Stories from November 26, 2025

St. Paul City Council vice president: Police may have violated separation ordinance
St. Paul City Council Vice President Hwa Jeong Kim was at the scene on Tuesday. She represents the ward bordering the one where this took place, and spoke with MPR News host Clay Masters about what she saw.
Appetites: A recipe for a comforting, Latin American-inspired Thanksgiving
Chef Amalia Moreno-Damgaard showed MPR News host Clay Masters how to make this easy — and delicious — recipe using the Latin American sweet auyama pumpkin and ripe plantains.
New books this week: A tome on capitalism, a deep dive on crosswords and more
“Capitalism: A Global History” comes in at 1,000 pages before the footnotes. “Across the Universe” explores the past, present and future of crossword puzzles. Plus, a Mitford sister biography and more.
A look at the Hmong New Year tradition of song poetry
Hmong song poetry is an oral tradition that has been passed down for thousands of years. It is commonly sung around the Hmong New Year and other celebrations.
Family from Red Lake Nation shares culture with international audience
Millions of people watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade each year. This year’s performances include a family from the Red Lake Nation dancing with Native Pride Productions.
Minneapolis’ first all-Native American fire crew is redefining what public safety looks like
In a fire station tucked just blocks from downtown Minneapolis, a crew of four is reshaping a narrative that predates them by generations: Who gets to be the one answering the call?
A federal operation yesterday in St. Paul ended with at least two people taken into custody. And authorities in northeast Minnesota say a man died after being struck by a falling tree while clearing snow this morning amid the winter storm.
Family of man detained in federal operation speaks out
Family members have identified Jeffrey Suazo as one of the people taken into custody, and they described “threats, humiliation by HSI agents, mockery and invasion of property” during the operation.
2 National Guard members shot in an ambush attack just blocks from the White House
Two West Virginia National Guard members who deployed to the nation’s capital were shot Wednesday just blocks from the White House in a brazen act of violence that the mayor described as a targeted attack.
How Rochester helps residents new and old prepare for winter
The Rochester public works department and other organizations have helped prepare newcomers and longtime residents for winter with an annual snow summit.
Research shows wolf population changes follow trends in deer, not the other way around
The number of deer harvests this hunting season appears to have bounced back after several low years. Some hunters have pointed to wolves as the cause of scarce deer. A recent study from far northern Minnesota tells a different story.
The Wright County Sheriff’s Office said the man ignored their commands to stop and drop the knife. He was taken into custody and transported to a hospital, where he was reported in stable condition.
Israel returns 15 more Palestinian bodies to Gaza as first phase of ceasefire nears end
Israel has returned the bodies of 15 Palestinians, following Hamas's return of the remains of an Israeli hostage. This exchange is part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, with the first phase ending soon. 
5 things to know about the new obesity pills that are on the way
Instead of struggling with weekly injections, patients may soon be able to swallow a daily pill to lose weight. Both the makers of Wegovy and Mounjaro are seeking FDA approval for tablets.
Mistaken: Minnesota’s Korean adoptees grapple with confessed systemic corruption
Earlier this year, South Korea admitted to corruption in its adoption system. Minnesota is home to the largest Korean adoptee community in the U.S. North Star Journey Live hosted a conversation with Korean adoptees on Nov. 11 to hear their reaction.
Just in time for holiday travel, a snow storm impacting much of Minnesota has left several inches of snow in a swath from southwestern Minnesota to the northeast. Federal authorities Wednesday took at least two people into custody in St. Paul during an operation that drew protesters. St. Paul Police confirmed their officers used chemical irritants.
Snow showers taper off through Wednesday morning, gusty winds continue
The season’s first winter storm is nearly behind us. Snow showers taper off quickly early to midmorning but blustery winds continue. Cold air settles in and sticks around. 
Five things Nicholas Sparks told us about ‘The Notebook’ — and Minnesota
Nicholas Sparks returned to Minnesota last week to see the touring production of “The Notebook: the Musical” at the Ordway. He also revisited the state where some of his earliest memories were formed. Here’s what we learned.
Former Harvest Best basketball coach gets life sentence in child sex-abuse case
Aaron Hjermstad’s charges stem from thousands of videos authorities found in his car after he fled the state in 2021. Authorities say there could be more than 120 victims in the videos.
Falling tree kills man in NE Minnesota as winter storm brings high winds, heavy snow
An early-season winter storm packing heavy snow, howling winds and falling temperatures swept across Minnesota Tuesday into early Wednesday, leaving treacherous conditions and at least one death — a man struck by a falling tree while clearing snow near Duluth.