Minnesota Today 8/12/25
Minnesota News – August 12, 2025
1. Air Quality Under Siege Amid Wildfire Smoke
Minnesota is grappling with severely degraded air quality. A statewide alert persists, with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency extending the alert through 4 p.m. in southeast Minnesota and through 11 p.m. Wednesday in northern regions, driven by heavy wildfire smoke from Canada. Notably, as of early Tuesday morning, Minneapolis ranked among the top 10 most polluted major cities worldwide, fueled by PM2.5 levels from smoke-laden haze. Residents—especially those with respiratory conditions—should stay indoors, reduce exertion, and use masks or air purifiers if needed.
2. Ransomware Shock: St. Paul Cyberattack Response
St. Paul continues recovery efforts following a ransomware attack that began on July 25. City officials shut down networks, refused to pay the ransom, and started “Operation Secure St. Paul” on August 10, including mass password resets for about 3,500 employees. Progress is being made, but the city remains on high alert as recovery continues.
3. Justice on the Move: Conviction Under Review
In a major legal development, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty has asked to vacate the 1998 murder conviction of Bryan Hooper Sr. after a key witness, now incarcerated for an unrelated offense, confessed that she committed the crime—a confession outlined in a handwritten letter. The Great North Innocence Project supported the petition, now awaiting a judge’s determination within 90 days.
4. Troubles at CentraCare: Job Cuts Ahead
CentraCare has announced sweeping layoffs—535 positions eliminated across central Minnesota, including at St. Cloud Hospital, as part of a major restructuring. Additionally, another company in Mendota Heights is laying off 36 employees. These moves mark a significant shift in the regional job landscape.
5. Environmental & Recreational Spotlight: Lake Alice Drained
A mechanical failure in a 65-year-old water-control structure has left Lake Alice in William O’Brien State Park nearly dry. The malfunction has impaired recreation, caused fish die-offs, and the beach is unusable. Restoration efforts are underway, but a timeline remains unclear.
6. Pop Culture Hits Mall of America—In Real Life
The Mall of America is set to host Minnesota’s first Pop Mart store, offering highly sought-after Labubu toys. Previously available only via local vending machines, these toys—especially rare editions—have sparked crazes akin to “Beanie Babies.”
7. Sports Update: Vikings Season Takes a Hit
Kansas City shocker: Vikings wide receiver and return specialist Rondale Moore has been ruled out for the entire 2025 season after suffering another knee injury during the preseason. It’s his second straight year lost to such an injury. In other local sports news, WNBA standout Jaylyn Sherrod signed with the Minnesota Lynx, expected to contribute depth as they prepare for a playoff run.
Greater Minnesota Highlights — August 12, 2025
1. Rural Intersection Crash Sends Five to the Hospital
In Redwood County—about 30 miles southeast of Marshall—a pick-up truck failed to stop at a rural intersection on County Roads 4 and 6 just before 10:30 a.m., colliding with another truck. The crash left five individuals hospitalized. Local law enforcement is still investigating the collision.
2. Autonomous Transit Expansion in Itasca County
Minnesota’s free autonomous transit system, goMARTI, will expand on September 2 to include over 60 new stops across Cohasset, Deer River, and Ball Club—bringing the total to more than 150 stops in Itasca County. The service will also introduce three new non-autonomous vehicles (one fully electric, two hybrids with wheelchair access) and extend operating hours to 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday–Saturday, and 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Sundays. A new app will replace the existing one for ride scheduling.
3. Giant Troll Sculptures Fuel Local Tourism
In Detroit Lakes and surrounding towns, giant troll sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo—installed as part of the “Alexa’s Elixir” narrative (from Fargo to Frazee)—are drawing adventure-seeking visitors. Built from reclaimed materials with local volunteer help, these whimsical figures are having a measurable positive impact on the area's economy by encouraging tourism and outdoor exploration.
4. Use-of-Force Incident in Moorhead Sparks BCA Investigation
A critical incident unfolded Monday night at an apartment building on 3rd Avenue N in Moorhead. Local and regional SWAT units responded to an active disturbance, during which Fargo-based officers discharged their weapons. Two people were injured, though no officers were harmed. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has taken over the investigation.
5. Farmers Hopeful—but Wary—Over New ‘Big Beautiful Bill’
While Congress remains stalled on a comprehensive Farm Bill, the recent reconciliation law includes $66 billion in funding for crucial agricultural programs typically handled by a farm bill. Minnesota farmers, like Dairy producer Dana Allen-Tully of Eyota, are grateful but cautious. Concerns persist regarding inflation, volatile commodity markets, and trade uncertainty due to tariffs—a backdrop of economic stress that tempers optimism.
6. Universal Free School Meals Extended Through 2027
Minnesota has secured funding in its latest omnibus budget to continue offering universal free school meals statewide. The legislation allocates approximately $57.6 million for 2026 and $60.4 million for 2027, ensuring that all K–12 students across the state can access nutritious meals regardless of income.