Stories from December 9, 2025

Minneapolis council committee moves to strengthen separation ordinance
A Minneapolis council committee advanced tougher separation ordinance language Tuesday, limiting local enforcement of federal immigration law. A vote of the full Minneapolis City Council is expected Thursday.
Driving conditions across Minnesota will worsen through night as snow and freezing rain move across the region. And nine Republican candidates for Minnesota governor gathered last night to debate issues at a Lyon County Republican candidate forum.
Federal agents arrest citizen observer watching ICE detain neighbors on her north Minneapolis block
Susan Tincher, a 55-year-old American citizen, appears to be the first observer arrested by federal immigration enforcement officers since the agency launched an immigration surge in the Twin Cities last Monday. 
Local program tackles substance use disorder treatment for patients with autism
Fraser, a Minnesota-based autism services program, has launched a new substance use disorder treatment program designed specifically for Minnesotans who are on the autism spectrum.
Immigration Lawyer: No 'rhyme or reason' to who ICE agents are arresting in Minnesota
An attorney representing people who have recently been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minnesota has filed several lawsuits against the federal agency.
‘Crisis’ ebbs: Minnesota student mental health rebounds post-pandemic
Results from the 2025 Minnesota Student Survey released Tuesday show a turnaround from 2022, when nearly one-third of students reported long-term mental health struggles in the pandemic, a finding officials then described as a “crisis.”
Minneapolis council member pushes for more public restrooms downtown
Katie Cashman, who represents Ward 7, joined Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition Tuesday to talk about the pros, cons and concerns of her bathroom proposal for the Nicollet Avenue transit corridor.
The Lumineers, The Strokes, Matchbox Twenty to headline Minnesota Yacht Club music festival
The third annual Minnesota Yacht Club Festival is set for July 17-19 and will return to Harriet Island Regional Park with performances from The Lumineers, Matchbox Twenty, The Strokes and many more.
Dakota County turning to AI to answer non-emergency calls
When someone calls the non-emergency line in Dakota County, instead of a dispatcher answering, an AI assistant does. The switch to AI technology was made so dispatchers can focus their attention on emergency calls. Dakota 911 is one of the first in the state to implement this type of AI tool.
Storm update: Winter storm warning expands to NE Twin Cities region
A powerful clipper is delivering heavy snow and ice to much of Minnesota. High winds gusting over 50 mph will cause blowing snow through Wednesday morning especially in southwestern Minnesota.
Indigenous artifacts returned by the Vatican to be displayed in Canada
A selection of items returned by the Vatican will be displayed at the Canadian Museum of History after First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders for years called for the repatriation of Indigenous artifacts.
Heavy snow, howling winds snarl travel across Minnesota
Dozens of Minnesota school districts sent students home early on Tuesday, and travel conditions deteriorated through the afternoon and evening, as a winter storm brought heavy snow, freezing rain and howling winds to the state.
Name a Snowplow: MnDOT asks for name ideas for sixth annual contest
Perfectly timed for the winter weather blowing in on Tuesday, the Minnesota Department of Transportation kicked off its annual Name a Snowplow contest.
Morning Announcements for Dec. 9
These are the Morning Announcements for Tuesday, Dec. 9. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Anoka-Hennepin teachers set strike authorization vote
Union leaders in the state’s largest school district say more than 90 percent of union members have signed a pledge saying they would vote to strike if necessary. The authorization vote will take place Dec. 17-20.
U.S. vaccine panel reverses hepatitis B guidance
MPR News guest host Chris Farrell talks about a federal vaccine advisory committee’s vote to end the longstanding recommendation that all U.S. babies get the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. 
Suns overcome Edwards’ 40 points and snap Timberwolves’ 5-game win streak with 108-105 victory
Mark Williams had 22 points and seven rebounds, and the Phoenix Suns overcame Anthony Edwards’ 40 points to snap the Minnesota Timberwolves’ five-game winning streak with a 108-105 victory. 
Eriksson Ek has goal and 2 assists as Wild score 3 in 3rd period to beat Kraken 4-1
Joel Eriksson Ek had a goal and two assists, and the Minnesota Wild scored three times in the third period to beat the Seattle Kraken 4-1. Marcus Johansson, Kirill Kaprizov and Vladimir Tarasenko also scored to help the Wild snap a two-game skid that followed a 12-game point streak (10-0-2).
Duluth City Council votes to transfer former golf course land for future housing
Despite concerns voiced by some residents claiming a lack of transparency and a flawed public process, the Duluth City Council voted to transfer the closed Lester Park Golf Course property to the city’s economic development authority to explore a potential housing development.
Latest winter storm to bring a wintry mix and heavy snow to Minnesota
Our latest winter storm system will bring a mix of precipitation to southern Minnesota with heavy snow in central and northern parts of the state. Colder air follows later in the week. 
 Federal SNAP, Medicaid changes force Minnesota counties to raise property taxes
The Blue Earth County Board votes next week on a proposed property tax increase that officials say is needed to pay for the rising costs of administering SNAP, Medicaid and other federal programs that federal legislation shifts onto local governments.
Community sounds alarm after apparent ICE arrest in Rochester
An apparent arrest of a Rochester man has stirred fear in the Somali community as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s recent surge of arrests expands beyond the Twin Cities.