New bill aims to ban sale of "flavored whippets"
The Minnesota Commerce Committee held a hearing for a new bill that would ban the sale of flavored nitrous oxide cannisters, also known as "whippets," on Tuesday.
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The Minnesota Commerce Committee held a hearing for a new bill that would ban the sale of flavored nitrous oxide cannisters, also known as "whippets," on Tuesday.
Minnesota has some of the most inclusive laws in the country to support undocumented residents. But on Monday, a House committee advanced an effort to remove undocumented immigrants from state-funded health care, scholarships and other programs.
WCCO's Esme Murphy spoke with Sen. Alice Mann on her bill that would ban cell phones in Minnesota schools.
Minnesotans are paying 50 cents more on large package deliveries thanks to a law change that took effect last summer — designed to raise more funding to support road and bridge repairs.
The future of what would be the largest expansion of gambling in decades is uncertain after a setback during a Senate committee on Thursday.
Sports betting supporters say they hit the jackpot. They claim every key player in the gaming industry is on board this session after years of trying to legalize gambling. But as Caroline Cummings reports, the plan allowing you to put money on your favorite team already hit a major roadblock today.
The new department would conduct inspections, evaluations and investigations of state agencies and programs to identify fraud, waste, abuse and inefficiencies in state government.
The proposal also came up in the 2022 legislative session. It didn't go anywhere that year, but it is a possibility this time around.
Minnesota lawmakers will get an update on the state's free school meals program Wednesday.
This proposal also came up in the 2022 legislative session.
Investigators say fraudsters have stolen hundreds of millions in taxpayer money across several state programs. Now, lawmakers across the political divide say they want to crack down on the crimes and prevent them from happening in the first place. As Caroline Cummings reports, that could mean a new watchdog agency in state government.
Fighting fraud will be front and center for lawmakers at the Minnesota State Capitol on Tuesday.
Fighting fraud will be front and center for lawmakers at the Minnesota Capitol.
A Senate proposal would ban all phones on school grounds for kids in Kindergarten through eighth grade, and ban phones for high school students in the classroom.
Minnesota State Sen. Nicole Mitchell is now facing a second charge in connection with a burglary at a Detroit Lakes home.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has a busy year ahead with the state legislature back in session, clashing with new federal policies ordered by President Trump and mulling over whether to run for a third term.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks with WCCO’s Esme Murphy about the state legislature, a new fraud investigations unit and clashing with new federal policies ordered by President Trump.
The stalemate in the Minnesota House that has paralyzed the chamber for weeks is poised to end Thursday, after leaders in both parties said they reached an agreement on how they will move forward with the legislative session.
After more than three weeks of Democrats boycotting the session amid that conflict over who should be in charge of the chamber, both parties say they came to a deal that ensures they can govern the rest of session and get a state budget passed for their constituents who sent them to the capitol in the first place.
The three-week-long stalemate at the Minnesota State Capitol appears to be over. DFL and Republican House leaders struck a deal that could get them back to working together as soon as Thursday.
The election was originally scheduled for Jan. 28 after the DFL winner in November's election didn't appeal the judge's ruling that he didn't live there and couldn't serve.
One proposal would require 24-hour notification of any violence, harassment or bullying to both the parents of the student harmed and the student who instigated it.
The Minnesota Republican Party launched a recall election effort this week targeting all House Democrats who are continuing to boycott session, which is now in its fourth week.
Minnesota Republicans want to boot out every House Democrat who's boycotted the session — now in its fourth week. The state party launched an effort to have recall elections for all 66 Democrats in the chamber. But as Caroline Cummings reports, that process is long and difficult.
Supporters say sports betting has its best chance ever of passing the Minnesota Legislature this session, but there is a big if.
A new web page dedicated to fact-checking claims about Medicaid fraud in Minnesota has been launched by the state's Department of Human Services, officials said Wednesday.
St. Paul police say someone was hurt in a crash while federal immigration agents pursued them Wednesday morning.
The 41-year-old American came out of retirement to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics and crashed seconds into her downhill race on Sunday.
