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A tax relief measure put on a fast track in the Minnesota Senate on Wednesday could mean immediate breaks for at least 300,000 people. The Democratic-crafted proposal was unveiled a day after Gov. Mark Dayton implored lawmakers to speed up. The bill could get a floor vote as soon as Thursday.
Gov. Mark Dayton kicked up a storm Tuesday in his return to the Minnesota Capitol, chastising fellow Democrats for not moving quicker on a tax-relief measure and suggesting that a controversial Senate office building proposal had improperly gotten in the way.
Democrats who control Minnesota's House and Senate agree a $1.2 billion surplus is likely to make for an easier legislative session, but there's not agreement yet on how much to spend, save or rebate to taxpayers. House Speaker Paul Thissen says he wants to move quickly on more than $500 million in tax relief.
Minnesota lawmakers flock back to the Capitol on Tuesday for a legislative session expected to run 12 weeks at most. Having set the two-year budget last year, lawmakers face a shorter list of legislation they must consider this time. And it's always easier to get in the way of proposed laws than to enact them.
Make no waves. That's a guiding principle for the Democrats in charge of Minnesota's Legislature, which gathers Tuesday for an annual session that could extend into mid-May. Party leaders are eager to prevent, or at least contain, controversy that can leave a bad taste for voters or alienate important constituencies in a year when the Democratic House majority and Gov. Mark Dayton's re-election are on the line.
As Minnesota's legislative session nears, one of the state's minimum-wage champions has issued a challenge. Five House colleagues accepted Golden Valley Democrat Rep. Ryan Winkler's invitation Tuesday to live for a week on the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.
All of the Republicans seeking to oust Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton regard Minnesota's problem-ridden health insurance exchange as an unmitigated disaster, but they differ on what they would do about it if they were elected.
The DFL caucus that ended prematurely after chaos erupted at the Minneapolis meeting will be rescheduled. DFL Chairman Ken Martin said Wednesday because the caucus wasn't officially adjourned Tuesday night at the Bryan Cole Community Center, it will be reconvened at a date that's not yet been set.
Newly filed fundraising reports show money is already flowing fast into the tanks of Minnesota candidates, parties and outside groups to pay for manpower, mailings and TV commercials this campaign season. Among governor hopefuls, incumbent Democrat Mark Dayton had the biggest haul and more socked away than his seven Republican challengers combined. Democratic party units were in a generally stronger position than their GOP counterparts.
Republican Dave Thompson's selection of a running mate starts a parade of political pairings in Minnesota's race for governor. Thompson on Thursday announced that Michelle Benson, a fellow state senator, joined his ticket.
Democrats who control Minnesota's Legislature are planning a major push in the upcoming session for a package of bills aimed at breaking down what they say are continued barriers to economic success for women.
U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson says he'll formally announce next month whether he'll seek another term in Congress, but for now he's running. The Minnesota Democrat said he's going to take a couple weeks to think about what he needs to do to organize a campaign, then announce a final decision.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar says the crafting of a compromise five-year farm bill is a critical step toward providing support and certainty for Minnesota farmers. The Minnesota Democrat was on the conference committee that completed the bill Monday. It now goes to the House and Senate floors for final votes.
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.
Minnesota Sen. Al Franken reports raising $2.1 million in the final three months of last year, and now has $4.8 million in the bank for his upcoming re-election campaign.
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton is hearing directly from his lieutenant governor about whether she'll join him in a re-election run. Lt. Gov. Yvonne Prettner Solon was to meet with her fellow Democrat on Monday about the fall ballot plan. She was wavering about whether to seek a new term along with Dayton.
Minnesota Republicans and Democrats will be holding overlapping state conventions to back candidates for major offices on the 2014 ballot.
A campaign finance case that resulted in a $100,000 penalty against the Senate DFL Caucus is getting a fresh look from regulators. The state's campaign board met privately Tuesday to discuss whether the case deserves more scrutiny.
Democrats were in the driver's seat of Minnesota politics in 2013, a year that saw stark shifts in social and fiscal policy.
Just weeks before he died, President John F. Kennedy made one last trip to Minnesota in late September 1963. It was one of many visits to the state where he helped launch Minnesota Democrats to national prominence. The young president was hitting his stride politically in late 1963, and preparing for the 1964 re-election campaign.
The Minnesota AFL-CIO is backing Gov. Mark Dayton and U.S. Sen. Al Franken in their re-election bids. The union, one of Minnesota's largest, announced its choices Tuesday in Minnesota's two major political races next year.
The three-judge panel decided on Friday to hold a special hearing in February to determine whether 58-year-old convicted rapist Thomas Duvall should be released from sex offender treatment.
Early Republican scrimmages Saturday in races for Minnesota governor and the U.S. Senate gave a leg up to a pair of candidates who are looking for any edge against better-financed rivals. The straw polls at the Minnesota Republican Party's State Central Committee meeting were won by Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson in the governor's race and state Sen. Julianne Ortman for Senate. But if past preference polls are any guide, neither has a lock on the party's endorsement that will be awarded next May or the nomination to be decided in August. "I don't know that I believe in the curse of the straw poll," Johnson said after his win, alluding to others who have been overtaken come state convention time. "These are the most active of the activists."
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.
Gov. Mark Dayton raised $379,000 from the start of July to the end of September for his re-election campaign. The Democratic governor's campaign voluntarily released the figures on Thursday, though he is not compelled to release quarterly finance reports.
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.