MPR News
Minneapolis witch coven take to their paddleboards for spooky lake gathering
- Title
- Minneapolis witch coven take to their paddleboards for spooky lake gathering
- Runtime
- 1:10
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- On an unseasonably warm Oct. 1, a coven of witches took to the waters of Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis to unite their powers and brew mystical potions. The group traded their brooms for paddleboards and air for water in search of companionship, joy and to mark the beginning of spooky season.
The evening was organized by members of Twin Cities Paddle Club and word spread through Facebook of the informal event. The group also plans to take to the small seas on Oct. 10 before Halloween gets into full swing and their sorcery skills are in greater demand.
Story and video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Rock riprap on Minnesota lake shorelines is causing problems
- Runtime
- 2:07
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- On lakes across Minnesota, it’s common to see shorelines buffered with boulders, often stretching hundreds of feet across and several feet deep.
These barricades of large rocks, known as riprap, are designed to keep soil from crumbling into the lake due to waves or high water. For many home or cabin owners, riprap also creates a neat, aesthetically pleasing shoreline, a status symbol for up-north lake life.
But armoring lakeshores comes with an environmental cost.
Story by Kirsti Marohn, video captured by Kirsti Marohn and Ben Hovland, video edited by Jo Larson.
- Title
- Gully Boys guitarist Mariah Mercedes on the band's debut album after nine years
- Runtime
- 9:31
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Those in the Twin Cities music scene might be familiar with the Gully Boys' pop-grunge sound. They've been touring and playing local shows for nearly a decade.
But this week, the band takes the monumental leap of releasing their debut, self-titled album. Minnesota Now host Nina Moini sat down with guitarist Mariah Mercedes to learn more.
Listen to Minnesota Now every day at noon on MPR News or wherever you get your podcasts.
Produced by Ellen Finn
Audio engineering by Alex Simpson
Video captured by Matt Mikus, edited by Payton Whaley
Thumbnail photo by Juliet Farmer for MPR
- Title
- Minnesota Zoo’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular goes “bump” in the night
- Runtime
- 0:30
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Over 5,000 carved pumpkins are now on display at the Minnesota Zoo at its annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular which runs through Nov. 2.
The event is part pumpkin patch, part art installation with artistically carved pumpkins lighting the way through a wooded trail at the zoo.
This year’s theme of the carvings is “What Goes Bump in the Night,” and features an expanded walking route. Tickets to the event often sell out and must be bought in advance on the Minnesota Zoo website.
Story and video by Jo Larson
- Title
- Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier slams WNBA leadership for lack of accountability
- Runtime
- 2:49
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Minnesota Lynx star forward Napheesa Collier blasted WNBA leadership in a statement on Tuesday after her team's postseason ended Sunday with a Game 4 loss to the Phoenix Mercury.
Collier did not play Sunday after suffering an ankle injury while Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas stole the ball from her in Game 3 -- no foul was called on that play. The team was also missing their head coach, Cheryl Reeve, who was suspended and fined $15,000 because of her behavior and comments towards officials in Game 3.
As part of her statement Tuesday, Collier criticized the WNBA's officiating, which has already been under scrutiny. The Lynx lost the 2024 WNBA Finals to the New York Liberty after a series of controversial calls by referees.
In a statement released after Collier’s comments, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said, “I am disheartened by how Napheesa characterized our conversations and league leadership, but even when our perspectives differ, my comm...
- Title
- Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson on widespread fraud in Minnesota
- Runtime
- 12:21
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- In the last two weeks, federal prosecutors have charged nine people with defrauding two Medicaid programs in Minnesota, and alleged fraud has been uncovered in a third program.
Acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Joe Thompson is the prosecutor in charge of all of these cases, and he came by Minnesota Now to chat with host Nina Moini about how we got here.