At least two dozen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees and contractors have been charged with crimes since 2020, and their documented wrongdoing includes patterns of physical and sexual abuse, corruption and other abuses of authority, a review by The Associated Press found.
On Wednesday, leaders including St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her unveiled the updated climate plan, which outlines 400 actions that Minnesotans must take across seven key areas.
St. Paul police say someone was hurt in a crash while federal immigration agents pursued them Wednesday morning.
At least two dozen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees and contractors have been charged with crimes since 2020, and their documented wrongdoing includes patterns of physical and sexual abuse, corruption and other abuses of authority, a review by The Associated Press found.
On Wednesday, leaders including St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her unveiled the updated climate plan, which outlines 400 actions that Minnesotans must take across seven key areas.
In a sworn declaration filed in federal court on Monday, attorney Kimberly Boche detailed the conditions she found inside the facility and said she believes detainees do not have meaningful access to counsel.
Nearly 100 Minnesotans, who say pollution problems harmed their health, have won a multi-million-dollar legal settlement.
Deputies fatally shot a man after trying to pull him over for driving recklessly in Duluth, Minnesota, Tuesday night, officials said.
Police in Duluth, Minnesota, say they're actively searching Tuesday for the shooter who killed a man near the city's Goat Hill neighborhood.
January is typically a slow month at Frontiersman Sports, but employees at the St. Louis Park, Minnesota, gun shop said sales spiked 30% above normal for the month.
A St. Cloud, Minnesota, man is charged with murder in connection to the stabbing death of his wife, the daughter of Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson.
Two Republican candidates in the 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial race have dropped out: one for a heartbreaking reason, while the other is entering a different race.
Three people are dead after a house fire in a small western Wisconsin town early Saturday.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
A jury has found a Wisconsin man guilty of forging threats against President Donald Trump in an attempt to get a witness against him deported.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Hundreds of schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin have closed or shifted to virtual learning on Friday amid dangerous cold.
The ongoing presence of ICE and federal law enforcement in the Minneapolis area has kept many immigrants at home for fear of being arrested. Now, their neighbors are crowdsourcing to cover their rent.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
Minnesota's governor spoke out Sunday afternoon following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration enforcement agents. "What's the plan, Donald Trump? What is the plan?" Walz said. "Fear, violence and chaos is what you wanted from us, and you clearly underestimated the people of this state and nation."
A marching protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis Friday afternoon happened as a widespread work stoppage across Minnesota, as organizers called for a day of no work, no school and no shopping.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is testifying Wednesday on Capitol Hill about the ICE surge in Minnesota and other topics.
At least two dozen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees and contractors have been charged with crimes since 2020, and their documented wrongdoing includes patterns of physical and sexual abuse, corruption and other abuses of authority, a review by The Associated Press found.
The House is set to vote Wednesday on the SAVE America Act, which would implement strict new requirements for registering to vote and casting ballots.
The Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, the company said.
The latest police data shows a drop in some crime numbers in Minneapolis to start 2026. Homicides, robberies and burglaries are all down from this time last year. But there's conflict over who gets credit. Ashley Grams is here with a closer look at the stats and what's behind them.
January is typically a slow month at Frontiersman Sports, but employees at the St. Louis Park, Minnesota, gun shop said sales spiked 30% above normal for the month.
Amid ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, a local company is filling a desperate need for on-demand legal help.
Outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, demonstrators, including many students and teachers, pleaded for Gov. Tim Walz to enact an immediate eviction moratorium to help families impacted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge.
It's part of broader protests calling on the Minneapolis-based retailer to respond more directly to immigration enforcement.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
At least two dozen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees and contractors have been charged with crimes since 2020, and their documented wrongdoing includes patterns of physical and sexual abuse, corruption and other abuses of authority, a review by The Associated Press found.
"Because we have taken out thousands of criminals, their crime is down," the president said when speaking about Minnesota. "Not because of anybody else, it's because of us their crime is down."
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing on Feb. 1 and ransom notes were being investigated.
