Stories from October 9, 2025

Judge blocks National Guard deployment in Illinois for 2 weeks
A judge has blocked the deployment of National Guard troops in the Chicago area for two weeks, finding no substantial evidence that a “danger of rebellion” is brewing in Illinois. 
Justice Department indicts Letitia James after pressure from Trump
The indictment comes after steady pressure from President Donald Trump to prosecute James, who successfully sued Trump and his company for inflating the value of some of its properties.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon is supporting a new bill before Congress to prohibit removal of people from state voter rolls without evidence of a change in status. And the Minneapolis City Council this morning passed an ordinance that aims to tighten accountability for negligent landlords.
Warmer winters add challenges for migrating birds
MPR News meteorologist Paul Huttner talks to Lynn Schofield, a biologist at St. Olaf College, about the impact climate change is having on bird migration.
Negligent landlords to face tighter scrutiny in Minneapolis
The Minneapolis City Council passed a new ordinance that will require landlords who own properties repeatedly flagged for health and safety violations to face a public hearing before their licenses are renewed.
Morning Announcements for Oct. 9
These are the Morning Announcements for Thursday, Oct. 9. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
First freeze dates delayed by nearly a month over 5 decades
Fall temperatures are rising across the United States. As a result, the season’s first freeze is now arriving weeks later — in some places, even over a month later than it did in the past.
How the Rapidan Dam failure continues to harm the Blue Earth River
MPR News senior reporter Hannah Yang has spent the last year and a half reporting on how last year’s Rapidan Dam failure has had lasting impacts in southwestern Minnesota.
Former Minn. governors Carlson, Dayton tell court National Guard deployment is unconstitutional
Former governors Arne Carlson and Mark Dayton are among a group of bipartisan governors who are asking to support Illinois leaders in their lawsuit against the Trump administration’s deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago.
Federal court to weigh Trump's deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago area
President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in Illinois faces legal scrutiny Thursday at a pivotal court hearing, a day after a small number of troops began protecting federal property in the Chicago area.
Judge upholds North Dakota's ban on gender-affirming care for kids
A North Dakota judge has upheld the state’s ban on gender-affirming care for children, in a blow to families who have had to travel out of state to obtain the medical treatments they said are crucial for their kids’ well-being.
Slowing down for poetry with Maggie Smith
MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with poet Maggie Smith about what poetry does for us and her new role hosting American Public Media’s poetry podcast, The Slowdown.
Vladimir Tarasenko has found a fresh start and a warm welcome with the Minnesota Wild
Not that long after he regularly ruined their nights while playing a leading role for the St. Louis Blues, Tarasenko will make his Wild debut in the opener on Thursday in, fittingly, the city where he played his first 10 and a half seasons in the league.
Pope Leo says faith and love for migrants are connected
In his first major document as leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo urges nations and believers to care for the poorest in society.
Why being in credit card debt doesn't mean you're bad with money
Financial educators bust three common myths about credit card debt — and explain why these negative assumptions can hold us back from making smart money decisions.
Drought quadruples in size across Minnesota in the past week
After eliminating drought in the state in mid-July, drought crept back into northern Minnesota last week and has expanded significantly in the past seven days. 
Faith leaders from across Minnesota Wednesday pressed Gov. Tim Walz over their demand for a special session on gun legislation. Walz says the state is planning for the Trump administration to send the National Guard to Minnesota, as it has to Los Angeles, Chicago and Portland.
Clipper system increases clouds Thursday
Clouds increase Thursday ahead of a clipper system. We’ll see a few spotty evening showers mainly in eastern Minnesota. Temperatures will be a bit warmer Thursday and into the weekend. 
Calls for changes in the WNBA follow a history of advocacy in women's sports
Fans across the league have watched the press conferences from players and coaches, and there has been an outpouring of support on social media. Their concerns echo long-held qualms players and coaches have voiced. And in Minnesota, Lynx Forward Napheesa Collier and head coach Cheryl Reeve have reignited calls for change.