Listen to Minnesota Now every day at noon on MPR News, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Audio engineering by Cliff Bentley
Video captured by Erik Stromstad and Mitchell Klein
Video edited by Payton Whaley
- Title
- ‘It was a joy’: Minnesota Lynx reflect on team bond after playoff loss
- Runtime
- 1:58
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The top-seeded Minnesota Lynx saw their postseason come to an end Sunday when they lost 86-81 to the Phoenix Mercury in Game 4 of the playoff semifinal.
The short-handed Lynx played Sunday without suspended coach Cheryl Reeve and All-Star guard Napheesa Collier, who suffered an ankle injury near the end of Game 3.
Story by The Associated Press and Emily Reese, video courtesy WNBA, video edit by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz thought Kamala Harris portrayed him fairly in new book
- Runtime
- 2:47
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- In Kamala Harris’ new book, she recounts her search for a vice presidential nominee during the beginning of the 107 days of her presidential campaign last year. After a brief search, she chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to be her running mate.
MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst sat down with Walz to ask about how he viewed his portrayal in the book, which came out on Sept. 23.
To hear more from their conversation, visit mprnews.org
Video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Indigenous Interpreters Organization is improving access for Deaf Indigenous people in Minnesota
- Runtime
- 0:51
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Cindi Martin, a Deaf Ojibwe woman, is the managing director of Indigenous Interpreters Organization. Martin and the IIO team are meeting a need for Indigenous interpreters, adapting American Sign Language to meet the needs of Deaf Indigenous people, and educating the interpreting community about the need for culturally informed interpreting.
Story by Melissa Olson, Video by Chandra Colvin.
- Title
- Minnesotans mourn Charlie Kirk at Turning Point USA event at U of M
- Runtime
- 2:58
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- More than 1,600 people gathered Monday at the University of Minnesota’s Northrop Auditorium for “The American Comeback Tour” — the college event originally hosted by Charlie Kirk.
Michael Knowles, a conservative commentator and author, took to the stage to honor Kirk and take questions at the Turning Point USA event.
Kirk, 31, the founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated on Sept. 10 by a gunman during the tour’s kickoff event at Utah Valley University. Last Thursday, Colorado State University held the first stop of “The American Comeback Tour” since Kirk was killed.
Video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Over 1,000 gathers at Rochester's Soldiers Field to honor Charlie Kirk, other victims of violence
- Runtime
- 0:40
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- An estimated 1,500 to 2,000 people gathered at Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial Thursday in Rochester, Minnesota for a mournful candlelight vigil to honor slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk and other recent victims of gun violence within the last several months.
Brad Trahan, a Rochester resident who organized the vigil, told the silent arc-shaped gathering that the event was both about remembrance and hope.
“We’re here to honor Charlie Kirk and all victims taken by cowardly acts of violence, regardless of who they are, what they believe and what they stand for,” Trahan said. “We come together to dedicate ourselves to peace. Charlie’s life symbolized dialogue, peace, faith and that goodwill will always supersede evil.”
Story by Matthew Stolle | Rochester Post Bulletin, video captured by Ken Klotzbach for MPR News and edited by Anne Guttridge | MPR News
- Title
- Minnesotans can now buy recreational cannabis at medical dispensaries
- Runtime
- 1:56
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Minnesotans can now buy recreational cannabis at non-tribal dispensaries for the first time since legalization in 2023. RISE Dispensaries and Green Goods, the state’s two medical-marijuana providers, began selling adult-use products to customers 21 and over this week.
Previously, access to recreational cannabis was limited to dispensaries on tribal lands and two off-reservation cannabis stores in Moorhead and St. Cloud run by White Earth Nation. The opening of sales at Green Goods and RISE means access will vastly expand while the majority of the state’s cannabis industry is still working to become operational.
This all comes at the same time as the first microbusiness retailer, Legacy Cannabis in Duluth, started selling recreational cannabis with supply from White Earth Nation on Tuesday.
