Stories from October 13, 2025

Vikings welcome McCarthy back to practice but won't commit yet to starting QB this week vs. Eagles
The Minnesota Vikings returned from their bye week, not yet ready to rule J.J. McCarthy in or out at quarterback after missing the past three games with a sprained ankle.
New York Times, AP, Newsmax among news outlets who say they won't sign new Pentagon rules
News organizations including The New York Times, The Associated Press and the conservative Newsmax television network said Monday they will not sign a Defense Department document about its new press rules, making it likely the Trump administration will evict their reporters from the Pentagon.
5 candidates vie for St. Paul mayor
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter is facing off against four other candidates who want his job. As Carter seeks a third term at the helm of the city, his record is being scrutinized by three candidates who are newcomers to city politics and a state representative who has represented the city since 2019.
Families traveling for the annual MEA school break this week might see delays at airports around the country, with impacts from the federal government shutdown. Volunteers have been working to remove an invasive species from the Whitefish Chain of Lakes north of Brainerd.
Rep. Ilhan Omar on Fateh endorsement, government shutdown and Gaza
Today, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar endorsed State Sen. Omar Fateh in the Minneapolis mayoral race. MPR News host Clay Masters spoke with Rep. Omar outside Minneapolis City Hall just after her endorsement Monday morning.
Family sues Crow Wing County over 2024 death of man in jail
Robert Slaybaugh, 57, was booked into the jail in February 2024 on suspicion of drunk driving. He was later found unresponsive in his cell. The lawsuit claims the county ignored red flags that he was at risk of suicide.
MEA school break crowds take off at MSP, with shutdown looming over air travel
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport expects a surge in travelers during this week’s MEA school break, with Thursday expected to be busiest. While staffing is strong locally, officials say that the ongoing federal government shutdown could cause flight delays nationwide.
Local organization aims to make nature more accessible for Latino immigrants
Huellas Latinas provides year-round programming at parks across the Twin Cities and Minnesota to help break down barriers that may prevent Latino immigrants from exploring the outdoors.
‘She just got things done:’ Ojibwe author shares memories of her grandmother in new book
In “Sugar Bush Babies: Stories of My Ojibwe Grandmother,” author Janis Fairbanks shares lessons she learned while spending summers with her grandmother on the Fond du Lac reservation.
Attorney who flagged faulty breathalyzers: There’s ‘no telling’ how many cases impacted
The Minnesota BCA ordered a statewide pause of the use of breathalyzers after finding errors in its use in five counties. Defense attorney Chuck Ramsay first flagged an issue with the breathalyzers after looking into them for a client’s case.
Lowertown St. Paul gallery spotlights Minnesota artists exploring gender and identity
A new Lowertown St. Paul exhibit brings together artists from across Minnesota whose work examines gender, queerness and the fight for justice — inspired by one family’s personal story.
Uncertainty over the economy and tariffs forces many retailers to be cautious on holiday hiring
Rising tariff costs and other economic factors are forcing retailers to pull back or even delay their plans to hire seasonal workers. These temp workers typically pack orders at distribution centers, serve shoppers at stores and build holiday displays during the most important selling season of the year.
A nation pauses: Ukraine’s daily moment of remembrance endures through intensified Russian attacks
Each morning at 9 o'clock, Ukraine stops for one minute of reflection to honor those killed in Russia’s full-scale invasion. The daily ritual first declared by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2022 has grown into a nationwide act of remembrance and unity observed in streets, schools and even on the front lines.
UK rapper Giggs takes center stage as NFL spices up international games with halftime shows
The NFL has been spicing up its international games with halftime performers, a bit like mini-Super Bowls. British rapper Giggs performed Sunday at halftime of the game between the New York Jets and Denver Broncos at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day with MPR's Native News team
MPR News editor and guest host Leah Lemm celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day with reporters who are part of our Native News team. Leah and her guests talk about how they cover Native communities, tribal nations and people, all around Minnesota every day.
Tunnel farming helps South Dakota farmers extend growing season by up to 4 months
Some farmers in South Dakota are using farm tunnels to extend their growing season. The tunnels are similar to greenhouses in that they capture heat from the sun, but plants are grown in the ground rather than in raised boxes or beds.
Republicans vote to roll back Biden-era restrictions on mining and drilling in 3 Western states
Senate Republicans have voted to roll back restrictions on mining and drilling in federal land in three Western states. The moves advance President Donald Trump's ambitions to expand energy production from public lands.
Hamas releases Israeli hostages, Trump gets standing ovation in Israel’s parliament
Hamas released the last 20 living Israeli hostages who had been captive for just over two years. In turn, Israel freed nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
Minnesota woman on a quest to preserve stories of disappearing towns
Have you ever been to Basswood, Oylen or Luce, Minnesota? Photographer Laura Grisamore has been to them all. She has pictures, stories and a burning desire to preserve memories of towns in their twilight.