Minnesota legislative session ends after last-minute scramble to pass major bills
The biggest bills came up for debate with just two hours to go before the midnight deadline.
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Minn. House speaker's daughter criticizes handling of gun reform bill
Shelisa Demuth says she still believes in her heart that her mom, Lisa Demuth, should call for the vote, but she understands why it won't happen.
Minnesota legislative session ends with no House vote on gun bill
The legislation, which passed in the state Senate, was also supported by healthcare professionals. It would have banned semiautomatic rifles and high-capacity magazines.
NEXT Weather Alert: Parts of southern Minnesota under tornado watch
Things turn active on Sunday with a stronger storm system bringing much-needed soaking rains.
Gov. Tim Walz activates Minnesota National Guard for wildfire response
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Sunday declared a peacetime emergency and mobilized the National Guard to help battle several major wildfires in the state.
Bill making grooming a felony passes unanimously in Minnesota Legislature
A bill to make grooming a crime passed unanimously in the Minnesota Senate Friday morning.
Dead body discovered during search for missing woman in Twin Cities
Police in Crystal, Minnesota, say a dead body was discovered during a search for a woman reported missing earlier this week.
St. Paul Saints employee runs marathon inside CHS Field
While the St. Paul Saints faced off against Columbus on Sunday, Seigo Masubuchi was running a marathon on the concourse inside CHS Field.
Aniya Allen's grandfather is returning to peace activism 5 years after her killing
Monday will mark five years since the tragic killing of 6-year-old Aniya Allen in Minneapolis
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Cooler, seasonal weekend; high of 60s on Mother's Day
Saturday will be a little cooler than Friday, with temperatures in the low-to-mid 60s.
Prepare for another summer of poor air quality, forecasters say
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and their outlook for this year, smoky skies just may be our new normal.
Red flag warning issued in central, northwestern Minnesota Friday
A red flag warning will go into effect Friday afternoon in northwestern and central Minnesota due to extreme fire risk conditions, the state's Department of Natural Resources says.
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NEXT Weather: 10:30 p.m. report on May 17, 2026
A severe line of storms is pushing through southern Minnesota, with a tornado watch in place until 1 a.m.
St. Paul Saints employee runs marathon inside CHS Field
While the St. Paul Saints faced off against Columbus on Sunday, Seigo Masubuchi was running a marathon on the concourse inside CHS Field.
State lawmakers race against the clock before end of legislative session
Lawmakers are scrambling to get the final bills passed before the clock strikes midnight, marking the end of the legislative session.
NEXT Weather: 5:30 p.m. report for Minnesota on May 17, 2026
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows has the latest forecast.
Community members step up to help as northern Minnesota wildfires burn
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Sunday declared a peacetime emergency and mobilized the National Guard to help battle several major wildfires in the state. Our Jason Rantala went up north to see the fight against the growing flames.
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Minnesota Lynx fall to Chicago Sky 86-79
Rookie Gabriela Jaquez set career highs with 20 points and eight rebounds, Kamilla Cardoso had 11 points and 12 rebounds, and the Chicago Sky beat the Minnesota Lynx 86-79.
Aaron Rai wins PGA Championship for his first major title
Sunday's win at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, is only his second PGA tour victory, after winning the 2024 Wyndham Championship.
Twins avoid sweep, beat Brewers 5-4
Ryan Jeffers hit a tiebreaking homer and Kody Clemens had two doubles and two RBIs as the Minnesota Twins defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 5-4 to avoid a three-game sweep.
Revolution beat Minnesota United 2-1
Luca Langoni scored the go-ahead goal early in the second half and the New England Revolution held on for a 2-1 victory over Minnesota United to close out a four-match homestand.
Brewers beat Twins 2-1
Jackson Chourio hit a go-ahead solo homer in the sixth inning and made a run-saving catch in the seventh, Logan Henderson struck out seven in five innings and the Milwaukee Brewers edged the Minnesota Twins 2-1.
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What is the federal gas tax? And why does Trump want to suspend it?
President Trump's idea to save drivers a few dollars at the pump could cost them in the long run.
How important are outdoor activities to Minnesota's economy?
More people than the entire population of Minneapolis, or half a million, were estimated to go fishing in Minnesota this past weekend. WCCO looks at how the tradition stacks up with other outdoor events that keep the state's economy running.
What is the hantavirus? And how prevalent is it in Minnesota?
A deadly virus that's killed cruise ship passengers can be traced to small critters found hiding in homes.