Story by Nicole Ki, video captured by Anne Guttridge and Jo Larson, video edited by Jo Larson
- Title
- Democrat Xp Lee wins race to fill seat of assassinated state Rep. Melissa Hortman
- Runtime
- 3:19
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Democratic candidate Xp Lee prevailed Tuesday, Sept. 16, in a pivotal special election to fill the seat left open after Minnesota House leader Melissa Hortman was assassinated in June.
The outcome, called by The Associated Press not long after voting closed in the Brooklyn Park-area district, will return the House to a 67-67 tie between the parties.
Lee beat Republican nominee Ruth Bittner in the district which has favored Democrats. Hortman held the seat for two decades.
MPR News senior reporter Sarah Thamer interviewed Lee about his election to the Minnesota House on Sept. 17.
Story by Sarah Thamer, video edit by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Minnesota crop art is on display in the Smithsonian American Art Museum
- Runtime
- 3:00
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Several Minnesotans' works are now on display the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s new exhibit “State Fairs: Growing American Craft.”
Front and center is the promotional image: A crop art work by Minneapolis artist Liz Schreiber. Schreiber grew up in Virginia going to the museums and said, “I kind of flipped out when I got this email.”
The Smithsonian visited the Minnesota State Fair in 2023 while Schreiber’s commemorative art piece was on display. They later commissioned her to make the piece which appears on display in the Renwick Gallery and on the cover of the exhibition catalogue, as well as on tote bags, T-shirts, scarves, magnets and postcards.
Story by Alex V. Cipolle, video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Legacy Cannabis in Duluth is the first state-licensed micro business to sell #cannabis
- Runtime
- 1:59
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- More than two years after recreational cannabis was legalized in Minnesota, the first state-licensed microbusiness dispensary opened in Duluth on Tuesday.
Legacy Cannabis joins tribal cannabis dispensaries, which have been selling their own recreational cannabis for over two years, and the state's two medical cannabis companies, which begin selling recreational cannabis this week.
Legacy Cannabis is selling products grown by the White Earth Nation’s cannabis business Waabigwan Mashkiki, which means "flower medicine" in Ojibwe. Legacy Cannabis in Duluth is the first state-licensed business to sell cannabis grown buy a tribal supplier.
Story by Dan Kraker, video captured by Erica Dischino for MPR News, video edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Who are the StudBudz? Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman are the Minnesota Lynx's dynamic duo
- Runtime
- 9:41
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- They're talented, they're funny and they're impossible to miss on the court. But who are the StudBudz?
MPR News newscaster Emily Reese rejoins Minnesota Now host Nina Moini in the studio to introduce new fans to Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman - a.k.a. the StudBudz.
For more on the Lynx, head over to https://www.mprnews.org/.
Audio engineering by Cliff Bentley
Video captured by Payton Whaley and Anika Besst
Video edited by Payton Whaley
#studbudz #wnba #minnesotalynx #basketball
- Title
- Meet the Minnesota Lynx's star players
- Runtime
- 11:55
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- If you're new to the Minnesota Lynx bandwagon, there's a lot to follow: tournament standings, interpersonal drama, merch - not to mention the players. So MPR News newscaster and Lynx superfan Emily Reese returned to the studio with Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to break down five players to watch out for this postseason.
For more on the Lynx, head over to https://www.mprnews.org/.
Audio engineering by Cliff Bentley
Video captured by Payton Whaley, Erik Stromstad and Anika Besst
Video edited by Payton Whaley
- Title
- Vivid fall colors are starting to pop in northern Minnesota
- Runtime
- 0:46
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- This could be a particularly good year for autumn leaves in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, this year’s changeover could be earlier — and more colorful — than usual.
Dry conditions in May helped trees leaf out and avoid leaf diseases and there was no significant drought this summer. The cooler-than-average weather at the beginning of September can help boost red pigments in leaves.
MPR News editor Andrew Krueger took a weekend trip up north and captured these stunning views.
Story by Estelle Timar-Wilcox
Video edit by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Why you should be watching the Minnesota Lynx
- Runtime
- 10:58
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Revenge is a dish best served on the court.
