Stories from September 9, 2025

Legislative leaders and the governor met today to discuss a special legislative session to forge a response to a Minneapolis mass shooting, which could include votes on gun bills. Custodians, maintenance staff and food service workers are now on strike at several University of Minnesota campuses... including Duluth, Crookston, and Morris.
Man sues Albert Lea for blocking his cannabis dispensary from opening
Jacob Schlichter gained attention as one of the first people in Minnesota to complete the Office of Cannabis Management’s licensing process to sell recreational cannabis. Then, Albert Lea’s city council denied his business.
Minnesota Health Commissioner: Walz executive order aims to improve vaccine access
Gov. Walz's executive order instructs Minnesota health care providers to continue to offer vaccines under their own medical judgement. And it instructs the Minnesota Department of Health to work with other state agencies to remove barriers to access.
Walz vows special session ‘one way or another’ to seek new gun laws after Annunciation shooting
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and legislative leaders met for the first time Tuesday to discuss a possible special session to forge a policy response to a mass shooting in Minneapolis, with both parties expecting the Legislature to be brought back soon.
What changes at WCCO, KARE and elsewhere say about the state of local news
Neal Justin, pop culture critic at the Minnesota Star Tribune, joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition to unpack what the changes at some Twin Cities TV stations could mean for viewers.
AI in schools: St. Paul teacher says it's 'like bringing a forklift to the gym'
An English teacher at Humboldt High School in St. Paul spoke to MPR News host Nina Moini about his hopes and disappointments surrounding the progression of artificial intelligence in classrooms.
Michigan judge tosses case against 15 accused fake electors for President Donald Trump in 2020
A Michigan judge has dismissed the criminal cases against 15 people accused of acting falsely as electors for President Donald Trump in the 2020 election. District Court Judge Kristen Simmons decided in a Tuesday hearing that the cases won’t go to trial.
A pediatrician explains 'confusing' vaccine guidelines, health equity impacts
While the federal government’s approach to vaccines is quickly changing, states like Minnesota have launched new vaccine policies that are focused on health equity. Pediatrician Dr. Nathan Chomilo explained how pediatricians are responding to state and federal guidance.
Macron appoints Defense Minister Lecornu as France's latest prime minister
French President Macron has appointed Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu as France’s new prime minister, the country’s fourth in about a year. Lecornu, 39, is the youngest defense minister in French history and architect of a €413 billion military buildup through 2030, spurred by Russia’s war in Ukraine.
State expands hyperlocal weather data collection to northwestern Minnesota farmers
To explain what the Ag Weather Network does for farmers and the rest of Minnesota, state Agriculture Department hydrologist and program manager Stefan Bischof joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition.
Rep. Stephenson shares priorities for House leadership, potential special session
Rep. Zack Stephenson joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition to talk about his new role as House DFL leader as Gov. Tim Walz gathers top lawmakers to talk about a potential special session on gun legislation.
Annunciation resumes preschool classes after mass shooting
Nearly 20 children returned to preschool classes at Annunciation Catholic Church and School Monday, less than two weeks after two children were killed and 21 people, mostly children, were injured in a mass shooting.
Custodians, food service workers go on strike at University of Minnesota campuses
The strike that began late Monday by 1,400 members of Teamsters Local 320 of custodians, maintenance staff and food service workers spread to additional campuses early Tuesday — and is set to expand to the U of M Twin Cities campus on Tuesday afternoon.
Ford recalling almost 1.5 million vehicles due to rear view camera issue
Ford is recalling almost 1.5 million vehicles in the United States because the rear view camera may show a blank or distorted image on the center display screen while the vehicle is in reverse, which can reduce or distort the driver’s view of what’s behind the car and increase the risk of a crash.
Nepal’s prime minister resigns as protests against the government and corruption rage on
Nepal’s prime minister has resigned as protests against a short-lived ban on social media grew increasingly violent and expanded into broader criticism of his government and accusations of corruption among the Himalayan country’s political elite. 
What research says about parenting, attachment and raising resilient kids
MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon and early childhood education reporter Kyra Miles talk with a developmental psychologist about what creates a strong attachment between parent and child — and why it matters.
Will Apple’s new iPhones cost more? Here’s what to expect from today’s unveiling
Apple on Tuesday will unveil its next line-up of iPhones amid a global trade war that’s added a potential price increase to the usual intrigue surrounding the annual evolution of the company’s marquee product. 
Rupert Murdoch buys out 3 of his children to seal fate of his media empire
The owner of Fox News, the Wall Street Journal and dozens of other media properties has settled a legal fight with three of his own children over who would control his companies after his death.
Royce Lewis hits 2 homers as Twins pound error-prone Angels 12-3
Royce Lewis homered twice and drove in four runs as the Minnesota Twins beat the sloppy Los Angeles Angels 12-3. James Outman also went deep as the Twins moved to 4-0 against the Angels this season, outscoring them 33-7.
J.J. McCarthy rallies Vikings in 4th quarter of his debut for 27-24 win over Bears
J.J. McCarthy threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes and ran for another in his long-awaited NFL debut, and the Minnesota Vikings rallied for a season-opening 27-24 win over the Chicago Bears. 
A new Nation’s Report Card shows drops in science, math and reading scores
It's the first Nation's Report Card since the Trump administration began making cuts to the U.S. Education Department. The scores reflect the state of student achievement in early 2024.
Israeli military urges full evacuation of Gaza City ahead of expanded military operation
The Israeli military has urged a full evacuation of Gaza City ahead of its planned expanded military operation in the city in northern Gaza. The announcement Tuesday morning was the first warning for a full evacuation of the city in the current round of fighting.
New director of Minnesota’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office takes the helm
Guadalupe Lopez, who is a member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, took over the office in July. The MMIR office was established in 2021 and seeks to address the disproportionate number of Indigenous people who go missing or are murdered.
House DFLers pick Stephenson for next leader following Melissa Hortman’s assassination
Rep. Zack Stephenson of Coon Rapids was chosen to become House DFL leader almost three months after former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in a political assassination.
Estate of Jeffrey Epstein gives Congress ‘birthday book’ allegedly signed by Trump
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee said the book included a tawdry drawing and note that appeared to include President Trump’s signature. Trump had previously denied its existence.