Here are the fastest growing suburbs in the Twin Cities metro
So far this decade, the Twin Cities metro has, on average, added about 17,000 housing units per year, according to data from the Metropolitan Council.
What is the history of the Minnesota state flag?
A symbolic change is bothering some Minnesotans. Now their local leaders are listening; several cities are voting to fly the old state flag instead of the new one. While it was a drastic redesign, it wasn't the first.
Community Journalism
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City's plans for Quincy St. construction worry northeast Mpls. artists
Quincy Street isn't just at the center of Art-A-Whirl, it's at the heart of the Arts District in northeast Minneapolis. The road itself, however, is falling apart. And the only thing bumpier than the exposed brick is the reaction to the city's plans to fix it.
Bus fire displayed at Minneapolis Mall as Somali leaders warn of rising attacks
Somali and Muslim leaders in Minnesota played a threatening voicemail at a public gathering Friday, saying businesses in their community are being targeted with messages warning of death.
Twin Cities Black homeownership rate fell to 29% in latest survey, Fed finds
The Black homeownership rate in the Twin Cities dropped to 29% in 2024, and the region had the largest gap between Black and White homeownership rates of any comparable metro in the country.
Art in Bloom adds Party in Bloom with Dessa performance
Bobby Rogers once came to the Minneapolis Institute of Art to sketch and study; now he leads its design and editorial work, shaping what visitors see and experience.
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Northern lights seen over Minnesota: Nov. 11, 2025
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
Astra the Polar Bear
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
Gallery: WCCO Community Relations
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
Twin Cities News
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St. Paul Saints employee runs marathon inside CHS Field
While the St. Paul Saints faced off against Columbus on Sunday, Seigo Masubuchi was running a marathon on the concourse inside CHS Field.
Minnesota Lynx fall to Chicago Sky 86-79
Rookie Gabriela Jaquez set career highs with 20 points and eight rebounds, Kamilla Cardoso had 11 points and 12 rebounds, and the Chicago Sky beat the Minnesota Lynx 86-79.
Man tried to kill wife over worries about reduced Social Security benefits
A 72-year-old Minnesota man allegedly told police he tried to kill his wife so she would not have to "deal with" living off significantly reduced Social Security benefits.
Charges: Women were arguing over $50 before deadly Mpls. shooting
Charges say two women had been arguing over $50 when one of them fatally shot the other at a Minneapolis apartment earlier this month.
Minn. House speaker's daughter criticizes handling of gun reform bill
Shelisa Demuth says she still believes in her heart that her mom, Lisa Demuth, should call for the vote, but she understands why it won't happen.
Greater Minnesota News
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Man, 48, dies in motorcycle crash near Lake Lillian
The Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office says the crash occurred on County Road 18, 3.5 miles north of Lake Lillian, around 7:17 p.m. Saturday.
Family still searching for answers 1 year after man went missing
David Storbakken's story is one of the many Minnesota Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives cases.
Gov. Tim Walz activates Minnesota National Guard for wildfire response
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Sunday declared a peacetime emergency and mobilized the National Guard to help battle several major wildfires in the state.
Flanders Fire near Breezy Point now at 600 acres with no containment
Wildfires are spreading quickly in northern Minnesota and burning hundreds of acres of land among extreme fire risk conditions on Saturday.
Single-engine plane struck by bullet while fighting northern MN fire
Authorities in northern Minnesota are asking for tips from the public after a fire suppression aircraft was struck by a bullet on Friday.
Wisconsin News
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High speed Wisconsin police chase ends with airborne crash
A driver went airborne during a high-speed police chase in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, after fleeing a traffic stop.
50 beagles from Wisconsin research facility arriving in Minnesota Thursday
Fifty beagles rescued from animal testing in Wisconsin are set to arrive in Minnesota Thursday.
100 Mile Garage Sale underway along Mississippi River
A 100-mile stretch of Mississippi River towns is hosting its annual 100 Mile Garage Sale this weekend, drawing shoppers and sellers from across the region and beyond.
Minnesota shelters taking in 50 beagles saved from Ridglan Farms
Minnesota animal rescues are stepping up to take in dogs from a Wisconsin research facility accused of animal abuse.
24-hour Give Big Valleys fundraiser aims to help Wisconsin nonprofits
You may have heard of Give to the Max Day, where people donate millions of dollars to hundreds of nonprofits and organizations across Minnesota on a single day. That idea has spread to western Wisconsin, called Give Big Valleys.