After closing out their regular season as the No. 1 team in the WNBA, the Minnesota Lynx is ready to begin their "revenge tour" in the playoffs. They're vying for the title after a heartbreaking loss to the New York Liberty last year.
MPR Newscaster and Lynx superfan Emily Reese joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini in the studio to break down why fans can expect this year's playoffs to have no shortage of drama.
For more on the Lynx, head over to https://www.mprnews.org/.
Audio engineering by Cliff Bentley
Video captured by Payton Whaley, Erik Stromstad and Anika Besst
Video edited by Payton Whaley
Thumbnail photo credit: Pamela Smith | AP
#minnesotalynx #minnesotasports #wnba
- Title
- Mom remembers daughter Harper Moyski, 10, as 'the brightest light'
- Runtime
- 3:20
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Hundreds gathered for a celebration of life for Harper Moyski at the Lake Harriet Bandshell in Minneapolis on Sunday, Sept. 14. The 10-year-old girl was killed in the deadly mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School on Aug. 27.
Harper’s parents, Jackie Flavin and Mike Moyski, eulogized Harper, sharing three lessons they learned from her: Be your own kind of light; let your light be big; and light grows when we share it.
The parents also thanked the community for the outpouring of support and love they have felt over the last few weeks. Flavin said, like the love she has received from others after the death of Harper, the love of her daughter isn’t something that will ever fade. It is something she will always carry.
Story by Nicole Ki, Sam Stroozas and Todd Melby | MPR News
Video captured by Anne Guttridge and Ben Hovland | MPR News
Thumbnail photo by Ben Hovland | MPR News
Video livestream by Fox9
Video ...
- Title
- Minnesota Lynx gear up for WNBA playoffs
- Runtime
- 1:26
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The Minnesota Lynx head to the WNBA playoffs this Sunday as championship favorites. The team was favored last year, too, but lost their final match to the New York Liberty after a series of controversial calls by referees.
“This s--- was stolen from us,” said Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve in a postgame conference.
Ahead of this year’s playoff games, MPR News checked in with fans at the last regular-season Lynx game about those foul calls and their thoughts on the post-season.
Video by Feven Gerezgiher.
- Title
- Talking Volumes: Stacey Abrams on democracy, reading and her new novel 'Coded Justice'
- Runtime
- 1:18:59
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Get tickets to upcoming Talking Volumes events with Patricia Lockwood, Misty Copeland and John Grisham here: https://www.mprevents.org/events/
The Fitzgerald Theater was filled to the rafters Wednesday night for the season launch of Talking Volumes. Activist and novelist Stacey Abrams joined Kerri Miller on the stage and began the evening with a moment of silence to mark the assassination of Charlie Kirk, who had been shot and killed only hours earlier.
Abrams, herself a national political figure, said dark moments such as these need to be met with determined unity — to stand for and with one another. She got those values from her parents, she said, who always emphasized the need to be in church, in school and in service to others.
She also reflected on how failure has worked in her life as a catalyst for growth and how books have led her to develop a deep moral consciousness.
It’s no surprise to readers who love her novels — in...
- Title
- Minnesota crop art is on display in the Smithsonian American Art Museum
- Runtime
- 3:00
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Several Minnesotans' works are now on display the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s new exhibit “State Fairs: Growing American Craft.”
Front and center is the promotional image: A crop art work by Minneapolis artist Liz Schreiber. Schreiber grew up in Virginia going to the museums and said, “I kind of flipped out when I got this email.”
The Smithsonian visited the Minnesota State Fair in 2023 while Schreiber’s commemorative art piece was on display. They later commissioned her to make the piece which appears on display in the Renwick Gallery and on the cover of the exhibition catalogue, as well as on tote bags, T-shirts, scarves, magnets and postcards.
