Stories from October 16, 2025

Three Minneapolis mayor candidates support a stronger policy separating police and ICE
Three challengers for the Minneapolis mayor’s seat say they support a ban on Minneapolis police sharing information with federal immigration agencies or providing crowd control for agencies like ICE. A spokesperson for the mayor says the proposal could backfire on the communities it is meant to protect.
Report: Corn fertilizer is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions
A new report from the Environmental Working Group shows the use of nitrogen fertilizer to grow corn year after year on the same land results in a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions.
Local and state food aid providers warn that there won't be enough money to pay for food assistance benefits if the federal government shutdown continues into next month. And today is one of the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport's busiest days of the fall... as the annual MEA break starts.
A study found lead in popular protein powders. Here's why you shouldn't panic
Consumer Reports expressed concern about high levels of lead in some two dozen protein powders, but only with repeated high exposure. Here's what to know before you make your next grocery run.
At least 27 states turned over sensitive data about food stamp recipients to USDA
Democratic-led states secured a legal victory to keep the personal data of food recipients out of the federal government's reach. But NPR's reporting shows that millions of records on Americans have already been shared.
Trump warns Hamas 'we will have no choice but to go in and kill them' if bloodshed persists in Gaza
President Donald Trump is warning Hamas “we will have no choice but to go in and kill them” if internal bloodshed persists in Gaza. The grim warning from Trump came Thursday after he previously downplayed the internal violence in the territory since a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect last week in the two-year war.
Fall drought continues to expand
The most recent drought monitor shows that drought conditions are worsening across Minnesota, particularly in the north-central and southwest regions.
Rural Voice: Community members in Wadena talk about solutions to social isolation
Rural Voice is back! This week, Kerri Miller is in Wadena for a town hall conversation about social isolation and the need for more mental health care in rural communities.
Alaska airlifting hundreds from storm-devastated coastal villages
Officials say one of the “most significant” airlifts in Alaska history is underway to evacuate hundreds of people from storm-devastated coastal towns. Officials announced the airlifts Wednesday.
Legal experts say Kristi Noem’s airport video breaks the law. Penalties are unlikely
In a Department of Homeland Security video, Kristi Noem blames Democrats for the government shutdown. Law and ethics experts say it violates the Hatch Act, but there are rarely serious consequences.
For private flood insurance companies, the government shutdown is good for business
With the government shutdown, the National Flood Insurance Program is no longer writing new policies. It's causing problems for would-be homeowners, but private companies have stepped in to help.
Vikings sidestep starting QB question as McCarthy acknowledges his ankle is not fully healed
J.J. McCarthy hasn’t fully healed from the high ankle sprain that has kept him out of the past three games. He's still navigating the final stage of stress-testing the injury and ramping back up to speed with the Minnesota Vikings and their offense.
Nearly half a million Minnesotans who rely on the supplemental nutrition assistance program to buy food may be affected by the federal government shutdown as soon as next month.
Smucker sues Trader Joe's, saying its new PB&J sandwiches are too similar to Uncrustables
J.M. Smucker is suing Trader Joe’s, saying its new frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are too similar to Smucker’s Uncrustables in their design and packaging. 
‘I don’t want to be here anymore’: They tried to self-deport, then got stranded in Trump’s America
The Trump administration’s immigration crackdown has left many immigrants afraid of being detained and deported. Some have opted to leave the U.S. on their own. The Trump administration’s immigration crackdown has left many immigrants afraid of being detained and deported. Some have opted to leave the U.S. on their own.
Thousands of Minnesotans in limbo as government shutdown threatens food and family aid
If the government shutdown continues into November, federal officials have told states that funding for SNAP benefits will run out. That means more than 440,000 Minnesotans might not receive federal food aid and will struggle even more to feed their families.
Tim Walz and Tom Emmer can’t stop maligning the other. Is Minnesota worse off for it?
Minnesota’s top Democrat and top Republican take frequent rhetorical jabs at one another although they’re not running against one another. The spat could have negative consequences for the people they jointly represent.
The musical ‘Purple Rain’ begins preview performances Oct. 16. Here’s what you need to know
Prince’s hometown takes center stage as Minneapolis hosts the world premiere of “Purple Rain,” a new stage adaptation of the 1984 film that will serve as both a local homecoming and a pre-Broadway launch.