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Sen. Amy Klobuchar wants to lift the Cuba trade embargo. She just got back from a visit to the island country, and at a summit Monday morning in St. Paul, the Democrat talked about how ending the embargo could help farmers and businesses here.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will visit Minnesota to discuss efforts to expand trade. Vilsack will meet Friday in St. Paul with officials from the Minnesota AgriGrowth Council and other business leaders to talk about increasing exports as a strategy for creating job opportunities in Minnesota.
The nonprofit Farm Rescue is accepting applications from farmers who need help with spring planting.
Minnesota will get $9 million under an initiative announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday. The agency has approved 115 proposals nationwide for the first round of funding under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, which was part of the 2014 farm bill.
Gardeners at hundreds of spots around the country are sharing seeds as part of an increasing interest in locally grown food, but some agriculture officials say the well-meaning effort violates state laws.
U.S. agriculture has a big appetite for freer trade with Cuba. From wheat to rice to beans, the industry stands to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of President Barack Obama's plan to ease economic and travel restrictions imposed against the communist-ruled island.
For the first time in two decades, U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson finds himself having to fight hard to keep his job and to avert a loss that could cost Minnesota one of Congress' most influential voices on farm matters. Peterson is the ranking minority member and former chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. He has represented western Minnesota's 7th District for nearly 24 years and says it benefits from his clout.
Minnesota is tops in the nation when it comes to elk farming, but the Minnesota Elk Breeders Association says there's room for growth. The USDA Census of Agriculture shows that Minnesota leads the U.S. in farmed elk production and is home to 141 elk farms raising more than 4,200 elk.
Minnesota Sen. Al Franken is hoping for an election-season bump on an issue he's tried to build into a cornerstone of his campaign: agriculture.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced $328 million in funding Monday to protect and restore farmlands, grasslands and wetlands across the country.
Students in Minneapolis and St. Paul public schools will eat lunch food that comes from Minnesota farmers on the first Thursday of every month. School administrators say Minnesota Thursdays stems from the Farm to School programs at both districts.
Gov. Mark Dayton is urging the federal government to step in on railroad delays hitting Minnesota grain farmers. A growing backlog of railroad shipments cost corn, wheat and soybean farmers $109 million in lower prices this spring, according to a University of Minnesota study.
The Farm Rescue nonprofit in the Upper Midwest is approaching another milestone. The volunteer organization based in North Dakota will help its 300th farm family in the region by the end of the year.
Five candidates for Minnesota's U.S. Senate seat, including incumbent Sen. Al Franken, are laying out their ideas for helping farmers at the annual FarmFest trade show. Wednesday's panel was Franken's first appearance with his challengers, and the last until after Republican voters choose their candidate in next Tuesday's primary.
The wet, cold weather is preventing Minnesota farmers from getting much planting done. In its weekly crop progress and condition report for Minnesota, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says only 8 percent of the state's corn crop has been planted, which is up 4 percentage points from last week's report but is still two weeks behind normal.
New federal data show the number of farms in Minnesota fell 8 percent from 2007 to 2012, while the market value of agricultural products the state's farmers sold increased by 61 percent over the same five-year period.
As concerns grow about the food we eat, American farmers are facing increased scrutiny and criticism. Now, the farming industry is going on the offensive with a new film premiering May 1.
Most Minnesota farm families could get an extra $260 in property tax relief per year under legislation that's meant to ease the squeeze they're feeling between rising property taxes and falling crop prices.
Some are calling it the future of farming -- a technique that will provide local fresh produce year-round in the Twin Cities. Right now lettuce, kale, and herbs are ready for harvest in St. Paul.
Minnesota's legislative auditor is calling for greater oversight over the state's 13 agricultural research and promotional councils, which are funded by millions of dollars in check-off fees that producers pay.
While winter has been unforgiving to most of the Midwest, the next several months will dictate the season's impact on all-important sectors, such as shipping and farming. Fast-melting snow in the northern Midwest likely won't be able to soak into the frozen ground.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). But Minnesota farmers say the free trade accord has not exactly been fair. Fresh from a NAFTA 20 year anniversary get together in Mexico City, Doug Peterson brought back a failing report card for the accord.
Minnesota's corn harvest continues to run ahead of the normal pace after a slow start. In its weekly crops and weather report for Minnesota, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says the state's corn harvest advanced 14 percentage points last week to 87 percent complete.
According to the owners of Locally Laid Eggs, their chickens are known as athletes. Oh, and they're all named 'Lola.' The egg company is one of the finalists in a competition to win free ad time during the Super Bowl. The family farmers were in the Twin Cities Monday in an effort to get out the vote for the contest, which is sponsored by the software company Intuit. Owners Lucy and Jason Amundsen, along with their kids and the Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson, were celebrating the announcement at the Seward Co-Op in south Minneapolis.
As U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar helped volunteers at the Second Harvest Heartland warehouse in Golden Valley, she said she is optimistic that Congress will pass a new long-term farm bill this year. That would be welcome news to Second Harvest CEO Rob Zeaske.
Minnesota Wild coach John Hynes has signed a multi-year contract extension after leading the team to its first playoff series win in 11 seasons.
Country music star Kenny Chesney is returning to Minneapolis next year.
Big changes could be coming to Minneapolis Public Schools, as the district is set to unveil it's "transformation plan" Tuesday evening.
Officials with ISD 728 in Elk River, Minnesota, say students were sent home early Tuesday morning from the city's high school due to a reported threat.
Minnesotans have purchased more than $250 million worth of cannabis products since the state launched the licensed business market a year ago.
Big changes could be coming to Minneapolis Public Schools, as the district is set to unveil it's "transformation plan" Tuesday evening.
