Watch CBS News
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.
uesday's election exposed electoral challenges for both Democrats and Republicans moving forward. Democrats suffered all but one of their majority-costing statehouse losses in districts outside the Twin Cities and their suburbs.
The one-time car salesman from Crown became the GOP's most powerful leader after taking Republicans from minority status to a 72-seat majority in the Minnesota House. Rep. Kurt Daudt, 41, becomes the second-most powerful politician in Minnesota, behind Gov. Mark Dayton. "It is the greatest honor of my life to be elected to be the next speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives," Daudt said.
DFLers in the Minnesota House have elected Rep. Paul Thissen of Minneapolis as their new minority leader. Thissen had been House speaker. But with Republicans winning control of the Minnesota House in Tuesday's elections, Democrats are returning to minority status in that chamber.
Minnesota voters gave Gov. Dayton a solid re-election victory. But unlike the last two years of Democratic dominance, Dayton's fresh reality is a new Republican majority in the Minnesota House. "I'm proud to say that Democrats' total control of state government in Minnesota is over," said Rep. Kurt Daudt, the House minority leader. Exuberant Republicans will take back the House they lost just two years ago. That's when they battled Gov. Dayton to a budget standoff, and a 17-day government shutdown -- the longest in U.S. history.
There will be competition among Republicans for who leads the party's new House majority. Minority Leader Kurt Daudt of Crown and former Majority Leader Matt Dean of Dellwood both say they're running to be House speaker when the Legislature returns to action. They are asking for support from the 72-member caucus, which meets Friday to pick its leadership.
Minnesota House Republicans will come into next year's legislative session with a majority and a tiny bit of breathing room.
Republicans have grabbed control of the Minnesota House and broken up the Democrats' short run of one-party rule at the Capitol. House Speaker Paul Thissen conceded early Wednesday that Democrats had lost control of the chamber.
Election Day arrived in Minnesota with Democrats feeling good about sweeping the biggest races in the state — for governor and U.S. Senate — and perhaps all of the statewide offices. But the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party was fighting a rear-guard action to hang on to the Minnesota House, with plenty of incumbents at risk and Republicans needing just seven seats to bring back divided government for the first time since 2012.
As Mayor Jacob Frey pledges a crackdown at open-air drug markets in Minneapolis, WCCO found brutal honesty about the situation from people who say they actively participate in the illicit trade.
The New York Yankees ended a seven-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night.
Breanna Stewart scored 36 points and the New York Liberty beat Minnesota 99-86, spoiling Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve's first attempt to become the WNBA's career wins leader.
For many Minnesotans, the road to the Fourth of July starts with a short drive across the St. Croix River to Wisconsin to stock up on fireworks. The kinds of pyrotechnics that can be legally ignited in Minnesota might be surprising.
A Twin Cities family is asking for answers after their loved one somehow ended up on the interstate in the middle of the night.
As Mayor Jacob Frey pledges a crackdown at open-air drug markets in Minneapolis, WCCO found brutal honesty about the situation from people who say they actively participate in the illicit trade.
A Twin Cities family is asking for answers after their loved one somehow ended up on the interstate in the middle of the night.
The Minneapolis Police Department fired an officer in February for liking a comment on social media supporting the lynching of a Black man, according to Internal Affairs documents.
A shooting in Edina, Minnesota, Thursday night left one person in the hospital with serious injuries, according to police.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says around 2 million eggs will be delivered to "food banks and community organizations" in Minnesota as part of a settlement with three major egg producers.
After 115 years, a small-town meat market in Minnesota is calling it quits.
The Minnesota attorney general said he is suing two Mankato residents after they allegedly put rat poison outside their home in an effort to stop dogs from urinating on their lawn.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says around 2 million eggs will be delivered to "food banks and community organizations" in Minnesota as part of a settlement with three major egg producers.
A 20-year-old man suffered life-threatening injuries Wednesday evening after authorities say he slammed into a deputy's squad car in northern Minnesota.
Police in southern Minnesota say an "armed and suicidal" man fired at police during a traffic stop before shooting himself and being taken into custody early Thursday.
