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With the arrival of a new year comes the start of a number of new Minnesota laws. Here is a rundown of some of the most notable ones. One of the biggest law changes in 2015 means new training requirements for young drivers.
The Independence Party is less mighty in the eyes of the state of Minnesota. The secretary of state's office formally informed the party's leader in a letter Tuesday that it has been downgraded from major- to minor-party status.
Dismal turnout in another August primary election has rekindled talk of shifting future ones forward to June.
The ABLE Act is hoping to help people with disabilities "Achieve A Better Life Experience" by setting up tax advantages savings accounts, similar to college savings plans.
Gov. Mark Dayton is preparing to go all in on a highway-and-transit upgrade package that could cost drivers a dime or more extra on a gallon of gas and metro shoppers a nickel more on every $10 taxable purchase, a trade-off the Democrat described Monday as vital to a transportation network he sees as choked and crumbling.
Gov. Mark Dayton says he sees no reason to hold off on two coming increases to Minnesota's minimum wage and he'll resist efforts to scrap a new mechanism allowing for inflationary bumps later.
Gov. Mark Dayton is consulting with his Department of Natural Resources chief on how the state should respond to a federal ruling that outlaws hunting of gray wolves.
Being uninsured in America will cost you more in 2015. It's the first year all taxpayers have to report to the Internal Revenue Service whether they had health insurance for the previous year, as required under President Barack Obama's law. Those who were uninsured face fines, unless they qualify for one of about 30 exemptions, most of which involve financial hardships.
The deadline to sign up for health insurance through MNsure is just around the corner. The cut off for the state's health exchange is noon on Wednesday. Officials extended the deadline twice in order to get as many people as possible to sign up.
Gas prices are finally falling, but those savings might not last long. At least 18 states, including Minnesota, are considering taxing drivers based on distance. Gas prices aren't the only reason for the idea, since newer cars get better gas mileage.
The U.S. Government said Tuesday the nation's economy grew at a whopping 5 percent annual rate last summer. That's the fastest growth since 2003, including jobs coming back to the Midwest.
Mark Dayton is making another fashion statement while ushering in a second term as Minnesota governor: He's again ditching the black tie in favor of blue jeans for what is shaping up as a laid-back inaugural.
A group of wolf experts disputes that gray wolves in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan are endangered or that a judge's ruling will help the population spread to other states. A federal judge in Washington on Friday threw out the Obama administration's decision to remove gray wolves in the three states from the endangered list, a move that bans wolf hunting and trapping in the region.
Armed with sales statistics tailored for each legislative district, the Minnesota Lottery chief is paying visits to lawmakers as he attempts to repair strained relationships and head off another showdown over tickets sold on the Internet, through automated cash-machines and at gas station pumps.
After 8 years in Congress, one of Minnesota's best known political figures is leaving office. But Rep. Michele Bachmann isn't leaving quietly.
Police say the statue of Olympic champion and Minnesota native Suni Lee has been recovered more than a year after it was stolen.
A major merger between Minnesota-based North Memorial Health and South Dakota-based Sanford Health was announced Friday morning, and is set to close in a matter of days.
The legendary Minneapolis duo looks back on the Fair, a friendship that began as teenagers, the origin of "Jimmy Jam," and the challenge of turning more than 500 recordings into one homecoming show.
Minnesota GOP State Rep. Elliott Engen has pleaded guilty to DWI in connection with a March traffic incident that led to his arrest, according to court records filed on Thursday.
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair is rolling out more than three dozen new food items this year, on top of all the returning favorites — which makes putting together a game plan for your visit no small task.
A lawsuit accuses the global manufacturing company 3M of contaminating public drinking water wells in Hastings, Minnesota, with the toxic chemical perfluorooctanoic acid.
Just one year ago, a Minneapolis community was changed forever when a shooting at a church filled with children on their first day of Mass for the school year killed two students and injured several others. Third grader Fletcher Merkel was just 8 years old. Harper Moyski was 10.
The Minnesota State Fair kicked off its 2026 run in record-breaking fashion, as 155,185 people passed through the gates on Thursday, smashing the previous single-day mark for the fair's opening Thursday.
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.
Minnesota GOP State Rep. Elliott Engen has pleaded guilty to DWI in connection with a March traffic incident that led to his arrest, according to court records filed on Thursday.
