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Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican nominee Jeff Johnson ended their series of debates Friday much like they began, with the incumbent hailing big-picture successes and his rival saying too many things went awry over the past four years.
National Republicans are targeting Minnesota's 7th District with a barrage of last-minute TV ads. That's where Democratic U.S. Representative Collin Peterson is facing off with Republican Torrey Westrom.
Republicans and Democrats are fanning out across the state for the final few days of fall campaigning. Top candidates for both political parties are making the final push for votes before Election Day on Tuesday.
A steady flow of people filed into Hennepin County's election office Wednesday and waited their turn to cast their ballot in the 2014 November general election. Deputy Secretary of State Beth Frazier says the use of absentee ballots is up 65 percent this year compared to the 2010 election. "The pace is higher, is faster than it was in 2010," Frazier said. "More people are voting absentee than they did in the last non-presidential election."
Minnesota's Democratic candidates banded together Wednesday for a splashy launch of a six-day statewide bus tour featuring the ticket's biggest names, while their Republican opponents went their own ways in smaller-scale campaign swings less than a week before the midterm.
Minnesota is one week out from Election Day, and many political campaigns are going "old school." Thousands of Minnesota mailboxes are filling up with campaign literature.
Minnesotans have been avoiding long lines on Election Day by voting early this year.
Upbeat music played while Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivered an upbeat message to a crowd of 2,000 at St. Paul's Macalester College Thursday. "I'm still feeling that grandmother glow," Clinton said. The new grandma touted Minnesota's economic recovery as a model for all states.
Minnesota Republicans are using the death of an abused child in their latest attack on Gov. Mark Dayton.
Democratic secretary of state candidate Steve Simon wants Minnesota to join the 33 states that allow early voting.
It's still two weeks until Election Day, but the voting has already begun. For the first time in Minnesota, anyone can vote early. Unlike previous years, you don't need a reason to vote absentee.
A televised debate is one of the last two chances for Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican candidate Jeff Johnson to make differences known face to face.
Election Day is about three weeks away and early voting is already proving to be more popular this year. The Secretary of State's Office has released new numbers saying they've accepted more than 22,000 absentee ballots.
The nation's most powerful gun rights group is targeting Minnesota Rep. Rick Nolan with a massive ad blitz the week before Election Day. The National Rifle Association has reserved $750,000 in ads starting Oct. 28, according to public filings. NRA spokeswoman Jennifer Baker confirmed the ads would focus on Minnesota's 8th District.
With less than a month before Election Day, Republican Senate candidate Mike McFadden has less than $1 million banked to oust Sen. Al Franken. McFadden's campaign says he raised more than $2 million in the three-month period ending in September. The total announced Tuesday is his largest during a fundraising quarter.
Gov. Mark Dayton has a nearly two-to-one cash advantage over Republican challenger Jeff Johnson heading into Election Day. Johnson raised more money than Dayton in the two-month period ending Sept. 16.
For the first time, Minnesota has early absentee voting.
Election Day has arrived in Minnesota. Sort of. The state's early voting window officially opens Friday. People who want to vote absentee can get their ballots.
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.
Election Day came five months early for seven incumbents in the Minnesota Legislature. Six Republicans and one Democrat didn't attract any opponents by Tuesday's candidate filing deadline. Barring a write-in effort or a shocking turn of events, they'll be assured new two-year terms that begin in January.
Voters in Minneapolis are now choosing their next mayor from a crowded candidate field. Tuesday is an odd-year Election Day in Minnesota, which mostly means city races. The most-watched contest is the race to succeed outgoing Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak.
Tuesday is Election Day across Minnesota. Voters will go to the polls to elect mayors and city councils and vote on school referenda. But all eyes are on Minneapolis, where voters must select a mayor from the largest group of candidates in city history. They'll use a new voting method called ranked-choice voting.
On Tuesday next week -- Election Day -- voters in Minneapolis will head to the polls to choose a new mayor and a new city council. But the process of counting the votes and declaring a winner in the mayor's race is likely to be a lot more complicated than in years past -- that's because of the huge number of candidates and ranked-choice voting.
Minnesota voters came out in record numbers again this year.
A Minnesota judge has ruled that election officials must randomly cancel 35 ballots in a tight legislative race due to a counting error.
Minnesota named a starter and a backup for Sunday but said nothing about the quarterback who opened the season. Murray began the week in the NFL's concussion protocol.
Kaohly Her, mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota, says the independent investigation into allegations against her involving sexual harassment and retaliation is now complete, adding the report found the claims were "unsubstantiated."
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.
A federal immigration officer is pleading not guilty to federal charges that he lied to the FBI about being attacked before he shot and wounded a Venezuelan man during the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.
John Malkovich took the Volpi Cup at Venice this month for Martin McDonagh's CIA drama. Minnesota audiences get it Oct. 15, three weeks before it reaches theaters.
