Stories from December 16, 2025

One order establishes a statewide safety council to develop an action plan to prevent mass shootings and other violence. The council will make policy and funding recommendations to the governor. The other order promotes safe firearm storage and authorizes the state to collect data from insurance companies on claims involving firearms for data analysis.
Winter storm watches for most of northern Minnesota
A powerful winter storm brings high winds and heavy snow to the north. Windy with rain to light snow in the Twin Cities and the south.
Prosecutors will charge Rob Reiner’s son Nick with 2 counts of murder in killing of his parents
Prosecutors say Rob Reiner’s son Nick Reiner will be charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the killing of his parents. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges against 32-year-old Nick Reiner at a news conference on Tuesday
Minnesota attorney general announces settlement with Kia and Hyundai over stolen vehicles
Owners of several Kia and Hyundai models will be eligible for free anti-theft hardware upgrades in the new year, following a lawsuit settlement between the automakers and several states, including Minnesota. 
Thaw! Temps top 50 Tuesday in parts of Minnesota
Temperatures near 50 degrees all the way to the Canadian border Tuesday afternoon. Colder air and a wintry storm system moves in Wednesday into Thursday.
State agricultural mental health specialists support farmers under rising economic strain
Farmers are facing rising stress tied to economic pressure, driving an increase in calls to agricultural mental health hotlines. A Minnesota mental health specialist described how her work is helping meet that growing need.
Twin Cities nonprofits land funding from OpenAI’s new philanthropic arm
The nonprofit arm of OpenAI pledged more than $40 million to organizations nationwide, with some of that funding headed to Minnesota. Merrick Community Services in St. Paul says the grant will support its core social service work.
'Battle of the cold': Tensions rising two weeks into ICE surge in Minnesota
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reports that 400 arrests have been made in the state since the operation started on Dec. 1. It’s not clear when it will wind down. Meanwhile, tensions have been rising between activists and ICE agents on the streets of the Twin Cities.
Stymied by the Legislature on gun regulation, Walz tries executive orders
Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday took some modest steps on guns through executive measures after being unable to muster legislative support to pass restrictions on firearms and ammunition.
'It's hurting people': Minneapolis city official suggests alternatives to property tax increases
Property taxes are on the rise as commercial values decline in downtown areas, shifting the financial burden to homeowners. Steve Brandt, president of the Minneapolis Board of Estimation and Taxation, said increases property taxes every year is not sustainable and offered alternatives.
Trump designates street fentanyl as WMD, escalating militarization of drug war
Trump has already declared the drug cartels terrorist organizations and ordered military strikes against suspected drug boats. Now he's declaring fentanyl a WMD. Experts on street drugs and fentanyl are skeptical these moves will reduce the supply of fentanyl on America's streets or reduce overdose deaths.
Social worker shares resources for families affected by Stewartville shooting
Heather Geerts, director of clinical services at Zumbro Valley Health Services, joined Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition Tuesday to talk about supporting the Stewartville community in the wake of a tragedy.
Morning Announcements for Dec. 16
These are the Morning Announcements for Tuesday, Dec. 16. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Finding joy and community in amateur holiday performances
From local Nutcrackers to community choir concerts, ‘tis the season for holiday shows put on by your friends and neighbors. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about the joy people find in amateur performing groups.
More than a dozen schools were among those canceling classes on Tuesday after receiving threats on social media. Authorities late Tuesday said a 16-year-old had been arrested in Eagan in connection with the threats.
A year full of special legislative elections closes out with a pair of primaries Tuesday. In the Woodbury-Maplewood area, three DFLers are on the ballot. In St. Paul, there are six DFLers and one Republican in the running to replace Mayor-elect Kaohly Her in the state House.
What are the 10 largest U.S. lottery jackpots ever won?
The Powerball jackpot is growing to an estimated $1.25 billion for Wednesday night’s drawing after lottery officials said no ticket matched all six numbers drawn Monday night.
Above freezing Tuesday followed by rain, snow late Wednesday
Temperatures climb to into the 40s Tuesday for most of Minnesota. Our next system delivers rain and snow late Wednesday into Thursday followed by colder air.  
‘Total sadness’: Stewartville High School shooting leaves community grieving
The small town of Stewartville in southeast Minnesota is grieving but trying to pull together in the aftermath of a shooting outside of the high school that left one student in critical condition and the alleged shooter dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.