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A look at the uncertain future of homeowners insurance in Minnesota

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A look at the uncertain future of homeowners insurance in Minnesota


MINNEAPOLIS — Tuesday’s severe weather left damage across Iowa and southern Minnesota. Each time we get weather like this, the damage adds up and so do the insurance costs.

Minnesota insurance companies have lost money six out of the last seven years. The main culprit: hail. 

Last August’s hail storm here caused $1 billion in damages. With mounting losses for insurance companies, there is an increasing risk of insurers deciding to pull out of our region.

“The effects of climate change are really having their most direct and financial impact to people as it relates to insurance,” said Aaron Cocking, the president of the Insurance Federation of Minnesota.

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Homeowners insurance rates have soared. In Iowa, insurers are not renewing policies leaving homeowners like Dave Langston of Cedar Rapids searching for new coverage.

“We got a notification in January of this year, that Pekin insurance, who was our insurer, was going to withdraw from the Iowa market,” said Langston.

He finally found new insurance but it came with a steep price. The association’s previous insurance was $18,500 while the new insurance is now $26,500, an increase of 43%.

Langston warned Minnesotans this could happen here.

“I think that everybody needs to be aware that that the Midwest is coming under scrutiny as a potentially poor investment for insurance companies,” said Langston.

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Minnesota has joined high risk states, like Florida, in creating a state-backed high-risk insurance product called FAIR — an insurance of last resort.

“We’ve had our FAIR plan in place for quite some time. Some states didn’t have that,” said Grace Arnold, the Commerce Department’s commissioner. 

WCCO’s Director of Meteorology Mike Augustyniak believes warming global temperatures are a factor.

“We know from eighth grade science that the more you warm an air mass the more moisture it can hold. We are increasing the amount of moisture that is in the air. The question of other factors that form severe weather, how are they changing? That’s the piece where we are not sure,” said Augustyniak.

Talking Points airs every Wednesday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., live on CBS News Minnesota.

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NOTE: Above is a preview of Talking Points presented on “The 4.”



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Here’s how much snow parts of Minnesota got on Saturday, Feb. 28

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Here’s how much snow parts of Minnesota got on Saturday, Feb. 28


Storm reports in from Minnesota on Saturday, Feb. 28. 

Impressive snow totals were reported in parts of Minnesota after a narrow band of heavy snowfall worked its way across the state. 

Minnesota snow totals for the last day of February 2026 

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Snow totals for Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.  (FOX 9)

By the numbers:

Many areas saw more snow than was expected before temperatures warm up in the coming days.

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The following snow totals were reported across Minnesota:

  • Lanesboro: 10 inches
  • Preston: 10 inches
  • St. Peter: 7 inches
  • Stewartville: 7 inches
  • Caledonia: 6 inches
  • Nicollet: 6 inches
  • New Ulm: 5.5 inches
  • Rochester: 4.9 inches
  • Mankato: 4.5 inches

The Source: This story uses information from the FOX 9 weather forecast and the National Weather Service. 

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East Range Police Department officer passes away

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East Range Police Department officer passes away


A police officer in northern Minnesota unexpectedly passed away earlier this week.

The East Range Police Department said that Sgt. Cody Siebert passed away on Friday, less than 24 hours after being diagnosed with a brain infection.

The department said that Siebert was known for his happy-go-lucky personality and that “if you couldn’t get along with Cody, it was your fault.”

Siebert started at the K9 program in Babbitt with K9 Taconite (Tac) before going to the East Range Police Department.

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“The hole left by Sgt. Siebert’s passing will be impossible to fill,” East Range police said. “We at ERPD love you and will miss you always. We have it from here.”

Mesabi East Schools also stated that the district was “truly blessed to have him walking our halls, greeting students, encouraging staff, and building relationships that went far beyond the badge.”

Click here for a GoFundMe to support Siebert’s family.



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How ICE’s presence is affecting child care in Minnesota

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How ICE’s presence is affecting child care in Minnesota


What happens to day care providers when families decide to stay home? Coming up at 9 a.m. on Monday, MPR News host Angela Davis is joined by early childhood education reporter Kyra Miles to talk about how the the increase of federal immigration agents is affecting the child care industry and children, families and child care workers.



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