Stories from December 2, 2025

Escalation of rhetoric from White House targeting Somalis is 'unhinged,' says Somali scholar
President Donald Trump is intensifying his disparaging remarks about Minnesota's Somali community and speaking in xenophobic terms about people of Somali descent.
Apple Replay is here. What's the No. 1 song on Apple Music’s 2025 songs chart?
Rosé and Bruno Mars’ massively popular, Grammy-nominated “APT.” topped Apple Music’s global song chart in 2025 as the giant music streamer released year-end lists Tuesday and provided listeners with data on their own most listened-to tunes.
University of Minnesota researchers say hepatitis B vaccine safe for babies, despite federal concern
A report from the University of Minnesota’s Vaccine Integrity Project maintains the recommendation for newborn hepatitis B vaccination. This contradicts arguments from Trump administration health advisors like Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. who may recommend a vaccine delay later this month.
President Donald Trump is intensifying his disparaging remarks about Minnesota's Somali community and lobbing criticism at Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. According to reports, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is beginning an operation targeting undocumented Somali immigrants in the Twin Cities. Tens of thousands of Somali immigrants live in Minnesota, and most are U.S. citizens. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey raised concerns that citizens will be caught up in a federal operation.
Minnesota faces weight of Trump administration actions on multiple fronts
At least four federal agencies moved in quick succession to investigate or threaten Minnesota, and an immigration action began as President Donald Trump and Gov. Tim Walz tangle over whose competency is in question.
Benjamin Percy's new post-apocalyptic novel arrives as a newspaper
Benjamin Percy’s “The End Times” follows the residents of a fictional Minnesota town called North End as they try to rebuild 12 years after a horrific plague nearly wiped out all of humanity.
¿Qué derechos básicos tienen las personas si el ICE las detiene? Abogado explica
Una universitaria turca que vivía y estudiaba legalmente en los Estados Unidos fue arrestada por agentes federales de inmigración. Un abogado explica a NPR algunos de los derechos básicos que tienen las personas en tal situación.
What basic rights do people have if ICE stops them? A lawyer explains
A Turkish student living and studying lawfully in the U.S. was arrested by federal immigration officers. A lawyer explains to NPR some of the basic rights people have in such a situation.
Twin Cities leaders rally behind Somalis amid reports feds may target community
City leaders from Minneapolis and St. Paul stood firmly with the Twin Cities Somali community Tuesday following reports that the Trump administration plans to primarily target hundreds of Somali immigrants living unlawfully in the Twin Cities.
Judge dismisses Camp Nenookaasi lawsuit against Minneapolis Mayor Frey
Residents of Camp Nenookaasi sued Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, claiming he intentionally inflicted emotional distress by ordering the camp of unhoused, mostly Native people cleared multiple times. 
Treasury investigating tax fraud allegations in Minnesota, Bessent says
The U.S. Treasury Department is investigating allegations that tax dollars from Minnesota may have been diverted to the al-Shabaab militant group in Somalia, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday. The Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office, however, has aggressively prosecuted fraud in the state and not made such links.
What to cook, what to bring: Holiday tips from The Splendid Table
Looking for tips on holiday hosting? Or a failproof dish to bring to a party? MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with writer, chef and host of The Splendid Table, Francis Lam.
Democrat Mandela Barnes, a former U.S. Senate candidate, enters the Wisconsin governor's race
 A Democrat who served four years as Wisconsin’s lieutenant governor and narrowly lost a 2022 U.S. Senate bid is running for governor in the battleground state. Mandela Barnes announced Tuesday that he is joining the crowded Democratic field for the open race in 2026.
Mass killings in 2025 in the U.S. hit the lowest level since 2006
Seventeen mass killings have occurred this year in the U.S., the lowest since 2006. Experts say this probably isn't the start of a bigger trend. It's more likely a return to average levels after spikes in 2018 and 2019. 
Federal review finds 44 percent of U.S. trucking schools don’t comply with government rules
In Minnesota, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Monday threatened to withhold $30.4 million if the state doesn't address shortcomings in its commercial driver's license program and revoke any licenses that never should have been issued.
Fired worker sues government in a case that could upend civil rights laws
A fired immigration judge says she was dismissed from her job because of her gender, her status as a dual citizen of Lebanon and the fact that she once ran for municipal office in Ohio as a Democrat.
Team Cory and Korey: Minnesota curlers preparing for 2026 Winter Olympics
Three years after teaming up to chase their shared Olympic dream, Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse of Duluth will represent the U.S. in mixed doubles curling at the 2026 Winter Games in Italy.
Former Minneapolis Chamber leader admits stealing Crime Stoppers money as part of fraud scheme
The former CEO of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce returned to federal court Monday, where he admitted stealing more than $200,000 as part of an embezzlement scheme.