Politics
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Minnesota legislative session ends with no House vote on gun bill
The legislation, which passed in the state Senate, was also supported by healthcare professionals. It would have banned semiautomatic rifles and high-capacity magazines.
Minnesota lawmakers scramble to pass major bills before end of session
Lawmakers on Sunday scrambled get the final bills passed before the end of the legislative session at midnight.
State lawmakers race against the clock before end of legislative session
Lawmakers are scrambling to get the final bills passed before the clock strikes midnight, marking the end of the legislative session.
Demands for vote on gun reform continue as legislative session nears end
Hundreds of people, from families of Annunciation victims to Moms Demand Action, called on the House of Representatives to vote on a sweeping gun reform bill that already passed the Senate.
Bill restricting kids' social media accounts passes Minn. Senate
A bill meant to protect children on social media is heading to Gov. Tim Walz's desk after passing both the Minnesota House and Senate.
Consumer News
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Minnesota EV owners say tab renewal prices are exorbitant
Part of the end-of-session deal in the Minnesota Legislature rolls back skyrocketing tab renewal fees. Those fees have electric vehicle owners especially revved up.
Hormel rolls out Spam Dog for summer
In Minnesota, you'll be able to try one at St. Paul's CHS Field.
South Dakota tourism officials optimistic for 2026 season amid high gas prices
With more Americans opting to drive rather than fly amid higher costs, South Dakota tourism officials say the state is well-positioned as a regional road trip destination.
What is the federal gas tax? And why does Trump want to suspend it?
President Trump's idea to save drivers a few dollars at the pump could cost them in the long run.
100 Mile Garage Sale underway along Mississippi River
A 100-mile stretch of Mississippi River towns is hosting its annual 100 Mile Garage Sale this weekend, drawing shoppers and sellers from across the region and beyond.
Crime News
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Man tried to kill wife over worries about reduced Social Security benefits
A 72-year-old Minnesota man allegedly told police he tried to kill his wife so she would not have to "deal with" living off significantly reduced Social Security benefits.
Charges: Women were arguing over $50 before deadly Mpls. shooting
Charges say two women had been arguing over $50 when one of them fatally shot the other at a Minneapolis apartment earlier this month.
Single-engine plane struck by bullet while fighting northern MN fire
Authorities in northern Minnesota are asking for tips from the public after a fire suppression aircraft was struck by a bullet on Friday.
Aniya Allen's grandfather is returning to peace activism
Monday will mark five years since the tragic killing of 6-year-old Aniya Allen in Minneapolis
Rochester police investigating shooting near Essex Park
Police in Rochester, Minnesota, are investigating a shooting near Essex Park, according to a post on social media.
Health News
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Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda declared global health emergency
At least 80 deaths have been reported in a new Ebola disease outbreak in Congo and Uganda, authorities said.
Families plead for lawmakers to fix loophole capping at-home care
It comes after insurers stopped paying for their kids' daily care, which they argue was covered as part of a 15-year-old state law. As the end of the Minnesota session nears, lawmakers have four days to make a change.
Twin Cities teenager "brings joy to everyone" while braving terminal cancer
A Twin Cities teenager is facing an unimaginable battle: terminal cancer. She's fortunate enough to have family by her side through her fearless fight as they all hope for a miracle.
Mayo Clinic's president and CEO will leave job at end of year
Dr. Gianrico Farrugia has led Mayo Clinic since 2019, and the organization said it was his decision to "complete his tenure at the end of this year."
ER workers urge Minnesota lawmakers to vote on gun bill
Twin Cities emergency room physicians, nurses and technicians made an emotional plea Tuesday for lawmakers to do something about Minnesota's gun laws.
Entertainment News
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National Recording Registry adds Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ray Charles, more
The Library of Congress revealed this year's list of 25 recordings to be preserved for future generations on the National Recording Registry.
KDWB morning host Dave Ryan retiring after 33 years
Dave Ryan announced Wednesday that May 22 will be his last day at KDWB, ending a 33-year run at the Twin Cities station.
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis to play Minnesota State Fair
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are calling their Aug. 29 show "Homecoming: A Celebration of the Minneapolis Sound."
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni reach settlement in "It Ends With Us" lawsuit
A trial in the lawsuit between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni was set to begin later in May.
Star Tribune wins Pulitzer for Annunciation school shooting coverage
The Minnesota Star Tribune was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for breaking news for its coverage of a mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school that killed two children and injured more than a dozen others.