For many Minnesotans, the road to the Fourth of July starts with a short drive across the St. Croix River to Wisconsin to stock up on fireworks. The kinds of pyrotechnics that can be legally ignited in Minnesota might be surprising.
Three children died on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin after a boat capsized during a severe storm Friday, Lake Geneva police said.
Seven people are without a permanent home and multiple pets are dead after a fire in Ashland, Wisconsin, on Friday morning, according to the city's fire department.
Rice Lake, Wisconsin, police officers are investigating after a swatting incident at the Marshfield Medical Center Thursday afternoon.
A 9-year-old child died Tuesday evening after drowning in a western Wisconsin water park.
Baseball fans might remember the Metrodome's iconic blue seats, and now in Atwater, Minnesota, spectators can once again grab a blue seat and watch a game.
Tucked away in the Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is a community treasure many have come to love and respect.
What started as a small fundraiser following one of Joe's surgeries at Gillette Children's has grown into a community tradition that has raised nearly $100,000 for the hospital.
A trip to the video store was once a weekly ritual, and now one Minnesota movie lover is trying to bring that experience back.
Betty and Kermit Eastman, both 99, celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary on June 6 — a milestone so rare that on average only one couple in the U.S. reaches it each year.
CBS News previously reported President Trump was weighing pardons of a slate of people convicted of emissions and clean air-related violations.
President Trump hasn't committed to a firm number of people who will receive clemency — he's scheduled to have a meeting on pardons Friday afternoon, sources said.
The next round of meetings between Iranian and U.S. negotiators will happen only after funeral commemorations for Iran's ayatollah end, according to mediators.
Mike Lindell, who leads the Minnesota Republican gubernatorial primary at 27%, is proposing conditional non-resident visas for undocumented immigrants with no criminal record — a position that differs from the Trump administration's approach.
Mike Lindell says he called President Trump before entering the Minnesota governor's race and asked for an endorsement, but Trump has not given one — though he said in December that Lindell deserves to be governor.
For many Minnesotans, the road to the Fourth of July starts with a short drive across the St. Croix River to Wisconsin to stock up on fireworks. The kinds of pyrotechnics that can be legally ignited in Minnesota might be surprising.
Insurance experts say hail damage claims that once averaged $10,000–$15,000 now routinely reach $40,000–$60,000, even as many policies have shifted away from full replacement coverage.
Hundreds of workers, employed by Delaware North Company to serve food and drinks, say they are fighting for livable wages and healthcare benefits.
Target is tapping designer and TV personality Isaac Mizrahi for a newly created role as creative director at large as the discounter aims to reclaim its reputation for stylish clothing on a budget.
Target is voluntarily recalling two types of baby wipes due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with bacteria that may cause "serious and life-threatening infections," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday.
A shooting in Edina, Minnesota, Thursday night left one person in the hospital with serious injuries, according to police.
Federal immigration officials are decrying a pardon for a Minnesota man convicted of sexual assault, despite the victim's support for the move.
Police in southern Minnesota say an "armed and suicidal" man fired at police during a traffic stop before shooting himself and being taken into custody early Thursday.
An officer with the Fairmont, Minnesota, police department has been accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting his wife over the last three years.
Surveillance video captured two suspects smashing a window and targeting locked display cases containing the high-value cards at Duck! early Saturday morning.
As Mayor Jacob Frey pledges a crackdown at open-air drug markets in Minneapolis, WCCO found brutal honesty about the situation from people who say they actively participate in the illicit trade.
Noah Walden says he didn't notice anything unusual while eating. About three days later, he began experiencing stomach pain that continued to worsen over the next several days.
A Blaine woman from Liberia calls herself an accidental inspiration. The busy wife and mother who runs a nonprofit helping children in Liberia started coming to Burn Boot Camp after an emotional slump.
As temperatures climb across the Twin Cities this week, veterinarians are reminding pet owners to keep a close eye on their animals.
