Month: May 2026

By Ubah Ali

Click here for updates on this story

    MINNESOTA (WCCO) — Minnesota’s statewide average price for a gallon of gas is the highest consumers have seen in four years.

Data from the American Automobile Association shows the cost of a gallon of regular is now above $4 for the first time since 2022.

With gas prices at an all-time high, drivers say they hesitate because they know it’ll cost a lot to fill up.

Betsi Thomas says she’s making changes.

“Cutting down on commutes and going out a little bit less,” Thomas said.

Others are ditching gas engines for electric vehicles. The switch can lead to more than $2,000 a year in savings for a fully electric vehicle and $1,500 for a hybrid, according to the U.S Department of Energy.

Pavel Ihnatovich owns GS Motors, a used EV-focused dealership in Hopkins, Minnesota. He said rising gas prices are one reason why his vehicles are a hot commodity.

“Sales are double, busier than ever. Lot of foot traffic, lot of people calling, lot of people coming for test drives and a lot of people buying,” said Ihnatovich.

A study done by Cox Automotive shows that used EV sales are up more than 25% from this time last year.

According to experts, used‑EV growth is expected through the end of the year.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Nick Lunemann

Click here for updates on this story

    BLOOMINGTON, Minnesota (WCCO) — On a rainy spring day, residents from Friendship Village of Bloomington, Minnesota, spent time brushing, walking and connecting with horses as part of an equine-assisted therapy experience at Hold Your Horses.

The visit came ahead of Mental Health Awareness Month in May and focused on supporting emotional well-being through mindfulness, connection and hands-on interaction with animals.

For resident Karnie Moesenthin, the experience was calming.

“Calm and very, very happy, because it’s just so nice to be able to touch an animal,” Moesenthin said.

Moesenthin, who lives with Parkinson’s disease, said brushing the horses gave her a chance to do something she cannot easily do on her own.

“This is fun. It’s things that I can’t do on my own,” she said.

Hold Your Horses is a local nonprofit that provides therapy alongside horses and the natural world for people of all ages and abilities. Kenz Becco, its executive director, said the organization works with people navigating physical disabilities, trauma, grief, loss, major life transitions and other challenges.

Becco said horses can help people slow down and focus on the present moment.

“Being present, being grounded with the horses, letting the past be the past, letting the future be the future and just being in the moment,” Becco said.

According to information provided by Friendship Village, more than 5.5 million older adults in the U.S. report frequent mental distress. The World Health Organization also reports more than 14% of adults age 70 and older live with a mental health condition.

For Friendship Village residents, the visit offered a quiet way to connect with animals, nature and each other. Resident Barbara Bartholomew said the experience brought back memories from her years around horses.

“It feels good,” Bartholomew said.

Moesenthin said her favorite part was brushing the horses.

“Oh, it’s very smoothing, very soothing. It’s just, it’s soft,” she said.

Hold Your Horses offers programs for people of all ages, including children, adults and seniors. With its herd of therapy horses aging, the organization is working to bring in new horses to continue providing services in the years ahead.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Derek James

Click here for updates on this story

    MINNEAPOLIS-ST.PAUL, Minnesota (WCCO) — Rising gas prices are putting financial pressure on rideshare drivers in the Twin Cities, with some drivers saying the increased costs are making it difficult to earn a living.

Steven Mayer, who drives full-time, said the jump in gas prices has been significant.

“Going from $2 and now you’re at what, $4.09,” Mayer said.

Mayer explained that the higher prices add up quickly for drivers who are on the road every day.

“I would say about $20 a day. Add that on to possibly one to two fill-ups a day. So that’s $40 a day. You do that five days a week. It definitely can impact,” Mayer said.

While Uber and Lyft offer fuel rewards and other relief programs, drivers say these measures are not enough to offset the rising costs. Romeo Tillman, a longtime driver, said, “I’m not even making half of what we did a year ago today.”

Tillman also noted that the problem goes beyond gas prices, with fewer rides available.

“Within the three hours I’ve been out here working, I’ve made zero dollars,” Tillman said.

Lyft said it recognizes the financial pressure on drivers and pointed to a 60-day relief program that offers cash back rewards and fuel savings. In a statement, the company said, “When costs spike, we want drivers to choose Lyft because they feel like the platform works for them, not against them.”

Despite these programs, drivers like Tillman say the support is not enough.

“If we get anywhere beyond where we are right now, it’s going to be catastrophic. These drivers right now, none of us are making it at all. It’s a huge struggle,” Tillman said.

With gas prices still climbing, some drivers say they are reconsidering how long they can continue working in the industry. Rideshare drivers in Minnesota are also pushing for a change in the law to allow them to unionize and bargain for better wages.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.