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Talk of tax cuts has followed word that Minnesota's budget will run up a $1 billion surplus. Top Democrats and Republicans separately raised the prospect Thursday of giving tax breaks with a portion of the surplus. The first dose could come soon in the next session as lawmakers weigh whether to match up Minnesota's deductions and credits more closely with those at the federal level.
Minnesota finance officials say lawmakers have a $1 billion projected surplus at their disposal in the upcoming session. The estimate provided Thursday in a new economic forecast should make for a smoother path to a new two-year budget.
Some Minnesota parents are concerned about long drives to buy medical marijuana for their ailing children. The state's two medical cannabis manufacturers tentatively plan to open dispensaries in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Eagan, Maple Grove, St. Cloud, Hibbing, Rochester and Moorhead. Those locations put hundreds of miles between some greater Minnesota residents and medication for themselves or their kids.
Just a month before the 2015 Minnesota Legislature begins, the Capitol is in chaos. But it's not because of politics. The 109-year-old State Capitol building is in the middle of a massive renovation that will mean limited public access during the session.
Fargo, North Dakota, Mayor Dennis Walaker, the man known as the "flood mayor" for leading the state's largest city through several successful fights against the Red River, died Tuesday at his home, city officials said. He was 73. Walaker had been battling kidney cancer for several months. Deputy Mayor Tim Mahoney said Walaker was hospitalized over the weekend from a reaction to his chemotherapy.
A group of bicyclists in Minneapolis asked the city council Tuesday to make some changes to better separate bikes and cars. The council will vote on Mayor Betsy Hodges' budget proposal Dec. 10, which asks for $750,000 to build protected bike lanes across the city.
The state's chief information officer is leaving Gov. Mark Dayton's administration. Commissioner Carolyn Parnell will step down Jan. 5 to pursue other work. She announced her departure Tuesday in an email to employees. Dayton appointed Parnell in 2011.
Gov. Mark Dayton says Minnesota's lottery director "has his work cut out for him" to preserve online ticket sales that many lawmakers want to outlaw. Dayton acknowledged Tuesday that the Legislature will again attempt to bar the most virtual ticket sales and may be able to trump a veto this time.
It's the final week for candidates to put their names into consideration for the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. The Legislature will elect five regents to the state's 12-member governing board next year.
Two crucial pieces of the state's new medical marijuana program are nearly in place. Minnesota officials announced Monday morning that LeafLine Labs and Minnesota Medical Solutions will grow and cultivate the drug for the state, ending a weeks-long selection process.
A final report to the Legislature on a six-year, $4.9 million University of Minnesota study says the state's taconite workers face higher risks from a rare form of lung cancer called mesothelioma the longer they've worked in the industry or if they've had above-average exposures to certain kinds of dust.
A number of Minnesota high school and college students expressed their disappointment with the Ferguson, Missouri outcome by walking out of school. They joined students who staged walkouts in more than 50 cities across the country on Monday.
The St. Paul City Council is set to vote on a resolution this week that would set plans for a new outdoor archery range in motion.
The massive renovation hiding the graceful lines of Minnesota's Capitol in protective wrap and bristling scaffolding has left the inside even more unrecognizable and uninviting as the Legislature prepares to spring back into action.
The Republican party county chair who came under fire for comments about Muslims on his Facebook page has resigned. Big Stone County GOP Chair Jack Whitley called Muslims "parasites" and wrote "FRAG 'EM!" when they travel to Mecca, slang for a fragmentation hand grenade. Those comments were condemned by Muslim community leaders and GOP party Chairman Keith Downey.
Chief Axel Henry says he reported Mayor Kaohly Her's conduct, then was cut out of decisions and had records withheld, according to his new lawsuit.
While investigations are ongoing, Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said that the evidence points to swatting.
Former Republican Minnesota state senator Justin Eichorn was sentenced Wednesday to 16 months in prison after pleading guilty to attempted possession of child pornography following a 2025 child sex sting arrest.
Some Twin Cities homeowners could soon see a big jump in their property taxes.
The town of Lindstrom, Minnesota, is known for its unique water tower, but an unlikely discovery is bringing back memories of another landmark.
The Invisible Wounds Project, located in Forest Lake, Minnesota, is dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellness of military, veterans and first responders.
The 81-page guide gives officers tools and best practices for handling these cases, including how officers interact with victim survivors, collect samples, and collect and handle evidence.
Doctors Council SEIU and Allina Health have been working toward an agreement for three years.
A beaver dam near one of Scandia's most historic sites is raising concerns about what higher water levels could mean for buildings that have stood for more than 150 years.
