special election breaks GOP supermajority
A Democrat has won a special election for an Iowa state Senate seat in a district that had been held by Republicans and had voted heavily for President Donald Trump in 2024, adding to the Democratic Party's hope that it can flip more seats during the 2026 midterm elections.
Two sisters and two llamas: The costume competition of the summer  
Twelve-year-old Addie Odegaard and her sister Lucy are preparing their llamas, Riot and Dozer, for the State Fair’s popular llama costume contest with inventive designs — including Riot as a bath loofah with a bubble machine and Dozer as a parrot with rainbow wings — showcasing both creativity and the strong bonds they’ve built with their animals.
Matthew Caldwell leaving Cup champion Panthers, becoming CEO of Timberwolves and Lynx
Matthew Caldwell is stepping down as the business operations president of the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers and accepting a 10-year deal as CEO of the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA's Minnesota Lynx.
U.S. deportation flights hit record highs as carriers try to hide the planes, advocates say
Immigration advocates gather like clockwork outside Seattle's King County International Airport to witness deportation flights and spread word of where they are going and how many people are aboard. Until recently, they could keep track of the flights using publicly accessible websites.
 Vikings bring back veteran Thielen for WR depth in trade with Panthers
The Minnesota Vikings have acquired veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen from the Carolina Panthers. The Vikings traded draft picks for Thielen, who has the third-most catches in franchise history.
Police ID shooter who killed 2 kids, hurt 17 at Minneapolis Catholic school, church
Officials identified 23-year-old Robin Westman as the shooter who opened fire on Annunciation Catholic School and Church in south Minneapolis during a Mass on Wednesday morning where young students were worshipping.
University of Minnesota workers push for higher wages amid contract negotiations
University of Minnesota employees represented by AFSCME have been negotiating with the school for around five months to reach an agreement, but say their wages are not keeping pace with inflation. A spokesperson for the university said they hope to reach a “fair and equitable agreement” during mediation sessions scheduled for September.
Lumberjills show off their skills at the State Fair
Axe throwing, logrolling, speed climbing and boom running are four of several sports featured on the North Woods stage at the Minnesota State Fair. For over two decades, the Timberworks Lumberjack Show has traveled to the fair to showcase the skills of lumberjacks and lumberjills.