Reality Check: The Power Of The Iowa Caucus
The Iowa caucus is one week from Monday, along with the official kick-off to actual voting in the 2016 presidential election.
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The Iowa caucus is one week from Monday, along with the official kick-off to actual voting in the 2016 presidential election.
Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry's ice cream fame is backing Bernie Sanders' bid for the Democratic presidential nomination with a personal flavor called "Bernie's Yearning."
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Bernie Sanders will be taking his campaign to Minnesota. Sanders is set to hold rallies in Duluth and St. Paul next week, and will be talking about many of the issues that have formed the core of his campaign.
Hillary Clinton has questioned Bernie Sanders' electability. She's criticized his plans for health care, foreign policy and Wall Street. And she's tagged him with flip-flopping on gun control. None of it appears to be sticking.
It's time for a special session status check. Gov. Mark Dayton was set to meet with legislative leaders Thursday morning to discuss his hopes for an emergency session before the Legislature's scheduled March 8 return.
President Barack Obama's final State of the Union address struck an optimistic tone, combining an ambitious agenda with hope for the future. But he was less positive about the current state of things in Washington. A number of Minnesota politicians also offered their take on Obama's address.
Minority Democrats in the state Assembly are enraged after a Republican representative made an obscene gesture toward their leader on the chamber floor. Senate Minority Leader Peter Barca, a Kenosha Democrat, rose on Tuesday to argue with Rep. Bob Gannon over a news release Gannon issued last week.
No decision has been reached on a possible special session for Minnesota state lawmakers. Gov. Mark Dayton held a meeting with Republican leaders Friday morning. House Speaker Kurt Daudt spoke afterward and says he felt it was a very productive meeting.
Gov. Scott Walker is asking Wisconsin's attorney general to challenge President Barack Obama's gun control plan. Walker said in a statement Wednesday that he believes Obama overstepped his authority when he announced an executive action to expand mandatory background checks to gun shows, flea markets and online sales.
One of two top Democrats running for Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District is pulling out of the race. Dr. Mary Lawrence announced her exit from the race to replace retiring GOP Rep. John Kline on Tuesday. She says she didn't think she could win the party endorsement and didn't want to divide Democrats by running in a primary.
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is proposing a new initiative directed at boosting autism screening, treatment and research. Her plan, which will be unveiled Tuesday as part of her two-day campaign tour through Iowa, was previewed in a statement.
Gov. Mark Dayton has asked legislative leaders to make a final call by the end of next week on whether to hold a special session, he told The Associated Press in a Thursday interview.
Minnesota House Republicans are proposing to eliminate the statewide property tax on cabins. Currently, cabins are taxed at a higher rate than normal homes and have generated about $44 million each year for the state.
Tens of millions of people watched Tuesday night's Republican presidential debate. The latest numbers show that 18 million people watched the debate on CNN.
A panel of top Minnesota lawmakers has opposed a $200,000 settlement with an ex-state employee who accused her boss of defamation and discrimination while he forced her out.
Minnesota's Senate majority leader says he's worried a Republican push to make a special session contingent on a PolyMet project pledge could do more harm than good.
Minnesota should prepare for thousands of "driverless" cars on state roads in the very near future. That's the prediction of a top state lawmaker, who says self-driving cars will one day outnumber traditional vehicles, and make other forms of transportation obsolete.
A power player at Minnesota's Capitol is resigning her House seat to take a job at a lobbying firm, where she'll keep a focus on tax and local government policy.
A senior adviser to presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton says the Democratic frontrunner will be back in Minnesota before year's end. Clinton communications adviser Karen Finney said Monday that the former secretary of state is beginning to build her campaign infrastructure in states beyond the pivotal first four.
With the November 2016 elections just one year away, Republicans, Democrats and outside groups are preparing for expensive battles over state legislative seats. Increasing activity by independent groups could push next year's campaign fundraising totals past those of previous election cycles.
Rep. Keith Ellison has endorsed Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders for the 2016 election. In recent polls, 33 percent of Democrats said would throw their support behind Hillary Clinton, compared to Vice President Joe Biden's 25 percent and Sanders' 24 percent.
The controversial new Minnesota Senate Office Building at the State Capitol is nearing completion. Republicans made the $90 million project an example of wasteful spending in the 2014 campaign.
With his run for the White House behind him, Gov. Scott Walker says he will now be free to campaign aggressively to help fellow Republican Ron Johnson win re-election to the U.S. Senate in a rematch against Democrat Russ Feingold.
Another squabble is shaping up over offices for Minnesota politicians. The 83-year-old State Office Building that is the main workspace for 134 House members and their staffs is in need of more than $100 million in repairs, according to the agency that manages government properties.
Minneapolis was center stage Friday for the Democrats in the 2016 presidential race. The Democratic National Committee is holding its summer meeting downtown, where Hillary Clinton was mobbed by supporters.
Federal prosecutors want a former Minnesota state senator sent away for half a decade after being caught in a child sex sting, according to court documents.
The bird spent the last few months healing at the rehab center after being found at the Maple Grove, Minnesota, police station with a broken clavicle.
Details about what caused the plane to become disabled were not immediately known.
