This week’s edition covers stories
from September 11th to September 17th, 2025.
Today’s issue is 804 words, a 7-minute read
Hey folks, Mateo here.
Fall is settling in across Minnesota, with football season back in full swing and the weather swinging just as wildly—sun one day, a chill the next. But beyond the usual rhythms of the season, the state is carrying heavier burdens. Communities are still reeling from the recent surge in violence, while leaders in Minneapolis and beyond search for answers. At the same time, Governor Tim Walz is looking ahead, officially launching his bid for a third term. Nationally, questions of justice are rising again after the death of Trey Reed in Mississippi. And for Vikings fans, a promising start has already been tempered by injury news and a tough road ahead.
Governor Walz Makes Reelection Bid Official
📸 Damian Dovarganes/AP Photo
Governor Tim Walz has made it official: he’s running for a third term. The announcement ends months of speculation about his political future after his brief turn on the national stage as Kamala Harris’s running mate last year. In his launch video, Walz highlighted what he views as key accomplishments of his tenure, from the state’s soon-to-begin paid family leave program to the child tax credit, all while stressing that there’s more work to do. Many Minnesotans credit Walz with steady leadership during turbulent years, including the pandemic and the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, as well as his ability to deliver major budget deals with narrow legislative margins. Still, the path ahead is far from easy. Republicans are eager to tie him to fraud in state programs and the failed national ticket, while fractures within his own party could pose challenges.
Minneapolis Grapples with Ongoing Gun Violence
Minneapolis is reeling once again after another wave of gun violence, just weeks after the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School. In the span of 12 hours on Monday, two separate shootings at homeless encampments left at least 12 people injured, five critically, marking the fourth and fifth mass shootings in the city in just three weeks.
The latest violence erupted late Monday night at a long-standing encampment near South 29th Avenue and East Lake Street, where eight people were shot and more than 30 rounds were fired. Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the scene as chaotic, with some victims found inside tents and others arriving at hospitals on their own. Earlier that same day, five people were shot at another encampment just blocks away, raising concerns the incidents may be connected. “Here we are yet again in the aftermath of a mass shooting. This is not normal,” O’Hara said.
Calls for Justice After Trey Reed’s Death
The death of 21-year-old Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a Black student at Delta State University in Mississippi, has drawn national concern and outrage, even as officials maintain there is no evidence of foul play. Reed’s body was discovered Monday morning hanging from a tree near campus pickleball courts, prompting the school to cancel classes and sparking immediate calls for answers.
Campus police and the Bolivar County coroner have said preliminary findings show no signs of assault or injuries consistent with an attack. Still, skepticism is widespread. The NAACP issued a statement rejecting the suggestion of suicide, noting the historical weight of lynchings in Mississippi and across the South. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, now representing Reed’s family, has vowed to conduct an independent investigation alongside national advocacy groups, saying that “vague conclusions” cannot stand in the face of such disturbing circumstances.
While the FBI has offered to step in if federal violations are identified, local and state authorities continue to lead the investigation. Meanwhile, students and community members are grieving. Hundreds gathered at a vigil Monday night, honoring Reed as a young man “full of promise and warmth.” For many, his death is not only a devastating loss, but also a painful reminder of the country’s unresolved history with racial violence.
McCarthy Out, Wentz Up:
Vikings Face Tough Stretch Ahead
The Vikings’ rocky start to the season got worse Sunday as quarterback J.J. McCarthy suffered an ankle injury in the loss to Atlanta. Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed McCarthy will miss at least this week’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, with veteran Carson Wentz stepping in under center. While O’Connell stressed the injury is not long-term, it’s another setback for a young QB still finding his rhythm. With offensive line struggles, key injuries piling up, and a brutal schedule ahead, Minnesota faces an uphill battle in the weeks to come.
Ramsey County Environmental Center
Fall Open House
Come join us for the Fall Open House at the new Ramsey County Environmental Center in Roseville!
📅 Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025
🕕 6:00–8:00 p.m.
📍 1700 Kent Street, Roseville, MN 55113
This is your chance to explore the center, meet Ramsey County Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire, and connect with neighbors and community members. We’ll have guided tours, hands-on art projects, and plenty of opportunities to learn more about programs and resources shaping our community.
Meet and greet with social media influencers from multiple Minnesota communities! Three well-known MN social media influencers will be at the Fall Open House for you to meet and take photos with during the event.
You will get a chance to meet:
Fernanda Almeida – @fernanda_almeida26
Giiwedin Indizhinikaaz– @giiwedinindizhinikaaz
Pagnia Xiong – @pagniaxiong
Check out the website for events and other services at the Environmental Center. We look forward to seeing you at the Fall Open House on September 23, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.!
Stay informed, stay connected.
See you next week!
–
Mateo and the NewPrensa team
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Hi, friend: Mateo here!
I’m a Communications Specialist by day and
enjoying the warm fall air by night!
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