Stories from December 15, 2025

Twins add first baseman Josh Bell with agreement on $7 million contract, AP source says
The Minnesota Twins and durable switch-hitting slugger Josh Bell agreed Monday on a one-year, $7 million contract, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations.
U.S. Army names 2 Iowa National Guard members killed in attack in Syria
The two Iowa National Guard members killed in a weekend attack in Syria that the U.S. military blamed on the Islamic State group were identified Monday and remembered as dedicated soldiers.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, or DEED, says the state gained about 40,000 jobs in September compared to the same time a year ago. With the federal government shutdown now over, more current data will be released in the coming weeks. Olmsted County authorities today identified the person who shot and wounded a student in the Stewartville High School parking lot Friday as a man who graduated from the school last year.
A St. Paul rabbi's son survived the Brown University shooting. Then came the Australia Hanukkah attack
Mount Zion Temple Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker was focusing on the safety of his son, who was in the Brown University building where a mass shooting unfolded. He then had to turn his attention to his congregation’s safety.
Owatonna food shelf operator says increased need will continue into the holidays, new year
Since Nov. 1, Community Pathways of Steele County food shelf in Owatonna has had almost 200 new families register. The executive director said that despite federal food benefits returning, families are still worried their benefits could be taken away again.
Duluth foster parent recognized for building connections between foster and birth families
Jessica Gunnarson has experienced the foster care system from both ends. She had her children taken away while battling addiction. Now in recovery, Gunnarson has become a foster parent herself. Her approach to foster care is now receiving recognition.
Entre los candidatos demócratas que se presentan a las elecciones primarias especiales para el Distrito 47A de la Cámara de Representantes se encuentran David Azcona, Shelley Buck and Juli Servatius. Las elecciones primarias especiales se llevarán a cabo el martes 16 de diciembre. La elección especial se dará el 27 de enero. 
Entre los candidatos demócratas que se presentan a las elecciones primarias especiales para el Distrito 64A de la Cámara de Representantes se encuentran Beth Fraser, Matt Hill, Meg Luger-Nikolai, Dan McGrath, Lois Quam y John Zwier. El candidato republicano es Dan Walsh. Las elecciones primarias especiales se llevarán a cabo el martes 16 de diciembre. La elección especial se dará el 27 de enero. 
Police identify gunman as former Stewartville student as classes resume after Friday shooting
Classes started late on Monday morning at schools in Stewartville, a community south of Rochester, as authorities continued to investigate a shooting early Friday that left a student critically injured and the suspected gunman dead.
From hoops to oysters: Inside the unexpected second acts of WNBA stars
Although the WNBA is bringing in more money than ever, many players still find themselves financially unsteady when the final whistle blows. Former WNBA star Sue Wicks found her next calling in oyster farming on New York’s East Moriches Bay.
Timberwolves hold Edwards out for second straight game with sore foot and finish strong again
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards missed his second straight game with soreness in his right foot. The team's poise was present and accounted for in a 117-103 victory over Sacramento. Edwards has been considered day-to-day with his availability.
Authorities renew search for the Brown University shooter after releasing a person of interest
Authorities are again searching for a person seen on a short video clip in the Brown University shooting that killed two students and injured nine. Officials said late Sunday they released a person of interest detained earlier in the day, finding no reason to keep him in custody.
Temperature whiplash: From frigid to mild
After a frigid weekend we’re in for a big warm up. Highs will warm into the 20s for most Monday and near 40 Tuesday. A system could deliver rain and snow to the state late Wednesday. 
J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings win after being eliminated from playoffs before kickoff at Cowboys
The Minnesota Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention before taking the field for their game at the Dallas Cowboys. They are still trying to build some momentum for young quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Rob Reiner's son Nick arrested after the director and his wife were found dead at their home
Police say the younger son of Rob Reiner, Nick Reiner, was taken into custody Monday and booked for what investigators believe was the fatal stabbing a day earlier of the director-actor and his wife Michele at their home in Los Angeles.
GOP Rep. says ACA subsidy users shouldn't 'pay the price for congressional inaction'
Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley of California says a health care proposal from House Speaker Mike Johnson — which is expected to get a vote this week — was "hastily thrown together."
Houses floated away in this Alaska Native village. Now residents want to move
Kwigillingok, Alaska, has long grappled with erosion and flooding. Residents want to move to higher ground, further inland, especially after the remnants of Typhoon Halong damaged nearly every house.
Staff complaints, financial pressures roil Planned Parenthood in Minnesota
Planned Parenthood faces external pressures from federal budget cuts and hostile state governments. But current and former employees at the organization’s Minnesota-based Midwest affiliate complain that management is making matters worse. 
As ICE operations continue, immigrant parents look to make arrangements for their children
A 7-year-old child was recently separated from their parents in an operation carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Burnsville. Advocates are helping parents make caretaker arrangements in case they are detained.