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The Minnesota House has taken up a bill to change the teacher layoff system statewide. Rep. Jenifer Loon's proposal would minimize seniority when school boards decide which teachers to lay off. It would require teacher evaluations play a role in the decisions.
Republican control of the Minnesota House is helping abortion opponents make their case this year. A House health committee on Wednesday passed a bill to end state funding for abortions. Another bill passed would require licensure for abortion clinics.
Minnesota House Republicans are using news of a $1.87 billion budget surplus to douse Gov. Mark Dayton's call for increased gasoline taxes for road work. House Speaker Kurt Daudt reacted Friday to the forecast by saying his caucus would push for tax cuts and to apply some of the money to transportation projects. Daudt says the surplus shows Minnesota government is collecting too much and should lower rates.
A Minnesota House committee is considering a bill that would prevent the state from enforcing water quality standards designed to protect wild rice for at least two years.
The Minnesota House has endorsed a deal that stalls commissioner pay hikes until June but gives Gov. Mark Dayton a narrow window to boost those salaries.
The bill to restrict the venues for Minnesota lottery ticket sales is headed to the House floor for a vote. A final committee endorsed the proposal Monday amid calls by some lawmakers to seek a compromise with Gov. Mark Dayton rather than provoke a veto.
Gov. Mark Dayton issued an open letter to the Minnesota Legislature on Monday addressing his decision to give his cabinet members pay raises. Dayton said that it is "imperative to separate disagreements about the wisdom or necessity of my decisions — and they were my decisions — from questions about their legality."
Majority Republicans in the Minnesota House say they will introduce legislation to take away the Governor's authority to raise the pay of his cabinet.
To the Minnesota House victors went the campaign money spoils. An analysis by The Associated Press of newly filed campaign finance reports shows how Republicans turned their House takeover into a moneymaker.
Minnesota lawmakers are wading into a debate over access to footage caught on police body cameras. A law enforcement-backed proposal to put strict limits on who sees body camera videos was introduced Thursday in the House. A Senate version isn't far behind.
Abortion opponents say a new Republican majority in the Minnesota House could help them out this year. They're undeterred by a governor who says he doesn't see himself signing any new abortion restrictions. Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life has three legislative priorities this year.
A flood aid package meant to assist more than half of Minnesota counties hit with severe flooding cleared the Minnesota Senate on Thursday.
Minnesota lawmakers are caught in a dust-up over office space at the State Capitol, and it's threatening to delay the massive Capitol restoration now underway. The three-year, $272 million project is on time and on budget. But the tenants in the new building -- including the governor, the Senate, the House and the attorney general -- cannot come to agreement over how much space they will control.
Minnesota lawmakers moved Tuesday to set up swift approval of tax deductions and credits affecting thousands of people and business owners getting ready to file 2014 forms. Tax committees in the House and Senate advanced legislation that lines Minnesota's code up with some recent federal changes. Final votes in each chamber could come later this week, sending the bill to a supportive Gov. Mark Dayton before personal income tax filing season begins next week.
Minnesota's state band rehearses in a basement cafeteria, stores its music in a hard-to-reach closet and can't afford a marimba. But it could get some official appreciation if a pair of state House bills quietly introduced Thursday become law. A group of DFL lawmakers wants to throw the band $50,000 over the next two years and guarantee free rehearsal space.
Keith Downey says he plans to run for re-election as chairman of the Republican Party of Minnesota.
Free vocational college tuition for Minnesota high school graduates? Student-loan forgiveness for working in specialized fields or rural communities? Tax breaks for the mining and timber industries? A prohibition on performance bonuses for Minnesota health exchange executives?
An interesting new idea from some Minnesota lawmakers this year: Cancel next year's legislative session. The "No Session 2016" movement began the first hour of the first day of the 2015 legislature, when top leaders revealed that they're talking about it.
A wave of senior citizens and slow growth in Minnesota's working-age population will force the state to focus on improving education and productivity in its workforce in the coming decades, state experts told lawmakers Wednesday. More collaboration between businesses and the public sector, especially in rural Minnesota, could help train and retain young workers to thrive in an aging state, speakers at the One Minnesota legislative conference said.