Doctors Council SEIU and Allina Health have been working toward an agreement for three years.
Some Twin Cities homeowners could soon see a big jump in their property taxes.
At nearly 36 years old, Target Center in Minneapolis stands as the second-oldest arena to host an NBA team.
While investigations are ongoing, Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said that the evidence points to swatting.
A person was able to escape unscathed after they drove their car into a construction zone and fell into a man-made water pipe hole in Minneapolis.
The town of Lindstrom, Minnesota, is known for its unique water tower, but an unlikely discovery is bringing back memories of another landmark.
The 1,200 residents who call New Richland, Minnesota, home won't forget Saturday, when nine inches of pouring rain led to flooding in town.
The Invisible Wounds Project, located in Forest Lake, Minnesota, is dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellness of military, veterans and first responders.
Authorities are investigating after a 34-year-old man died was found unresponsive in his cell at the Stearns County Jail in St. Cloud, Minnesota earlier this month.
The ACLU of Minnesota says the board introduced the resolution without prior notice, and, as a result, the community had no opportunity to object.
The Wisconsin State Patrol says a trooper is in the hospital with severe injuries after falling off a bridge while attempting to end a pursuit.
In downtown Hudson, Wisconsin, a small gallery is making room for a lot of creativity.
A $1.8 billion project to replace the Blatnik Bridge, which links Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, is now underway.
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.
Automotive collision and refinishing students at Dunwoody College in Minneapolis rebuilt a Hyundai Elantra and gave it to Robert Hanson, a U.S. Navy veteran, through the National Auto Body Council's Recycled Rides program.
For years, Keiona Cook has been weaving communities together, teaching kids from North Minneapolis and Edina to sew together. Now she's taking her work to New York for the city's iconic fashion week.
Natalie Flaherty started I Stand With Anne when she was 10. She's now one of this year's Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes winners, an award for people ages 8 to 18 who are making a positive difference.
In downtown Hudson, Wisconsin, a small gallery is making room for a lot of creativity.
The nonprofit opened its Twin Cities doors in 2010 and now runs a seven-woman operation out of a warehouse stocked entirely with what other Minnesotans gave away.
Explosive sexual harassment allegations, a lawsuit and now changes in daily operations. The strained relationship between St. Paul's police chief and mayor is now heading to court. Ashley Grams has the allegations in a new lawsuit and a change in the mayor's security detail.
There have been eight suicide attempts across the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group since the beginning of its grueling monthslong deployment last year, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said.
An Iowa judge sided with pollster J. Ann Selzer and The Des Moines Register, saying that allowing the lawsuit and its "faulty" claims to proceed could "discourage others from reporting on and debating public affairs."
Former GOP Minnesota state senator Justin Eichorn, who was arrested in a prostitution ring sting last year, will spend less than the next year in a federal prison.
Former Republican Minnesota state senator Justin Eichorn was sentenced Wednesday to 16 months in prison after pleading guilty to attempted possession of child pornography following a 2025 child sex sting arrest.
Tim Wertish and his son drove out to the lot every morning before school. This weekend, nearly 400 classic trucks, pickups and cars go to the highest bidder in Redwood Falls.
Every grain and ingredient that comes through the door is certified gluten-free, co-owner Kasey Pate says, a dedicated facility for a community that lost its taproom when Burning Brothers closed last year.
Sunset to sunrise. Any rain, snow, sleet or hail. And any time you can't clearly make out people and vehicles 500 feet ahead. Three triggers in one statute, and most drivers only know the first one.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services is working with a contractor to correct an autism treatment plan backlog that is frustrating both parents and providers.
You've probably seen THC drinks at Minnesota bars and liquor stores, but those made-in-Minnesota drinks could disappear this winter if new federal rules take effect.
The 81-page guide gives officers tools and best practices for handling these cases, including how officers interact with victim survivors, collect samples, and collect and handle evidence.
While investigations are ongoing, Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said that the evidence points to swatting.
Chief Axel Henry says he reported Mayor Kaohly Her's conduct, then was cut out of decisions and had records withheld, according to his new lawsuit.
Former Republican Minnesota state senator Justin Eichorn was sentenced Wednesday to 16 months in prison after pleading guilty to attempted possession of child pornography following a 2025 child sex sting arrest.
Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced movie mogul, was sentenced to 15 years in prison Wednesday morning for sexually assaulting Miriam Haley at his Manhattan apartment in 2006.
Doctors Council SEIU and Allina Health have been working toward an agreement for three years.
The headlines surrounding Artificial Intelligence's rapid advancement have been tough to digest recently. WCCO wanted to know how to manage anxiety caused by AI.
