Minn. Schools To Get $636M In State Back Pay
About $636 million in back pay from state government is coming to Minnesota public schools.
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About $636 million in back pay from state government is coming to Minnesota public schools.
Minnesota schools will learn Monday how much the state will pay them to settle up on some big IOUs. Lawmakers temporarily shaved more than $2 billion in payments to schools in recent years to patch holes in state government's budget.
Next month, a school district here in Minnesota will be honored in Washington D.C. for its unique approach to education. Orono's school district is one of three in the country to be named one of the National Schools of Character. It's the first public school district in Minnesota to get the award. The character-focused education program was implemented several years ago. Since then, school leaders have seen the number of referrals, detentions and suspensions drop by two-thirds.
The state of Minnesota is ready to make good on some of its IOUs to public schools. Minnesota budget officials were revealing Monday how much back-pay schools would be coming their way.
Bullying is becoming an increasingly high-profile problem in schools across our state and the country. A new study suggests the effects of name calling aren't just emotional but physical, as well.
It's the first day back at school for many children, and that means they're out of parents' sight for lunchtime. Whether you pack a lunch or do hot lunch, it can be tricky to make sure you child is eating properly at school.
Most Minnesota schools will welcome students back on Tuesday, and keeping kids safe while they're there is a top priority. After a gunman stormed an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., and killed 26 people, some Minnesota schools made changes. This fall, at least five school districts in our state will vote on safety referendums.
Schools starting the year before Labor Day are running into a problem: heat. As temperatures climbed past 90 in much of the Midwest last week, many schools were forced to find creative ways to cool kids down.
Minneapolis schools tried fans, popsicles, ice and outdoor classes before finally giving in to a late-summer heat wave.
On this day in 1963, King called for racial and economic justice on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. On Wednesday, President Obama, along with former presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, stood in the same spot.
With many Minnesota kids heading back to school next week, the state received some good, and some troubling news. While Minnesota led the nation in ACT test scores for the 8th straight year, there is a troubling achievement gap.
KDWB-FM radio host Dave Ryan is feeling the heat of controversy after he poked fun at several Minnesota schools on Twitter. While the series of tweets had some people laughing, the Minnesota Department of Education was not amused.
The U.S. Secretary of Education today praised Minnesota's new early learning programs and made a pitch to take them nationwide. Secretary Arne Duncan visited a suburban pre-school Tuesday morning, and later held a town hall meeting, calling early education "the best investment" a state can make.
Minnesota schools are adjusting after the USDA issued new guidelines on the amount of fat and calories contained in snacks made available in lunchrooms.
School may be out for the summer, but educators and parents are already anxiously looking ahead to the next two years, now that legislators approved the first big spending spree on education in ten years. After a decade of cuts, it is more than just good news.
It's not uncommon to see Minnesotans lending a helping hand after a winter storm, but in some areas, neighbors can't keep up with the demand. The Saintly City Snow Angels and Fulton Snow Angels in the Twin Cities are working to bridge that gap.
The partial government shutdown and a snowstorm are leading to major travel troubles at airports nationwide, including Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Getting stuck in a warmer place this week doesn't sound so bad, right? But getting home could cost one Minnesota high school choir tens of thousands of dollars.
A Minnesota woman running for U.S. Senate, accused of throwing a live tarantula onto a staircase leading to where her then-tenant was staying, has been convicted in the 2024 incident, according to court records.
Minneapolis and St. Paul are among the Minnesota communities that have declared snow emergencies in the wake of this weekend's massive blizzard.
Three townhomes in Lusten, Minnesota, were damaged in a fire on Monday afternoon, according to the Cook County Sheriff's Office.
A 53-year-old man is in the hospital after he was stabbed in Scandia Valley Township, Minnesota, on Sunday morning.
A 22-year-old man died in a crash in Meeker County, Minnesota, early Saturday morning.
Minneapolis and St. Paul are among the Minnesota communities that have declared snow emergencies in the wake of this weekend's massive blizzard.
The word of the day Sunday in southern Minnesota was "challenging," with snow conditions making roads difficult to navigate.
As the war in Iran evolves, National Guardsmen from Wisconsin are being recognized for what they are doing in the Middle East.
It's the season for booking those spring break getaways, and if you're looking to skip the airport this year, take a page out of the Condé Nast Traveler.
A judge has sentenced a Wisconsin man who forged threats against President Donald Trump as part of a deportation scheme to 16½ years in prison.