A retired English teacher will help set Republicans' agenda for making changes to the state's schools. Rep. Sondra Erickson, a Princeton Republican who retired from teaching in 2000, said school districts have been dizzied by new rules and policies after three elections that shifted control of state government.
The next chief sergeant-at-arms of the Minnesota House will have something most recent predecessors lacked: A law enforcement background.
A Minnesota House staff member who began as a chamber page 36 years ago is on the verge of becoming its chief clerk.
One of the top environmental issues in the legislative session that opens in January could be how best to protect Minnesota's wetlands. The GOP takeover of the Minnesota House has changed the landscape for the environment and natural resources at the Capitol. Republican leaders have given a strong signal of their priorities by restructuring the committees that will deal with those issues.
Rep. Kurt Daudt was in the WCCO-TV studio to talk with Esme Murphy on Sunday morning.
The fall election produced Minnesota's lowest voter turnout since 1986, according to results certified Tuesday. Final figures for this November's election put participation at 50.5 percent of eligible voters. That's the smallest percentage since 48 percent voted in the 1986 election.
The war in Iran is not only blocking oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, it is also holding up much of the world's fertilizer supply, a development that is drawing close attention from farmers preparing for spring planting.
From the time Armin Assadi could form memories, he sensed something was wrong. Violence clouds Assadi's earliest childhood memories.
Renters' rights advocates and tenants gathered outside Hennepin County courtrooms Thursday to protest Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's recent veto of an eviction notice extension ordinance.
The Minnesota Vikings have signed quarterback Kyler Murray to compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job next season, the team announced Thursday.
Gas prices are up for the 12th straight day as the war with Iran pushes up crude oil prices. In Minnesota, the average went up 4 cents overnight. It's now $3.29 a gallon. That's 18-cents higher than just a week ago.
From the time Armin Assadi could form memories, he sensed something was wrong. Violence clouds Assadi's earliest childhood memories.
Gas prices are up for the 12th straight day as the war with Iran pushes up crude oil prices. In Minnesota, the average went up 4 cents overnight. It's now $3.29 a gallon. That's 18-cents higher than just a week ago.
The Minnesota House unanimously passed legislation renaming the Community Solar Garden Program for former Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman.
Amelia Santaniello and Frank Vascellaro, who have co-anchored the evening news at WCCO for nearly two decades, were inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame on Thursday.
A major winter storm is set to bring significant snow and wind to parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin this weekend. Some locations south of the Twin Cities metro are could even pick up more than a foot of snow.
Gas prices are up for the 12th straight day as the war with Iran pushes up crude oil prices. In Minnesota, the average went up 4 cents overnight. It's now $3.29 a gallon. That's 18-cents higher than just a week ago.
According to Rochester Police, officers were dispatched around 9:30 p.m. to the 1900 block of Ashland Drive Northwest. The call was domestic-related, police say.
A mix of rain and snow will start to push through Minnesota in the afternoon, with 50 mph winds expected in the metro area by the evening.
The Old St. Hubert Church has been a part of Atkins's family for decades.
Denis Doyle was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. He emigrated to the U.S. and in 1856, Doyle traveled to Le Sueur County. Other Irish immigrants joined Doyle and the town was born.
As the war in Iran evolves, National Guardsmen from Wisconsin are being recognized for what they are doing in the Middle East.
It's the season for booking those spring break getaways, and if you're looking to skip the airport this year, take a page out of the Condé Nast Traveler.
A judge has sentenced a Wisconsin man who forged threats against President Donald Trump as part of a deportation scheme to 16½ years in prison.
A fire at a hotel in Superior, Wisconsin, Monday night left one person hurt and forced guests to move to new lodgings.
Excitement is in the air in northern Wisconsin with the 52nd annual American Birkebeiner underway.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections says 95% of all incarcerated individuals will eventually be released from prison. The DOC says it does all it can to help people transition back into the community as productive citizens.
