Stories from May 13, 2026

1 in 3 Minnesota childcare providers can’t pay themselves, survey finds
A new survey from First Children’s Finance and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis shows that 2024 improvements in enrollment and business sustainability in the Minnesota childcare business sector have stopped or regressed.
What we know about a Minnesotan's possible hantavirus exposure
State epidemiologist Dr. Ruth Lynfield says the health department is keeping close tabs on a Minnesotan who may have been exposed to hantavirus and the current situation is different than what unfolded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rain chances return Thursday with fire weather threat
The Upper Midwest is heading into another stretch of dangerous fire weather conditions before a major pattern shift brings widespread rain and thunderstorm chances back to the region early next week.
Travel bans, visa restrictions and fears of being arrested or detained are presenting challenges for students from other countries wanting to come to the U.S. to study here. And lawmakers have come together on a deal to dedicate $165 million to housing programs.
Need for rent relief remains high as eviction filings increase and individual donations slow down 
Some organizers of rent relief funds say they’re seeing an increase in requests for help as the number of evictions ticks upward and the amount of individual donations drop.
Bison Festival celebrates release of herd that helps prairie habitat thrive
Every spring, a herd of bison stampede onto prairieland in the St. Croix River Valley. This Saturday, the Bison Festival at the Belwin Conservancy in Afton will draw hundreds of people to watch the release of the animals.
Passage of Minnesota prediction market ban sets stage for likely lawsuits
Minnesota lawmakers Tuesday passed a bill banning prediction markets from the state. If it’s signed into law, it will likely face legal challenges, as courts around the country weigh what counts as gambling and what level of government should regulate these platforms.
State retirement program for Minnesota small businesses, employees is rolling out
Secure Choice Executive Director Chad Roberts told Morning Edition that the state’s responsibility to help people save — in addition to social security — for life after their careers eases the burden for the rest of the public.
Electric vehicle sales in Minnesota are losing steam. Could gas prices change that?
Data shows the number of Minnesotans buying electric dropped by 50 percent in the last few months of 2025. Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association President Scott Lambert said high gas prices are unlikely to reverse the trend.
A boat crash in Crow Wing County killed a college student on Little Emily Lake. Later in the day, a separate boat crash on Lake Vermilion in St. Louis County killed one person and injured others.
Omaha's U.S. House race tests candidates' ability to reach beyond party lines
Omaha, Neb., is home to a toss-up Congressional race this year. Voters have shown a willingness to vote for moderate candidates from both parties, but has the definition of a moderate now changed?
Trump administration freezes new Medicare enrollments for hospice and home health agencies
The nationwide moratorium is the latest move by Vice President JD Vance's anti-fraud task force to crack down on healthcare scams, including those that affect Medicare, a U.S. government program providing health insurance to elderly and disabled Americans.
The Reason for Sleep
Exploring the fundamental relationship between sleep and mental health.
Inside the furor plaguing Democratic National Committee leader Ken Martin
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin is losing the confidence of some Democratic officials, who are concerned about the direction of the party's political machine barely a year into his term. Major donors aren’t giving.
Nia Coffey hits late 3-pointer in the Lynx's 88-84 win over the Mercury
Natasha Howard had 14 points and 11 rebounds, Nia Coffey made a wide-open 3-pointer with 25.6 seconds left for a four-point lead, and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Phoenix Mercury 88-84 on Tuesday night. Coffey’s third 3-pointer — for an 87-83 lead — was set up by a nice drive and pass by rookie Olivia Miles.
Minnesota-based Cargill CEO among prominent U.S. executives joining Trump on trip to China
Prominent U.S. executives from Big Tech and Wall Street to agriculture and aerospace are joining President Donald Trump on his trip to China this week, including the chairman and CEO of Minnesota-based Cargill.
How social media looks on the devices of young Minnesotans could be in for a major change. The Minnesota House voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to require social media age verification and less-addictive interfaces for kids.
Warmer-than-normal temperatures for the next several days
Wednesday through the weekend will bring warmer-than-normal temperatures. We also have at least some hopeful signs of some moisture. Showers develop later Thursday and again Sunday.
Mother of man killed by Superior, Wis., cop speaks out following second officer-involved shooting
Superior police held a news conference Tuesday to address community concerns following an officer-involved shooting on May 10. That followed another incident April 7 when a Superior officer shot and killed David Menton, 42.
These 70 violins tell the stories of Holocaust survivors, now they’re touring Minnesota
For decades, an Israel-based father-son team have been recovering and repairing violins played by Jewish musicians that survived the Holocaust. Through June, those violins are touring the state. Local musicians will play the instruments and many are on view for exhibitions.