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New Minnesota driver's license law brings wave of adult applicants

The law allows undocumented people to obtain driver's licenses.

News

Move over, 16-year-olds eager to drive: The number of behind-the-wheel exams taken by adults has increased since Minnesota <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="implemented its &quot;Driver&#x27;s Licenses for All&quot; law" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/03/07/minnesota-drivers-license-undocumented-immigrants" data-vars-content-id="c4f867a8-0228-4bed-9d56-f2ffbc4be193" data-vars-headline="New Minnesota driver&#x27;s license law brings wave of adult applicants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/03/07/minnesota-drivers-license-undocumented-immigrants" target="_self">implemented its &quot;Driver&#x27;s Licenses for All&quot; law</a> in 2023, state data obtained by Axios shows.Why it matters: The law opens the door for an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="estimated 95,000 undocumented people" data-vars-click-url="https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/publications/trends/mar-2025/immigrants.jsp" data-vars-content-id="c4f867a8-0228-4bed-9d56-f2ffbc4be193" data-vars-headline="New Minnesota driver&#x27;s license law brings wave of adult applicants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/publications/trends/mar-2025/immigrants.jsp" target="_blank">estimated 95,000 undocumented people</a> living in Minnesota to obtain driver&#x27;s licenses.<ul><li>Before the law, some of these newly credentialed drivers were likely at the wheel without a license.</li></ul>

Delta raises fees to $45 for first checked bag as fuel prices soar

The new prices take effect for flights booked April 8 or later.

Economy

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Delta Air Lines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/12/12/msp-delta-hub-airfares-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="493e6939-ab9c-455e-811a-62e2bc1d72a1" data-vars-headline="Delta raises fees to $45 for first checked bag as fuel prices soar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/12/12/msp-delta-hub-airfares-minneapolis" target="_self">Delta Air Lines</a> announced Tuesday that it is raising its checked bag fees by $10.The big picture: It&#x27;s the third major carrier to hike fees for flyers as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fuel costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/13/iran-war-strait-of-hormuz-flights" data-vars-content-id="493e6939-ab9c-455e-811a-62e2bc1d72a1" data-vars-headline="Delta raises fees to $45 for first checked bag as fuel prices soar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/13/iran-war-strait-of-hormuz-flights" target="_self">fuel costs</a> soar amid the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iran war" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/iran-war-us-tehran-ceasefire-talks" data-vars-content-id="493e6939-ab9c-455e-811a-62e2bc1d72a1" data-vars-headline="Delta raises fees to $45 for first checked bag as fuel prices soar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/iran-war-us-tehran-ceasefire-talks" target="_self">Iran war</a>.<ul><li>Jet fuel prices have risen by nearly 88% in major U.S. cities since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in late February, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per CNBC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/07/delta-checked-bag-fees.html" data-vars-content-id="493e6939-ab9c-455e-811a-62e2bc1d72a1" data-vars-headline="Delta raises fees to $45 for first checked bag as fuel prices soar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/07/delta-checked-bag-fees.html" target="_blank">per CNBC</a>.</li></ul>

Paul Douglas launches 24/7 weather channel

Paul Douglas is retiring soon, but first he's betting on Minnesotans' weather obsession.

Paul Douglas has one more big idea before signing off on his 40-plus years as a meteorologist and entrepreneur: the launch of a 24/7 streaming weather channel.Why it matters: Douglas hopes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Weather Loon" data-vars-click-url="https://weatherloon.com/blog/general/2026/03/24/minnesota-meet-your-weather-channel" data-vars-content-id="d9348560-fa59-4cca-aa64-246920715ddd" data-vars-headline="Paul Douglas launches 24/7 weather channel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://weatherloon.com/blog/general/2026/03/24/minnesota-meet-your-weather-channel" target="_blank">Weather Loon</a> will serve as a model for groups in other states that could buy its technology to start their own channels, he told Axios in an interview.

The Michelin Guide is headed to Minneapolis — and skipping St. Paul

Minneapolis will be part of the American Great Lakes edition.