Story by Alex V. Cipolle, video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Flags of Minnesota's tribal nations now fly permanently at the state Capitol
- Runtime
- 1:22
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- A crowd of approximately 300 gathered Friday morning in the Lower Mall of the Capitol grounds to honor what is said to be a historic moment in Minnesota. Flags of the 11 federally recognized tribes in the state were raised for the first time at the Capitol grounds and will fly permanently at the new Tribal Flag Plaza.
Construction on the Tribal Flag Plaza began earlier this year as a part of the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board’s first phase of the Capitol Mall Design Framework.
Story by Chandra Colvin, video captured by Tim Evans for MPR News and edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Mass shooting victim Fletcher Merkel, 8, remembered as energetic, curious, giving in funeral
- Runtime
- 2:46
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Hundreds of mourners gathered in a packed church in Minneapolis to remember the life of Fletcher Merkel, the 8-year-old boy who was killed in the deadly mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School on Aug. 27.
Ahead of the service, Fletcher’s family asked attendees not to wear black. Instead, they encouraged mourners to wear bright colors. His father, Jesse Merkel, has said the family wants Fletcher to be remembered for who he was and not how he died.
Fletcher was remembered for his love of cooking, fishing, sports and family as well as his generous and kind nature.
Video captured by Tim Evans and Nicole Ki. Video edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- How Minneapolis is working to heal and help others after the Annunciation shooting
- Runtime
- 3:08
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- In the days following the deadly mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, the community surrounding the school has found ways to come together.
On Tuesday, more than 200 people met at Fleet Feet Minneapolis to run from the store, along the Minnehaha Creek, to the memorial at Annunciation with teddy bears in hand.
On Wednesday, MPR News reporter Cari Spencer and video producer Anne Guttridge rode with Sarah Henning as she helped distribute materials for bows that line the streets of the community. The effort was started the day after the shooting by parents affiliated with the school and has grown as more people want to take part. You can find more information about their initiative at bowsoflove.com.
Story by Cari Spencer, video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Girl in critical condition since Annunciation shooting in Minneapolis has bullet in brain
- Runtime
- 4:14
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Doctors say 12-year-old Sophia Forchas remains in critical condition 10 days after being shot in the head during a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis.
The shooting killed 10-year-old Harper Moyski and 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and injured 21 others — including 18 students between the ages of 6 and 15. Three adults were also injured. Police say the shooter fired more than 100 bullets during the attack.
Dr. Walt Galicich, chief of neurosurgery at Hennepin Healthcare, says Forchas is in a medically induced coma and that a bullet remains lodged in her brain. The bullet’s path, Galicich said during a news conference Friday, injured critical blood vessels.
Video captured by Matt Sepic and edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Mother of girl shot in Minneapolis Annunciation shooting calls for a ban on semiautomatic rifles
- Runtime
- 4:46
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Malia Kimbrell, the mother of 9-year-old Vivian St. Clair, spoke publicly Thursday, Sept. 4, for the first time since her daughter was shot multiple times in the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis last week. She called for an immediate ban on semiautomatic rifles and high-capacity magazines.
"I will get the names of any lawmakers who stand in the way of that happening, and I will invite you to come to my living room and insist that you hold Vivian's hand while we do her dressing changes each night, and she cries the entire time, and you can look her in the eye while you cleanse her bullet wounds, and you can tell her to her face why you are opposed to keeping her safe. Why a semiautomatic rifle is more valuable than her life," Kimbrell said.
Video captured by Feven Gerezgiher and edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Parents of kid hurt in Minneapolis Annunciation shooting ask VP JD Vance to address gun violence
- Runtime
- 6:07
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance visited Minneapolis on Wednesday, one week after the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School that killed two children and injured 21 other people.
