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Minnesota public employees who snoop in private information could soon face tougher consequences if they're caught. A bill on Gov. Mark Dayton's desk mandates that only public employees whose jobs require obtaining, accessing or viewing people's non-public data may do so. Public employees are prohibited from using the private information in any way not outlined in their job descriptions.
Gov. Mark Dayton is on the clock. He has until May 30 to dispense with the remaining bills lawmakers sent him upon adjourning their legislative session.
A candidate who pledged not to force a Republican primary in Minnesota's First Congressional District has changed his mind.
As Minnesota lawmakers break from the Capitol for the campaign, they leave behind a tale of two sessions. Last year: tax increases to fix a broken budget. This year: tax breaks from a budget surplus.
Sensing an imminent finish to their legislative session, Minnesota lawmakers took stock Friday of accomplishments and potential campaign liabilities in a year marked by Democratic drives to boost the minimum wage and target school bullying as well as bipartisan efforts to legalize medical marijuana, fix public infrastructure and deliver tax cuts using surplus money.
The Minnesota Senate passed a bill on Friday that seeks to protect borrowers from falling further into debt to payday lenders.
A bill making Minnesota the 22nd state to legalize marijuana for medical purposes has cleared its final legislative hurdle.
As the price of a pack of cigarettes nears $8, there is a cheaper alternative appealing to more and more smokers. Cigarillos are mini-cigars, often sold in packs of five. At the Quick Shop in Brooklyn Center, you can even purchase them individually, some priced at under $1.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar is using Minnesota's sex trafficking laws as a way to improve safety across the country and the world. The state's "Safe Harbor" laws ensure children who are sold for sex are treated as victims, not prosecuted as criminals.
It took years, many false starts and a veto of prior legislation, but Minnesota medical marijuana advocates finally succeeded in getting a bill that's on track to become law in a matter of days.
By landslide votes, lawmakers put Gov. Mark Dayton on the spot with a bill preventing the Minnesota Lottery from offering instant-play games online or selling tickets at gas pumps and ATMs. Dayton hasn't indicated what he'll decide, but his lottery director craves a veto.
The Minnesota Senate has passed an $846 million borrowing package for construction projects and sent it to Gov. Mark Dayton for his signature, finishing a crucial piece of business as lawmakers work toward adjournment. The bonding bill vote was 47-17, easily exceeding the required three-fifths majority.
Last-minute deals are coming together at Minnesota's Capitol, which means final votes are closing in on $1 billion in construction authorization, a budget bill and tax cuts. The pace quickened Thursday as lawmakers faced a weekend deadline to complete their session.
It's the news for which thousands of Minnesota families have waited. State lawmakers reached a deal Thursday that will make medical marijuana legal. Angela Garin watches her son have seizures daily. Now, the St. Paul mom hopes medical marijuana will help him and thousands of others.
Minnesota's first regulations for electronic cigarettes are a step from becoming law. By wide margins, the Legislature adopted a health policy bill Thursday night most notable for the e-cigarette rules.
Minnesota's highest court on Saturday denied Mike Lindell's request for a recount in the Aug. 11 Republican primary for governor after the MyPillow founder said he would personally pay for a hand recount and audit of every paper ballot cast in the race.
A 3-year-old in St. Paul, Minnesota, has a fighting chance to survive thanks to her mother's heroics in a devastating house fire.
Christian Castro is charged with shooting Julio Sosa-Celis earlier this year in north Minneapolis.
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.
Officers were called to the 4200 block of Portland Avenue at approximately 6:45 a.m. on a report of a man down in a yard.
With screams and giggles, Minnesota fairgoers are taking delight in the magic of the Tilt-A-Whirl ride as it turns 100 years old.
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.
Tyrese Spicer scored three minutes into second-half stoppage time and Orlando City salvaged a 3-3 draw with Minnesota United after blowing a two-goal lead.
A lawsuit accuses the global manufacturing company 3M of contaminating public drinking water wells in Hastings, Minnesota, with the toxic chemical perfluorooctanoic acid.
Officers were called to the 4200 block of Portland Avenue at approximately 6:45 a.m. on a report of a man down in a yard.
With screams and giggles, Minnesota fairgoers are taking delight in the magic of the Tilt-A-Whirl ride as it turns 100 years old.
Louis Lee came to Minnesota decades ago from Hong Kong to become a student at the University of Minnesota. He says listening to comedy helped him learn English.
A 3-year-old in St. Paul, Minnesota, has a fighting chance to survive thanks to her mother's heroics in a devastating house fire.
A man is dead and another is in custody after a shooting in St. Paul, Minnesota, late Saturday morning.
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.
DFL nominee for Minnesota governor Amy Klobuchar talks about the race with WCCO's Esme Murphy live at the State Fair.
Minnesota's highest court on Saturday denied Mike Lindell's request for a recount in the Aug. 11 Republican primary for governor after the MyPillow founder said he would personally pay for a hand recount and audit of every paper ballot cast in the race.
The Minnesota Supreme Court has ended Mike Lindell's fight for the governor's office.
The judge delivered a victory for Stanford University's student newspaper, which said some international students were afraid to speak out because of the deportation threat.
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.
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.
Officers were called to the 4200 block of Portland Avenue at approximately 6:45 a.m. on a report of a man down in a yard.
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.
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.
Louis Lee came to Minnesota decades ago from Hong Kong to become a student at the University of Minnesota. He says listening to comedy helped him learn English.
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."
Tyrese Spicer scored three minutes into second-half stoppage time and Orlando City salvaged a 3-3 draw with Minnesota United after blowing a two-goal lead.
The Minnesota Twins placed outfielder Byron Buxton on the 10-day injured list with a right hip impingement, a lingering injury that has affected the All-Star for much of the season.
Andrew Benintendi had all three of his team's hits with his sixth-inning home run being the difference as the Chicago White Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 3-2.
Sam Ehlinger shined with a three-touchdown performance in the Denver Broncos' 34-6 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Friday night.
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 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.
Outside of a stray storm Sunday morning, the heat and humidity are the main story to end the weekend.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso has the latest forecast.
The humidity returns, with temps in the 80s and it'll linger into Sunday. Meteorologist Lisa Meadows has more.
The weekend is starting off with some showers and storms in the Twin Cities.
The festival is free and family-friendly, with authentic Egyptian food, cultural activities, church tours, kids’ activities, shopping, and more.
A unique golf tournament in the Twin Cities is going to be celebrating five years next month. The Beyond Season Golf Tournament aims to celebrate diversity. Money raised will help support programs that allow more people to access the game.
DFL nominee for Minnesota governor Amy Klobuchar talks about the race with WCCO's Esme Murphy live at the State Fair.
A 3-year-old survived a house fire thanks to her mother's heroics. That's according to her grieving family, who says the child is hospitalized in critical condition. They tell our Conor Wight that Bonnie Pierce died after running back into a fire for her child in St. Paul.
Maybe it was the pandemic, maybe it's the state of the world and mental health. The reason isn't clear but the numbers show more people want to laugh. Live comedy has more than doubled in revenue over the past decade, according trade magazine Pollstar. North American live comedy ticket sales grew from approximately $371 million in 2012 to about $910 million in 2023. That's roughly 145% growth in 11 years. Whether it's Seinfield, Kevin Hart, Nate Bargaetze or the dozens of touring comics, you'll find they often share a love of Minneapolis.