Stories from December 24, 2025

Faith leaders make Christmas call for compassion, end to anti-immigrant rhetoric
Churches and faith leaders across Minnesota are calling for a cooling of the hateful rhetoric and a stop to the fear-mongering this Christmas as the threat of more immigration enforcement actions hangs over the holiday.
Dreams of a white Christmas are fading for parts of the state as fog, drizzle and warmer temperatures set the stage for a tricky Christmas Day forecast. Minnesota's Supreme Court has reinforced a standard barring vehicle searches solely due to marijuana odor.
Minnesota DVS warns ICE agents they’re violating state law by switching license plates
The director of Minnesota’s Driver and Vehicle Services told federal homeland security officials to stop license plate switching immediately. Gov. Tim Walz called tampering with plates “criminal activity.” 
Seven Minnesotans will skate for the U.S. in the upcoming Junior World Ice Hockey Championships
Team USA will return four Minnesota players from last year’s gold medal squad. Defensemen Logan Hensler of Woodbury and Adam Kleber of Chaska will return to represent the United States, as will forwards Max Plante of Hermantown and Brodie Ziemer of Chaska.
Morning Announcements for Dec. 24
These are the Morning Announcements for Wednesday, Dec. 24. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Is a plant-based diet right for you?
Plant-based diets are growing more popular. MPR News host Angela Davis revisits a conversation with the founder of the “Vegan Sexy Cool” podcast and a professor of nutrition about the benefits and challenges of going vegan.
Steven Stamkos scores in OT to give the Predators a 3-2 win over the Wild
Steven Stamkos scored 53 seconds into overtime to give the Nashville Predators a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild. Stamkos got a step on his defender as he raced down the slot, and Erik Haula found him with a pass that Stamkos deflected past goalie Filip Gustavsson.
More than a third of states sue HHS over a move that could curtail youth gender-affirming care
Nineteen states, including Minnesota, and the District of Columbia have sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, its Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and its inspector general over a declaration that could complicate access to gender-affirming care for young people. 
More above normal temperatures and a wintry mix Thursday night
We’re back to above freezing highs for southern Minnesota today through Saturday. A couple systems could bring a wintry mix of precipitation Thursday night and Saturday. 
Documents from the investigation into the Camp House Fire show that the man who started the destructive blaze left a small fire before it was completely extinguished. When he returned about three hours later, the fire had spread out of control.
Crime in the U.S. fell in 2025. Will the trend continue?
Crime rates dropped across much of the U.S. in 2025. That was true for both property and violent crime. And it declined nearly everywhere: In big cities and small towns, and in red and blue states.
Flu cases are surging in Minnesota this holiday season. Here's how to protect yourself
Doctors and public health officials warn the flu can cause serious symptoms and even death in the most vulnerable people, and they say it's not too late to get a flu shot. Here are their tips for staying safe over the holidays.
From dreams to sacred sites: Jim Bear Jacobs' commitment to storytelling, connection
Jim Bear Jacobs, citizen of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, has worked in racial justice for a decade and a half. But recent changes in federal policy have brought an end to his work with a local faith-based organization. Even so, Jacobs remains committed to the work spurred by dreams years ago.
St. Cloud nonprofit reports harassment wrongly linking it to fraud in state programs
The Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization says over the past three weeks, two men showed up at its office on different occasions, threatened staff and accused them of defrauding taxpayers.
Aly Aleigha tried to write a Christmas song under pressure and found stillness
Under a tight Advent deadline, Midwest singer-songwriter Aly Aleigha set out to write a Christmas song meant to slow people down and discovered how much meaning can grow under pressure.
‘Oh my God, this is really bad!’ New details reveal origins of destructive Camp House Fire
The man who pleaded guilty to starting the Camp House Fire left a campfire smoldering while he left to buy fishing bait. Some people whose homes were destroyed are still struggling to return.
Appetites: Wassail punch for your holiday party
A look at the centuries-old tradition of wassailing — and how to make the hot, spiced cider that has warmed winter celebrations for generations.