As part of their trip, they went to Children’s Minnesota to visit Lydia Kaiser, who is one of two children still hospitalized as of Wednesday. Lydia’s parents, Leah and Harry Kaiser, spoke publicly after the visit about how they’re calling on Vance to address gun violence across the U.S
Video captured by Feven Gerezgiher, edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Hundreds rally in Twin Cities for gun restrictions after mass shooting
- Runtime
- 1:01
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Less than a week after a deadly school shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, hundreds gathered in Minneapolis and St. Paul to demand stricter gun laws.
The shooting killed 10-year-old Harper Moyski and 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and injured 21 others — including 18 students between the ages of 6 and 15. Three adults were also injured. Police say the shooter fired more than 100 bullets during the attack.
Three Twin Cities area mayors will be at the Capitol on Tuesday to call for stricter gun laws and to support a proposal that would allow cities to pass their own gun reforms. It's was not clear as of Tuesday morning whether Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz would call an emergency legislative session on gun proposals.
Story by Sarah Thamer, video captured by Tim Evans for MPR News, video edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Thousands gather to mourn Annunciation shooting victims at vigils in Minneapolis
- Runtime
- 1:42
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Thousands of people gathered at vigils on Wednesday evening to remember and pray for the victims of the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis earlier in the day.
One of the vigils was held at Academy of Holy Angels, a Catholic high school in Richfield. Many students at Holy Angels attended Annunciation as elementary students. Another was held at Lynnhurst Park in Minneapolis, located just blocks from where the Annunciation shootings took place.
Story by Regina Medina, Video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Police provide update on Minneapolis Church Shooting that killed 2, injured 17
- Runtime
- 34:06
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Law enforcement officials are holding a press conference to share the latest details on the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and Church in Minneapolis. Two children were killed and 17 others injured when a gunman opened fire during morning Mass.
More on this story:
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/08/28/updates-mass-shooting-annunciation-catholic-school-church
- Title
- Hennepin Healthcare doctors, EMS give update on Annunciation mass shooting
- Runtime
- 30:30
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- A day after ten shooting victims were brought to Hennepin Healthcare, physicians and EMS staff will be available to provide an update and answer questions about how Level I Adult and Pediatric Trauma Centers prepare and respond to mass casualty events.
Read more here:
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/08/28/updates-mass-shooting-annunciation-catholic-school-church
- Title
- Father of child killed in church shooting wants son to be remembered for who he was, not how he died
- Runtime
- 2:20
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The father of one of the two children killed in a mass shooting at a south Minneapolis church and school spoke to the media about his son, Fletcher on Thursday. Jesse Merkel asked of those listening to, “please remember Fletcher for the person he was, and not the act that ended his life."
Eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel is one of two children killed at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Thursday evening, 10-year-old Harper Moyski was identified as the other young victim.
Eighteen people were injured in the mass shooting Wednesday at Annunciation Catholic School and Church in Minneapolis, 15 of them were children. They were shot while at morning Mass celebrating the start of school.
Video by Anne Guttridge, thumbnail photo by Ben Hovland
- Title
- Officials give update on shooting at Annunciation Catholic church, school in Minneapolis
- Runtime
- 37:32
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Two children were killed and 17 people were injured in a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis Wednesday morning.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said late Wednesday morning that the shooting happened during a morning Mass marking the first week of school in which children and adults were worshipping.
Read more here:
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/08/27/minneapolis-shooting-annunciation-catholic-school-church
- Title
- 2 children and gunman dead, 17 injured in mass shooting at south Minneapolis church and school
- Runtime
- 1:36
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Two children were killed and 17 people were injured in a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis Wednesday morning.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said late Wednesday morning that the shooting happened during a morning Mass marking the first week of school in which children and adults were worshipping.
Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed as they were in the pews.
Of the 17 wounded, 14 were children. Officials said multiple children were in critical condition and at least some were undergoing operations at HCMC.
O’Hara said the gunman, a man in his early 20s, is believed to have killed himself.
