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Stories from December 19, 2025

Infectious medical waste is showing up at a Minnesota recycling center 

Infectious medical waste is showing up at a Minnesota recycling center 

Officials at the Ramsey-Washington Recycling and Energy Center in Newport have found that several medical facilities are improperly disposing of infectious waste at their facility, putting the health and safety of waste workers at serious risk.
by Erica Zurek

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Mayo Clinic just closed 6 rural Minnesota health clinics. More closings may follow

Mayo Clinic just closed 6 rural Minnesota health clinics. More closings may follow

The Minnesota medical giant has been consolidating clinics across southern Minnesota as it struggles with staffing shortages in rural areas. But the closures are frustrating to those who relied on the clinics for care.
by Molly Castle Work

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State officials question $9B Medicaid fraud estimate

State officials say they've not seen evidence to substantiate estimates from federal prosecutors that billions of dollars in Medicaid funds have been subject to fraud. The comments come a day after the U.S. Attorney's Office announced charges against people alleged to have defrauded state housing and autism programs.
by Emily Reese

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Wintry for now, Christmas week thaw ahead

Wintry for now, Christmas week thaw ahead

The weekend feels like winter, but a major thaw is on the weather maps for Christmas week.
by Paul Huttner

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Vikings holiday halftime party to feature Snoop Dogg, KPop Demon Hunter performers, Lainey Wilson

Vikings holiday halftime party to feature Snoop Dogg, KPop Demon Hunter performers, Lainey Wilson

Snoop Dogg and the voices starring in Netflix’s hit movie “KPOP Demon Hunters” will star in the 2025 NFL Christmas Gameday halftime show for the Vikings matchup against the Detroit Lions.
by MPR News Staff

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Justice Department begins the release of the Epstein files

Justice Department begins the release of the Epstein files

The Justice Department has begun publishing the Epstein files, releasing documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's criminal charges and his death by suicide in federal custody.
by Stephen Fowler

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ICE rumors cause hundreds to miss school in Willmar

A recent Homeland Security presence in the western Minnesota town frightened families and led to hundreds of students missing school Monday. District officials worked this week to reassure families that schools are safe spaces.
by Elizabeth Shockman

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From toddlers to teens, here’s your one-stop shop for young readers

From toddlers to teens, here’s your one-stop shop for young readers

If you have kids in your life who are ready to broaden their book horizons we have recommendations for you! Here you’ll find tried-and-true picture books, chapter books, and YA, all published in 2025.
by Ivy Buck

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MN Shortlist: Art, memory and home — 6 picks for Dec. 19-25

MN Shortlist: Art, memory and home — 6 picks for Dec. 19-25

The stretch before the holidays has a way of sharpening things. Art leans toward advocacy, music turns reflective and familiar stories get reframed through local history and loss.
by Jacob Aloi, Anika Besst, Alex V. Cipolle and Max Sparber

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Morning Announcements for Dec. 18-19

Morning Announcements for Dec. 18-19

These are the Morning Announcements for Thursday, Dec. 18 and Friday, Dec. 19. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
by MPR News Staff

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Suspect in Brown University shooting and MIT professor killing found dead

Suspect in Brown University shooting and MIT professor killing found dead

The suspect in Saturday's Brown University shooting was discovered dead at a storage facility in New Hampshire. The same man is suspected in the fatal shooting of an MIT physics professor on Monday.
by Tovia Smith

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Implosion will take down a nearly century-old Mississippi River bridge between Iowa and Wisconsin

Implosion will take down a nearly century-old Mississippi River bridge between Iowa and Wisconsin

Crews are set to blow up the 94-year-old Black Hawk Bridge bridge over the Mississippi River. The implosion Friday will bring a dramatic end to the riveted cantilever bridge between Iowa and Wisconsin. The bridge was permanently closed in October. 
by The Associated Press

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Timberwolves formalize a reunion with Kevin Garnett, with a plan to finally retire his No. 21 jersey

Timberwolves formalize a reunion with Kevin Garnett, with a plan to finally retire his No. 21 jersey

Kevin Garnett will finally have his No. 21 formally retired by his original team, the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves announced Thursday they’ve hired Garnett as a team ambassador with a plan to honor him in a jersey-raising ceremony on a future date.
by The Associated Press

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Federal regulators to begin sifting through wreckage of North Carolina plane crash that killed 7

Federal regulators to begin sifting through wreckage of North Carolina plane crash that killed 7

Federal investigators will begin sifting through the wreckage of a business jet that crashed in North Carolina and killed all seven people aboard, including retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family.
by The Associated Press

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Friday is the deadline to release the Epstein files. Here’s what to expect

Friday is the deadline to release the Epstein files. Here’s what to expect

Friday is the deadline for the government to release files related to the life and death of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. There are still questions about what will be published and when.
by Stephen Fowler

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6 more people face federal charges in connection with a scheme to rip off Minnesota Medicaid programs

Six more people are facing federal charges in connection with a scheme to rip off Minnesota Medicaid programs. Five of them allegedly stole around $ 5.5 million from the Housing Stabilization Services Program — which Gov. Tim Walz shut down this year because of fraud.
by Emily Bright

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Chilly start to Friday with light snow chances

Chilly start to Friday with light snow chances

A frigid start to Friday brings wind chills in the teens and 20s below zero. Increasing winds ahead of an approaching warm front will lead to light snow chances Friday night.
by Mandy Thalhuber

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U of M family researcher: Make memories, not debt this holiday season

U of M family researcher: Make memories, not debt this holiday season

With holiday gift-buying season in full swing, educators from the University of Minnesota are reminding parents to focus on creating a strong family culture over buying lots of gifts.
by Kyra Miles

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State officials announce plans for more study on impacts of sulfate pollution on wild rice

State officials announce plans for more study on impacts of sulfate pollution on wild rice

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says it will further study the impacts of sulfate on wild rice. The announcement comes in the wake of concern expressed over a 52-year-old state standard that limits how much of the pollutant mines and other facilities can release into waters where the plant grows.
by Dan Kraker

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How climate change is driving up the cost of home insurance

How climate change is driving up the cost of home insurance

The escalating costs of climate disasters continues to affect home insurance. Jordan Haedtler, climate financial policy strategist with Climate Cabinet based in Duluth, explains the rising cost in homeowner insurance.
by Paul Huttner and Matthew Alvarez

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