Food and Drink

After years of speculation, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Michelin Guide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/09/26/michelin-guide-stars-minneapolis-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="15d4d833-11fc-4941-96bb-fb03ca5e5954" data-vars-headline="The Michelin Guide is headed to Minneapolis — and skipping St. Paul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/09/26/michelin-guide-stars-minneapolis-minnesota" target="_self">the Michelin Guide</a> is coming to Minneapolis — but inspectors won&#x27;t be awarding stars anywhere else in the state. The big picture: The prestigious culinary guide announced Wednesday the creation of an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="American Great Lakes" data-vars-click-url="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/event/american-great-lakes-to-join-the-global-culinary-map-with-new-michelin-guide-edition" data-vars-content-id="15d4d833-11fc-4941-96bb-fb03ca5e5954" data-vars-headline="The Michelin Guide is headed to Minneapolis — and skipping St. Paul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/event/american-great-lakes-to-join-the-global-culinary-map-with-new-michelin-guide-edition" target="_blank">American Great Lakes</a> edition, which will cover restaurants in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Detroit, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Pittsburgh.<ul><li>The restaurant selections won&#x27;t be released until 2027, but inspectors are already dining in each city, Michelin said.</li></ul>Why it matters: Michelin stars are among the top honors a restaurant can receive, and having starred restaurants can boost a city&#x27;s culinary tourism and public image.The catch: Getting the guide to come to town comes with a price.<ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minneapolis Tourism Improvement District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.minneapolis.org/tourism-improvement-district/" data-vars-content-id="15d4d833-11fc-4941-96bb-fb03ca5e5954" data-vars-headline="The Michelin Guide is headed to Minneapolis — and skipping St. Paul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.minneapolis.org/tourism-improvement-district/" target="_blank">Minneapolis Tourism Improvement District</a>, which is funded by a 2% service charge on hotel room revenue, will pay $250,000 per year for the three-year partnership with Michelin, tourism organization Meet Minneapolis told Axios.</li></ul>Yes, and: The guide will only cover restaurants within Minneapolis city limits, meaning <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationally acclaimed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/06/17/b-cheron-wins-best-new-restaurant" data-vars-content-id="15d4d833-11fc-4941-96bb-fb03ca5e5954" data-vars-headline="The Michelin Guide is headed to Minneapolis — and skipping St. Paul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/06/17/b-cheron-wins-best-new-restaurant" target="_self">nationally acclaimed</a> St. Paul spots like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Myriel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/06/23/myriel-private-dining-tomlinson-st-paul-local-ingredients-farm" data-vars-content-id="15d4d833-11fc-4941-96bb-fb03ca5e5954" data-vars-headline="The Michelin Guide is headed to Minneapolis — and skipping St. Paul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/06/23/myriel-private-dining-tomlinson-st-paul-local-ingredients-farm" target="_self">Myriel</a> won&#x27;t have the opportunity to earn a star.<ul><li>&quot;We know that increased awareness and recognition in the region can benefit all of us,&quot; Visit Saint Paul CEO Jaimee Lucke Hendrikson said in a statement to Axios. </li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;We have the talent, cultural diversity and hospitality to stand with any culinary destination in the world,&quot; Meet Minneapolis CEO Melvin Tennant said at a news conference.<ul><li>&quot;If there were any secrets left about Minneapolis as a top food city, joining together with the Michelin Guide will remove any of that doubt,&quot; he added.</li></ul>The other side: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hospitalityminnesota.com/sohr/" data-vars-content-id="15d4d833-11fc-4941-96bb-fb03ca5e5954" data-vars-headline="The Michelin Guide is headed to Minneapolis — and skipping St. Paul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hospitalityminnesota.com/sohr/" target="_blank">report</a> released Wednesday by trade association Hospitality Minnesota claims the state&#x27;s industry is &quot;on the brink of no return,&quot; with 57% of hospitality businesses reporting lower profits in 2025.<ul><li>Hospitality Minnesota CEO Angie Whitcomb cited financial pressures, including rising wholesale prices and tariff-related increases, as well as statewide &quot;overregulation.&quot;</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: While the star system receives the most attention, the Michelin Guide also awards the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bib Gourmand" data-vars-click-url="https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/features/the-bib-gourmand" data-vars-content-id="15d4d833-11fc-4941-96bb-fb03ca5e5954" data-vars-headline="The Michelin Guide is headed to Minneapolis — and skipping St. Paul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/features/the-bib-gourmand" target="_blank">Bib Gourmand</a>, which recognizes restaurants that deliver &quot;high-quality food at great value.&quot;<ul><li>What spot in Minneapolis fits the bill? Email us your thoughts at twincities@axios.com.</li></ul>

