Walker, Republicans Can Move Quickly On Agenda
Gov. Scott Walker wants to move quickly in passing his second term agenda through a Legislature controlled by Republicans who tightened their grip on the majority with wins in the midterm election.
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Gov. Scott Walker wants to move quickly in passing his second term agenda through a Legislature controlled by Republicans who tightened their grip on the majority with wins in the midterm election.
Minnesota House Republicans will come into next year's legislative session with a majority and a tiny bit of breathing room.
U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson says he anticipates being able to work out compromises on agricultural issues in the next Congress, but he has some concerns about the lineup of the next Senate Agriculture Committee.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's re-election secures his reputation as a conservative hero and possible presidential contender and will make it more difficult for opponents to reverse his restrictions on public sector unions, tax cuts and other business-friendly policies.
Democratic state Rep. Steve Simon has been elected secretary of state, defeating Republican former state Rep. Dan Severson. Simon will take over as Minnesota's chief elections officer from Democrat Mark Ritchie, who chose not to run again.
Justices David Lillehaug and Wilhelmina Wright will stay on the Minnesota Supreme Court. Lillehaug, a former U.S. attorney for Minnesota, faced voters for the first time since Gov. Mark Dayton appointed him to the high court last year. Lillehaug defeated Michelle MacDonald, a West St. Paul attorney who won the GOP endorsement for the officially nonpartisan office but fell out with party leaders after it emerged that she faced criminal charges over a traffic stop.
Rep. Rick Nolan has fended off a strong GOP challenger to hold onto Minnesota's 8th District in what was among the most expensive congressional races in the country. He beat Fleet Farm scion and political newcomer Stewart Mills to win a second term of his second stint in Congress. The Democrat previously served in the 1970s.
Republicans have grabbed control of the Minnesota House and broken up the Democrats' short run of one-party rule at the Capitol. House Speaker Paul Thissen conceded early Wednesday that Democrats had lost control of the chamber.
Election Day arrived in Minnesota with Democrats feeling good about sweeping the biggest races in the state — for governor and U.S. Senate — and perhaps all of the statewide offices. But the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party was fighting a rear-guard action to hang on to the Minnesota House, with plenty of incumbents at risk and Republicans needing just seven seats to bring back divided government for the first time since 2012.
Sen. Al Franken's margin of victory in Tuesday's election was a landslide compared to his razor-thin win six years ago. In July of 2009, after a seven-month recount and a drawn-out legal challenge, Franken was finally declared the winner by just 312 votes. While the margin of Franken's victory this time was predicted by recent polls, as recently as a year ago he was not expected to do nearly as well.
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton is calling on his political opponents to join him in building a better state.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson says he's wishing the victor, Democratic incumbent Mark Dayton, success because he wants Minnesota to succeed. Johnson lost his bid Tuesday to oust Dayton after a single term.
GOP U.S. Senate hopeful Mike McFadden says Minnesota's Republican party is in better shape than two years ago, despite his loss to Sen. Al Franken.
Minnesota's most senior member of Congress, Collin Peterson, has won his 13th term. Voters in western Minnesota's 7th District are sending Democrat Collin Peterson back to Washington after he withstood a vigorous challenge from GOP state Sen. Torrey Westrom.
Republicans have seized control of the Senate for the first time in eight years.
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.
Police say the statue of Olympic champion and Minnesota native Suni Lee has been recovered more than a year after it was stolen.
A lawsuit accuses the global manufacturing company 3M of contaminating public drinking water wells in Hastings, Minnesota, with the toxic chemical perfluorooctanoic acid.
The community is mourning the loss of Charles Dillon, also known as Chaz Millionaire, a longtime voice on the Twin Cities airwaves.
The vault is open. Recordings no one's ever heard, spanning 40 years of Prince's musical career, are now available on a new album called "Timeless."
The ruling marks a blow to the federal government's long-delayed effort to prosecute Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who is accused of developing the plot to crash planes into the Pentagon and World Trade Center.
Colson Montgomery hit his 28th homer and Andrew Benintendi drove in two runs to help the AL Central-leading Chicago White Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 7-4 on Friday night.
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.
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.
Carol Sawyer lived to 100, only missing the Minnesota State Fair two times in her life. Now, her legacy lives on through a bench dedicated in her honor. Fairgoers can be part of that legacy by stopping by it, snapping a photo and sharing it on social media.
The community is mourning the loss of Charles Dillon, also known as Chaz Millionaire, a longtime voice on the Twin Cities airwaves.
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.
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 ruling marks a blow to the federal government's long-delayed effort to prosecute Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who is accused of developing the plot to crash planes into the Pentagon and World Trade Center.
President Trump announced a deal to grant the U.S. control of more than 60 billion barrels of proven Venezuelan oil reserves.
"Space is the hot thing," President Trump said at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston.
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.
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.
Juul plans to market the new device under the brand name Juul2, along with updated versions of its tobacco- and menthol-flavored cartridges.
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 vault is open. Recordings no one's ever heard, spanning 40 years of Prince's musical career, are now available on a new album called "Timeless."
The community is mourning the loss of Charles Dillon, also known as Chaz Millionaire, a longtime voice on the Twin Cities airwaves.
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.
Colson Montgomery hit his 28th homer and Andrew Benintendi drove in two runs to help the AL Central-leading Chicago White Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 7-4 on Friday night.
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 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.
Some Minnesotans may wake up to a rumble of thunder on Saturday morning before feeling humid conditions in the afternoon, NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says.
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 and storms will pass through much of Minnesota early on Saturday, NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says.
There's a chance for rain early Saturday morning, though it looks clear for the rest of the day.
Saturday afternoon should dry up after morning showers, but the breezy winds and clouds linger, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
Jimmy Jam and his longtime musical partner, Terry Lewis, are scheduled to headline the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand on Aug. 29. AJ Hilton spoke with the duo about their 50-plus years of friendship, their remarkable music careers, and the homecoming performance.
Thor, the god of thunder, is bringing down the hammer on Minnesota State Fair attendees this year. The ride, called Thor, is one of the brand-new rides at the Mighty Midway this year.
Some Minnesotans may wake up to a rumble of thunder on Saturday morning before feeling humid conditions in the afternoon, NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says.
Lindsay Clancy, the Massachusetts mother accused of murdering her three children, will soon learn her fate. After more than 10 hours of deliberations over two days, jurors in Clancy's trial were sent home with strict instructions. Kristin Thorne reports.
The Minnesota State Fair kicked off Thursday with record-breaking crowds. While fairgoers are figuring out what to eat, law enforcement is looking to stop trouble before it starts. Ramsey County used court orders to get ahead of potential gang violence. Did that instill a sense of safety for fairgoers? Ubah Ali shares how people are feeling.