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Minnesota's first big run with no-excuse absentee voting has some lawmakers setting their sights on a more-expansive form of early balloting for future elections. Legislation moving in the Minnesota Senate would establish a 15-day early voting window before an election when polling places would be open, including on those Saturdays.
A debate over police body cameras is stirring a call to action by a group that previously shut down Minnesota freeways while protesting law enforcement tactics. The Senate Judiciary Committee was considering the body camera legislation Thursday.
The Minnesota House has endorsed a deal that stalls commissioner pay hikes until June but gives Gov. Mark Dayton a narrow window to boost those salaries.
Hundreds were expected to pack the hearing room at the State Capitol in St. Paul Thursday as the Minnesota Senate Judiciary Committee discussed whether convicted felons should have their voting rights restored.
Some Minnesota Democrats want to build on a successful push to raise the minimum wage by establishing a statewide paid family leave program. Giving workers up to six weeks off for a birth, adoption or to take care of a sick relative will improve morale, boost productivity and ultimately save employers money, advocates say.
House Speaker Kurt Daudt says he, Gov. Mark Dayton and Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk are "nearing agreement" on a plan to settle a commissioner pay raise dispute that is holding up an important spending bill. Daudt said Wednesday they hope to strike a deal in time for House consideration on Thursday. Bakk confirmed the talks but said any agreement would likely be subject to a review by a joint House-Senate conference committee.
MNsure has fallen short of its enrollment target for private plans. The exchange announced Wednesday it signed up about 60,000 Minnesotans for commercial coverage in its second round of open enrollment. MNsure's budget is based on netting 67,000 such enrollments.
Rural Democrats in the Minnesota Senate want a big piece of the state's projected $1 billion budget surplus to solve workforce issues in their communities.
Gov. Mark Dayton is taking his pitch for new road construction money on the road. Dayton was headed Wednesday to Mankato to drum up local support for a transportation proposal he put before lawmakers.
A lack of adequate testing before the state's health insurance exchange launched in 2013 and other issues meant the exchange's "failures outweighed its achievements" in its first year, the legislative auditor concluded in a report released Tuesday.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar says the Cuba market is ripe for increased exports from Minnesota farms and businesses. The Democratic senator was part of a Senate delegation visiting the island nation this week to talk about expanding trade relationships.
A 60-day jail sentence for a Maple Grove city councilwoman who pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of dollars from her dying father has been judged too lenient by the Minnesota Court of Appeals.
Gov. Scott Walker wants the treasurer of his new political committee to serve on the board that oversees the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics even though Democrats say the appointment is inappropriate.
Gov. Mark Dayton says his transportation funding proposal would result in 600 road-and-bridge improvement projects across the state.
Regulators of Minnesota's new medical cannabis program are seeking to certify laboratories to test the marijuana cultivated for medicinal use. The Department of Health advertised Tuesday for specialized labs to test for "content, contamination and consistency" of the drug. Applications are due next month and labs should be chosen by mid-April.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent charged in a Minneapolis shooting during Operation Metro Surge has been released from a Texas jail, the Associated Press reports.
Here's everything you need to know about ticket prices, getting to the fair, saving money at the fair and the new State Fair foods.
Attorney General Keith Ellison calls it "the largest settlement in the history of Big Tech."
An 18-year-old man has pleaded guilty to killing 10-year-old Lily Peters in Wisconsin four years ago. He was then given a life sentence with the possibility of extended supervision after 25 years.
The group of 24 states and the District of Columbia argues the Postal Service's new rule violates the Constitution and federal law.
Lawrence Butler homered, Alika Williams hit a two-run triple and the Athletics beat the Minnesota Twins 7-4 to win the three-game series.
Minnesota State Fairgoers will enjoy spectacular weather for opening day Thursday.
Ahmed Ghedi was sentenced to more than five years in prison, while Abdihakim Ahmed was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison, according to court documents.
The university is celebrating its 175th anniversary with a new signature ice cream flavor called North Star Apple Crisp, combining apple crisp flavors with a swirl of aronia berry.
The Minnesota State Fair was busy Wednesday as vendors worked to finish last-minute preps before the gates opened Thursday.
Jena Hanson, a 20-year-old from Owatonna, will serve as the official goodwill ambassador for the Minnesota dairy industry and families for the next year.
The owners of Lake Monster Brewing announced Wednesday they are selling the business after nearly 11 years.
The FBI in the Twin Cities says they need to keep its numbers up to keep pace with new threats.
