Stories from December 1, 2025

Bezos foundation gives $2.5 million grant to help fight homelessness in Duluth
Chum, which operates the largest emergency homeless shelter north of the Twin Cities, has been awarded a $2.5 million grant — the largest in its history — to address family homelessness in Duluth.
COVID-19 pandemic narrowed health care industry pay gap, new study finds
A new study finds that the COVID-19 pandemic narrowed the wage gap between high and low paid workers in the health care industry, as the lowest earners saw the biggest boost in pay in the years since the pandemic began.
Today is the first day of meteorological winter ... this fall turned out to be our 4th warmest ... and very dry. The cold and the snow mean it's snowmobile season. In Minnesota, the season can start as early as December 1 — if conditions are right.
Minnesota community raising awareness of World AIDS Day, despite no U.S. observance
The Trump administration chose not to commemorate World AIDS Day this year, ending longstanding and bipartisan support to people who have died and are still living with the disease.
Burgeoning GOP field for Minnesota governor grows again as attorney Chris Madel enters
Minneapolis attorney Chris Madel, 58, rolled out a campaign for Minnesota governor Monday with promises to shake up state government, cut taxes, improve schools, fight crime and end “open season” on law enforcement by prosecutors.
Advocate: Recent Trump orders are part of 'broad attack' on immigrants
Over the weekend, President Donald Trump ordered a halt of all asylum cases and paused issuing visas for people traveling on Afghan passport. It follows the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington D.C.
Central Minnesota priest accused of sexually abusing, stalking, threatening woman
St. Cloud diocese leaders were told of concerns raised about Joseph Herzing three years ago. After completing treatment, Herzing was allowed to return to active ministry, where he continued to serve until criminal charges were filed last week.
Melania Trump reveals White House holiday decorations and her theme, 'Home Is Where the Heart Is'
Melania Trump has decorated the White House for the holidays, and her theme is “Home Is Where the Heart Is.” The first lady's decor also nods to next year's 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and founding of the United States of America.
Minnesota Vikings waive veteran receiver Adam Thielen — at his request
The Vikings announced Monday that they’ve waived receiver Adam Thielen — at the veteran player’s request. The team said Thielen wanted the chance for more playing time in what he says will be his final NFL season.
How to watch the last supermoon of the year
The last supermoon of the year will soon shine in December skies on Thursday. When a full moon is closer to Earth in its orbit, a so-called supermoon happens. It makes the moon look up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than the faintest moon of the year.
St. Thomas Volleyball heads to NCAA tournament for first time; U of M also plays later this week
The University of St. Thomas women's volleyball team will face Iowa State in the first round of the NCAA tournament later this week. The University of Minnesota will face off against Fairfield on Friday.
Minnesota’s paid leave law: What you need to know about the 2026 launch
MPR News host and politics editor Brian Bakst talks about what employers and workers should do to get ready for Minnesota’s paid family and medical leave program that starts next month.
An independent effort says AI is the secret to topple 2-party power in Congress
Using artificial intelligence to identify congressional districts where independent candidates could win, an organization called the Independent Center is aiming to disrupt the two-party system.
The agriculture secretary says SNAP changes are coming. Here’s what we know
Brooke Rollins has made a case for sweeping changes to food aid programs by claiming USDA has uncovered "massive fraud." But she and USDA haven't provided the underlying data or any evidence.
Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer overwhelmed by Seahawks as Vikings’ offensive struggles continue
Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell says his team can’t play offensive football like it did Sunday and expect to win. The Vikings were having enough problems with J.J. McCarthy at quarterback, and McCarthy missed the game against the Seattle Seahawks because of a concussion. 
Timberwolves top the San Antonio Spurs with a 125-112 victory
Anthony Edwards scored 32 points to become Minnesota’s all-time leader in games with 30 or more points, Julius Randle added 22 points, 12 assists and six rebounds, and the Timberwolves pulled away from the San Antonio Spurs in the fourth quarter of a 125-112 victory.
What do you do with a hill of beans? Fight fires, say Minnesota soybean groups
In a year when soybean markets have been upended by trade wars, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council is running a campaign to add demand and diversify product options for soybeans through a new soy-based firefighting foam called SoyFoam.
New documentary visits the bedrooms of kids killed in school shootings
The rooms left behind by children murdered in school shootings are both a sanctuary of life and a terrible reminder of tragedy. One reporter was allowed into eight of them, and is inviting America to join.