Stories from July 18, 2025

Where to start? This week’s new releases are an all-you-can-read buffet
This week, new horror from Silvia Moreno-Garcia, a funny college do-over from Jeneva Rose, and autofiction from Hannah Pittard. Plus, stories about the American South, and a deep dive into the Earth.
Channeling Paul Bunyan: Veterans try axe throwing at National Wheelchair Games in Minneapolis
This week, 550 athletes are in Minneapolis for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games — the world’s largest wheelchair sport and rehabilitation event for military veterans. Each year, a new sport is chosen to exhibit. For Minnesota, it’s axe throwing.
Latest drought monitor shows widespread recovery across Minnesota
Drought conditions across Minnesota are minimal heading into the second half of summer, thanks to recent rainfall. However, we’re not in the clear yet — forecast models point to a warm, dry pattern for the rest of July, which could quickly reverse those gains.
Isaac Thompson named president and CEO of Minnesota Orchestra
Isaac Thompson, a Twin Cities native and current head of the Oregon Symphony, has been named president and CEO of the Minnesota Orchestra, returning to lead the organization he grew up attending.
Trump files defamation suit over 'Wall Street Journal' story on his Epstein ties
President Trump said Friday he looked forward to seeing “The Wall Street Journal” and its owner, Rupert Murdoch in court after reporting on his past ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Ground squirrels are taking over a North Dakota city and officials are not amused
Ground squirrels have proliferated in Minot, North Dakota's fourth-largest city. They've burrowed everywhere from vacant lots to school grounds, residential areas and the downtown area.
ACA health insurance will cost the average person 75 percent more next year, research shows
A new analysis shows that health insurance premiums for Obamacare are set to soar next year, as financial help that subsidized the cost expires. Congress is not likely to extend the subsidies.
WNBA All-Stars dazzle fans with stunning fashion on the Orange Carpet
WNBA All-Stars kicked off their weekend with a fashion showcase on Thursday night in Indianapolis. Players turned the orange carpet into a runway, delighting fans with bold outfits and stylish looks.
State Sen. Nicole Mitchell took the stand Thursday in her burglary trial at the Becker County Courthouse. The DFL’er from Woodbury told jurors she broke into her stepmother’s Detroit Lakes home over a year ago to check on her welfare.
Sen. Nicole Mitchell guilty of two counts of burglary after multi-day trial
A jury found state Sen. Nicole Mitchell guilty of two felony burglary charges for breaking into her stepmother’s home in April of 2024. The conviction could cost the DFL control of the Minnesota Senate.
Days of conventions past: How a fan event captures why people love the X-Men
A Minneapolis fan convention called “The Uncanny Experience” transformed the historic Minneapolis Club into the X-Men’s Xavier Institute, offering immersive cosplay, storytelling, and community-building for fans who connect deeply with the X-Men’s themes of outsider identity, found family, and empowerment through shared weirdness.
Vikings' Jordan Addison resolves DUI case by pleading no contest to a lesser charge
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison has resolved a 2024 DUI charge by pleading no contest to a lesser offense. His attorney announced Thursday that Addison agreed to a “wet reckless” charge in California. 
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