Stories from December 3, 2025

As Waymo tests self-driving vehicles in Minneapolis, Grand Rapids embraces autonomous rides
“I'm driving around them all the time. In fact, they’re as ubiquitous as a police car or a delivery van,” Mesabi resident and Minnesota Star Tribune editorial columnist Aaron Brown told Cathy Wurzer.
Local Somali leaders are urging residents to learn their rights amid reports of federal immigration agents carrying out an enforcement operation in Minnesota. Jaylani Hussein, president of CAIR Minnesota, said he's heard reports of federal agents asking Somali U.S. citizens for their documentation. State lawmakers will receive a key update on Minnesota's economy Thursday.
Mni Sota Fund receives Bush Foundation grant, expanding support for economic self-determination
The $7 million community innovation grant will help Mni Sota Fund increase loans to entrepreneurs and small businesses owners, and grow its financial literacy and home buying education opportunities.
Twin Cities seniors picket Blue Cross and Blue Shield over cuts to SilverSneakers gym program
Steve Brandt organized the picket and told Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer why losing access to local SilverSneakers gym benefits is such a hit to his well-being.
How many Somalis in Minnesota could be impacted by federal intervention?
Reports that the Trump administration plans to primarily target Somali immigrants living unlawfully in the Twin Cities follow a call from the president to end Temporary Protected Status for some Somali Americans. How many people could be impacted by these measures?
Minnesota budget forecast will set the stage for 2026 legislative session
Economists and leaders from the Department of Minnesota Management and Budget will offer a glimpse into how much money the state is collecting in taxes and fees — and how much it is spending on schools, public safety, health programs and other government services.
Minneapolis mayor acts to deter possible federal crackdown as Somali community braces for ICE
Mayor Jacob Frey signed an executive order that would prohibit the use of city property to stage immigration operations. The action comes as members of the Somali community in the Twin Cities report seeing an increased presence of federal immigration officials.
MyPillow's Mike Lindell files paperwork to run for Minnesota governor
Lindell is an ardent loyalist of President Donald Trump who gained attention with his efforts to fight Trump's 2020 presidential defeat. He has been successfully sued in multiple jurisdictions over his claims of election tampering.
Anthony Edwards’ late layup forces OT, as Timberwolves edge Pelicans 149-142
Anthony Edwards scored 34 of his season-high 44 points in the second half, including a driving layup to force overtime, and Julius Randle scored eight points in the extra period to lift the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 149-142 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Edwards sent the game into overtime with 2.3 seconds left. 
Wallstedt earns 4th shutout of the season as Wild beat Oilers 1-0
Jesper Wallstedt made 33 saves to record his fourth shutout of the season in just 10 games as the Minnesota Wild carried their torrid pace from last month into December, emerging with a 1-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. Jonas Brodin scored the lone goal for the Wild, who have achieved at least a point in 12 straight games. 
Jane Austen’s ‘Pride & Prejudice,’ a blueprint to the modern romance
This year, readers around the world are celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th birthday. Here’s how the novel has had a lasting impact over the years.
Possible federal immigration operation raises questions for Somali immigrants in Minnesota
MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about news reports that the Trump administration plans to target hundreds of Somali immigrants living unlawfully in the Twin Cities.
Steelers sign wide receiver and former Viking Adam Thielen to practice squad
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen to their practice squad. The move came shortly after the Minnesota Vikings released the 35-year-old to allow him to pursue playing opportunities elsewhere. 
Tennessee’s special House election sets stage for affordability focused 2026 midterms
A Democratic overperformance in a Republican-won special congressional election in Tennessee Tuesday sets the stage for a 2026 midterm election where affordability remains a top issue. Republican Matt Van Epps won Tennessee's 7th Congressional District by 9 percentage points over Democratic State Rep. Aftyn Behn after millions of dollars in outside spending drove up turnout and attention on the contest in its final weeks.
Marine robotics firm will resume deep-sea search for MH370 plane that vanished a decade ago
Malaysia's transport ministry has announced that a private firm will resume the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 later this month. Texas-based Ocean Infinity will conduct the deep-sea hunt under a "no-find, no-fee" contract with Malaysia's government.
Coyne Schofield, Frost thump Charge 5-1 in rematch of Walter Cup final
Kendall Coyne Schofield’s hat trick lifted the Minnesota Frost to a dominant 5-1 win over the Ottawa Charge on Tuesday night. The home crowd at TD Place Arena turned the stands pink to support Ottawa head coach Carla MacLeod, who announced her breast cancer diagnosis on Saturday.
Trump administration halts immigration applications for migrants from 19 travel-ban nations
The Trump administration is pausing immigration applications, including green cards, for people from 19 countries previously banned from travel. This decision follows the shooting of two National Guard troops in the nation's capital last week. 
The Trump administration is threatening to cut off federal administrative SNAP funding to Minnesota over the state’s refusal to share data about beneficiaries. State leaders have declined to share the names, birth dates, addresses and Social Security numbers of food assistance program participants — and won a court order earlier this year to not share that data.
Using anti-fraud powers, Minnesota DHS sets 2-year ban on new group home licenses 
Minnesota Human Services Department officials ordered the moratorium using a new state law and executive order aimed at fighting fraud in state programs. Disability services advocates say they were blindsided by the decision.
One week after federal operation and arrest, St. Paul family tells council member they haven't seen search warrant
On Monday evening, St. Paul City Council Vice President Hwa Jeong Kim spoke with the family of one of the men who was arrested by federal agents. She said the family has not seen an arrest warrant justifying the agents’ forced entry into the home.
Lights, camera, talons: EagleCam is back online with new tech
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ EagleCam is back for a second season at its new location, with new tech to improve video quality and a strategy to cover the possibility of two different nest locations.