Colorectal cancer's alarming rise in young adults in Minnesota

Most patients under 50 are diagnosed only after the disease has already spread.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Colorectal cancer cases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/colorectal-cancer-deadliest-screening-age-colonoscopy" data-vars-content-id="d42f0c10-0aab-4559-a17b-3ef8415d733c" data-vars-headline="Colorectal cancer&#x27;s alarming rise in young adults in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/colorectal-cancer-deadliest-screening-age-colonoscopy" target="_self">Colorectal cancer cases</a> in Minnesotans under 50 have risen by roughly 80% since the early 2000s, per federal data.Why it matters: Colorectal cancer is now the deadliest cancer for Americans under 50, per new research in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="JAMA" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/44761700.33110/aHR0cHM6Ly9qYW1hbmV0d29yay5jb20vam91cm5hbHMvamFtYS9hcnRpY2xlLWFic3RyYWN0LzI4NDQxODk_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXJfYXhpb3N2aXRhbHMmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70B1da9d289" data-vars-content-id="d42f0c10-0aab-4559-a17b-3ef8415d733c" data-vars-headline="Colorectal cancer&#x27;s alarming rise in young adults in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/44761700.33110/aHR0cHM6Ly9qYW1hbmV0d29yay5jb20vam91cm5hbHMvamFtYS9hcnRpY2xlLWFic3RyYWN0LzI4NDQxODk_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXJfYXhpb3N2aXRhbHMmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70B1da9d289" target="_self">JAMA</a>.

Allina Health agrees to Sutter acquisition

Following the merger, they will be one of the largest health systems in the U.S.

Business

Minneapolis-based Allina Health <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="says" data-vars-click-url="https://www.allinahealth.org/about-us/news-releases/2026/allina-health-announcement" data-vars-content-id="39acd50a-3e7a-48c8-98c6-09b7f3fbdf07" data-vars-headline="Allina Health agrees to Sutter acquisition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.allinahealth.org/about-us/news-releases/2026/allina-health-announcement" target="_blank">says</a> it has agreed to be acquired by Sacramento-based Sutter Health, making the combined company one of the largest health systems in the U.S.Why it matters: If the deal closes, it means 12 metro hospitals — including Minneapolis&#x27; Abbott Northwestern, St. Paul&#x27;s United and Coon Rapids&#x27; Mercy — will have a new operator.

Hennepin Healthcare's crisis is a warning for safety net hospitals

HCMC won't be the first safety net hospital pushed to the brink by recent Medicaid cuts, experts predict.

Health

Hennepin County Medical Center is not only at &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="real risk of closing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/hennepin-healthcare-minneapolis-financial-troubles-patient-care/" data-vars-content-id="41167eda-d430-4e04-a3b0-aea550814c36" data-vars-headline="Hennepin Healthcare&#x27;s crisis is a warning for safety net hospitals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/hennepin-healthcare-minneapolis-financial-troubles-patient-care/" target="_blank">real risk of closing</a>.&quot; It&#x27;s a canary in the coal mine for safety net hospitals everywhere, experts say.Why it matters: HCMC is Minnesota&#x27;s largest emergency room, trains a raft of future medical professionals, and serves patients whose needs or incomes often prevent them from seeking care anywhere else.<ul><li>Experts predict it won&#x27;t be the last hospital pushed to the brink by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mounting threats to Medicaid funding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/13/aca-medicaid-hospitals-changes-2026?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosvitals&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="41167eda-d430-4e04-a3b0-aea550814c36" data-vars-headline="Hennepin Healthcare&#x27;s crisis is a warning for safety net hospitals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/13/aca-medicaid-hospitals-changes-2026?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosvitals&amp;stream=top" target="_self">mounting threats to Medicaid funding</a>.</li></ul>

More Minnesota women over 40 choosing solo motherhood

The share of unmarried mothers over 40 has roughly tripled since 2007.

More new moms in Minnesota are having kids solo in their 40s, with births to unmarried women 40 and over roughly tripling since 2007.State of Labor and Delivery: Just over 1% of babies in Minnesota were born to women who met that criteria in 2024, per CDC data.<ul><li>That small but growing group translated to about 700 births that year.</li></ul>

Mapped: How much Minnesotans spend on health care

The findings show how tough it can be to afford health care, even with insurance.

Health insurance costs ate up almost 9% of the median family income in Minnesota in 2024, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2026/is-employer-coverage-affordable-how-states-stack-up" data-vars-content-id="048e1d66-1dd9-4e59-a4b2-b728a995f7c3" data-vars-headline="Mapped: How much Minnesotans spend on health care" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2026/is-employer-coverage-affordable-how-states-stack-up" target="_blank">analysis</a>.Why it matters: The findings show how tough it can be to afford health care, even with insurance.

Legislative leaders back site visits and AI tools to curb fraud in Minnesota

Fraud in state-managed programs is set to dominate the Capitol and the campaign trail this year.

