Minnesota Today 10/22/25
Here’s a roundup of notable news items from Minnesota
Key Stories
1. Major layoffs announced in paving & aggregate company
Minnesota Paving & Materials, a company with multiple operations across Minnesota, announced that it will close some of its facilities by the end of the year, resulting in nearly 300 permanent layoffs. MPR News+1
The closures involve 14 of its Minnesota locations. MPR News
The announcement raises concerns for workers, suppliers, and regional economies, particularly in areas dependent on heavy-construction and infrastructure sectors.
For workers: this may mean needing to look for new employment, retraining, or relocating. For the state: potential ripple effects in local tax bases and community stability.
Tip: If you know someone affected in the industry, check for job-transition resources at regional workforce centers and consider how the broader construction market is shifting (materials, demand, labor).
2. Protest at the State Board of Investment over divestment demands
At a meeting of the Minnesota State Board of Investment (which oversees public-employee pension investment portfolios), protesters staged a sit-in, calling for divestment from Israeli bonds and a return to different investment priorities. MPR News
The protest underscores how global political issues (in this case, Israel/Palestine) are influencing local investment and pension-fund decisions.
It raises questions about fiduciary responsibility, public-employee pension strategy, and how responsive investment boards are to social and political activism.
Tip: If you’re a public-employee fund member, you may want to review how your funds are invested and whether there’s transparency about social-impact or ethical investing policies.
3. Voting-fraud case: Minnesota woman must write essay on voting after casting dead mother’s ballot
In an unusual court decision, a Minnesota woman who cast a mail-in ballot in her deceased mother’s name in the 2024 election has been ordered to write an essay and read a book on voting’s importance to democracy. KNSI
The case emphasizes that even small-scale election-law violations are being taken seriously.
It raises broader discussion about mail-in ballots, election integrity, and how laws enforce ethical behavior in voting.
Tip: For anyone participating in absentee voting/ mail-in ballots: double-check eligibility rules, sign-in requirements, and ensure accuracy to avoid legal exposure.
4. Local arts spotlight: Teen from Chanhassen wins statewide singing competition
Miriam Gilbertson, a teen from Chanhassen who was a past winner of a local contest, has now won the 13–20 age division of the statewide “Minnesota Sings” competition. She sang “The Wizard and I” from the musical Wicked, won a $5,000 prize, and recorded at a studio as part of her award. Eden Prairie Local News
She committed to donating a portion of her winnings ($500) to a local youth shelter, showing social-awareness alongside achievement.
Tip: This is a reminder of the vibrancy of Minnesota’s arts scene and how local talent can scale to statewide recognition—good for educators, parents, students to know about for inspiration or participation.
5. Emergency services / missing teen alert
In Isle, Minnesota, the police are actively seeking a 17-year-old teen who has been missing since Tuesday morning. KARE 11
Also, various emergency-services logs from the Worthington, Minnesota area, the Nobles County, Minnesota Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota State Patrol were featured, reflecting local policing and incident updates. Worthington Globe
Tip: For families and communities: missing-teen alerts often rely on public tips—if you’re in those regions, stay alert, circulate information, and check local police communications.
6. Statewide weather & early winter warning
While the region is preparing for calmer weather (drying out Wednesday in the Twin Cities) the outlook is flashing an above-average chance of more snow and cold beginning in December. CBS News+1
The near-term: drizzle or light rain expected in the morning in Twin Cities, but clearing and sun later. CBS News+1
The longer-term: businesses and households in Minnesota should review winter-readiness (supplies, heating systems, snow-clear budgets).
Tip: For homeowners/ renters: check heating systems, insulate windows, stock supplies ahead of early cold; for business: consider the potential for weather-disruption impacts and plan accordingly.
7. Sports & Local Highlights
In high-school football: state polls were released (for Oct. 21). Rochester Post Bulletin
In college volleyball: the Bemidji State Beavers pulled off a significant upset vs the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs—their first win over them since 1998. Bemidji Pioneer
Also the Minnesota State Mavericks (Womens Volleyball) lost a three-set match to the St. Cloud State Huskies. msumavericks.com
Tip: For local sports fans: this can affect upcoming tournaments, playoff hopes, and local athletic morale.