Stories from November 21, 2025

The man who died during an exchange of gunfire with a Cass County sheriff’s deputy has been identified as James Weyaus of Onigum. Weyaus was the foster son of Leech Lake Tribal Chairman Faron Jackson Sr., who is leading services for his deceased son.
The University of Minnesota, Fairview Health Services, and M Physicians are returning to the negotiating table. A mutually agreed-upon mediator will be selected soon, while strategic facilitator Lois Quam will remain involved in the process.
Donors gave more than $37.8 million to Minnesota nonprofits and schools on Give to the Max Day yesterday. That's according to an update from Give M-N, the nonprofit behind the event. It's a record amount for the annual giving day, which started back in 2009. And Waymo announced yesterday that it will start testing its autonomous taxis in Minneapolis, though the service won't be available to the public just yet.
RFK Jr. says he personally directed CDC's new guidance on vaccines and autism
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told The New York Times in an interview that he personally directed the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to update its website to contradict its longtime guidance that vaccines don’t cause autism.
Wide swaths of snow expected after Thanksgiving
Snowfall is expected to start in the northern parts of the state as soon as Monday, but for the rest of Minnesota, it will begin percolating after Thanksgiving.
Winter Hazard Awareness Week: Winter driving
Winter driving remains one of the leading causes of cold-season emergencies. Taking a few precautions now can help prevent accidents once snow and ice begin to build on the roads.
Transportation Department endorses crash test dummy that more closely resembles women
The U.S. government has released a new crash test dummy design that advocates believe will help make cars safer for women. Women are 73 percent more likely to be injured in a head-on crash than men.
Talking Volumes: Kate Baer asks 'How About Now'
The 2025 season of Talking Volumes ended with poet Kate Baer and guest host Catharine Richert and a lot of laughter.
Morning Announcements for Nov. 21
These are the Morning Announcements for Friday, Nov. 21. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Marcy Park has a new name: Dinky Park
The association received over 100 submissions for new names and said the renaming process led to increased engagement in the neighborhood.
This weekend, artists are speaking out across the country
Artists in more than 40 states are spending Friday and Saturday participating in the "Fall of Freedom" – which they say represents a creative resistance to authoritarianism.
Schools fear disruptions as the White House begins dismantling the Education Department
The Trump administration is steaming forward on its plan to dismantle the Education Department. Many state and local education leaders say they are bracing for disruption and new bureaucratic hurdles.
Vikings need 3rd straight win over Packers at Lambeau Field to boost their fading playoff hopes
The slumping Minnesota Vikings don’t have many more opportunities to rejuvenate their fading hopes for a second straight postseason berth. Minnesota has lost four of its last five games. The Vikings’ next shot to turn things around comes Sunday at Lambeau Field. 
PWHL Season 3 preview: Amid expansion and roster shuffles, 2-time champion Frost eager to defend title
The PWHL enters its expansion era with new teams in Seattle and Vancouver as the league preparing to open its third season on Friday. The Minnesota Frost, the two-time defending Walter Cup champions, return much of their roster with Kendall Coyne Schofield as captain.
Two days after a federal operation in St. Paul, Immigration and Customs Enforcement is confirming more than a dozen arrests. ICE officers executed a federal search warrant that resulted in the arrests of 14 people on alleged immigration violations.
Mild, bright weekend ahead of much colder air next week
High pressure brings a return to sunshine Friday. The weekend will be mild before colder air moves in next week. A potential system could bring rain and snow Monday into Tuesday. 
Minnesota teacher licensing head: Reporting system needs changes to keep kids safe
Yelena Bailey tells MPR News she’ll ask lawmakers to give the state licensing board more power to revoke the licenses of teachers accused of inappropriate behavior with students and to investigate people applying for licenses. 
MN Shortlist: Slow Burns & Bright Lights — 6 Picks for Nov. 21–27
As parade season kicks in and the evenings arrive early, this week’s picks offer a mix of music, theater and small-scale surprises. From Duluth’s gingerbread “city” to a new festival of collaborative work in Minneapolis, here are six solid ways to make the most of the week ahead.
For Minnesota, warmer winters do not mean the end of snow
Winter has warmed more than 5 degrees since the 1970s, but that doesn’t mean less snow for the state. State climatologist Kenneth Blumenfeld explained the connection between an increase in snowfall and higher global temperatures on Climate Cast.
Zen Box Izakaya, home to ramen rituals and loyal diners, set to close
Zen Box Izakaya, a beloved Mill District staple for two decades, is closing this week as its owners reflect on the community, staff and memories that shaped the restaurant.