Stories from December 21, 2025

Timberwolves coach fined $35K for spat with officials in win over Thunder
The NBA fined Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch $35,000 on Sunday for “directing inappropriate language toward game officials and failing to leave the court in a timely manner following his ejection” on Friday. Finch was ejected in the first quarter of the Timberwolves’ 112-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Wintry mix possible through Monday morning
After a brief period of wintry weather through Monday morning, temperatures will trend much milder leading up to Christmas.
ICE says agent shot at man in St. Paul after he hit him with car
An ICE agent shot at a man who they say hit two agents with his car on Sunday, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. No one was struck by the bullets and the agents had non-life threatening injuries, according to a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson.
 From 'Grinchmas' to chestnut roasts, these rural towns make the holidays central to their economy
Winter holiday festivals have become a regular way to grow revenue for America’s smallest towns. And with more people shopping online, those events are key to pulling people away from their screens and into stores.
Cold winter solstice morning gives way to a milder pattern for Christmas
A cold start marks the winter solstice, but a much milder weather pattern is building in for the days ahead. A minor winter system arrives Sunday night with a chance for a wintry mix.
For more than 10 years, authorities in Freeborn County were puzzled as they tried to figure out who was the man whose skeletal remains were found along Interstate 90 near Albert Lea. Now that part of the mystery is solved and DNA testing identified him as a World War II veteran who was born in El Paso, Texas.
St. Cloud sees surge of drug overdose deaths in 2025
The city numbers follow a statewide trend of rising fatal overdoses, mainly from fentanyl and also methamphetamine.
Commission recommends $11 million for parks and trails projects
The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails commission is recommending that the state spend more than $11 million on a dozen projects improving parks and trails around the state.