A fire at a hotel in Superior, Wisconsin, Monday night left one person hurt and forced guests to move to new lodgings.
Excitement is in the air in northern Wisconsin with the 52nd annual American Birkebeiner underway.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections says 95% of all incarcerated individuals will eventually be released from prison. The DOC says it does all it can to help people transition back into the community as productive citizens.
Minnesota native and World War II veteran Les Schrenk died earlier this week. He was 102 years old.
People from across the nation are traveling to the Twin Cities, but not as tourists. Many want to learn in person from Minnesota protestors to bring that knowledge back to their own cities.
The Edina wife and mother of three said she felt called to go and protest in south Minneapolis after learning that Alex Pretti had been shot and killed by two Border Patrol agents.
Tuesday afternoon, more than 20 people gathered on the Highway 62 bridge between Minneapolis and Richfield after a small protest sparked a confrontation there last week.
Two bills designed to protect students from grooming have been passed by a Minnesota Senate committee. They follow a WCCO Investigates series on the topic.
As fraud remains in focus in the Minnesota Legislature, the House on Monday unanimously approved a bill to repeal from state law a problematic program that prosecutors said was the target of a massive fraud scheme.
A bill to protect students from grooming made its way to a Minnesota Senate committee on Monday. It follows a WCCO Investigates series on the topic. Senior Investigative Reporter Jennifer Mayerle explains.
As fraud remains in focus at the Minnesota State Capitol, the House on Monday moved to officially end a problematic program from the books. Caroline Cummings explains the bipartisan vote from St. Paul.
The partial government shutdown and a snowstorm are leading to major travel troubles at airports nationwide, including Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Xcel Energy wants to increase rates for 492,000 natural gas customers in Minnesota. Customers can weigh in on the proposal during public hearings in April and May.
As fraud remains in focus in the Minnesota Legislature, the House on Monday unanimously approved a bill to repeal from state law a problematic program that prosecutors said was the target of a massive fraud scheme.
Delta is canceling flights at Midwest airports, including its Minneapolis-St. Paul hub, ahead of expected significant snow and winds starting Saturday evening through Sunday, the airline said Friday.
Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered in their home in June 2025. On top of grieving the sudden, tragic loss of his parents, Colin Hortman says the cleanup of his childhood home was a headache.
Data show that catalytic converter thefts are on the rise again in the Twin Cities.
A Minnesota woman running for U.S. Senate, accused of throwing a live tarantula onto a staircase leading to where her then-tenant was staying, has been convicted in the 2024 incident, according to court records.
Minneapolis police are searching for the suspect or suspects in a fatal shooting in a parking lot overnight.
Ayman Mohamad Ghazali made two purchases at a Phantom Fireworks store in Livonia, Michigan. He told the store staff the fireworks were for the end of Ramadan.
Police in St. Paul, Minnesota are investigating after a student at Macalester College accused a former professor of urinating on her belongings.
More than half-a-million taxpayer dollars meant to help Minnesotans was stolen, according to state investigators, who say a home health care provider took the money to buy flights, order food and take rides instead of helping the needy.
The hit HBO Max series "The Pitt" is getting buzz for how real it feels, and there's a Minnesota doctor making sure it stays that way.
More than half-a-million taxpayer dollars meant to help Minnesotans was stolen, according to state investigators, who say a home health care provider took the money to buy flights, order food and take rides instead of helping the needy.
Can a quick workout and your phone reveal something about your heart health? Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School say yes, and they've built an app to prove it.
A new Iowa law bans local nondiscrimination protections on the basis of gender identity after the state became the first in the U.S. to roll back its civil rights code last year.
At a Minnesota State Capitol hearing Wednesday morning, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs unveiled its "Veteran Suicide Prevention Plan."
The film follows CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp through their seven-year journey to document the toll of America's school shooting epidemic.
The acclaimed filmmaker, who died in February at age 96, revolutionized the art of documentaries with such films as "Titicut Follies." In an interview recorded last year, the pioneering Wiseman talked about his unusual production methods aimed at capturing life.
Hollywood's biggest stars were honored at the 98th annual Academy Awards on Sunday. Here is what to know and how to watch the 2026 Oscars.
The hit HBO Max series "The Pitt" is getting buzz for how real it feels, and there's a Minnesota doctor making sure it stays that way.
A woman was arrested on Sunday for firing multiple shots at the Beverly Hills home of Rihanna, Los Angeles Police Department officials say.
