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Minnesota budget negotiations entered a holding pattern Tuesday, with each side urging the other to take the first step to bridge an enormous divide over tax cuts and transportation funding that has narrowed little through days of private meetings.
Minnesota's legislative session is moving into its final, frantic week with the full outline of a new state budget still a blur but some potential elements of an agreement coming into focus. The few people in on private negotiations are saying almost nothing, but the Capitol has turned into its usual hothouse of rumors and compromise scenarios.
Some smaller measures in tax plans on the table in Minnesota's budget discussion aim to make a big impact on public health and child safety. They won't get the attention of business property tax breaks or across-the-board income exemptions causing clashes, but the measures stand a decent chance of happening.
Pieces of Minnesota's $40-billion budget are starting to move. The work starts first in the Senate Monday with bills that fund state agencies and Minnesota's public universities and colleges.
A handful of gun bills are ready for a final vote. The Minnesota House was expected to take up bills Thursday that would legalize gun silencers and remove a requirement that gun permit owners notify state officials before bringing a firearm onto Capitol grounds. Other measures were also set for a vote.
Twin Cities light-rail transit officials today defended themselves at the State Capitol against what some lawmakers say is an "epidemic" of fare jumpers.
The Legislature has reached its spring break before grinding its way to the May 18 mandatory adjournment. Once lawmakers return in early April they'll concentrate on shaping a new two-year budget, but there's much more hanging in the balance. Here's a look at where many issues stand.
Minnesota's top Republican leaders proposed Tuesday a budget that includes $2 billion in tax cuts.
Minnesota House and Senate Republicans are ready to release a transportation plan they'll push as an alternative to a hefty proposal offered by Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton.
It's time to talk about the minimum wage again. The Republican-controlled House was expected to take up a bill Monday afternoon that would allow employers to pay tipped staff $8 hourly if tips bring their pay above $12 an hour.
The Department of Natural Resources is asking the Minnesota Legislature to raise entrance fees at state parks so it can maintain services at existing levels. Gov. Mark Dayton's budget proposes to bump the current $5 daily vehicle fee by $1 to $6, and the current 12-month $25 vehicle fee by $5 to $30.
A bill that would allow silencers on guns is gaining support at the State Capitol. Currently, the devices are banned in Minnesota, but the House Public Safety and Crime Prevention Committee passed a measure legalizing them.
The prospect of legalizing silencers and removing disclosure to bring a firearm onto state Capitol grounds is heating up gun debate in Minnesota again. Gun rights advocates and gun control backers packed into a hearing room Thursday to testify on measures to expand firearm laws.
Gov. Mark Dayton says majority House Republicans are getting a "free ride" when it comes to the state's budget planning. Speaker Kurt Daudt says the House GOP will devote at least half of the state's $1.8 billion surplus to tax relief while also boosting spending for education and nursing homes. Other Republicans have called to return the entire surplus to taxpayers.
Call it Gun Day at the Minnesota Legislature. A House panel is planning to discuss a handful of firearm-related proposals Thursday.
Minnesota legislators want to set up an online service to link young businesses with capital. MNvest would work like the crowdfunding website Kickstarter. But instead of getting a CD or T-shirt for donating to a project, investors would own a piece of the company they support.
Minnesota's bank account is projected to run up a $1.87 billion surplus over the next two years, which will drive calls for new spending, tax cuts or most likely a mix. The Department of Minnesota Management and Budget provided the figure Friday in an updated economic forecast that shows stronger-than-expected growth projections, rising worker wages and surging consumer confidence.
The budget-setting preseason at Minnesota's Capitol is about to give way to the session's full-blown debate, helped along by an economic forecast that guides tax-and-spending parameters. Friday's release of the comprehensive report will determine whether Gov. Mark Dayton and the Legislature still have a projected $1 billion surplus at their disposal — or if it's gone up or down since the last look in December.
Behind a bill to add a scant three lines to Minnesota's hunting laws is a story of an aging man. George Krog served in the military, first in Cuba and then in the Philippines. He made a career out of working with steel, retired, paid his taxes and bought a deer hunting license every year. Now 84, Krog is afraid he won't get a shot at a buck again.
As lawmakers are trying to make changes to the state's lottery, Gov. Mark Dayton is celebrating it. At a news conference Friday morning, the Governor said the lottery has generated $2.4 billion for public projects since its inception 25 years ago.
A Minnesota state senator resigned Friday from an outside job leading a municipal association that lobbies at the Capitol, despite a ruling from ethics regulators that it wouldn't constitute a conflict of interest.
New campaign reports are about to shed more light on the price of political power. Reports being made public Tuesday contain details on financial activity for candidates, parties and political groups involved in last year's campaigns for Minnesota offices.
Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk is cranking up the pressure to pass a major transportation package this year. The Cook Democrat said Thursday he thinks the Legislature will punt until at least 2017 if lawmakers fail this session to pass new funding for roads and bridges.
Gov. Mark Dayton is holding up his focus on education in his new budget as an investment in Minnesota's future. Schools and early learning programs make out well in the Dayton plan announced Tuesday.
