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Minnesota joins the rest of the nation Tuesday in a midterm election for everything from governor to local school board seats, with most polling places opening at 7 a.m. and all closing at 8 p.m. Some key things to know about what's at stake:
Inside Jo Jo's in Burnsville, people visited with friends Monday over a cup of coffee, many of them aware that they're living in District 56 B, a race that's is expected to be very close. It could shift the power from Democrats to Republicans.
Maybe we say this every election season, but the political ads seem to be more frequent, and a little more mean-spirited this time around. They've everywhere and they go after everything from a candidate's policy to even his hair. It sometimes seems the more ridiculous, the better.
A Wisconsin man isn't happy about being forced to leave his gun outside during a rally for Republican Gov. Scott Walker. Forty-six-year-old Jay Brendemuehl of Pardeeville showed up at the rally at a Sun Prairie equipment business on Monday with a pistol plainly strapped to his side.
Nearly 100 members of Minnesota National Guard's 133rd Airlift Wing are returning this week from resupply and humanitarian missions in Southwest Asia. The unit flew almost 800 missions, hauling about 5,100 passengers and 2,200 tons of cargo. Its missions included emergency transport of about 140 patients.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker might have committed a political version of football's unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on a piece of material that will be part of the Minnesota Vikings new $1 billion stadium. Walker says he wrote a little message on one of the beams to be used in the new stadium in downtown Minneapolis.
The grueling fall campaign is nearing the finish line, with candidates searching for the votes that might make the difference between euphoria and despair Tuesday night.
Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Mike McFadden is suggesting Sen. Al Franken may have broken election law by coordinating with a political action committee. At issue is a pair ads — one released by Franken and a pro-Franken spot from former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Independence USA PAC — that appear to use some of the same video footage of the freshman Democrat.
U.S. Sen. Al Franken and GOP challenger Mike McFadden met for a third and final debate Sunday evening, capping off a campaign that for McFadden and Republicans looks like the race that could have been. The two candidates brought their mostly sleepy campaign to a close by agreeing with each other more than ever before at the debate hosted by Minnesota Public Radio.
On WCCO Sunday Morning, I did a long interview with Jeff Johnson, the Republican hopeful for governor. With just days until Election Day, Johnson is trailing in the polls to incumbent Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton.
The leading candidates for Minnesota's top offices are spending the final campaign weekend giving pep talks to the party faithful knocking on doors and calling persuadable voters. Democratic Sen. Al Franken told canvassers in a St. Paul suburb that races are "won at the door" and says his 312-vote win six years ago proves nothing can be taken for granted.
In a cramped office tucked behind an old 10-cent general store, the voice of 10-year-old Parker Hall cuts through the hum of non-stop conversation. Fueled by bottles of Dr Pepper and a big bag of candy, he asks if he can count on a vote for GOP candidates. Then another call. And another. He's at it for hours.
Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican nominee Jeff Johnson ended their series of debates Friday much like they began, with the incumbent hailing big-picture successes and his rival saying too many things went awry over the past four years.
Starting tomorrow, an 88-foot white spruce from the Chippewa National Forest will make stops in 30 cities over 19 days on its way to Washington, D.C. It's going to spend part of November and all of December as the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree.
National Republicans are targeting Minnesota's 7th District with a barrage of last-minute TV ads. That's where Democratic U.S. Representative Collin Peterson is facing off with Republican Torrey Westrom.
The NHL journalist, her three young children and their family dog all died in the fire on March 21.
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.
Authorities are investigating after a woman and child died during a school trip to an Iowa state park on Tuesday.
President Rebecca Cunningham says the University of Minnesota will cut $225 million from its budget over the next two years — 12% to 15% of operating revenue — as it moves to longer-term budget planning.
An Iowa judge dismissed President Trump's lawsuit accusing pollster J. Ann Selzer of fraud over her 2024 Iowa poll, ruling the coverage was protected political speech. Trump's team says he'll appeal to the Iowa Supreme Court.
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.
Taylor Swift announced her new single "Patient Zero" earlier this week, saying she has been "impatiently waiting" to announce that it will be out on Friday.
WCCO is tracking everything you can go out and do 4 Your Weekend, including local festivals and the start of some fall activities.
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.
The Minnesota State Fire Marshal's Office announced its preliminary findings Thursday in the investigation into the White Bear Lake house fire that killed NHL journalist Jessi Pierce and her three young children earlier this year.
WCCO is tracking everything you can go out and do 4 Your Weekend, including local festivals and the start of some fall activities.
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.
WCCO is tracking everything you can go out and do 4 Your Weekend, including local festivals and the start of some fall activities.
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 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.
An Iowa judge dismissed President Trump's lawsuit accusing pollster J. Ann Selzer of fraud over her 2024 Iowa poll, ruling the coverage was protected political speech. Trump's team says he'll appeal to the Iowa Supreme Court.
St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry is suing Mayor Kaohly Her and the city, alleging she sexually harassed him for months and that city officials retaliated against him after he reported it, plus more of the day’s top stories.
President Trump is hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping for meetings and a state dinner on Thursday, as the world's two most powerful countries try to extend a tariff truce and grapple with a rivalry on advanced AI.
Reporters whose White House access was revoked were allowed to enter the complex again, hours after a judge ordered the Trump administration to restore their press credentials.
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.
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.
Taylor Swift announced her new single "Patient Zero" earlier this week, saying she has been "impatiently waiting" to announce that it will be out on Friday.
A Tennessee judge granted Dolly Parton's estate a temporary restraining order Wednesday against the late singer's nephew Bryan Seaver and his private security company.
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.
The Minnesota State Fire Marshal's Office announced its preliminary findings Thursday in the investigation into the White Bear Lake house fire that killed NHL journalist Jessi Pierce and her three young children earlier this year.
Pinch-hitter Walker Jenkins hit an RBI single in the seventh inning that put Minnesota ahead and the Twins won their second straight over the San Francisco Giants with a 4-2 victory.
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.
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.
A weakening boundary will continue to shift east and bring a few showers to the metro into this afternoon, 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.
Expect some morning sun in the metro Thursday before rain rolls in, says meteorologist Joseph Dames.
A weakening boundary will continue to shift east and bring a few showers to the Twin Cities starting Thursday afternoon.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says it will be cooler tomorrow with the shower chances.
A preliminary investigation shows the fatal fire that killed Jessi Pierce and her three children started at an electrical source in the family’s office.
Bachman's plant expert Jim Kelly says tulips, daffodils and crocuses do "all the heavy lifting" for pollinators early in the season, before summer flowers are anywhere close to blooming.
Heather Petri of Tubman says the Minneapolis organization supports people experiencing relationship violence, trafficking, homelessness and other trauma — not just emergency shelter, but housing, legal help and mental health support.
Every Sip founder Stephanie Payne brings a fall lineup built around a clear grape spirit, a Rainy Lake distillery's gin, a maple-and-rum cocktail, a canned drink and a THC beverage.
A weakening boundary will continue to shift east and bring a few showers to the metro into this afternoon, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.