Jeff Johnson Switches Campaign Managers
There's a change at the top of Republican gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson's campaign with six weeks to go in the race. Johnson announced Friday that he was switching campaign managers.
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There's a change at the top of Republican gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson's campaign with six weeks to go in the race. Johnson announced Friday that he was switching campaign managers.
Republican Jeff Johnson moved Thursday to make health insurance problems a bigger part of his campaign against Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton, saying Minnesota's plan for complying with the Affordable Care Act is causing sticker shock as well as logistical headaches.
Several upcoming events on the calendar could help energize campaigns for Minnesota governor and legislative offices. They'll drive the messages voters will hear from candidates and their allies over the next two months.
The seat in Minnesota's 6th congressional district is completely up for grabs, with Rep. Michele Bachmann opting not to run for re-election. While the District is heavily Republican, two years ago businessman and Democrat Jim Graves came within one percentage point of beating Bachmann.
Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican challenger Jeff Johnson are getting big infusions of public money for their campaigns. Dayton received $534,000 in public subsidies in his bid for a second term, while Johnson took in about $389,000.
A new television ad from Minnesota Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike McFadden accuses Democratic Sen. Al Franken of voting almost 100 percent of the time with President Obama. The ad, with a humorous tone, ties Franken to Obama with a very Minnesotan insult: a Franken look-alike struggling to back his boat into the water.
Democrats with presidential dreams are coming to Iowa with little fanfare, entourage or recognition. They are undeterred by talk of a Hillary Rodham Clinton candidacy in 2016 or her plans to visit the leadoff caucus state next month to honor retiring Sen. Tom Harkin.
Republicans closed ranks Wednesday behind the winner of Tuesday's primary election for governor. Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson won a decisive primary victory over three opponents. He'll face incumbent Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton. Johnson promises a campaign of ideas, not smears.
A residency dispute involving a Minnesota legislator has landed in court and could put a Republican-held seat in contention at a time when the party is fighting to wrest chamber control from Democrats.
The City of Stillwater is taking a controversial stance on who they want in parades. The city has upped its entry fee to $1,000 for politicians wanting to walk in this weekend's Log Jam Parade, according to reports.
This weekend an estimated 300,000 people packed the Pride Festival in the Twin Cities. The Festival is one of the largest GLBT events in the nation and a parade Sunday morning attracted top Democratic political leaders. It's an indication of how powerful gay voters are.
The crowd at President Barack Obama's economic policy speech isn't made up entirely of his supporters. Some say they showed up Friday because they couldn't pass up a chance to see a sitting president in person even if they don't share his views.
Ardent Minnesota supporters of President Barack Obama say they share his frustrations that the economy hasn't taken flight as fast as hoped. But some who turned out for the Democrat's economic policy speech on the shores of Lake Harriet say it's not for lack of effort on the president's part. Non-profit executive Norm Munk was among those quick to defend Obama. Munk says he worries that a polarized Washington is stunting the nation's progress.
President Barack Obama is pitching his ideas to boost the American middle class in Minnesota, a state that already has embraced a key component of the president's economic agenda by moving to raise its minimum wage. Obama was closing a two-day trip to the Minneapolis area on Friday with a speech on the economy at a castle-shaped bandshell on picturesque Lake Harriet. He'll seek to frame his agenda in terms that resonate for Americans still struggling financially despite the recovery, reinforcing a populist "on your side" economic push that Obama and Democrats are making in the run-up to the 2014 midterm elections.
Both political parties see opportunity in President Barack Obama's two-day visit to Minnesota that starts Thursday. For Democrats, their party's biggest name will draw attention to a signature initiative: the large, upcoming bump in the state's minimum wage. For Republicans, his presence alone will give them a tangible way to connect targeted Democratic candidates to a struggling president as campaign season intensifies.
Minnesota Democrats face a major challenge as they seek to keep Gov. Mark Dayton and U.S. Sen. Al Franken in office -- getting their supporters to show up at the polls. Republicans face the challenges of uniting the party after a fractured state convention and a potentially divisive primary campaign ahead.
After elaborate videos, sharp-toned speeches and even indoor fireworks, Minnesota Republicans are voting to back a candidate for U.S. Senate. Half a dozen candidates vied Friday for the GOP endorsement at the state convention, with the winner likely having to overcome an August primary challenge to face Democratic Sen. Al Franken in November.
The Republican chase to be Minnesota Sen. Al Franken's fall challenger is reaching a crucial point in Rochester. Delegates to the state GOP convention will vote to endorse a candidate.
Minnesota lawmakers are gone from the Capitol after ending the 2014 session on Friday night. It was an unusually short and productive session. Included on the completed list is the bill to legalize medical marijuana, which became among the most publicly visible -- and contentious -- issues of the year.
There was something a little different going on at the State Capitol Tuesday: A major bill that everyone appears to agree on. It means a second round of tax cuts could be heading your way. State lawmakers already passed income tax relief on the way to hundreds of thousands of middle income Minnesotans. Now, homeowners and renters are getting a break.
President Obama will be in Minneapolis next month to raise money for House Democrats. This will be one of more than 20 fundraisers Obama has committed to hold for Democrats ahead of the November elections.
When Tina Smith arrived at an eat-in bakery recently as an ambassador of Gov. Mark Dayton's re-election campaign, there wasn't much mystery about the allegiance of her assembled audience. A couple dozen tried-and-true Democrats who huddled around Smith were anxious to meet the governor's new running mate, and she was just as eager to deliver an early call to action.
Lawmakers entered a 10-day Easter/Passover break on Friday. Next week, House Democrats will hit the road to talk about what they've done so far, and Republicans will be sharpening their election year message.
This legislative session has stalled out with battles over a proposed $90 million Senate office building and a proposed minimum wage increase. But the battle is not between Republicans and Democrats - it's the Democrats who are fighting amongst themselves. With Democrats controlling the Minnesota House and Senate as well as the governor's office, it's the Democrats who are battling with each other over key issues.
Legislative Republicans pressed Monday for a speedy resolution to a controversy over a proposed Senate office building, making clear they oppose its construction. Several GOP lawmakers said the state should make do with the space it has, and reconfigure Capitol renovation plans if necessary.
Demuth has been running ads focusing on a million-dollar funding proposal that Klobuchar supported that was stripped out of a funding bill.
Several people were injured when an armed assailant lunged at Amy Acton, the Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, during a campaign stop at the Canfield Fair, campaign officials said.
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.
An Amazon cargo plane overran a runway at Miami International Airport and struck several vehicles, killing at least five and injuring five others, officials said.
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.
Demuth has been running ads focusing on a million-dollar funding proposal that Klobuchar supported that was stripped out of a funding bill.
Several people were injured when an armed assailant lunged at Amy Acton, the Democratic candidate for Ohio governor, during a campaign stop at the Canfield Fair, campaign officials said.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Katie Steiner has the latest forecast.
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.
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.
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.
Two men are expected to survive after being shot near the University of Minnesota campus. It comes just two days before the start of classes. Jason Rantala spoke with a campus safety advocate who says enough is enough.
WCCO meteorologist Katie Steiner has the latest forecast.
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.