Stories from October 21, 2025

A controversial proposed data center in northern Minnesota got some support last night, despite vocal community opposition. A group of people who want the state to cut financial ties to Israel held a sit-in at the Retirement Systems Building in St. Paul today.
New documentary examines Minneapolis police reform efforts going back 150 years
A new documentary called “Paradox: Echoes of Reform & the Minneapolis Police,” shows that police reform efforts sparked from the murder of George Floyd were the echo of generations-long complexities within the Minneapolis Police Department.
The election is less than two weeks away and MPR News is here to answer any questions you may have. From when and where to vote, to who is on your ballot and what referendums are in your area. Ask us your questions.
Minnesota lawmaker drafting legislation to protect students from 'predatory grooming'
State Rep. Liz Reyer plans to introduce new legislation to protect students from “predatory grooming,” following allegations against a former Eagan teacher and an MPR News story detailing how the system to prevent inappropriate relationships between teachers and students can fail.
Giant, floating pumpkin races draw large crowds to annual event in Oregon
Giant, floating pumpkin races have drawn large crowds to the Oregon city of Tualatin. The Portland suburb has hosted the event since 2004. In Sunday's event, giant pumpkins that originally weighed roughly 1,000 pounds were carved out, allowing them to float.
Minnesota Vikings condemn racist messages sent to player
The Minnesota Vikings are condemning racist comments directed at cornerback Isaiah Rodgers. Rodgers posted screenshots of several messages he received after Sunday’s loss; the messages contained expletives and racial slurs.
Rural health care in Minnesota: What's changing and why?
Mayo Clinic Health System recently announced it will end on-call labor and delivery services in Owatonna in November. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about what it means for families — and for rural health care in Minnesota.
Hollywood pushes OpenAI for consent
The latest version of OpenAI’s Sora can quickly turn text prompts and simple images into studio quality videos, which left the entertainment industry deeply uneasy.
Senate Republicans head to the White House in a show of unity as the shutdown enters its fourth week
As the government shutdown enters its fourth week, Senate Republicans are headed to the White House — not for urgent talks on how to end it, but for a display of unity with President Donald Trump as they refuse to negotiate on any Democratic demands. 
The White House starts demolishing part of the East Wing to build Trump’s ballroom
Dramatic photos show construction equipment tearing into the East Wing façade and windows, though the federal agency that oversees such projects has not approved President Trump's 90,000-square-foot, $250 million ballroom.
'Cancer doesn't care': Patients pushed past divisive politics to lobby Congress
Hundreds of volunteer advocates put partisan differences aside and pressed Congress to help people with cancer. The advocacy came just before the stalemate that has shut down the federal government.
Main Street grants boost many downtown Rochester businesses, but some still struggle
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is doling out a final round of grants that were designed to keep businesses afloat during the retail doldrums of the pandemic. For Rochester recipients, it’s been a matter of surviving messy construction, too.
A Minnesota woman who cast her dead mother's ballot for Trump in 2024 must write an essay on voting
A Minnesota woman was convicted of filling out and submitting a mail-in ballot for her deceased mother in support of Republican Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential election.