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Hundreds of gay and lesbian couples married in Minnesota, beginning at the stroke of midnight on Aug. 1. A cultural shift culminated when Cathy ten Broeke and Margaret Miles became the first of 67 couples to marry at Minneapolis City Hall with Mayor R.T. Rybak presiding.
Amid partisan conflict in Congress, dozens of lawmakers from both parties — including staunch liberals and conservatives — have united behind a bill that supporters say addresses a heart-rending issue beyond politics: the millions of foreign children languishing in orphanages or otherwise at risk because they have no immediate family.
The debate over whether to lift Minnesota's ban on Sunday liquor sales is bubbling up again. This time, activists plan to enlist craft beer drinkers to their cause. Minnesota Beer Activists is launching a public awareness campaign for Sunday liquor sales in the coming weeks.
Some Minnesota state employees stuck under a salary cap for 15 years may finally be in line for raises. Many of the state's top jobs have been subject to a cap based on the governor's pay. Many could get raises after the Legislature's vote this year to increase salaries for the governor and agency commissioners for the first time since 1998.
The grievances have been aired, and many of them target Gov. Scott Walker and fellow Republicans. About 100 people showed up Monday to celebrate Festivus in the state Capitol, the made-up holiday made famous in an episode of the television show "Seinfeld."
The U.S. Justice Department is now involved in the data breach at Twin Cities-based Target Corporation. Sen. Amy Klobuchar says it's an indication that officials must be onto whomever committed the crime.
For more than 30 years, the Dorothy Day Center has helped those who call the streets home. As the homelessness problems grow across the state, the center has reached a breaking point.
A big announcement came Friday on Minnesota's troubled health care exchange. MNsure says it is extending the signup deadline for thousands of Minnesotans who may have had trouble getting on its website.
Minnesota's health insurance marketplace is extending by one week its deadline for signing up for coverage that takes effect on the first of the new year. The new interim CEO of MNsure says Friday that a Monday deadline for signing up will be extended to Dec. 31. That means people will be able to enroll right up to the day before the insurance takes effect. In addition, MNsure leader Scott Leitz says people will have until Jan. 10 to pay for their coverage. Leitz says all MNsure enrollees may not have insurance cards by Jan. 1 but that the agency is working on ways they can prove their coverage to doctors and hospitals.
Gov. Mark Dayton says the state will not cooperate with Minneapolis police to investigate police misconduct. That's after the Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau announced the plan Wednesday, after months of consultation with the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).
Gov. Mark Dayton declined to say Thursday whether he asked for the resignation of the former CEO of Minnesota's health insurance exchange, adding that he ultimately feels responsible for the success or failure of the venture. Dayton was asked several times at a news conference if he pushed for the exit of April Todd-Malmlov, who resigned Tuesday as executive director of MNsure. Dayton said he wouldn't comment on his role but noted he had grown increasingly vocal in recent days about his concern with problems that continue to plague the exchange, even as coverage is set to kick in on Jan. 1.
Some power players in Minnesota politics are raising money, but not for the next campaign. They're after at least $108,000 for northern Minnesota food shelves. Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk was hosting Thursday's event in at a downtown St. Paul pub. Gov. Mark Dayton was also expected to attend.
Attorneys for residents of the Minnesota Sex Offender Program asked a federal judge on Wednesday to declare the program unconstitutional, saying that it is more of a prison than a therapeutic center and that it does not provide appropriate treatment to help its nearly 700 clients attain release.
The former executive director of MNsure is leaving without a severance package from the state. April Todd-Malmlov resigned Tuesday night. She was under pressure thanks to a host of complications with insurance sign-ups under the federal health care law and for the timing of a recent international vacation while MNsure continued to struggle.
A new senior staff member will join the Minnesota governor's office after her current boss, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, completes his final term.
Authorities in the southeastern Twin Cities are investigating after three people were found dead inside a residence Sunday.
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.
Monday stays warm and humid, especially across eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, with a few spots feeling like the low 90s.
Christian Castro is charged with shooting Julio Sosa-Celis earlier this year in north Minneapolis.
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.
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.
Barrel Theory co-owner Tim Johnson told WCCO that plans are in place for a light opening by late September, with a full opening by the first week of October.
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.
Barrel Theory co-owner Tim Johnson told WCCO that plans are in place for a light opening by late September, with a full opening by the first week of October.
Authorities in the southeastern Twin Cities are investigating after three people were found dead inside a residence Sunday.
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 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.
A family living in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, who fled Ukraine amid Russian attacks is preparing to self deport, plus more of the day’s top stories.
A family living in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, were among the more than 200,000 Ukrainians who came to the U.S. through the United For Ukraine humanitarian program, which was recently ended by the Trump administration.
In part one of this Talking Points series, Esme Murphy takes a look at the candidacy of DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
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.
DFL nominee for Minnesota governor Amy Klobuchar talks about the race with WCCO's Esme Murphy live at the State Fair.
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."
Angel Reese broke a WNBA record with her 29th double-double this season, Allisha Gray made six 3-pointers and finished with 23 points and 11 rebounds, and the Atlanta Dream beat the league-leading Minnesota Lynx 89-81 in their last game before the FIBA World Cup break.
The White Sox will move to begin a four-game series in Houston on Monday.
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.
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 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.
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.
It will be a hot and humid Monday in the Twin Cities to close out August, says meteorologist Joseph Dames.
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.
Monday stays warm and humid, especially across eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, with a few spots feeling like the low 90s.
It will be a hot and humid Monday in the Twin Cities to close out August, says meteorologist Joseph Dames.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says tomorrow will be hot and humid with a high in the upper 80s and a heat index around 90.
A family living in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, who fled Ukraine amid Russian attacks is preparing to self deport, plus more of the day’s top stories.
It will be a hot and humid Monday in the Twin Cities to close out August, says meteorologist Joseph Dames.
New food and drinks are all over the place for people to try at the Minnesota State Fair, and the Urban Growler Brewing Company has both a drink and an interesting new food for fairgoers.
This year comes with a lot of change for Robbinsdale Area Schools families as several schools won't be bringing students back due to budget cuts.
WCCO's AJ Hilton talks about his incredible experience at the Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis show Saturday night at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand.