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As they open their legislative sessions, politicians in many states are facing a pleasant election-year challenge: What to do with all the extra money? A slow but steady economic recovery is generating more tax revenue than many states had anticipated.
Minnesota's independent State Auditor said Gov. Mark Dayton broke a law when he took a political trip with a campaign staffer on the state-owned plane. While the Office of Legislative Auditor said Dayton broke a law, the report also admits that the law is very vague.
Minnesota law isn't clear about whether the governor can use a state-owned plane to travel to political events, a state official asked to examine the issue said in a report released Thursday.
Parties to a lawsuit over the Minnesota Vikings stadium project are under orders to submit arguments to the state Supreme Court. People trying to halt a state bond sale hope the high court will intervene.
Sen. Al Franken is demanding answers from a major auto dealer after an executive said the company is using GPS information to track customers' activities.
Gov. Mark Dayton is pitching almost $1 billion in bonds for the state to take on to fund improvements in areas like higher education and infrastructure in Minnesota. Dayton introduced his proposal for a $986 million bonding bill for the state in the 2014 budget Wednesday.
Upcoming party fundraising dinners for Minnesota Democrats and Republicans will have big-name speakers. Minnesota Democrats said Tuesday that Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren will be the keynote for the annual Humphrey-Mondale dinner on March 29.
A Minnesota Senate committee has approved preliminary plans for a new legislative office building despite attempts by Republicans to delay its construction. The planned building for senators and staff next to the Capitol is projected to cost $63 million, plus $27 million for adjacent parking facilities.
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says he has had preliminary conversations with potential running mates and hopes to choose one "shortly."
Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton is producing his wish list for state-backed construction projects around Minnesota. He has said his plan to be released Wednesday would approach $1 billion. It will cover construction proposals on publicly owned property from college campuses to state prisons to regional civic centers.
LT. Gov. Yvonne Prettner Solon announced on Tuesday she will not seek re-election with Gov. Mark Dayton this fall. The former DFL state senator and Duluth city councilwoman said she considered her work on health care and seniors most rewarding during her term, but that she had "expected to be more involved in some policy initiatives and I found ways to do that."
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Yvonne Prettner Solon says she won't join Gov. Mark Dayton in his bid for a second term. Prettner Solon announced her decision Tuesday. She says she'll finish her term. The former state senator from Duluth brought northern Minnesota appeal to Dayton's first run in 2010.
One more name just entered the race for Minnesota's 6th congressional district. Sartell Mayor Joe Perske announced his intention to land the Democratic Farm Labor Party nomination for U.S. Congress.
Being warm and comfortable in your home this winter could come with a higher price. Greater energy usage translates to bigger bills. Xcel Energy customers used about 29 percent more natural gas this past December than in December 2012. Customers used about 19 percent more natural gas than expected for December.
The state Senate's chief Republican says Democrats should delay a vote that would allow plans to move forward for a $63 million Capitol office building and $27 million parking structure.
President Trump announced a plan to bring a $15 billion steel plant to Iowa that would involve iron ore from Minnesota while blasting the governor of the North Star State.
A 41-year-old man is in custody and faces several criminal charges in connection to last week's kidnapping in Roseville, Minnesota.
As the City of Minneapolis tries to balance the books with an estimated budget gap in the tens of millions, police department spending is under a microscope.
Monday marked World Rabies Day, a chance to raise awareness about how to stop the spread of the highly deadly disease. Several animals in Minnesota are known to carry it, though some species are much more likely to do so than others.
A second shooting in Edina, Minnesota, within a matter of months has left some residents concerned about public safety. Residents gathered Monday night to discuss the recent gun violence and share concerns about safety in the community.
A juvenile is in the hospital after police said they accidentally shot themself in north Minneapolis Monday evening.
The Senate on Thursday approved a sweeping college sports bill to establish a federal framework for college athletics aimed at protecting student athletes — despite some pushback from some Democrats who argue that it could do the opposite.
The Minnesota Vikings are moving on from former first-round pick quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
The replica Piper PA-18 crashed while departing from Buffalo Municipal Airport Sunday afternoon.
A second shooting in Edina, Minnesota, within a matter of months has left some residents concerned about public safety. Residents gathered Monday night to discuss the recent gun violence and share concerns about safety in the community.
As the City of Minneapolis tries to balance the books with an estimated budget gap in the tens of millions, police department spending is under a microscope.
A juvenile is in the hospital after police said they accidentally shot themself in north Minneapolis Monday evening.
Minnesota lawmakers and law enforcement officials are calling for clearer rules and additional safety measures surrounding electric bikes and more powerful e-motos as their popularity continues to grow.
A Burnsville, Minnesota, man has been sentenced to life in prison in the fatal stabbing of the mother of his children last year, according to court records filed Monday.
A suspected drunken driver crashed in a historic central Minnesota cemetery that's home to the remains of Nobel Prize-winning novelist Sinclair Lewis.
Police in St. Cloud, Minnesota, say two boys are in custody after another boy and a woman were assaulted by a group Tuesday afternoon near St. Cloud State University.
Law enforcement shot and killed a man Friday evening amid a standoff in northwestern Minnesota, according to the Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office.