Police in Duluth, Minnesota, say they're actively searching Tuesday for the shooter who killed a man near the city's Goat Hill neighborhood.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday that he expects the ongoing Operation Metro Surge immigration enforcement actions in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota to last "days, not weeks and months."
A new web page dedicated to fact-checking claims about Medicaid fraud in Minnesota has been launched by the state's Department of Human Services, officials said Wednesday.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
Patients in Minnesota are canceling appointments and deferring critical health care needs because of fear of immigration enforcement as the federal crackdown continues, doctors say.
Children's Minnesota announced Tuesday it plans to pause some gender-affirming care for children amid "threats" from the federal government.
Nurses in Minneapolis doubted federal immigration officers' claims about a Mexican immigrant's severe injuries.
Social media users incorrectly identified a young boy who was part of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday as Liam Conejo Ramos.
Bad Bunny says he wants to bring his culture to his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show Sunday.
Renowned comedian Dave Chappelle is set to return to the Twin Cities later this month to perform and "show a stand with a community at the center of events that should unite all Americans," show organizers said Monday.
Complete closure of the performing arts center in Washington, D.C., will start on July 4, Mr. Trump said. It's not yet clear how extensive the changes to the building might be.
Music's biggest night returned Sunday with the 68th annual Grammy Awards. Here is how to watch and stream and what to know.
The 41-year-old American came out of retirement to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics and crashed seconds into her downhill race on Sunday.
A Minnesotan competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy took a moment to address the situation closer to home in his home state, calling the practices of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during Operation Metro Surge unconstitutional.
Social media users incorrectly identified a young boy who was part of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday as Liam Conejo Ramos.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid and Atlanta Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye were ejected Monday night after an altercation early in the fourth quarter of Minnesota's 138-116 win.
Anthony Edwards scored 21 of his 30 points in the first half as the Minnesota Timberwolves used a dominant second quarter to cruise to a 138-116 win against the short-handed Atlanta Hawks.
The Republican Party endorsing convention is in May, and Demuth has said that if she doesn't win the endorsement, she will drop out, but several candidates are expected to continue to the August primary.
In a crowded field, Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth had a very good caucus night; she won the straw poll by about 32%.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities, including St Paul and Minneapolis, were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
St. James is a smaller town with a main street and a railroad running though. But inside a local building, the main street and the railroad are even smaller.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
As our weather warms, love is also in the air. Valentine's Day is this Saturday, and while we know many of the traditions, Jeff Wagner wanted to get to the heart of the holiday.
The monthslong Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge in Minnesota has sparked ongoing protests, some measured tens of thousands of demonstrators, others just a few dozen.
According to the Police Executive Research Firm, 82% of police departments in the United States equip officers with body cameras. That number comes from 2023, meaning it could be even higher by now.
With the new $2,600 stipend, DHS said the cost of a single self-deportation is $5,100. That's significantly less than the cost to arrest, detain and deport an undocumented immigrant, which DHS said costs more than $18,000.
It might be hard to believe, but it's gotten warmer outside over the past few days. The temperature is creeping above zero during the day, but the wind chill remains dangerously low. So, how is wind chill calculated?
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.
The metro’s unseasonable pattern continues on Wednesday — and record warmth is possible in the coming days, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
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.
Unseasonably warm pattern continues into the weekend. Highs climb from the 30s and 40s midweek into the 40s and 50s by Friday and Saturday, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
Our unseasonable pattern continues on Wednesday, and record warmth is possible in the coming days.
Our unseasonable pattern continues on Wednesday, and record warmth is possible in the coming days.
Deputies fatally shot a man after trying to pull him over for driving recklessly in Duluth, Minnesota, Tuesday night, officials said.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is testifying Wednesday on Capitol Hill about the ICE surge in Minnesota and other topics.
The metro’s unseasonable pattern continues on Wednesday — and record warmth is possible in the coming days, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
Chef Keven Kvalsten previews the eatery's Baked Alaska Flambee.
Kitchen Pantry Scientist Liz Heinecke shares some science projects.