Stories from October 12, 2025

New Jersey declares state of emergency as nor’easter approaches
A nor'easter is churning up the East Coast, prompting New Jersey to declare a state of emergency. Another storm has struck farther south with some heavy rain and flooding. New Jersey's declaration allows emergency services to activate as needed.
North Shore wildfire now 70% contained. Hiking trail remains closed
Firefighters are strengthening the containment line around the Crosby Fire in George H. Crosby Manitou State Park along the North Shore. Minnesota Interagency Fire Center officials said that the fire, which was detected Wednesday, was caused by a lighting strike.
Trump slashes mental health agency as shutdown drags on
Sources tell NPR that more than 100 employees have been laid off at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Agency. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had some cuts reversed late Saturday.
Israel lays out plans for hostage release and prisoner swap expected on Monday
Israel says it expects all of the living hostages held in the Gaza Strip to be released Monday. The announcement on Sunday confirmed the next phase of the breakthrough ceasefire deal with Hamas, as Palestinians awaited a long-promised surge of aid deliveries into the enclave.
A grim list: Some notable attacks on houses of worship around the world in recent years
Houses of worship have faced various types of attacks throughout history, but such assaults are not relics of the past. There has been a series of high-profile deadly attacks in recent years. The targets include a synagogue in England, two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, and a Catholic church in the United States hosting a Mass for school children. Collectively, such attacks have intensified anxiety and outright fear among clergy and worshippers worldwide.
Truce fizzles as U.S.-China trade tensions return to full boil
Months of relative calm in the long-simmering trade war between the U.S. and China may be coming to an end. A spate of moves between the two nations this week has thrust trade hostilities back in the global spotlight, roiled stock markets and raised alarms of what might come next.
Trump sets off for the Mideast to mark a ceasefire deal and urge Arab leaders to seize the moment
President Donald Trump is setting off for Israel and Egypt to celebrate the U.S.-brokered ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. He's also expected to urge Middle East allies to seize the opportunity to build a durable peace in the volatile region. Trump is stopping first in Israel to meet with hostage families and address the parliament. 
Marchenko's hat trick and Merzlikins' 48 saves help Blue Jackets spoil Wild home opener with 7-4 win
Kirill Marchenko had his fourth career hat trick and Elvis Merzlikins made 48 saves in his season debut to carry the Columbus Blue Jackets past Minnesota 7-4 to spoil the Wild’s home opener on Saturday. 
Koi Perich’s interception return lifts Minnesota over Purdue 27-20
Koi Perich returned an interception for the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter and Minnesota held on to defeat Purdue 27-20. Drake Lindsey threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns for the Golden Gophers, who overcame deficits of 10-0 and 20-13. 
Afghanistan says it has killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight border operations
Afghanistan says it has killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight border operations, in response to what it called repeated violations of its territory and airspace. Pakistan’s army gave lower casualty figures, saying 23 troops had died.
Breezy conditions and passing showers expected
Rain showers return to the forecast as a cold front moves through the region, bringing breezy winds and cooler air. Temperatures will dip to start the week, with several chances for rain expected in the days ahead.
U of M researchers studying how CWD lingers and travels in environment
Four years ago, deer infected by chronic wasting disease were illegally dumped on public land in Beltrami County. Since then, a team from the University of Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach has been studying CWD’s effects on the environment. MNPRO’s study site is in rural Beltrami County, near Hines.
Huge crowd expected for 50th anniversary memorial of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Two thousand people are expected at the 50th anniversary commemoration of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald at Split Rock Lighthouse on the North Shore of Lake Superior on Nov. 10.