Minneapolis police are investigating a shooting near the University of Minnesota campus early Sunday morning, just days before the start of classes.
Kellie Zeil, a team lead with the Red Cross, said that the organization had a goal of getting around 60 donors per day at the fair. As of Saturday, Zeil said that they had surpassed that goal, estimating they had closer to 70 daily.
The bird spent the last few months healing at the rehab center after being found at the Maple Grove, Minnesota, police station with a broken clavicle.
Minneapolis police are investigating a shooting near the University of Minnesota campus early Sunday morning, just days before the start of classes.
Minneapolis police are investigating after a man was shot on the freeway Saturday afternoon.
On one of its last few days, one woman flew home to spend a few magical moments at the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
For Jeena Gurung Vomhof, the Minnesota State Fair was supposed to be a celebration. A chance to share the art and traditions of the country she still calls home. Then came devastating news from Nepal.
The Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office is investigating an ATV crash that seriously injured a child..
After years of planning, the new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum near Camp Ripley is nearly ready to open.
WCCO is tracking everything you can go out and do 4 Your Weekend, including at the Minnesota State Fair.
A better chance for storms arrives Thursday night across central and northern Minnesota. A few could be severe with a slight risk for wind and hail.
Police in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, have an adult man in custody after social media threats were made towards both schools in the area on Tuesday.
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.
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.
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 November election is just over eight weeks away. Early voting starts in 11 days. One of Minnesota's marquee races is for governor. Esme Murphy talked to GOP gubernatorial candidate Lisa Demuth about the upcoming election.
The filing comes after a U.S. District Court judge extended an order against the Postal Service enforcing President Trump's executive order for the November elections.
The federal indictment against ICE officer Christian Castro has been unsealed, detailing charges accusing him of lying to investigators about a north Minneapolis shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant in January, plus more of the day’s top stories.
The Supreme Court left in place guidance from the Federal Communications Commission that allows political parties and committees access to cheaper rates for political ads.
Minnesota's new anti-nudification law can proceed while a lawsuit brought forth by billionaire Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company plays out, a federal judge ruled Friday.
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.
Federal prosecutors want a former Minnesota state senator sent away for half a decade after being caught in a child sex sting, according to court documents.
Minneapolis police are investigating a shooting near the University of Minnesota campus early Sunday morning, just days before the start of classes.
Minneapolis police are investigating after a man was shot on the freeway Saturday afternoon.
Police in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, are investigating after four juvenile males fled from a shooting Friday evening.
A woman is in critical condition following a shooting overnight Saturday in north Minneapolis.
A group of over 150 Allina Health doctors in the Twin Cities has filed a 10-day unfair labor practice strike notice, their union said on Friday.
Sanford Health and North Memorial Health announced Tuesday that they completed the merger.
This year, your kid may be more likely to catch a back-to-school bug, as fewer students are getting their shots than at any time in the past decade.
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.
Juul plans to market the new device under the brand name Juul2, along with updated versions of its tobacco- and menthol-flavored cartridges.
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."
The community is mourning the loss of Charles Dillon, also known as Chaz Millionaire, a longtime voice on the Twin Cities airwaves.
Vincent Janssen scored early in the second half to finish off a hat trick in his first start and fourth MLS appearance, helping the Portland Timbers outlast Minnesota United 5-4.
The Twins pulled within six games of the White Sox in the AL Central and 3 1/2 games of the third AL wild card.
The Minnesota Vikings are bringing back fan-favorite safety Harrison Smith.
Colson Montgomery hit a two-run homer and Erick Fedde pitched five sparkling innings, helping the Chicago White Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 4-1.
Several people were injured in a railing collapse at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota, Thursday night, following a football game between Cretin-Derham Hall and St. Thomas Academy, according to the Minnesota Vikings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There's more than 300 vendors keeping people fed at the Minnesota State Fair. That's a lot of competition for your cash and the limited space in your stomach.
The corn goes from a farm field west of the Twin Cities to the busy ovens on the fairgrounds.
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.
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.
There were a few showers across northern Minnesota in the morning, but most of the activity that develops later will be focused west of the metro.
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 says our next storm system is slowly approaching from the west, bringing some storms for our Sunday.
Meteorologist Katie Steiner has the latest for your weekend forecast.
Saturday will be hot and humid in the Twin Cities, with scattered showers and storms expected Sunday, says meteorologist Adam Del Rosso.
A bird rarely seen in Minnesota has a new lease on life thanks to one concerned citizen.
Lehman Riley is an accomplished children's author. He has a career to be proud of, but he's most proud, of his family. After losing his daughter, a friend suggested he do what he'd done for years: write a book.
A Rush City, Minnesota, native is using his own life experiences to make meaningful changes for others. Tristan Larsin joins Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield to talk about how you can help the IDISCY Foundation.
The November election is just over eight weeks away. Early voting starts in 11 days. One of Minnesota's marquee races is for governor. Esme Murphy talked to GOP gubernatorial candidate Lisa Demuth about the upcoming election.
The Crop Art Exhibit always brings in the crowds and this year, the art helped turn some viewers into volunteers. Our Conor Wight takes us to the spot on the fairgrounds where artistry and giving go hand in hand.