The virus has struck poultry producers in at least five counties in a single month. Nationally, nearly 23 million turkeys have been put down since 2022 — even as U.S. farmers raise 45 million fewer birds than they did a decade ago.
Officials say that anyone who touched the bat should call 911 and ask to be connected to Animal Care and Control and contact their healthcare provider.
Every grain and ingredient that comes through the door is certified gluten-free, co-owner Kasey Pate says, a dedicated facility for a community that lost its taproom when Burning Brothers closed last year.
An autopsy by the Greenville County Coroner's Office determined Hayden Panettiere's death was due to an accidental overdose of several drugs, including fentanyl.
Nike-owned Converse acknowledged that an ad for its Chuck Taylor sneaker is "deeply upsetting."
Presley Gerber, the son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, has died at 27, a family spokesperson has confirmed.
Duncan Sheik died on Thursday night, his family said.
John Malkovich took the Volpi Cup at Venice this month for Martin McDonagh's CIA drama. Minnesota audiences get it Oct. 15, three weeks before it reaches theaters.
Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin has signed a contract extension in another sign of the organization's all-in pursuit of a Stanley Cup title.
The productivity Aaron Jones gave the Minnesota Vikings last week has come with a price with a knee injury.
At nearly 36 years old, Target Center in Minneapolis stands as the second-oldest arena to host an NBA team.
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers is not only making a big impact on the defensive side of the ball, but his splash plays on special teams have earned him a Week 2 honor.
Minnesota's Taj Bradley held the Giants to a run on three hits in six innings and the Twins knocked off San Francisco 3-2 on Tuesday night.
The constitutional amendment would raise the contribution to schools by $33 per pupil for each school. That would take the fund's current contribution of $68 per pupil to $101 per pupil.
In August, a law changing the age for criminal prosecutions in Minnesota went into effect. The law bars children under 13, no matter how serious the crime, from being prosecuted. It's unclear what will happen to kids now accused of these crimes.
Maryland and New Hampshire have similar laws but carve out exceptions for serious violent crimes like murder and rape; Minnesota's version, effective August 1, 2026, has none.
Demuth has been running ads focusing on a million-dollar funding proposal that Klobuchar supported that was stripped out of a funding bill.
She has won four races for U.S. Senate by double digits, and now Sen. Amy Klobuchar is campaigning to become Minnesota's next governor.
The town of Lindstrom, Minnesota, is known for its unique water tower, but an unlikely discovery is bringing back memories of another landmark.
From making the paper for Crayola crayons to getting a visit from Mr. Rogers. John Lauritsen shares the history behind a Little Falls paper mill, and how its ruins have become its future, in this week's Finding Minnesota.
Built in 1886, the Prospect House was once a resort hotel. The third floor is preserved to show what the hotel looked like back then, but for Jay Johnson, the real history is in the basement.
For nearly a half century, the Haunted Mansion at the Minnesota State Fair has been scaring people silly.
It is one of the most uniquely shaped buildings at the Minnesota State Fair, and it holds nearly 80 years of history.
The leaves have been changing, the temperature has been dropping, and the pumpkin flavored coffee drinks are flowing.
The headlines surrounding Artificial Intelligence's rapid advancement have been tough to digest recently. WCCO wanted to know how to manage anxiety caused by AI.
If you're buying ground beef at the grocery store, there's a good chance that part of it came from a country outside the United States.
It's the fifth time in six years that Minnesotans are approaching fall during a drought. The time of year is right when homeowners typically start repairing their yards. Is it worth fighting back now or simply waiting until spring?
The first days of school can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. New teachers, new classes, maybe even a new building. It can be a lot to manage without a plan.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says it will be cooler tomorrow with the shower chances.
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.
Some rain is expected in western Minnesota Wednesday night into Thursday after a sunny, crisp fall day.
Video shows the destructive power of recent flooding in southern Minnesota.
It was a crisp beginning to fall in Minnesota, but there's some rain on the way this weekend.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says it will be cooler tomorrow with the shower chances.
A Minnesota town is known for its unique water tower. In Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows us how an unlikely discovery is bringing back memories of another Lindstrom landmark.
Minnesota safety officials say they're giving police new tools to make sure sexual assault cases get solved. It comes following a poor track record of closing cases. Ubah Ali explains what the new guidelines calls for.
Explosive sexual harassment allegations, a lawsuit and now changes in daily operations. The strained relationship between St. Paul's police chief and mayor is now heading to court. Ashley Grams has the allegations in a new lawsuit and a change in the mayor's security detail.
Some rain is expected in western Minnesota Wednesday night into Thursday after a sunny, crisp fall day.