Video captured by Ben Hovland, Jessica Bari and Nicole Ki
Press conference video by the city of Minneapolis
Video edited by Anne Guttridge
#minneapolis #shooting #AnnunciationCatholicChurch
- Title
- These sisters prepare their llamas for the Minnesota State Fair 4-H Llama-Alpaca Costume competition
- Runtime
- 1:59
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Addie and Lucy Odergaard have been costuming llamas since they were each five years old. This year, both sisters will be competing at the #minnesotastatefair in the 4-H Llama-Alpaca Costume Contest.
Lucy, who is 14, won the textile award for the Intermediate Class at last year's contest for the Statue of Liberty costume she made for Dozer. This year will be Addie’s first time competing in the contest at the State Fair.
The Llama-Alpaca Costume Contest has become a popular event at the fair, filling the Warner Coliseum with spectators. You can see the contest for yourself at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27.
Story by Anika Besst, video by Anne Guttridge
#llama #alpaca
- Title
- State Fair traditions keep a Minnesota farm family close across generations
- Runtime
- 1:20
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The Schmidt family is no stranger to farm animals. The three young sisters — who are the fourth generation of the family to show livestock — are showing pigs, sheep and cattle at the Minnesota State Fair this year.
The experience comes from years of spending weekends at shows as well as early mornings and late nights tending to the animals, and having the confidence to mess up but try again. Over the years, 16-year-old Kate Schmidt said she’s learned more about herself and what drives her to keep showing the animals.
“Showing gives me an added sense of discipline. It’s something in my summer that teaches me lessons. I’m never not learning something new,” she said.
Story by Sam Stroozas, video by Anita Li
- Title
- Minnesotans honor slain state Rep. Melissa Hortman and husband in crop art at the State Fair
- Runtime
- 2:15
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Hundreds of people submitted pieces to the Minnesota State Fair annual crop art competition. This year’s entries included several honoring slain state Rep. Melissa Hortman, her husband, Mark, and their golden retriever, Gilbert.
They were fatally shot and killed in their home by a gunman authorities say posed as a police officer and who is accused of targeting multiple lawmakers. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and law enforcement officials described the killings as a politically motivated assassination. The shooter also wounded state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
Among the artists were state Rep. Athena Hollins, who got to know Melissa Hortman during her time in the Legislature. Hollins was the primary artist but asked members of her DFL caucus to help place seeds so it could be a team effort. She told MPR News that piece includes the phrase “Sow Love” because it is a part of the St. Francis prayer that Hortman carried in her purse.
This ...
- Title
- This couple got married at the Minnesota State Fair on opening day
- Runtime
- 0:59
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- One of Brandon Gerlach and Julie Venn’s first dates included riding Ye Old Mill at the Minnesota State Fair. So it felt fitting for the couple to get married in an informal wedding ceremony outside the Agriculture-Horticulture Building next to the ride on the opening day of the fair.
The couple has gone to the fair together for the past eight years and wanted to include the Great Minnesota Get-Together on their big day. Thankfully, MPR News was invited to take part and capture the festivities.
Video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash at the Minnesota State Fair
- Runtime
- 7:46
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- WeeWee the Chi-Weenie is on stage along with her trainer Abby Cline and Chris Perondi, founder of Stunt Dog Productions. They are part of the team behind the All-Star Stunt Dogs Splash at the Northwoods Stage.
- Title
- Sam Schedler asks: What did people submit for the Minnesota State Fair baking competition?
- Runtime
- 2:05
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Every year, hundreds of Minnesotans submit their baked goods for judging in the Minnesota State Fair’s Baked Products competition.
This year comedian Sam Schedler not only entered the competition, but stuck around afterwards to interview fellow bakers as well.
Video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Submitting to the Minnesota State Fair baking contest for the first time with comedian Sam Schedler
- Runtime
- 1:34
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Comedian Sam Schedler loves to bake, and we love the Minnesota State Fair. So MPR News asked to join Sam as he submitted his baking to this year’s Baked Products competition at the fair. He learned a lot and so did we!
