Stories from December 30, 2025

The Anoka-Hennepin teachers union says a mediation session with the school district yesterday failed to produce a contract agreement as a planned strike date nears. And State Senator John Hoffman says he'll pursue another term in 2026. Hoffman and his family survived an assassination attempt in their home over the summer.
Tracking light snow and falling temps to end the year
Expect travel to be slow moving at times this evening. Another widespread round of light snow accumulation will similarly impact travel Wednesday morning and afternoon. We ring in the new year with a shot of cold air.
‘Love is Blind’: Minnesota’s top pop culture moment of 2025
The Minneapolis season of the reality dating show came out on Valentine’s Day, 2025. Taylor and Daniel Hastings were the only couple who said “I do” at the altar and they renewed their vows this summer.
Anoka-Hennepin teachers union fails to reach agreement with district leadership during mediation
With the clock ticking toward a strike date, the Anoka-Hennepin school district and teachers union failed to reach an agreement during mediation on Monday. Jan. 8 is the first day educators would walk out if mediation sessions fail. The next mediation session is Friday.
The year of data centers? Debate, investment heated up in Minnesota in 2025
With cool temperatures and favorable tax exemptions, Minnesota has become an attractive place for tech companies searching for a place to build their data storage houses. MPR News reporter Kirsti Marohn recapped the data center beat in 2025.
Attacks against Hortmans, Hoffmans continue to weigh on Minnesota politics
Minnesota is still grappling with the shootings of two state lawmakers and their spouses in June 2025. MPR News politics reporter Dana Ferguson joined Minnesota Now to talk about the tragedy and its lasting mark on the legislature.
Minnesota DNR approves mining exploration plan just outside the Boundary Waters
State officials have given the go-ahead to Franconia Minerals, a subsidiary of Twin Metals, to conduct exploratory drilling at up to 19 sites near Ely. Twin Metals is seeking to build an underground copper mine in the area.
Morning Announcements for Dec. 30
These are the Morning Announcements for Tuesday, Dec. 30. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
T-Wolves rout Bulls 136-101, Reid scores 33 points
Naz Reid scored a season-high 33 points off the bench, Anthony Edwards added 23, and the Minnesota Timberwolves routed the Bulls 136-101 after Chicago lost top scorers Coby White and Josh Giddey to injuries.
Power Pairs: Filmmaker Daniel Bergin and sportscaster Lea B. Olsen
Forget sibling rivalry. Let’s talk about some sibling excellence. MPR News host Angela Davis revisits a conversation from her Power Pair series with award-winning filmmaker Daniel Bergin and his award-winning sister, sports broadcaster Lea Olsen. 
Wild beat Golden Knights 5-2 to improve to 9-1-1 since Dec. 8
Marcus Johansson had a goal and three assists and the surging Minnesota Wild beat the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2 on Monday night. The Wild are 9-1-1 since Dec. 8. 
Warmer with more snow showers on the way Tuesday
It’ll be briefly milder Tuesday as the next clipper system moves in. We’ll have a quick shot of snow showers both Tuesday and Wednesday followed by more cold for the New Year. 
Morning Announcements for Dec. 29
These are the Morning Announcements for Monday, Dec. 29. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
A company allegedly used to launder money stolen from the government in the Feeding Our Future fraud case owns five houses where taxpayer-funded group homes operate. Those group homes have collected millions of dollars from the government.
U.S. beats Slovakia 6-5 in world junior hockey
Boston College forward James Hagens scored in a 1:03 span late in the second period and early in the third and the United States overcame a two-goal deficit to beat Slovakia 6-5 on Monday night in the world junior hockey championship.
Feeding Our Future defendant connected to taxpayer-funded group homes in Twin Cities
A company allegedly used to launder money stolen from the government in the Feeding Our Future fraud case owns five houses where taxpayer-funded group homes operate. Those group homes have collected millions of dollars from the government.
Meet an Annunciation family helping move the community toward healing after tragedy
Kristen Neville and Michael Burt’s blended family of seven have long been part of the Annunciation Catholic Church and School community. Now, the parents are stepping up in new ways to help their community heal.
Genre fiction and female authors top U.S. libraries’ most-borrowed lists in 2025
All of the top 10 books borrowed through the public library app Libby were written by women. And Kristin Hannah’s “The Women” was the top checkout in many library systems around the country.