The Minnesota Legislature&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to-do list for tackling fraud" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" data-vars-content-id="04a750bb-226f-4273-a0bd-2a5e09f46942" data-vars-headline="Legislative leaders back site visits and AI tools to curb fraud in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/minnesota-fraud-cases-timeline" target="_self">to-do list for tackling fraud</a> could include AI tools, more inspectors and structural changes to social services programs, two top leaders told Axios. Why it matters: Mounting concern — and political pressure — over fraud in state-managed programs is set to dominate the Capitol and the campaign trail this year.<ul><li>Just Thursday, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Walz administration announced" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/43450998.9215/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3RhcnRyaWJ1bmUuY29tL3N0YXRlLWZyZWV6ZXMtZW5yb2xsbWVudC1vZi1uZXctcHJvdmlkZXJzLWluLW1lZGljYWlkLXByb2dyYW1zLWF0LXJpc2stZm9yLWZyYXVkLzYwMTU2MDQ0OT91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX21pbm5lYXBvbGlzJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70Baab94071" data-vars-content-id="04a750bb-226f-4273-a0bd-2a5e09f46942" data-vars-headline="Legislative leaders back site visits and AI tools to curb fraud in Minnesota" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/43450998.9215/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3RhcnRyaWJ1bmUuY29tL3N0YXRlLWZyZWV6ZXMtZW5yb2xsbWVudC1vZi1uZXctcHJvdmlkZXJzLWluLW1lZGljYWlkLXByb2dyYW1zLWF0LXJpc2stZm9yLWZyYXVkLzYwMTU2MDQ0OT91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX21pbm5lYXBvbGlzJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/5fd7c3fdd0d88c568cc48c70Baab94071" target="_self">the Walz administration announced</a> that it will freeze new provider enrollments in 13 high-risk Medicaid programs for six months.</li></ul>

Growing GLP‑1 drug costs squeeze Minnesota employers and health plans

The Metropolitan Airports Commission recently moved to cut coverage for weight loss medications, citing cost concerns.

Surging demand for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ozempic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/17/ozempic-wegovy-glp-1-prices" data-vars-content-id="cdafb224-87c2-48ce-bab4-b1429b2f372a" data-vars-headline="Growing GLP‑1 drug costs squeeze Minnesota employers and health plans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/17/ozempic-wegovy-glp-1-prices" target="_self">Ozempic</a> and other GLP-1 drugs is adding up for some Minnesota employers.Why it matters: The popular medications are changing lives and health outcomes for the better.<ul><li>But the high price tag is also driving up health care costs for employers and their workers, prompting some workplaces to scale back coverage.</li></ul>

Downtown Minneapolis' public bathroom problem

For years, downtown boosters have acknowledged a lack of loos makes the area less welcoming.

Downtown Minneapolis has a &quot;leaking&quot; problem: There aren&#x27;t enough good spots to take one.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shortage of public restrooms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/08/10/south-minneapolis-target-closes-bathrooms-citing-health-safety-concerns" data-vars-content-id="f4c8a32a-1861-4841-8d15-33ecb2bec401" data-vars-headline="Downtown Minneapolis&#x27; public bathroom problem" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/08/10/south-minneapolis-target-closes-bathrooms-citing-health-safety-concerns" target="_self">shortage of public restrooms</a> isn&#x27;t only a problem for unsheltered people or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="touring rock stars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/04/11/downtown-minneapolis-public-restrooms-dilemma-flea" data-vars-content-id="f4c8a32a-1861-4841-8d15-33ecb2bec401" data-vars-headline="Downtown Minneapolis&#x27; public bathroom problem" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/04/11/downtown-minneapolis-public-restrooms-dilemma-flea" target="_self">touring rock stars</a>.<ul><li>For <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/project-focuses-on-more-public-restrooms-in-downtown-minneapolis/89-2aeff2aa-921c-499e-9eeb-da4fa3e9c943" data-vars-content-id="f4c8a32a-1861-4841-8d15-33ecb2bec401" data-vars-headline="Downtown Minneapolis&#x27; public bathroom problem" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/project-focuses-on-more-public-restrooms-in-downtown-minneapolis/89-2aeff2aa-921c-499e-9eeb-da4fa3e9c943" target="_blank">years</a>, downtown boosters have acknowledged a lack of loos makes the area less welcoming for a wide range of people — from people with disabilities to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parents with young children" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/10/17/minneapolis-skyway-things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="f4c8a32a-1861-4841-8d15-33ecb2bec401" data-vars-headline="Downtown Minneapolis&#x27; public bathroom problem" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/10/17/minneapolis-skyway-things-to-do" target="_self">parents with young children</a>.</li></ul>

One year on, trial looms in UnitedHealthcare CEO slaying

Thursday marks one year since UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed.