The Northfield boys basketball team is set to play in their first state tournament in 94 years. The Raiders beat Austin 60-51 in the section final to earn their state berth
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander helped Oklahoma City beat Minnesota 116-103 as the Thunder won their eighth straight and he increased his record 20-point streak to 128 games.
Igor Shesterkin made 46 saves and Vladislav Gavrikov had a goal and two assists as the New York Rangers extended their winning streak to four games with a 4-2 win over the Minnesota Wild.
Anthony Edwards scored 42 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves held off the injury-plagued Golden State Warriors for a 127-117 win.
Rookie Peyton Anderson scored her first career goal to spark the Minnesota Frost to a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Torrent in the PWHL.
Talking Points is tracking a partisan push to end surveillance pricing this legislative session.
This session, a bipartisan bill to end surveillance pricing is moving forward at the Minnesota Capitol. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Minnesota DFL Rep. Erin Koegel about the push and how the ban could protection your personal data.
Minnesota Democratic Rep. Angie Craig, who is running for U.S. Senate, says she now regrets her vote in favor of the Laken Riley Act last year.
With severe weather season right around the corner, what homeowners need to know about the evolving coverage for your roof.
With severe weather season right around the corner, what homeowners need to know about the evolving coverage for your roof. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Grace Arnold, Department of Commerce commissioner about what's driving rising insurance premiums and what you should look from in home insurance coverage.
Denis Doyle was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. He emigrated to the U.S. and in 1856, Doyle traveled to Le Sueur County. Other Irish immigrants joined Doyle and the town was born.
One of the oldest operating theaters in the Midwest is in danger of closing its doors for good.
In St. Louis Park, Minnesota, there's a place where you can find radio and television technology that's nearly a century old — and it still works.
One of the best views in Minnesota is at the top of a Bloomington hill. But 15-year-old Jacob Larson isn't here for the scenery. He's here for the jump.
Pine trees are a common sight up north. But on a Carlton, Minnesota, road, they're joined by giant lollipops. They serve as the welcoming committee for Sweetly Kismet, one of the largest candy stores in the state.
Heavy snow followed by bitter cold hit Minnesotans with a double whammy of winter. The good news is spring-like weather is right around the corner, but its quick arrival could spell trouble for homeowners.
Minnesota lakes remain frozen. The people walking on trails around them remain bundled up. After a warm start to March, the seasonal shift is sputtering as it often tends to do.
Drivers are bracing themselves for higher prices when they pull up to gas stations. But the pump isn't the only place you can expect to pay more in the weeks ahead.
A push for stricter gun laws in Minnesota is not new. However, this session comes on the heels of a devastating mass shooting last summer in which the target was students in prayer at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
The military strikes against Iran have sparked intense debate in Congress. U.S. lawmakers are not only split on whether to support the operation but also on whether President Trump should have sought congressional approval in advance. WCCO investigates how the Constitution defines declarations of war.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
It's not uncommon to see Minnesotans lending a helping hand after a winter storm, but in some areas, neighbors can't keep up with the demand. The Saintly City Snow Angels and Fulton Snow Angels in the Twin Cities are working to bridge that gap.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Heavy snow followed by bitter cold hit Minnesotans with a double whammy of winter. The good news is spring-like weather is right around the corner, but its quick arrival could spell trouble for homeowners.
Minnesotans will see more snowfall on Tuesday before a warmup begins, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Heavy snow followed by bitter cold hit Minnesotans with a double whammy of winter. The good news is spring-like weather is right around the corner, but that could spell trouble for homeowners. Jeff Wagner adds to your to-do list in the days ahead.
Minnesotans will see more snowfall on Tuesday before a warmup begins, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Heavy snow followed by bitter cold hit Minnesotans with a double whammy of winter. The good news is spring-like weather is right around the corner, but that could spell trouble for homeowners. Jeff Wagner adds to your to-do list in the days ahead.
Heating your home could eat up more of your money if you get your natural gas through Xcel Energy. The company is asking the state to approve an 8.7% rate increase. Ashley Grams looks at why they want it and the recent history of rate hikes.
It's not uncommon to see Minnesotans lending a helping hand after a winter storm, but in some areas, neighbors can't keep up with the demand. Ubah Ali introduces us to two groups working to meet their neighborhood's needs.
The Northfield boys basketball team is returning to the state tournament for the first time in 94 years. Ren Clayton caught up with them after the drought was finally ended.