Stories from January 15, 2025

Minnesota Supreme Court weighs postponing election crucial to Capitol control
Minnesota Supreme Court justices on Wednesday promised to decide quickly whether a special Roseville-area election critical to deciding power in the House happens as scheduled on Jan. 28 or gets pushed deeper into the legislative session.
President Joe Biden and other mediators say a ceasefire deal has apparently been reached in Gaza. Locally, some Palestinian Minnesotans are cautiously optimistic about the agreement, noting previous agreements have fallen apart. Minnetonka artist Ragdha Skeik says she was able to speak with her family members in Gaza and Egypt this morning.
Alan Page’s ‘Baking Up Love’ draws on his joy of baking with his grandchildren
NFL Hall of Famer, former Vikings player and former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page talks about his new book, “Baking Up Love,” a story he wrote with his daughter, Kamie Page, about a girl who bakes with her grandpa.
Trump and Biden both claim credit for Gaza ceasefire deal
President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump are both claiming credit for Israel and Hamas agreeing to a ceasefire deal in Gaza after the White House brought Trump’s Middle East envoy into negotiations that have dragged on for months. 
Minnesota ER nurse shares experience with Red Cross at LA shelter for fire victims
Among the 400-plus Red Cross volunteers and employees offering emotional support, food, recovery planning, shelter and financial assistance to people and pets in the Los Angeles area is an ER nurse from Victoria: 25-year-old Ryan Bohara.
Minnesota licenses first ever Karen language teachers
There’s a growing group of teachers that are now licensed to teach heritage languages in Minnesota schools such as Hmong, Karen and Somali.
State releases first survey on how long COVID has impacted Minnesotans
The Minnesota Department of Health survey of 1,270 respondents found 40 percent experiences long-term COVID symptoms. Though limited, officials say it helps them understand the impact of the pandemic.
Art Shanties return to Lake Harriet in Minneapolis
The Art Shanty Projects, featuring 20 uniquely designed shanties with performances and interactive experiences, returns Jan. 18–Feb. 9, showcasing a new mentorship program and celebrating ideal ice conditions after last year's weather challenges.
Mediators herald Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal. Israel says final details are in flux
Israel and Hamas have agreed to pause the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, mediators announced Wednesday, raising the possibility of winding down the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.
FDA bans red dye No. 3 from foods
Food and Drug Administration officials on Wednesday granted a 2022 petition filed by consumer advocates. The move comes nearly 35 years after the dye was barred from cosmetics such as lipsticks because of potential cancer risk.
Morning Announcements for Jan. 15
Here are the morning announcements for Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.
The Vikings need to sort out their QB situation and make some upgrades elsewhere
The Minnesota Vikings built a system that allowed former castaway Sam Darnold to set an NFL starting quarterback record with 14 wins in his debut season. They used a carefully selected infusion of free agents to revitalize the defense. Harmony can only help to a point.
Democrats in the Minnesota House made good on a threat to boycott the first day of the state legislative session on Tuesday. And Becker County Judge Michael Fritz says he will rule "sooner rather than later" on a motion to delay the criminal trial of DFL State Sen. Nicole Mitchell until after the current legislative session. 
Brief warm-up before cold Arctic air mass settles in for the weekend
A January thaw is on the way as temperatures warm into the 30s and 40s by the end of the week. Light precipitation is expected Wednesday, mainly north of Interstate 94. Then our temperatures take a dive into the weekend with the coldest air mass of the season.
Immigrant workers are helping investigate labor abuses. Will Trump let them stay?
Under Biden, thousands of workers who experienced wage theft and other abuses have been granted protection from deportation and authorization to work so they can participate in labor investigations.
Trump will begin his presidency in delicate position, poll finds
A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows that Americans' support for President-elect Donald Trump's top priorities is split, despite his claims of a mandate for his agenda.
Trump's Cabinet pick for attorney general is Pam Bondi. Here's what to know
Bondi is expected to receive broad support from Republicans but face sharp questions from Democrats who have concerns about whether she will protect the Justice Department from political influence.
Minnesota legislative standoff spills out of the Statehouse into the courthouse
With accusations flying over which party is ignoring state law, the fight to control the Minnesota House is shifting from lawmakers to lawyers. DFL Secretary of State Steve Simon is calling on the Minnesota Supreme Court to weigh in on who has what power.
Victim and immigration advocacy organizations oppose Laken Riley Act
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty joined advocacy organizations at a press conference Tuesday to urge the U.S. Senate to vote against the Laken Riley Act.
Poll: Minnesotans largely feel safe, but Black women most likely to worry about safety
While the majority of Minnesotans reported feeling safe most of the time, a quarter of respondents said a fear of crime impacts their activities often or somewhat often. For Black women who responded, that number doubled to nearly 50 percent.