Contaminated soil, still born births and booby traps. That's just the start of the list of concerns since St. Paul, Minnesota, cleared the Pig's Eye encampment.
Jena Hanson, a 20-year-old from Owatonna, will serve as the official goodwill ambassador for the Minnesota dairy industry and families for the next year.
A Minnesota college professor has been sentenced to three years' probation for stealing gun parts and ammunition from a Twin Cities store, according to court records.
Minnesota is facing its worst drought conditions in five years, experts say. About 88% of the state is either experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions.
Minnesota's Iron Range has a history of iron ore mining dating back to the 1880s. But renewed conversations about copper-nickel mining in the area are fueling debate up north and beyond. Neighbors in the Ely area are navigating the divisive issue while staying largely united.
A Michigan child is in the hospital after being run over by a lawn mower in central Minnesota Friday afternoon.
An 18-year-old man has pleaded guilty to killing 10-year-old Lily Peters in Wisconsin four years ago. He was then given a life sentence with the possibility of extended supervision after 25 years.
A Wisconsin prosecutor says he will not file election bribery charges against billionaire Elon Musk even though the state's bipartisan elections commission said he likely broke state law.
A Wisconsin high school football player has died from injuries sustained during a game on Thursday night.
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
The Franklin County Coroner's Office says Jack Pugh died March 30 from acute bronchopneumonia caused by cardiomyopathy, a disease that weakens the heart's ability to pump blood.
Crews in St. Paul, Minnesota, are clearing out the city's largest encampment on Wednesday.
After officials in Minnesota's capital city announced they would shut down encampments for those experiencing homelessness, the City Council approved more than $1 million to expand capacity at local shelters.
The city of St. Paul, Minnesota, is taking a stand and closing encampments amid growing concerns.
Baseball fans might remember the Metrodome's iconic blue seats, and now in Atwater, Minnesota, spectators can once again grab a blue seat and watch a game.
Tucked away in the Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is a community treasure many have come to love and respect.
Lisa Demuth, the Republican Minnesota House speaker and state gubernatorial candidate, chats with Beret Leone outside the gates of the Minnesota State Fair on opening day.
Beret Leone talks with Amy Klobuchar, the Democratic U.S. senator and Minnesota gubernatorial candidate, about all things Minnesota State Fair.
Four DFL members and four Republicans split between the state House and Senate met on Wednesday as part of their work on the state’s new office of the Inspector General.
After years of debate and drafting legislation, a new task force on fraud held its first meeting Wednesday at the Minnesota State Capitol.
After years of debate and drafting legislation, a new task force on fraud held its first meeting Wednesday at the Minnesota State Capitol: the Office of Inspector General Committee.
President Trump said Friday that the U.S. will waive higher tariffs on ground beef imports, which he says will reduce beef prices by 25%. Some cattle ranchers, including those in Minnesota and Wisconsin, worry the plan will hurt them financially.
An outbreak of E. coli and salmonella is linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say. WCCO speaks with a food safety expert about the risks associated with alfalfa sprouts.
Dozens of cases of E. coli and salmonella in multiple states are linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, health officials say.
Twin Metals says a copper-nickel mine near the Boundary Waters would bring hundreds of union jobs and 1,400 additional positions. Still, opponents say the environmental risks to the watershed are not worth the trade-offs.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison released nearly 700 documents Wednesday in his office's investigation into Fleet Farm, alleging the company "ignored an internal warning" about selling firearms to a "straw buyer."
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent charged in a Minneapolis shooting during Operation Metro Surge has been released from a Texas jail, the Associated Press reports.
Ahmed Ghedi was sentenced to more than five years in prison, while Abdihakim Ahmed was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison, according to court documents.
A Minnesota college professor has been sentenced to three years' probation for stealing gun parts and ammunition from a Twin Cities store, according to court records.
A federal judge on Wednesday denied Minnesota's request for a temporary restraining order to halt the release of the ICE agent sought for extradition in a shooting earlier this year in north Minneapolis amid Operation Metro Surge, and then lying about the circumstances under oath.
After years of debate and drafting legislation, a new task force on fraud held its first meeting Wednesday at the Minnesota State Capitol.
Minnesota will receive between $214 million to $307 million after tech giant Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, settled a landmark social media addiction lawsuit Wednesday.
While our summer has been dry, many can't say the same for their nose or eyes. Ragweed allergies are picking up steam.
The "We Give Blood" drive will kick off this week. It's a competition between the 18 Big Ten Schools to see who can donate the most blood.
Hospice nurses who work for Minnesota-based Allina Health have voted to authorize a seven-day unfair labor practice strike, the union representing them said on Monday.