Minnesota native and World War II veteran Les Schrenk died earlier this week. He was 102 years old.
People from across the nation are traveling to the Twin Cities, but not as tourists. Many want to learn in person from Minnesota protestors to bring that knowledge back to their own cities.
The Edina wife and mother of three said she felt called to go and protest in south Minneapolis after learning that Alex Pretti had been shot and killed by two Border Patrol agents.
Tuesday afternoon, more than 20 people gathered on the Highway 62 bridge between Minneapolis and Richfield after a small protest sparked a confrontation there last week.
Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered in their home last June. Their son says what followed with the insurance company only made matters worse.
Renters' rights advocates and tenants gathered outside Hennepin County courtrooms Thursday to protest Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's recent veto of an eviction notice extension ordinance.
The Minnesota House unanimously passed legislation renaming the Community Solar Garden Program for former Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman.
Talking Points is tracking a partisan push to end surveillance pricing this legislative session.
This session, a bipartisan bill to end surveillance pricing is moving forward at the Minnesota Capitol. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Minnesota DFL Rep. Erin Koegel about the push and how the ban could protection your personal data.
The war in Iran is not only blocking oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, it is also holding up much of the world's fertilizer supply, a development that is drawing close attention from farmers preparing for spring planting.
Renters' rights advocates and tenants gathered outside Hennepin County courtrooms Thursday to protest Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's recent veto of an eviction notice extension ordinance.
Gas prices are up for the 12th straight day as the war with Iran pushes up crude oil prices. In Minnesota, the average went up 4 cents overnight. It's now $3.29 a gallon. That's 18-cents higher than just a week ago.
Talking Points is tracking a partisan push to end surveillance pricing this legislative session.
From groceries to gas bills, Minnesotans see sticker shock every day. It's why at the State Capitol, Republicans and Democrats are looking to cut down on those high costs — but through contrasting visions.
A bill designed to stop children from being groomed in Minnesota schools is moving forward, introduced following a WCCO investigative series.
A former U.S. Attorney removed from her post after telling a judge "this job sucks" during a Minnesota immigration hearing is running for Congress as a Democrat against incumbent Rep. Ilhan Omar.
Former Vikings running back Adrian Peterson last week pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated and will avoid jail time by serving 30 hours of community service.
On at least 23 occasions, federal agents in Minnesota detained people solely on the basis of their race during Operation Metro Surge. That's according to a federal judge who issued a ruling based on an ongoing lawsuit brought on by the ACLU of Minnesota.
Two members of Minnesota's Albert Lea Police Department — Officer Josh Knudson and Sgt. Alex Kunkel — are being honored for their professionalism and teamwork that saved the life of a 7-year-old girl.
Can a quick workout and your phone reveal something about your heart health? Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School say yes, and they've built an app to prove it.
A new Iowa law bans local nondiscrimination protections on the basis of gender identity after the state became the first in the U.S. to roll back its civil rights code last year.
At a Minnesota State Capitol hearing Wednesday morning, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs unveiled its "Veteran Suicide Prevention Plan."
The fight to keep Minneapolis' Hennepin County Medical Center open is in full swing, with leaders saying the hospital is in grave danger of closing after Medicaid cuts and budget confusion.
For families already feeling the financial squeeze, medical debt can pile up, even with insurance. But managing, negotiating or forgiving that debt is possible thanks to some nonprofits providing relief.
A woman was arrested on Sunday for firing multiple shots at the Beverly Hills home of Rihanna, Los Angeles Police Department officials say.
Valleyfair in Shakopee, Minnesota, will soon come under new ownership.
A new art exhibition in Shoreview, Minnesota, is inviting visitors to see art — and maybe themselves — a little differently.
Actor and filmmaker Bruce Campbell told fans that he is in treatment for cancer and will cancel some upcoming public appearances.
The Minnesota Wild and St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her announced a $600 million plan on Tuesday to renovate the team's arena and connected venues.
The Minnesota Vikings have signed quarterback Kyler Murray to compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job next season, the team announced Thursday.