Minnesotans have purchased more than $250 million worth of cannabis products since the state launched the licensed business market a year ago.
A lawsuit and the threat of tens of millions of dollars in damages have dampened a victory for neighbors opposed to data center development in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.
The Minneapolis City Council is considering an ordinance that would mandate a "human monitor" in the front seat of driverless cars.
As the seasons change, it's time to start planning for fall fun, but getting to a popular spot in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, may look a little different this year.
Officials with ISD 728 in Elk River, Minnesota, say students were sent home early Tuesday morning from the city's high school due to a reported threat.
For those who use diesel fuel, the cost has gone up 30 cents a gallon in the last week and more than $2 dollars in the last year. Minnesota farmers say the increasing cost could impact consumer prices.
Sarah McNamara wasn't expected to make it to birth; she is now 3.5 years old and the winner of the 2026 Toddler of the Year contest.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says it is canceling a Twin Metals Minnesota mineral lease.
Authorities in northern Minnesota are investigating after a man was found dead in the yard of a home Sunday morning.
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 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 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 Annandale, Minnesota, boy who survived overwhelming odds as a baby is once again facing a serious heart battle.
Zy'ire was diagnosed with bone cancer in his tibia, and throughout treatment, his love of the game helped keep his spirits up. Make-A-Wish Minnesota granted his wish by putting him on the sideline in Vikings gear.
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.
The Wisconsin congressman and candidate for governor laughed and wiped away tears Sunday as he described the seconds before the plane hit the water: a warning to tighten his seat belt, then impact.
The U.S. Supreme Court blocked the U.S. Postal Service Monday from enforcing new regulations for voting by mail, just days before midterm election voting is set to start in Minnesota.
The U.S. Supreme Court is keeping new Postal Service rules on hold, meaning Minnesota's mail-in voting process will stay the same for the upcoming election.
President Trump is calling claims that artificial intelligence could destroy humanity a hoax, plus more of the day’s top stories.
The Supreme Court left intact a ruling that blocked the U.S. Postal Service from enforcing new regulations for mail voting, rejecting the Trump administration's effort to move forward with the rules in the midterms.
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 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.
Officials with ISD 728 in Elk River, Minnesota, say students were sent home early Tuesday morning from the city's high school due to a reported threat.
Police say a man was injured Saturday evening in a shooting at a Circle Pines, Minnesota, gun shop.
On Saturday, law enforcement across the country observed National Police Woman Day.
Minneapolis Police are investigating a shooting that took place overnight near the 300 block of 1st Avenue North.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections has denied supervised release for a man convicted in the 1970 killing of a St. Paul, Minnesota, police officer.
The strike will include OBGYNs, psychiatrists and critical care physicians at Mercy Hospital's Coon Rapids campus and Allina Unity's campus in Fridley.
After 334 days in a neonatal intensive care unit in Maple Grove, Minnesota, North Memorial Health's "miracle baby" is finally home.
Affordable Care Act recipients in 30 states are set to receive the $500 checks starting in October. Here's why.
The money will fuel a 10-year push into precision medicine at a hospital system that treats children from before birth through young adulthood.
Hospice nurses who work for Allina Health are set to begin a seven-day strike on Friday.
Country music star Kenny Chesney is returning to Minneapolis next year.
WCCO is tracking everything you can go out and do 4 Your Weekend, including at the Minnesota State Fair.
While performing in St. Louis on Saturday night, Lionel Richie appeared at one point to lean on a piano for support, according to video from the show.
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."
Minnesota Wild coach John Hynes has signed a multi-year contract extension after leading the team to its first playoff series win in 11 seasons.
The Yankees beat the Twins 8-3 Monday on a night they clinched their 61st postseason berth and ninth in 10 seasons.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray began the week in the NFL concussion protocol in continuing his recovery from an illegal hit to the head that forced him out of his first game with the team in the first quarter.
Behind almost every hockey player is a hockey parent. Emmy Loycano, a Westonka, Minnesota, hockey mom, never played the sport. But her husband did, and her boys do. Her daughter, Lily Loycano, always came along for the ride.
Carson Wentz came in after Kyler Murray's first-quarter concussion in his Minnesota debut and led a spirited comeback against the rival Green Bay Packers as the Vikings scored 29 straight points to close a 39-22 victory to open the season Sunday.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
A school night usually means earlier bedtimes and setting multiple alarms. WCCO spoke with a sleep medicine physician about how many alarms you should set to wake up.
Behind the fried foods and thrilling rides, farming remains at the heart of the Minnesota State Fair, where farm families work around the clock to get their animals ribbon-ready.
Visitors are spending tens of millions of dollars to experience all there is at the Minnesota State Fair. It's a 12-day production that costs tens of millions of dollars to put on.
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.
Temps are expected to hit the 70s on Tuesday, and there's a chance for some rain in the evening on Wednesday.
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.
Sunshine returns with breezy northwest winds early, then a quieter afternoon, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
Sunshine returns to the Twin Cities Tuesday with breezy northwest winds early, then a quieter afternoon, says meteorologist Joseph Dames.
Sunshine returns to the Twin Cities Tuesday with breezy northwest winds early, then a quieter afternoon.
Temps are expected to hit the 70s on Tuesday, and there's a chance for some rain in the evening on Wednesday.
The state says more than 300 new businesses have launched in the last year as well.
The school board is set to hear plans on Tuesday evening.
The district says they’re investigating a threat directed at Elk River High School.
Minnesota Monthly's Rhythm and Brews offers unlimited samples of beer, seltzers, RTDs, spirits, and THC hemp-derived beverages at the Hilde Performance Center from 3 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $45, and attendees must be 21 or older.