Could you have a life-saving kidney? A Minnesota woman with end-stage renal disease says she needs one.
Tim Curry was known for his iconic performances in cult classics like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and the original screen adaptation of Stephen King's "It."
Audience members at a stage performance of "9 to 5: The Musical" in the U.K. were heard gasping aloud at the news of Dolly Parton's death Tuesday.
Mann said the Plymouth location will be the only family-owned, locally based Minnesota theater company operating an IMAX and will bring the format to an area where moviegoers have previously had to travel farther to find one.
President Trump said that he would be "lowering the American flag" throughout the nation for one week in Dolly Parton's honor.
Dolly Parton became an icon over her six-decade career as a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, movie and TV star and theme park owner who donated millions to help others.
Lawrence Butler homered, Alika Williams hit a two-run triple and the Athletics beat the Minnesota Twins 7-4 to win the three-game series.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have agreed to terms with power forward Jonathan Kuminga on a two-year, $12.4 million contract, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.
Carlos Cortes homered and Gage Jump struck out nine in 6 1/3 innings as the Athletics beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2.
The 6-foot-10, 250-pound former NBA player was removed from Sunday's game after he was confronted by Sky guard Natasha Cloud.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jeshaun Jones was issued a three-game suspension by the NFL for violating the league's substances of abuse policy.
The DFL primary in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District was supposed to be close, but it wasn't. Former Lakeville Mayor and state Sen. Matt Little beat two well-known opponents by double digits.
Democrat Jake Johnson, a high school math teacher, is running a competitive race against Republican Rep. Brad Finstad, prompting analysts to downgrade Finstad's reelection outlook.
In the aftermath of the primary, Republicans in Minnesota are more optimistic about their November chances than they ever have been.
In the aftermath of the primary, Republicans in Minnesota are more optimistic about their November chances than they ever have been.
The candidates for the Minnesota general election are all set, and the campaigns are shifting into a higher gear.
It is one of the most uniquely shaped buildings at the Minnesota State Fair, and it holds nearly 80 years of history.
For five generations, one family has run the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours along the St. Croix River.
Keith Richardson is a home brewer and beer memorabilia collector. His collection got so big that, two years ago, he moved everything into an old toy store near downtown Lanesboro and opened the Hammarama Museum and Gift Shop.
Passing trains and scenic bluffs are a big part of Buffalo County, Wisconsin, but in the middle of it all is a garden where creativity and flowers grow together, all courtesy of a man named Herman Rusch.
Thousands of pictures of Split Rock Lighthouse are taken each year. And oftentimes a little island appears in those photos. Ellingsen Island has developed a following of its own.
There's a buzz at the fairgrounds as vendors, exhibitors and 4-H families get ready to welcome millions of people across a very specific stretch of time. Why is the Minnesota State Fair 12 days? Good Question.
While our summer has been dry, many can't say the same for their nose or eyes. Ragweed allergies are picking up steam.
Maybe you've experienced the "Sunday scaries" which is when you worry about the looming work week or wish you could have accomplished more over the weekend. The "August blues" create similar feelings, one being regret.
As if the constant barrage of political ads wasn't enough, some WCCO viewers are particularly bothered by the language candidates are using.
There's a certain elegance to the common loon. Its black and white plumage carries a gentle sheen of green as though dressed for a formal affair. Subtle colors that allow its piercing red eyes to steal your gaze.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new foods for 2026.
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.
Thursday stays dry and mostly sunny, with lighter winds and temperatures warming into the low 80s, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
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.
Opening day of the Minnesota State Fair will be lovely, says meteorologist Adam Del Rosso.
The Minnesota State Fair is kicking off with some lovely weather Thursday, says meteorologist Joseph Dames.
Minnesota State Fairgoers will enjoy spectacular weather for opening day Thursday.
The America Wheel at the Minnesota State Fair stands 75 feet taller than the Great Big Wheel it replaced, rising 230 feet at the north end of the fairgrounds.
Karen Bachman Thull, from Bachman’s, talks about blue ribbon plants that have been bred in Minnesota or by Minnesota companies.
Washburn Center for Children's chief clinical officer says communities typically hit their most difficult stretch of grief between six and nine months — and Annunciation is still working through it.
The Summer Lakes Boat House, new to the Minnesota State Fair this year, is serving Dockside Poppers and cocktails at the southwest corner of Randall Ave. and Underwood St.
Thursday stays dry and mostly sunny, with lighter winds and temperatures warming into the low 80s, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.