Stories from August 29, 2025

As more schools begin fall classes, police in Minneapolis are getting help from other agencies for extra patrols in the wake of this week’s deadly shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School. A federal judge in Minnesota has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to block abortion access in the state.
Out to Lunch at the State Fair with Princess Kay of the Milky Way
You could say butter is in the blood of this year’s Princess Kay winner. Malorie Thorson is in college so she can become the sixth generation to work on her family’s dairy farm. And Thorson’s mother was on the Princess Kay court back in 1996.
Walz considers special session to address gun laws following Minneapolis shooting
The Democratic governor is floating a special session next month to consider an unspecified package of proposals, but the current makeup of the Legislature could make it tough to pass anything.
People of many faiths stepped in to help after shooting at Minneapolis Catholic school and church
When news of a shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school and church reached Shir Tikvah synagogue member Jeremy Kalin, he leapt into action to help families.
This week sees a number of new books from seasoned heavy hitters
A number of seasoned veterans with a taste for big swings and clever premises have new novels out this week, including stories of gothic horror and dark academia from the likes of R.F. Kuang, Leah Stein and Helen Oyeyemi.
What books shaped you in high school? Here's what you said
More than 1,100 of you wrote to tell us about the books that broadened your horizons, that you kept through every move, that inspired you to become English majors, librarians, writers and teachers.
What being a mailman taught Stephen Grant about work, belonging and going the extra mile
When Steve Grant lost his job during the pandemic, the only replacement he could find was delivering mail in his hometown. But being a letter carrier revealed things about who he was and how he fit that he never could have expected.
Skylar Diggins scores 19 of her 23 points after halftime and the Storm rally past the Lynx 93-79
Skylar Diggins scored 19 of her 23 points in the second half, Nneka Ogwumike had 12 points and nine rebounds, and the Seattle Storm rallied from a 21-point deficit to beat the Minnesota Lynx 93-79. 
Minneapolis, a series of shootings and the grim realities of a tough summer
Most categories of crime have continued to fall in Minneapolis after a surge that followed the 2020 killing of George Floyd. But the summer of 2025 has seen a spike in violence that has repeatedly led to armored vehicles rolling through the streets carrying police in full combat gear. 
The federal government is taking over D.C.'s Union Station. What does that mean?
The Department of Transportation says it will be "reclaiming management" of the transportation hub, which it has owned since the 1980s. D.C.'s mayor says that would be an "amazing initiative."
We've learned the names of the two children who were shot and killed at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Ten-year-old Harper Moyski was shot while sitting in a pew for a school Mass. Her family described her as 'bright, joyful and deeply loved.' The other child was 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel. His father Jesse addressed the media, saying his son loved his family and friends, fishing, cooking and sports.
The long recovery on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, ‘ground zero’ for Hurricane Katrina
While much of the focus marking 20 years since Hurricane Katrina is on New Orleans, where federal levees failed and flooded the city, the historic storm also decimated the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Gophers had Minneapolis school shooting on their minds after season-opening win
The excitement of the start of the football season at Minnesota was tempered by a tragedy. After the Gophers beat Buffalo 23-10 in their opener, coach P.J. Fleck expressed sadness and outrage about the death of Annunciation Catholic School students Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski.
MN Shortlist, Aug. 29-Sept. 4: Arts raffle for Annunciation families and more
MN Shortlist is your weekly curated roundup of recommended events from MPR News, highlighting standout performances, exhibits and gatherings around the region. This week’s events include: music of Thelonious Monk, an art mystery and the Duluth-Superior Pride Festival.