A dangerous social media trend is circulating online, and Minnesota health experts are warning parents it involves allergy medication.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were married as they celebrated their wedding with hundreds of guests Friday at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
We have an action-packed weekend, with lots of celebrations in store across the state for the Fourth of July.
Tucked away in the Midway neighborhood in St. Paul is a community treasure many have come to love and respect.
Legendary musician Lionel Richie is postponing two upcoming concerts after he cut his performance short in St. Paul, Minnesota, earlier this week.
We have another action-packed weekend with events happening every day all across the state, including plenty of ways to celebrate Pride!
The New York Yankees ended a seven-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night.
Breanna Stewart scored 36 points and the New York Liberty beat Minnesota 99-86, spoiling Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve's first attempt to become the WNBA's career wins leader.
Cheryl Reeve is tied with Mike Thibault for the most regular-season wins in WNBA history with 379.
Two Minnesota Lynx players have been named starters for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game.
Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles has already earned her spot among the best players in the WNBA, at least according to ESPN.
Mike Lindell, who leads the Minnesota Republican gubernatorial primary at 27%, is proposing conditional non-resident visas for undocumented immigrants with no criminal record — a position that differs from the Trump administration's approach.
Mike Lindell says he called President Trump before entering the Minnesota governor's race and asked for an endorsement, but Trump has not given one — though he said in December that Lindell deserves to be governor.
One of the most-watched primary match-ups pits Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan against U.S. Congresswoman Angie Craig in the race for the DFL nomination for U.S. Senate.
With six weeks before the primary, the stakes are building in the U.S. Senate contest contest between two of Minnesota's brightest DFL stars: Congresswoman Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.
Fifteen people, most of them Minnesotans, were arrested and charged last week, accused of impeding Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.
Baseball fans might remember the Metrodome's iconic blue seats, and now in Atwater, Minnesota, spectators can once again grab a blue seat and watch a game.
It's a lake cruise in the middle of town, and there's more than pelicans on the Pelican Breeze tour in Albert Lea, Minnesota.
Currie, Minnesota, is truly small-town America. The population hovers at just over 200. But on the northern outskirts, you'll happen upon a place with plenty of bells and whistles: End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum
School's out, summer's here, and if you're heading to the lake on Highway 10, you may just stumble upon hidden treasure.
Nearly 40 years ago, a building was sent over piece by piece from Norway to a farm in Chippewa County, Minnesota. It's one of the only stabburs in the United States.
There's no doubt your air conditioning unit is working overtime this week as oppressive heat blankets Minnesota.
In every corner of the metro, and across Minnesota, you'll find construction crews ripping up roads and rebuilding bridges. WCCO looks into whether the piles of rubble they create can get a second life.
Water beckons Minnesotans this time of year, especially our lakes. But something in it can turn us away, even if other animals and organisms need it.
The latest data shows it's at 331.2 million barrels of oil.
Fifteen Minnesotans charged for conspiracy to impede or injure federal agents are part of what President Trump considers a terrorist group, prosecutors said.
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.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
Possible scattered storms in and around the Twin Cities on Saturday night may make for may make for bad conditions for viewing or igniting July Fourth fireworks.
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.
Scattered showers will move across parts of central and southern Minnesota on Saturday afternoon, NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows says.
Parts of central and northern Minnesota could see storms on Friday night, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
Some isolated storms could move through on Friday evening, mostly north of the metro.
Possible scattered storms in and around the Twin Cities on Saturday night may make for may make for bad conditions for viewing or igniting July Fourth fireworks.
A Minnesota marathoner is running her way into the record book. Mike Max explains why she's now working toward another finish line.
As Mayor Jacob Frey pledges a crackdown at open-air drug markets in Minneapolis, WCCO found brutal honesty about the situation from people on the street. Conor Wight spoke to people in the city who say they actively participate in the drug markets.
Scattered showers will move across parts of central and southern Minnesota on Saturday afternoon, NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows says.
After 115 years, Rieder Meat Market and Lockers in Delano has closed its doors for good. WCCO's John Lauritsen talked with the grandson of the man who opened the store about its history and what customers have meant to it.