Stories from November 17, 2025

State Rep. Sandra Feist announced today that she'll leave the Legislature when her term runs out next year. And it's open enrollment season for many people who get health insurance through their employer. A recent survey found the average cost per employee will go up 7 percent.
How SNAP eligibility has changed for 38,000 Minnesotans this month
Major changes to SNAP eligibility have taken effect under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the Republican tax and spending law passed by Congress in July. Nine thousand refugees and immigrants in Minnesota are no longer eligible, and there are new work requirements for 29,000 Minnesotans.
As Vikings get ready for Green Bay, high school football championship takes over U.S. Bank Stadium
The Vikings will face their division rivals, the Green Bay Packers, on Sunday at Lambeau Field. Back in Minnesota, the Vikings’ home turf will instead be home to the best high school football teams in the state.
Target directs store employees to smile, interact more with customers
Target says the change is part of an internal training program called “10-4,” encouraging employees to smile when within 10 feet of a customer and interact when within four feet of a customer. But it comes amid struggles in the brand’s sales, stocks and perception.
Turning 26? Here's what to know about buying health insurance in Minnesota
Once most people turn 26 years old, they’re no longer eligible to be on a parent’s or guardian’s health insurance plan. To get some advice for Minnesotans reaching that milestone, Cathy Wurzer talked with MNsure Communications Manager Mary Robinson.
Winter Hazard Awareness Week: Understanding winter storms
It’s Winter Hazard Awareness Week, and it serves as a gentle reminder that our cold-season weather brings its own unique set of challenges. Monday’s focus highlights winter storms, one of the most disruptive and dangerous winter hazards we face each year.
He vowed to 'protect the unborn.' Now he’s blocking a bill to expand Medicaid for Wisconsin’s new moms.
Splitting with anti-abortion members of his own party, Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has refused to join 48 other states in ensuring that vulnerable women have access to potentially lifesaving care for up to a year after giving birth.
Local officials are denouncing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement over the detention of a Northfield man who, according to court records, has no criminal history. And the demand for food assistance continues even with the restoration of SNAP benefits last week.
Twin Metals seeks to continue copper exploration near Boundary Waters
Franconia Minerals, a subsidiary of the company seeking to build an underground mine for copper and nickel outside Ely, wants to drill up to 19 more exploratory holes along Birch Lake, just outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
'That's my dad': Northfield man's detention by ICE concerns local officials
Widely circulated videos on social media capture one man pointing a gun at a vehicle while two others reached into the passenger side where a Northfield man was seated. One bystander yelled “That’s my dad!” and another pleaded with agents to not hurt him.