At Carlos Creek Winery in Alexandria, Minnesota, freshly harvested grapes are starting their journey from vine to wine.
A Scouting America committee believes the girl Cameron Scharfbillig brought to the surface of a pool may have died seconds later. The Minnesota Cub Scout, now 9, received the organization's Honor Medal in Sartell.
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.
A Scouting America committee believes the girl Cameron Scharfbillig brought to the surface of a pool may have died seconds later. The Minnesota Cub Scout, now 9, received the organization's Honor Medal in Sartell.
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 Senate on Thursday approved a sweeping college sports bill to establish a federal framework for college athletics aimed at protecting student athletes — despite some pushback from some Democrats who argue that it could do the opposite.
Minnesota lawmakers and law enforcement officials are calling for clearer rules and additional safety measures surrounding electric bikes and more powerful e-motos as their popularity continues to grow.
President Trump announced a plan to bring a $15 billion steel plant to Iowa that would involve iron ore from Minnesota while blasting the governor of the North Star State.
President Trump on Monday announced that the company Mesabi Metallics will build a $15 billion steel plant in Iowa over the coming years.
For 39 years, Ron Schutz was an attorney and partner in the national law firm Robins Kaplan. One of his top issues in the attorney general's race is fighting fraud.
It seems just about everyone is paying more for gas right now. But diesel prices are rising even faster. That's a major issue when it comes to school buses.
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.
A Burnsville, Minnesota, man has been sentenced to life in prison in the fatal stabbing of the mother of his children last year, according to court records filed Monday.
A suspected drunken driver crashed in a historic central Minnesota cemetery that's home to the remains of Nobel Prize-winning novelist Sinclair Lewis.
A 41-year-old man is in custody and faces several criminal charges in connection to last week's kidnapping in Roseville, Minnesota.
Minneapolis police are searching for a motorist involved in a serious hit-and-run crash late Saturday morning on the city's north side.
Police have released a photo of a man suspected in a hit-and-run crash last month near downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, that seriously injured an e-bike rider.
Monday marked World Rabies Day, a chance to raise awareness about how to stop the spread of the highly deadly disease. Several animals in Minnesota are known to carry it, though some species are much more likely to do so than others.
A potential merger between Allina and Sutter health has concerned community members pushing for patient and worker protections.
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.
From Janet Jackson and Mary J. Blige to Prince and Michael Jackson, the legendary Minneapolis producers share the stories — and sounds — behind some of their most memorable records.
Challenging documentaries and award-winning features are among the offerings of New York City's leading cinema event, starring such luminaries as Pedro Pascal, Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore and Godzilla.
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.
A new season begins and the Minnesota Timberwolves' top star, Anthony Edwards, finds himself in a new situation.
According to an analysis from McKinsey and Company, revenue from women's sports has grown 4.5 times faster than revenue from men's sports, creating new opportunities both on and off the field. WCCO introduces a Minneapolis woman who is helping secure brand deals for women athletes.
Minnesota Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson is recovering from an ankle sprain he suffered during Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has avoided long-term injury, head coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday.
The Minnesota Vikings are moving on from former first-round pick quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
The Minnesota Lynx's electrifying guard, Olivia Miles, has been named the Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year.
For 39 years, Ron Schutz was an attorney and partner in the national law firm Robins Kaplan. One of his top issues in the attorney general's race is fighting fraud.
For 39 years, Ron Schutz was an attorney and partner in the national law firm Robins Kaplan. One of his top issues in the attorney general's race is fighting fraud.
One of the big races in the Twin Cities in November is the contest for Hennepin County Attorney.
Former acting U.S. Attorney Anders Folk and DFL state Rep. Cedric Frazier are competing to succeed Mary Moriarty, whose tenure has drawn controversy over sentencing and a Hennepin County investigation into federal agents during Operation Metro Surge.
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.
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.
Monday marked World Rabies Day, a chance to raise awareness about how to stop the spread of the highly deadly disease. Several animals in Minnesota are known to carry it, though some species are much more likely to do so than others.
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 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.
Twin Cities students should stay dry at the bus stop on Tuesday morning, but people in the area may want to have an umbrella handy in the afternoon, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
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.
Rain will impact the Twin Cities for part of Tuesday morning and into the afternoon, NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says.
A line of showers will move across a large area of Minnesota on Tuesday, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Rain develops overnight and spreads east through the day, with most areas picking up at least a half inch, WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows reports.
A second shooting in Edina within a matter of months has left some residents concerned about public safety. WCCO's Jason Rantala spoke with a resident who held a meeting to discuss the recent gun violence and share concerns about safety in the community.
Twin Cities students should stay dry at the bus stop on Tuesday morning, but people in the area may want to have an umbrella handy in the afternoon, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Monday marked World Rabies Day, a chance to raise awareness about how to stop the spread of the deadly disease. Several animals in Minnesota are known to carry it. In this Good Question, Jeff Wagner explores where cases are often found and how often people catch it.
Paying officers to work past their normal hours is costing Minneapolis millions of dollars it didn't plan for. The budget battle in the city could end up hitting your bank account in the form of higher property taxes. Ashley Grams breaks down how staffing issues and mismanagement created a bloated overtime budget.
Police in north Minneapolis say a child accidentally shot themself early Monday evening. They were taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.