Stories from November 19, 2025

Health insurance confusion, questions abound amid UCare failure and rising costs
Coverage questions and concerns remain as UCare's failure points to bigger problems for insurers covering low-income individuals and families amid rising costs and low government reimbursement rates.
Target says it’s facing a challenging outlook for the holiday shopping season. But the Minneapolis-based retailer also outlined more steps today to try to reverse its recent struggles. One of Minnesota's largest health insurers, UCare, is shutting down at the start of next year. Another nonprofit insurer will be taking over its members.
Trump administration revives rollbacks of species protections from first term
President Donald Trump’s administration is moving to roll back protections for imperiled species and the places they live. Trump's Interior Department on Wednesday proposed reviving a suite of changes to Endangered Species Act regulations first made during the Republican’s first term. 
New hurdle in Comey case as Trump's Justice Department faces questions about the grand jury process
The prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey has hit another hurdle. The Justice Department acknowledged in court Wednesday a possible lapse in how the case was presented to a grand jury.
'We’re very in the dark': Families say they can’t reach loved ones detained in St. Paul ICE operation
Families and advocates say they’re trying to reach their loved ones who were detained at a St. Paul manufacturer during a federal law enforcement operation on Tuesday.
Much colder with snow possible by Thanksgiving weekend
It’s been a mild November around Minnesota. But weather patterns look likely to shift as we head toward Thanksgiving weekend.
After federal operation in St. Paul, ACLU lawyer breaks down rights of protesters, bystanders
A federal operation in St. Paul led to a confrontation between federal agents and protesters on Tuesday morning. Federal agents used chemical irritants and projectiles on the crowd.
Minnesotan Jessie Diggins announces upcoming retirement from ski racing
Diggins has won three Olympic medals, three World Cup titles and seven world championship medals in her career — most of which the 34-year-old won while competing with glitter on her cheeks. 
New president chosen for St. Cloud State University
Gregory Tomso is on sabbatical from his previous role as vice president of academic engagement and student affairs at the University of West Florida.  He will take over on Jan. 5.
Morning Announcements for Nov. 18 and Nov. 19
These are the Morning Announcements for Tuesday, Nov. 18 and Wednesday, Nov. 19. Tell us what you’re celebrating!
Medica CEO explains absorbing UCare clients after company folds, answers Medicare questions
Minnetonka-based Medica is taking on former UCare clients. To talk about that transition, Medica CEO Lisa Erickson joined Cathy Wurzer on Morning Edition on Wednesday.
Trump attacks ABC reporter after question about killing of Saudi journalist Khashoggi
President Donald Trump denounced ABC News chief White House correspondent Mary Bruce as a “terrible reporter” and threatened the network's license to broadcast after she asked three sharp questions in the Oval Office on Tuesday.
FAFO parenting: When should kids 'find out' for themselves?
MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about “FAFO parenting” — the idea that sometimes the best way for kids to learn is by experiencing natural consequences.
Authorities ID man fatally shot by sheriff’s deputy in Bagley
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has identified the man who was fatally shot by a sheriff’s deputy in Clearwater County last week.
An employee of Immigration and Customs Enforcement is among 16 men arrested on suspicion of soliciting a minor after a sting operation in suburban Minneapolis.
Quarterly profit slide at Target hints at a challenging holiday season for the retailer
Target’s third-quarter profit tumbled as the retailer struggles to lure shoppers that are being pressed by stubbornly high inflation. The Minneapolis company said Wednesday that it expects its sales slump to extend through the critical holiday shopping season.
Mostly cloudy Wednesday with scattered showers north
We’ll see lots of clouds Wednesday across the region. Northern and central Minnesota will see scattered showers develop. Thursday should be warmer and Friday should be brighter. 
Expert advice to navigate UCare and Medicare changes while buying health insurance
“The perfect storm has really hit us this year when it comes to Medicare and all the changes that are happening,” said Kelli Jo Greiner of the Minnesota Board on Aging.
Poll: Democrats have biggest advantage for control of Congress in 8 years
A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows some major warning signs for President Trump and Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections as Americans want the president to focus on lowering prices.
Flu season could be nasty this winter
With a new flu virus variant circulating, scientists fear more sickness this winter. The vaccine may be slightly less effective, but doctors still urge getting one ASAP.
U of M’s Mapping Prejudice Project reveals racist deeds around Sherburne County lakes
Researchers found 356 properties with racial covenants in Sherburne County, nearly all clustered around lakes. Most were added after 1948, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled such restrictions were unenforceable.
Sleeping Jesus turns imagined heartbreak into song
Behind Sleeping Jesus’ new track “Caroline” is a surprising twist: the heartbreak is imagined, but the emotion is real.
Water pipes, fire stations, rec centers: Billions in project requests await Minnesota lawmakers
Lawmakers are weighing which projects to include in a public construction project bill after receiving more than $6.5 billion in requests from cities, public colleges and state agencies.
Twin Cities ICE employee among 16 arrested in child sex trafficking sting
A Twin Cities-based employee of Immigration and Customs Enforcement is among 16 men arrested on suspicion of soliciting a minor following a sting operation by police in suburban Minneapolis.