Stories from December 20, 2025

Thousands join anti-ICE march, rally for immigrants in Minneapolis
Demonstrators denounced the surge of immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota this month. A diverse coalition of 46 organizations co-hosted the rally and march, which included indigenous drumming and dance.
Available to download Friday, some Epstein files no longer there Saturday afternoon
An NPR analysis of the Epstein files shows some documents, originally available on Friday, are no longer on the Department of Justice's "Epstein Library" website as the DOJ releases more files.
Anoka-Hennepin district teachers vote to authorize strike
The teachers union for Minnesota’s largest school district says its members voted overwhelmingly to authorize a possible strike as they pursue a new contract. The authorization does not mean that a strike will happen.
Minneapolis Sound legend Jellybean Johnson remembered for his music and love
After a career spanning over 45 years, Garry George “Jellybean” Johnson was celebrated for his contributions to the music community as a skillful producer, songwriter, guitarist and drummer and to his family and Minneapolis culture.
Combat training is a rite of passage for police recruits. It's left a trail of deaths and injuries
Combat training drills are a rite of passage for police recruits nationwide, and an Associated Press investigation finds they've left a trail of deaths and injuries. The drills are frequently referred to as RedMan training for the brand and color of protective gear participants wear.
 Jordan says its air force joined U.S. strikes on Islamic State in Syria
Jordan confirms its air force joined U.S. strikes on Islamic State targets in Syria. The U.S. launched these strikes on Friday to retaliate for the killing of three U.S. citizens by a Syrian gunman earlier this month.
Anthony Edwards returns with a late flourish for the Timberwolves in a clutch win over the Thunder
Anthony Edwards returned from a three-game injury absence with 26 points and 12 rebounds for the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 112-107 victory over the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder.
Solstice: Winter transition brings sacred teachings and family traditions
Ojibwe author James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw shares how the transition into winter is a culturally significant time for family groups to prepare for winter and share sacred teachings, songs, and stories.
Arboretum in Baxter debuts new forest skating trail: ‘If we build it, they will come’
The trail opening Sunday at the Northland Arboretum in Baxter winds through snow-covered pine trees and fields in a loop just under half a mile long. Unlike a frozen lake or smooth rink, there are curves, hills and occasional bumps.
U.S. House passes bill to remove wolves from endangered species protection list
The U.S. House passed a bill Thursday to remove wolves from the federal endangered species list. If it passes, it would return wolf management to states, including Minnesota—which could decide to authorize wolf hunting seasons. It now moves to the Senate.
 The shortest day of the year is descending on the Northern Hemisphere. Here's what to know
Sunday marks the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, signaling the start of astronomical winter. In the Southern Hemisphere, it's the longest day, marking the beginning of summer.
Flurries fade as a breezy Saturday takes over
Flurries fade early, giving way to a breezy and chilly Saturday, followed by Sunday’s winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, bringing a warming trend.
Minneapolis mayor vetoes ‘humane’ encampment ordinance
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey vetoed an ordinance requiring services and advance notice for large homeless encampments, sending the measure to a new City Council in January.
‘ICE is in my car!’ 911 transcripts reveal dueling ‘kidnapping’ claims
Newly-released 911 transcripts reveal dueling allegations of kidnapping by Homeland Security Investigations agents and a Nigerian man whom they tried to question about his immigration status. Oluwadamilola Bamigboye called 911 from the back seat of his girlfriend’s SUV as she headed for the New Hope police station.