Stories from January 1, 2025

Firework mortars, gas canisters inside Tesla that exploded by Trump's Las Vegas hotel
The items were found in the Cybertruck that exploded outside President-elect Donald Trump's hotel on Wednesday, killing a suspect in the vehicle and sparking an investigation into possible terrorism.
Sugar Bowl CFP quarterfinal between Georgia and Notre Dame postponed after deadly truck attack
The College Football Playoff quarterfinal in New Orleans has been postponed a day after a truck plowed into a New Year’s crowd about a mile away from the site of the Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame.
Chilly start to 2025
The return of winter as temperatures continue to drop in the start of 2025. Light flurries are possible with the arrival of the cold air, though no significant snowstorms are expected in the near future.
Author and U of M professor Julie Schumacher speaks about the art of writing
Award-winning writer Julie Schumacher spoke about tricking herself into writing -- and other tips for authors -- at the Heginbotham Literary Lecture Series at Concordia University in St Paul.
Heart and Hearth: An MPR News special broadcast
As nights remain cold and daylight is meager, nothing sounds better than warming by a fire with loved ones. Help celebrate this time of year with “Heart and Hearth,” a special broadcast from MPR News.
2024 was the warmest year for Minnesota on record
The year 2024 was marked by extreme weather events, with a combination of persistent drought, record-breaking floods, excessive rainfall and some of the warmest temperatures ever recorded across the state.
New year, new laws: These laws are now in effect in Minnesota
More than a dozen new laws go into effect Jan. 1. The state will see more protections for concert ticket buyers, salary ranges required in job postings, additional rights for renters and more.
Federal consent decree mandating Minneapolis police reforms expected after city and DOJ reach tentative agreement
The city of Minneapolis and U.S. Department of Justice have tentatively agreed on a consent decree that could mandate extensive reforms to the Minneapolis Police Department, sources confirmed to MPR News.