Minnesota House committee pushing to strengthen fraud laws
Minnesota lawmakers want to know why state officials can't immediately shut down child care programs if kickbacks or fraud are uncovered.
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Minnesota lawmakers want to know why state officials can't immediately shut down child care programs if kickbacks or fraud are uncovered.
With fraud investigations including Feeding our Future siphoning millions state dollars, WCCO's Esme Murphy talked to the GOP Chair of the new Minnesota House Fraud Committee Kristin Robbins.
More people are relying on food shelves than ever before — there were a record 9 million visits last year — as the high cost of living stretches family budgets thin.
More people are relying on food shelves than ever before — there were a record 9 million visits last year — as the high cost of living stretches family budgets thin.
Many miles away from Washington, the fate of the country's Consumer Financial Protection Bureau took center stage in a Minnesota Senate committee on Thursday.
Some Minnesota lawmakers say shuttering a federal watchdog agency could hurt consumers. Right now, some work at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is on pause. Caroline Cummings explains what it does and why some are concerned.
U.S. Representatives Pete Stauber (R) and Kelly Morrison (DFL) are co-authors of a bipartisan bill to study the impacts of using phones in class and provide schools with secure containers for phones.
A GOP-backed bill this session would reverse restrictions on electronic pull tabs in Minnesota.
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.
Marco Reus had a goal and an assists, João Klauss and Pablo Ruiz also scored a goal, and the LA Galaxy beat Minnesota United 3-2.
Christian Moore hit an infield single with two outs and the bases loaded that bounded off reliever Taylor Rogers' leg to score Zach Neto and give the Los Angeles Angels a 6-5, 11-inning victory over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday night.
Olivia Miles broke Caitlin Clark's WNBA record for points by a rookie in a season in the Minnesota Lynx's game against the Connecticut Sun.
One More Story was started by Harper's parents and the parents of Harper's best friend. It's a space to record and remember what happened on the morning of Aug. 27, 2025, and the days, weeks and months that followed.
Champlin Park had put up touchdowns in bunches leading up to Friday night.
One More Story was started by Harper's parents and the parents of Harper's best friend. It's a space to record and remember what happened on the morning of Aug. 27, 2025, and the days, weeks and months that followed.
A newly renovated wiffle ball field at Annunciation Catholic Church and School was unveiled Saturday and renamed Hope Field in honor of Harper Moyski and Fletcher Merkel, two children killed in last year's church shooting.
An online petition in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, has nearly 800 signatures after neighbors say a city project is threatening to remove historical trees on their street.
A brave group in Burnsville, Minnesota, battled through Saturday's brisk rain for a good cause.
Minneapolis police are asking for the public's help to find a vehicle they believe is connected to July's mass shooting outside the Reign Event Center.
The long journey from a marked common grave with other POWs in the Philippines to home soil in Minnesota came to an end for Pvt. Wallace Goodrich.
The DNR says the color shows up statewide, not just up north. Prairie parks out west, Mississippi River bluffs down south, and no overnight bag required.
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.
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.
Voting in Minnesota started Friday, with 44 days now until the Nov. 3 election. The only open Congressional seat in Minnesota is the second district, now held by DFL Rep. Angie Craig, who chose to run for Senate this year. The district south of the metro is home to major suburbs like Burnsville and part of Woodbury as well as farmland. The major candidates are the DFL nominee, former state Sen. Matt Little and current Republican state Sen. Eric Pratt. Pratt joined Esme Murphy on WCCO Sunday Morning at 10:30 a.m.
When voters go to the polls or get their early ballots, they will be asked to vote on a constitutional amendment to provide more money for Minnesota K-12 schools. If passed, the amendment would raise the contribution to schools by $33 per pupil. Leading the charge on this issue is DFL State Sen. Mary Kunesh from New Brighton.
In a Truth Social post, Mr. Trump called fears around artificial intelligence possibly becoming a superintelligence that could pose a threat to human existence a hoax.
A grieving Twin Cities mother took the stand on Friday in the trial of a man charged with the murder of his son, plus more of the day’s top stories.
President Trump said Friday that three outlets would be banned from the White House, "effective immediately."
Every grain and ingredient that comes through the door is certified gluten-free, co-owner Kasey Pate says, a dedicated facility for a community that lost its taproom when Burning Brothers closed last year.
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.
Minneapolis police are asking for the public's help to find a vehicle they believe is connected to July's mass shooting outside the Reign Event Center.
Ashley Berry told jurors her son had been staying with his father in Columbia Heights because he was struggling at school. Jordan Dupree Collins Sr., who is representing himself, asked her nothing.
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.
Every grain and ingredient that comes through the door is certified gluten-free, co-owner Kasey Pate says, a dedicated facility for a community that lost its taproom when Burning Brothers closed last year.
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.
Duncan Sheik died on Thursday night, his family said.
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.
Marco Reus had a goal and an assists, João Klauss and Pablo Ruiz also scored a goal, and the LA Galaxy beat Minnesota United 3-2.
Christian Moore hit an infield single with two outs and the bases loaded that bounded off reliever Taylor Rogers' leg to score Zach Neto and give the Los Angeles Angels a 6-5, 11-inning victory over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday night.
Olivia Miles broke Caitlin Clark's WNBA record for points by a rookie in a season in the Minnesota Lynx's game against the Connecticut Sun.
Champlin Park had put up touchdowns in bunches leading up to Friday night.
A newly renovated wiffle ball field at Annunciation Catholic Church and School was unveiled Saturday and renamed Hope Field in honor of Harper Moyski and Fletcher Merkel, two children killed in last year's church shooting.
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.
Sunday will be mostly cloudy and cool, with a little afternoon sunshine and highs in the mid-60s.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames says sunnier days are on the way after rain.
Sunday will be a little brighter and milder in the Twin Cities with highs in the upper 60s, says meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
Pesky drizzle and showers Saturday with some sun, and a little milder Sunday, says meteorologist Mace Michaels.
Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield spoke with Diego Menendez, the president of the Paisley Foundation, to talk about how the organization helps families of children with thanatophoric dysplasia
According to Feeding America, 48 million people live with the reality that they don't know if they are going to have enough to eat. But there are ways to help.
There's one condition that people often turn into a joke: OCD. In reality, it's a serious condition that's often misunderstood. So what is OCD? Erin Venker, the organizer of this year's Minnesota OCD Conference, joins Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield on WCCO Sunday Morning at 7 a.m.
Here are the latest updates and headlines from WCCO.com.
Just over a year ago, a shooting there took the lives of 10-year-old Harper Moyski and 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and left lasting scars on the school. Harper's parents shared a very special project that just launched this weekend. It's meant to help the community process and hea and honor Harper and Fletcher's light. Here's Heather Brown.