Kaohly Her, mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota, says the independent investigation into allegations against her involving sexual harassment and retaliation is now complete, adding the report found the claims were "unsubstantiated."
A federal immigration officer is pleading not guilty to federal charges that he lied to the FBI about being attacked before he shot and wounded a Venezuelan man during the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.
John Malkovich took the Volpi Cup at Venice this month for Martin McDonagh's CIA drama. Minnesota audiences get it Oct. 15, three weeks before it reaches theaters.
A person was seriously injured Thursday afternoon in Apple Valley, Minnesota, when they were run over by a sedan and trapped beneath it on a residential driveway, according to police.
Jordan Dupree Collins Sr. is charged with one count of second-degree murder. He plans to represent himself.
Some families have reported that their kids have waited more than two hours to get on a bus, only to have the bus drive past them.
"We see over $82.5 million visitors throughout the state a year, and a large portion of that are coming through the fall," said Chris Morgan with Explore Minnesota.
Officials in Stearns County, Minnesota, are issuing an advisory about a wedding venue they say is operating despite a court order demanding its owner comply with safety regulations.
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.
The Tri-County Humane Society in central Minnesota says a kitten taken from its shelter Wednesday afternoon has been safely returned.
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 Wisconsin high school football player has died from injuries sustained during a game on Thursday night.
In downtown Hudson, Wisconsin, a small gallery is making room for a lot of creativity.
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.
Federal immigration officer Christian Castro is pleading not guilty to federal charges that he lied to the FBI about being attacked before he shot and wounded a Venezuelan man in Minneapolis amid Operation Metro Surge.
Kaohly Her, mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota, says the independent investigation into allegations against her involving sexual harassment and retaliation is now complete, adding the report found the claims were "unsubstantiated."
A federal immigration officer is pleading not guilty to federal charges that he lied to the FBI about being attacked before he shot and wounded a Venezuelan man during the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.
Minnesotans can start submitting absentee ballots on Friday to vote in the midterm election.
Law enforcement is asking for help finding a man they say shot someone outside a Circle Pines, Minnesota, gun shop last weekend, plus more of the day’s top stories.
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.
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.
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.
A federal immigration officer is pleading not guilty to federal charges that he lied to the FBI about being attacked before he shot and wounded a Venezuelan man during the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.
Jordan Dupree Collins Sr. is charged with one count of second-degree murder. He plans to represent himself.
An 85-year-old St. Paul, Minnesota, woman helped stop an armed home intruder from stealing her vehicle this week by trapping him inside her garage, according to authorities.
The man who sprayed vinegar at Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar during a Minneapolis town hall meeting as the city endured a surge of immigration agents and the deaths of two U.S. citizens was sentenced to 14 months in prison Thursday after reaching a deal with prosecutors.
Nearly half of Americans with medical debt owe at least $2,000, forcing them to make tough choices, new research shows.
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.
John Malkovich took the Volpi Cup at Venice this month for Martin McDonagh's CIA drama. Minnesota audiences get it Oct. 15, three weeks before it reaches theaters.
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.
Minnesota named a starter and a backup for Sunday but said nothing about the quarterback who opened the season. Murray began the week in the NFL's concussion protocol.
Mike Trout hit a tying RBI single in the 10th inning, and Wade Meckler followed with a winning RBI single to give the Los Angeles Angels a 5-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday night.
Zach Brown's college football career has been bumpy at times. After losing the starting quarterback job at Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, last year, he's back in the driver's seat this season.
Justin Jefferson relished his return to the end zone at Minnesota's stadium in the season opener.
Minneapolis will be the fifth stop in an eight-city tour. Tickets for the Jan. 24 game at Target Center go on sale to newsletter subscribers at 3 p.m. and to the general public at 4 p.m. Thursday.
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.
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.
For five generations, one family has run the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours along the St. Croix River.
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 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.
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.
Heavy rain is moving through the Twin Cities Friday, with a flood watch in effect for Minnesota’s southeast corner, says meteorologist Adam Del Rosso.
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.
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.
Out strong storm system is here, bringing rain for most of the day, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
The heaviest rain sets up along Interstate 90, where repeated downpours could dump several inches in a short time. The Twin Cities can expect 1 to 2 inches.
Federal immigration officer Christian Castro is pleading not guilty to federal charges that he lied to the FBI about being attacked before he shot and wounded a Venezuelan man in Minneapolis amid Operation Metro Surge.
Heavy rain is moving through the Twin Cities Friday, with a flood watch in effect for Minnesota’s southeast corner, says meteorologist Adam Del Rosso.
Former Bloomington Jefferson High School teammates of Flight 93 passenger Tom Burnett have gathered every September 11 for 25 years to remember him.
More than 35 businesses along Lake Street in Minneapolis will take part in the free annual Taco Tour event Saturday.
Three fashion showcases featuring 12 local retailers are set to run alongside rare collector cars at the Eighth Annual Edina Car Show on Sunday at 50th and France.