The short week at the Minnesota Legislature means less time to complete work on some time-sensitive matters. Legislators were returning to St. Paul on Tuesday. By week's end, they hope to send Gov. Mark Dayton a bill containing about $20 million in tax deductions and credits.
J.J. McCarthy ran for a touchdown before leaving with an injury to his throwing hand, but backup Max Brosmer helped the Vikings top the Giants 16-13 on Sunday.
J.J. McCarthy was knocked out of the Minnesota Vikings' game against the New York Giants on Sunday with an injury to his throwing hand. The team said he would not return.
Educators in Minnesota's largest school district have voted to authorize a strike, though the union representing them said they still hope to avoid one.
A federal agent was hit by a vehicle in St. Paul, Minnesota, Sunday morning and subsequently fired their weapon, according to police.
Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch was tossed early in Friday's win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, and he now faces a fine for his conduct.
Educators in Minnesota's largest school district have voted to authorize a strike, though the union representing them said they still hope to avoid one.
A federal agent was hit by a vehicle in St. Paul, Minnesota, Sunday morning and subsequently fired their weapon, according to police.
Two men have been convicted of murdering a man in north Minneapolis in 2023, and both are expected to spend life in prison.
Twin Cities shoppers were out and about on Super Saturday, the second-busiest shopping day of the year. The day lands on the final Saturday before Christmas annually.
Thousands of people braved the bitter cold Saturday morning, marching more than a mile along Minneapolis' Lake Street corridor in a massive, coordinated anti-immigration enforcement protest.
A 19-year-old man is dead and four people are in custody in a shooting overnight Saturday in northwestern Minnesota.
President Trump voiced support for Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Mike Lindell, founder and CEO of MyPillow, at a rally Friday in North Carolina.
David Hann, the ex-chair of the state's Republican Party and former minority leader in the Minnesota Senate, is joining the race for Democrat Tina Smith's U.S. Senate seat.
A retired Twin Cities police officer was killed while helping a driver stuck on an icy road early Monday morning.
Roughly a dozen schools in the state had announced they were either closed or delayed for Friday classes, following Thursday's snow and Friday's bitter cold.
The U.S. Justice Department has sued three states, including Illinois and Wisconsin, and D.C. for not turning over requested voter information to the Trump administration.
Defenders of a Wisconsin judge found guilty of felony obstruction for helping a Mexican immigrant evade federal officers are raising alarms about judicial independence and say they hope the conviction will be overturned on appeal.
The Minnesota Attorney General's Office says Menards, the Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer, has reached a $4.25 million settlement with several states to "resolve claims" of deceptive marketing practices in its popular "11% Rebate Program," and pandemic-era price gouging.
A Wisconsin woman who almost killed her sixth-grade classmate to please horror villain Slender Man and then fled a group home won't fight the state's attempt to revoke her release privileges.
Defense attorneys and prosecutors are starting to select the jurors who will decide whether a Wisconsin judge accused of helping a Mexican immigrant dodge federal officers broke the law.
Many people who serve in the U.S. military find it hard to ask for assistance when they've been trained to help and serve others.
Food Bank Eatery in North Minneapolis provides free meals for children, who may have little to eat after the pause of SNAP benefits for many in the community.
Firefighters are continuing a 44-year tradition that happens every year north of the Twin Cities.
It was a scary moment in the Twin Cities over the weekend, as a trailer hauling sled dogs turned over on Interstate 494 in Minnetonka.
On Sunday, members of Minnesota's Somali community spoke out against President Trump's social media post calling for an end to temporary protected status.
Thousands of people braved the bitter cold Saturday morning, marching more than a mile along Minneapolis' Lake Street corridor in a massive, coordinated anti-immigration enforcement protest.
Thousands took to the streets of Minneapolis on Saturday in protest of federal immigration enforcement. This comes as the Department of Homeland Security's Operation Metro Surge prepares to enter its third week.
President Trump voiced support for Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Mike Lindell, founder and CEO of MyPillow, at a rally Friday in North Carolina.
Three people are in the hospital after an individual shot at a Metro Transit bus in north Minneapolis Friday, plus more of the day’s top stories.
Federal prosecutors said the total fraud in Minnesota's Medicaid programs could be as much as $9 billion, but DFL Gov. Tim Walz and other state officials disputed that the amount of taxpayer money stolen is that high.
Twin Cities shoppers were out and about on Super Saturday, the second-busiest shopping day of the year. The day lands on the final Saturday before Christmas annually.
Buy now, pay later plans are becoming more popular for shoppers this holiday season.
The Minnesota Attorney General's Office says Menards, the Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer, has reached a $4.25 million settlement with several states to "resolve claims" of deceptive marketing practices in its popular "11% Rebate Program," and pandemic-era price gouging.
The holidays are upon us, and in the town of Kellogg, Minnesota, you'll find a toy store unlike any other.
When we do winter weather stories, there's always that one line people use: cold, snow, ice — it's just what happens here. And this week, Ticket King president Michael Nowakowski said that same idea kind of applies to Minnesota Vikings ticket prices.