Video by Anne Guttridge
#SamSchedler #minnesotastatefair #baking
- Title
- How 'Squirmy and Grubs' prove their naysayers wrong
- Runtime
- 2:05
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- "Squirmy and Grubs," a.k.a. Shane and Hannah Burcaw, have amassed millions of followers by showcasing the ups and downs of their interabled relationship. That kind of attention can also bring out the worst in people.
Shane and Hannah spoke with Ellen Finn from Minnesota Now about how they handle the vitriol and turn it into motivation.
Story by Ellen Finn, video edited by Payton Whaley
@SquirmyandGrubs
- Title
- Watch the DNR pond at the Minnesota State Fair get stocked with hundreds of fish
- Runtime
- 1:01
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The fish in the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources pond are back for another year of fair fun. The DNR has been bringing in hundreds of live, native fish for 120 years.
During the run of the Minnesota State Fair from Thursday through Labor Day, fairgoers can see the rare paddlefish and prehistoric lake sturgeon, plus a few dozen more species.
Video captured by Ben Hovland and edited by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Northern Minnesota’s lakes have a mercury problem
- Runtime
- 2:11
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Minnesota has reduced the amount of mercury it spews into the atmosphere by nearly two-thirds since 2005. Yet the level of mercury found in walleye and northern pike in many of the state’s lakes has continued to slowly but steadily rise for the past 30 years.
Hundreds of lakes across the North Woods are contaminated with mercury, including those in protected areas like the Boundary Waters. That contamination is worsening now despite years of efforts to close coal-fired power plants and scrub industrial emissions.
Story by Dan Kraker, video by Anne Guttridge
- Title
- Minneapolis duo Atmosphere answer: Pronto Pup or corn dog? #mnstatefair
- Runtime
- 0:28
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The Pronto Pup has been a mainstay at the Minnesota State Fair since 1947. But some still consider the classic corn dog to be the superior breaded hot dog of the two.
Nilufer Arsala from The Current’s Morning Show asked Ant and Slug from @Atmosphere to weigh in on the debate during her conversation with them ahead of their state fair concert.
The Minneapolis duo will perform on the Grandstand Stage as part of The Current’s Music On-A-Stick 2025 lineup on Saturday, Aug. 23.
Video captured by The Current Staff, edited by Anne Guttridge and John Kueppers
- Title
- Immigration officials release Twin Cities mom from custody
- Runtime
- 1:14
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- After detaining her for nearly a month, immigration officials released Antonia Aguilar Maldonado from custody on Wednesday, Aug. 13. Her case has drawn attention in part because she is a lactating mother to a 22-month-old nursing toddler, and her attorneys say jail staff initially did not provide her a breast pump, leading to her milk turning green.
Aguilar Maldonado came to the U.S. in 2016 without legal status as a 17-year-old unaccompanied minor from El Salvador. On July 17 she was on her way to work when federal agents arrested her and her husband in St. Paul.
Her attorneys say agents cited an old removal order against her during her arrest, but that order was previously reopened and canceled by an immigration judge after it was determined she never received proper notice of a hearing as a teenager. She has no criminal record and has an active asylum case.
Aguilar Maldonado spoke to the press with one of her attorneys, Gloria Contreras Edin, who tran...
- Title
- See how Katelyn Clemons designed the MPR tote bag for the 2025 Minnesota State Fair
- Runtime
- 0:30
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Artist Katelyn Clemons shared this video recording of her designing the MPR tote bag for the 2025 Minnesota State Fair using Procreate. Video courtesy of Katelyn Clemons.
- Title
- Fire manager shares how drones can help prevent and fight wildfires
- Runtime
- 1:37
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Bradley Oen is the assistant fire management officer at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s northwest hub in Detroit Lakes. His work is all about how to properly protect federal lands and habitats in Minnesota.
Part of his job involves using small drones to prevent and fight wildfires. He recently spoke about his work with MPR News producer Lukas Levin.
Video captured by Lukas Levin, edit by Anne Guttridge