Thursday marks one year since UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shot and killed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/04/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-killed-shot" data-vars-content-id="190c3bde-1f01-4e90-8a3a-87138977163d" data-vars-headline="One year on, trial looms in UnitedHealthcare CEO slaying" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/04/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-killed-shot" target="_self">shot and killed</a> while entering an investor conference in New York City.The big picture: The slaying of the Twin Cities resident on a busy street shocked the country, sparking national conversations about both <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="security for high-profile executives" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/04/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-security" data-vars-content-id="190c3bde-1f01-4e90-8a3a-87138977163d" data-vars-headline="One year on, trial looms in UnitedHealthcare CEO slaying" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/04/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-security" target="_self">security for high-profile executives</a> and the insurance industry more broadly.<ul><li>While many condemned the brazen murder, the killing unleashed a wave of social media-fueled rage against health insurers. </li></ul>

U of M says Fairview deal is "hostile takeover" of med school

Fairview says its proposal would sustain the state's largest trainer of doctors with ongoing funding.

Fairview Health Services would remain a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major funder of the University of Minnesota Medical School" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/01/13/university-of-minnesota-to-seek-control-of-campus-hospitals-as-part-of-fairview-sanford-merger" data-vars-content-id="a3c2cdc1-2cef-41bb-bd56-e6b15f0c3eea" data-vars-headline="U of M says Fairview deal is &quot;hostile takeover&quot; of med school" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/01/13/university-of-minnesota-to-seek-control-of-campus-hospitals-as-part-of-fairview-sanford-merger" target="_self">major funder of the University of Minnesota Medical School</a> under a 10-year deal that the university&#x27;s leaders are decrying as a &quot;hostile takeover.&quot;Why it matters: The proposal Fairview unveiled Wednesday would continue a partnership that has sustained the state&#x27;s largest med school with $100 million in annual funding in recent years.<ul><li>The current partnership expires at the end of 2026, and Attorney General Keith Ellison said the U — which trains 70% of Minnesota&#x27;s doctors — can&#x27;t afford to lose this funding amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal cuts to medical research" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/29/federal-health-science-funding-states-map" data-vars-content-id="a3c2cdc1-2cef-41bb-bd56-e6b15f0c3eea" data-vars-headline="U of M says Fairview deal is &quot;hostile takeover&quot; of med school" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/29/federal-health-science-funding-states-map" target="_self">federal cuts to medical research</a>.</li></ul>

A choropleth of the United States showing rate of colorectal cancer in people under 50, 2018-2022. In the U.S. overall, the rate is 9.2 cases for every 100k people. Rates are lowest in the west and highest in the Midwest and South. The state with the lowest rate is Nevada, at 7.6 cases per 100k people, and the state with the highest rate is Kentucky, at 11.4 cases per 100k people.

Colorectal cancer cases per 100k residents under 50 years of age

🏥 Stat du jour: Uninsured rate spikes

Survey: More Minnesotans going without health insurance

A column chart showing an increase in the share of Minnesota residents without health insurance. In 2025, 5.8% of Minnesotans were without health insurance, an increase from the all-time low of 3.8% in 2023. The columns, which show results of a survey taken every two years. From 2013's rate above 8%, the chart shows a sharp drop in 2015, a rebound in 2017, then a gradual decrease to 3.8% in 2023 before the recent spike.

Share of Minnesotans who say they don't have health insurance

A set of area charts showing the share of babies born in the U.S. to unmarried women ages 40+ between 2007 and 2024. Each state has its own chart, along with one for the national total. Nationally, the share rose from 0.5% in 2007 to 1.1% in 2024. Every state also saw an increase, with those on the coasts having the highest share. In 2024, the areas with the highest share were D.C. (2.2%) and New York (1.9%). The states with the lowest share were North Dakota and Wyoming (both 0.6%).

Axios Visuals: 2026-01-27-single-moms-over-40

Data: CDC Wonder; Note: California stopped providing marital status of mothers in 2017; Chart: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals

Health 🩺

Colorectal cancer's alarming rise in young adults in Minnesota

Allina Health agrees to Sutter acquisition

Survey: More Minnesotans going without health insurance

Hennepin Healthcare's crisis is a warning for safety net hospitals

More Minnesota women over 40 choosing solo motherhood