The Minnesota Vikings are hosting Kyler Murray on a free agent visit, focusing their latest quarterback search on the first overall pick in the 2019 draft who was just released by the Arizona Cardinals.
The Minnesota Vikings have cleared salary cap space taken by their failed strategy for contending last season by releasing defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.
Former Vikings running back Adrian Peterson last week pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated and will avoid jail time by serving 30 hours of community service.
Kirill Kaprizov scored his 37th goal of the season, Matt Boldy notched his 36th, and Filip Gustavsson earned his fourth shutout of the season as the Minnesota Wild defeated the Utah Mammoth 5-0 on Tuesday night.
Talking Points is tracking a partisan push to end surveillance pricing this legislative session.
This session, a bipartisan bill to end surveillance pricing is moving forward at the Minnesota Capitol. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Minnesota DFL Rep. Erin Koegel about the push and how the ban could protection your personal data.
Minnesota Democratic Rep. Angie Craig, who is running for U.S. Senate, says she now regrets her vote in favor of the Laken Riley Act last year.
With severe weather season right around the corner, what homeowners need to know about the evolving coverage for your roof.
With severe weather season right around the corner, what homeowners need to know about the evolving coverage for your roof. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy spoke with Grace Arnold, Department of Commerce commissioner about what's driving rising insurance premiums and what you should look from in home insurance coverage.
Denis Doyle was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. He emigrated to the U.S. and in 1856, Doyle traveled to Le Sueur County. Other Irish immigrants joined Doyle and the town was born.
One of the oldest operating theaters in the Midwest is in danger of closing its doors for good.
In St. Louis Park, Minnesota, there's a place where you can find radio and television technology that's nearly a century old — and it still works.
One of the best views in Minnesota is at the top of a Bloomington hill. But 15-year-old Jacob Larson isn't here for the scenery. He's here for the jump.
Pine trees are a common sight up north. But on a Carlton, Minnesota, road, they're joined by giant lollipops. They serve as the welcoming committee for Sweetly Kismet, one of the largest candy stores in the state.
Minnesota lakes remain frozen. The people walking on trails around them remain bundled up. After a warm start to March, the seasonal shift is sputtering as it often tends to do.
Drivers are bracing themselves for higher prices when they pull up to gas stations. But the pump isn't the only place you can expect to pay more in the weeks ahead.
A push for stricter gun laws in Minnesota is not new. However, this session comes on the heels of a devastating mass shooting last summer in which the target was students in prayer at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
The military strikes against Iran have sparked intense debate in Congress. U.S. lawmakers are not only split on whether to support the operation but also on whether President Trump should have sought congressional approval in advance. WCCO investigates how the Constitution defines declarations of war.
Traveling is already stressful, especially flying, but the deadly conflict south of the border might have some travelers second-guessing their upcoming trips.
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.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
A mix of rain and snow is pushing through Minnesota Thursday, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
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.
The rain has arrived in the metro and snow further north. There will be strong winds throughout the remainder of Thursday and all day Friday. Cooler temps arrive by Friday afternoon and a winter storm on Saturday. Chief Meteorologist breaks down the timing of it all, how much snow we should get and how to stay weather aware.
A strong area of low pressure will slide across Iowa Saturday night into Sunday. Because this system will have a lot of moisture with it, they say heavy snow is likely across southern and central Minnesota with the current expected track., WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
A major winter storm is set to bring significant snow and wind to parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin this weekend. Some locations south of the Twin Cities metro are could even pick up more than a foot of snow.
Police in St. Paul, Minnesota, say catalytic converter thefts are back on the rise. People stole 37 more catalytic converters in the first two months of this year compared to the same time period in 2025.
A mix of rain and snow is pushing through Minnesota Thursday, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were murdered in their home last June. Their son says what followed with the insurance company only made matters worse.
The war in Iran is not only blocking oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, it is also holding up much of the world's fertilizer supply, a development that is drawing close attention from farmers preparing for spring planting.
Armin Assadi's father was threatened by state agents when Assadi was 3 years old, leading the family to spend years on the run before attempting to flee Iran.