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair is rolling out more than three dozen new food items this year, on top of all the returning favorites — which makes putting together a game plan for your visit no small task.
A lawsuit accuses the global manufacturing company 3M of contaminating public drinking water wells in Hastings, Minnesota, with the toxic chemical perfluorooctanoic acid.
The Minnesota State Fair kicked off its 2026 run in record-breaking fashion, as 155,185 people passed through the gates on Thursday, smashing the previous single-day mark for the fair's opening Thursday.
A major merger between Minnesota-based North Memorial Health and South Dakota-based Sanford Health was announced Friday morning, and is set to close in a matter of days.
A major merger between Minnesota-based North Memorial Health and South Dakota-based Sanford Health was announced Friday morning, and is set to close in a matter of days.
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.
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.
Lt. Ryan Kelly, the first Minneapolis officer to arrive at Church of the Annunciation on Aug. 27, 2025, described walking in to find dozens of children hiding in the pews — and locating 2 who had already died.
After the Annunciation Catholic Church mass shooting in Minneapolis, there were loud calls for action on guns.
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.
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.
Minnesota joined 23 states in suing the Trump administration Thursday, trying to stop new rules that could cut off federal funding for birth control clinics and other family planning services.
A federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked the U.S. Postal Service from enforcing its new requirements for mail voting for the November midterm elections.
Minnesota joined 23 states in suing the Trump administration Thursday, trying to stop new rules that could cut off federal funding for birth control clinics and other family planning services.
After the Annunciation Catholic Church mass shooting in Minneapolis, there were loud calls for action on guns.
The 2026 Minnesota State Fair is rolling out more than three dozen new food items this year, on top of all the returning favorites — which makes putting together a game plan for your visit no small task.
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 GOP State Rep. Elliott Engen has pleaded guilty to DWI in connection with a March traffic incident that led to his arrest, according to court records filed on Thursday.
Police say the statue of Olympic champion and Minnesota native Suni Lee has been recovered more than a year after it was stolen.
A teenager and two children were detained early Tuesday morning in connection to vehicle break-ins in south Minneapolis, according to police.
Minnesota officials say Christian Castro, charged in a January Minneapolis shooting, could cross into Mexico now that Texas has released him without honoring the state's extradition request.
Minneapolis police say a man was killed in a shooting early Friday morning in the East Phillips neighborhood.
A major merger between Minnesota-based North Memorial Health and South Dakota-based Sanford Health was announced Friday morning, and is set to close in a matter of days.
Minnesota joined 23 states in suing the Trump administration Thursday, trying to stop new rules that could cut off federal funding for birth control clinics and other family planning services.
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.
The legendary Minneapolis duo looks back on the Fair, a friendship that began as teenagers, the origin of "Jimmy Jam," and the challenge of turning more than 500 recordings into one homecoming show.
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.
The Minnesota Twins have called up top prospect Walker Jenkins with the status of All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton unclear.
Dallas Turner's performance for the Minnesota Vikings during training camp after a strong finish last season has underscored why they were so happy to get him in the first round of the 2024 draft.
The PGA Tour Americas is back in Brainerd. With some big Minnesota sports names changing sports for the week.
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.
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.
Showers and storms are expected to pass through parts of central and southern Minnesota early Saturday, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Adam Del Rosso.
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.
Showers move in late Friday night and slide through Saturday morning, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
Friday will be dry in the Twin Cities, but some badly needed rain is possible at night, says meteorologist Joseph Dames.
Friday will start with sunshine in the Twin Cities before clouds arrive in the afternoon hours.
WCCO is out at the fair, so what did we get up to on Day 1? You can check out all the shenanigans here.
Showers and storms are expected to pass through parts of central and southern Minnesota early Saturday, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Adam Del Rosso.
Friday is Governor's Fire Prevention Day at the Minnesota State Fair. WCCO speaks with Coon Rapids Fire Marshal Nick House about the day.
North Memorial Health in Robbinsdale and Sioux Falls-based Sanford Health have entered into a 10-year agreement with the Minnesota Attorney General's Office as part of a merger between the two healthcare systems. John Lauritsen shares what this means for patients.
Minnesota AG Keith Ellison announces "groundbreaking" Sanford Health-North Memorial merger deal.