A federal agent was hit by a vehicle in St. Paul, Minnesota, Sunday morning and subsequently fired their weapon, according to police.
Two men have been convicted of murdering a man in north Minneapolis in 2023, and both are expected to spend life in prison.
Thousands of people braved the bitter cold Saturday morning, marching more than a mile along Minneapolis' Lake Street corridor in a massive, coordinated anti-immigration enforcement protest.
The Minnesota State Patrol said a suspected impaired driver struck a trooper's empty squad car late Friday night on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis.
A 19-year-old man is dead and four people are in custody in a shooting overnight Saturday in northwestern Minnesota.
The Minnesota Athletic Trainers Association says of the middle and high schools they know of, only 49% have an athletic trainer providing some level of service.
From 2021 to 2025, Smart Therapy Center submitted claims totaling $31.8 million across all Minnesota Department of Human Services programs, according to that data. But the provider was only approved for a fraction of those payments.
The family of a Minnesota Vikings player who died at training camp from heat exhaustion in 2001 is still fighting to protect others.
A Twin Cities metro area school shifted to e-learning after a flu outbreak impacted nearly a quarter of its students. A senior epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health said flu season is "definitely picking up."
Officials at the Ramsey-Washington Recycling and Energy Center in Newport, Minnesota, say local hospitals are sending over dangerous waste and putting the facility's workers at risk.
The special features interviews with Kathy Bates, Annette Bening, Albert Brooks, Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Jerry O'Connell and Mandy Patinkin.
The Oscars ceremony is moving to YouTube starting in 2029, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Wednesday.
The nearly 100-year-old cinema will close briefly after New Year's Day and reopen on Jan. 9 with a showing of Jim Jarmusch's "Father Mother Sister Brother."
The story of "The Wizard of Oz " is 125 years old, yet still reinventing itself in all kinds of forms.
When the Minnesota Vikings host the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day, fans may want to have their gin and juice handy come halftime.
J.J. McCarthy ran for a touchdown before leaving with an injury to his throwing hand, but backup Max Brosmer helped the Vikings top the Giants 16-13 on Sunday.
J.J. McCarthy was knocked out of the Minnesota Vikings' game against the New York Giants on Sunday with an injury to his throwing hand. The team said he would not return.
Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch was tossed early in Friday's win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, and he now faces a fine for his conduct.
The Minnesota Vikings had some travel trouble getting to the New York area for their game at the Giants.
Matt Boldy scored twice, Filip Gustavsson made 28 saves and the Minnesota Wild beat the Edmonton Oilers 5-2 on Saturday for their seventh straight victory.
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is calling for answers about the immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities. She is also denouncing the president's attacks on the Somali community and herself. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy shows us how, for Omar, this is a familiar position to be in.
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is calling for clarity about the immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities.
Fear and uncertainty continue in Minnesota's Somali communities as ICE continues its intensified focus on the Twin Cities.
Opposition to ICE actions is widespread among Democratic elected officials throughout the state, though nowhere more than in Minneapolis, home to the state's largest Somali population.
Minnesotans who welcomed a child this year were able to start applying this week to the state's new paid family and medical leave program to take time off in 2026.
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.
The story begins years ago when the city acquired one of the T-38 Talon Thunderbird jets from the Air Force.
The holidays are upon us, and in the town of Kellogg, Minnesota, you'll find a toy store unlike any other.
With the holidays fast approaching, and lutefisk on the menu for many families, one Minnesota town has the distinction of being called the "Lutefisk Capital of the Country."
How would you like to own a former Cold War missile site? In Dakota County, Minnesota, there's a one-of-a-kind property that could be yours for the right price.
The story of "The Wizard of Oz " is 125 years old, yet still reinventing itself in all kinds of forms.
It's the time of year when we accumulate the most stuff. When we do, people often throw around the word "hoarding." But it turns out it's a frequently misunderstood term.
Why do we have oily or dry skin? A dermatologist explains the root cause and how it can change over time.
It is the food that is top of mind right now, but did you know more turkeys come from Minnesota than anywhere else in the country?
Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnehaha, Minnetonka, Minnewaska, Minneota. Those are just some of the place names in "the Land of 10,000 Lakes" featuring "minne" as the first five letters.
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.
Sunday will be nice and sunny, with much lighter winds and temperatures around average.
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.
Sunday will be nice and sunny, with much lighter winds and temperatures around average.
There are some chances for light snow Sunday evening into Monday morning, but a warming trend will lead to a lot of Christmas Week snow melt, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Katie Steiner.
It will be a chilly Saturday night in the Twin Cities, but a warming trend will lead to a lot of Christmas Week snow melt, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Lisa Meadows.
Saturday marked the second-busiest shopping day of the year.
Dr. Lalitha Belur offers some insight on meditation and how to practice it.
Sunday will be nice and sunny, with much lighter winds and temperatures around average.
Rev. Jessica Pachett of Westminster Presbyterian Church talks about how to stay hopeful in a hard world.
Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas, reflects on the tragedy.