GOP Calls Dayton 'Out Of Touch' Following Cabinet Pay Hike
Gov. Mark Dayton was preparing to announce pay raises for his state agency commissioners as Republicans were warning exorbitant increases would become a campaign issue next year.
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Gov. Mark Dayton was preparing to announce pay raises for his state agency commissioners as Republicans were warning exorbitant increases would become a campaign issue next year.
The Legislature wrapped up its 2015 work in a flurry, with lawmakers working nearly a month late to finalize a $42 billion budget. Here's a look at some of the state's new laws, some that failed, and what may be on the horizon.
Minnesota's Legislature will be down a member starting in July. Democratic Rep. Ryan Winkler has submitted his formal resignation that is effective on July 1. The fifth-term lawmaker previously said he would step down as his family relocates to Europe for his wife's career move.
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton today signed into law the budget bills passed overnight by a Special Session of the Legislature, avoiding a partial state government shutdown.
Minnesota's path to a new state budget took another abrupt turn Friday when Democratic senators reworked a funding bill for agricultural and environmental programs instead of passing a plan negotiated between Gov. Mark Dayton and House Republicans.
Thousands of state workers will get layoff notices on Monday. It comes after another day of budget talks between Governor Mark Dayton and Speaker of the House Kurt Daudt.
Governor Mark Dayton will meet with House Speaker Kurt Daudt Tuesday to lay the groundwork for a special session. The two are trying to work things out to avoid a partial government shutdown.
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton said Wednesday he will not apologize for comments he made about Republicans after lawmakers did not pass his top priority: statewide pre-kindergarten programs. Dayton plans to veto the $17 billion education bill later this week and call a special session of the legislature to pass a new version instead.
On Tuesday, Gov. Mark Dayton sent a veto letter to House Speaker Kurt Daudt for what the governor called an "insufficient" $17 billion education budget bill.
Minnesota's Legislature finalized a two-year spending plan just before a midnight deadline struck, but they adjourned with a near-certain special session looming to solve an education budget standoff with Gov. Mark Dayton.
A midnight deadline to adopt a new two-year budget bore down Monday on the Minnesota Legislature, which could see its stay in St. Paul extended by a rift over preschool.
Minnesota's legislative leaders have promised they're making progress on a budget deal. Now they have something to show for it.
Legislative leaders say they're making slow but steady progress on hammering out a deal for the state's next budget. Top House and Senate lawmakers were expected to resume private negotiations at Gov. Mark Dayton's residence Thursday with the goal of passing a budget by Monday's deadline. The two sides have met for hours every day this week but said little about the content of those talks.
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.
Dr. Michael Osterholm and Dr. Emil Lou, faculty members with the University of Minnesota, have been recognized by TIME as two of the 100 most influential people in health in 2026.
Minnesota is in the midst of what state health officials call the nation's "largest known outbreak" of TMVII, a sexually transmitted fungal skin infection that can cause severe ringworm.
Stellantis is telling owners of the affected vehicles not to drive them until a potentially dangerous air bag is replaced. See which models are affected.
"Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues" star James Van Der Beek has died at 48 years old.
"We definitely have a little more buzz around us and more people at our games and stuff," said senior Vienna Murray. "People are taking notice thankfully which is more fun for us."
Dr. Michael Osterholm and Dr. Emil Lou, faculty members with the University of Minnesota, have been recognized by TIME as two of the 100 most influential people in health in 2026.
Minnesota is in the midst of what state health officials call the nation's "largest known outbreak" of TMVII, a sexually transmitted fungal skin infection that can cause severe ringworm.
"We definitely have a little more buzz around us and more people at our games and stuff," said senior Vienna Murray. "People are taking notice thankfully which is more fun for us."
A man was injured Wednesday morning after federal immigration agents pursued him, leading to a crash in St. Paul, authorities say.
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.
Minnesota is in the midst of what state health officials call the nation's "largest known outbreak" of TMVII, a sexually transmitted fungal skin infection that can cause severe ringworm.
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.
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.
Even as Governor Tim Walz and state leaders hint that Operation Metro Surge may be ending, many Minnesota communities say the reality on the ground looks different. On tonight’s Talking Points, Esme Murphy speaks with a leader from COPAL Minnesota, an immigrant rights group training constitutional/legal observers, documenting ICE tactics, and providing resources for detained individuals and the families left behind.
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.
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."
Dr. Michael Osterholm and Dr. Emil Lou, faculty members with the University of Minnesota, have been recognized by TIME as two of the 100 most influential people in health in 2026.
Minnesota is in the midst of what state health officials call the nation's "largest known outbreak" of TMVII, a sexually transmitted fungal skin infection that can cause severe ringworm.
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.
"Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues" star James Van Der Beek has died at 48 years old.
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.
"We definitely have a little more buzz around us and more people at our games and stuff," said senior Vienna Murray. "People are taking notice thankfully which is more fun for us."
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.
Even as Governor Tim Walz and state leaders hint that Operation Metro Surge may be ending, many Minnesota communities say the reality on the ground looks different. On tonight’s Talking Points, Esme Murphy speaks with a leader from COPAL Minnesota, an immigrant rights group training constitutional/legal observers, documenting ICE tactics, and providing resources for detained individuals and the families left behind.
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.
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.
Attorney General Pam Bondi faced heated questioning from Democrats about the Justice Department's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files at a House hearing on Wednesday, but she mostly refused to give straightforward answers, leaving many of the lawmakers frustrated.
Even as Governor Tim Walz and state leaders hint that Operation Metro Surge may be ending, many Minnesota communities say the reality on the ground looks different. On tonight’s Talking Points, Esme Murphy speaks with a leader from COPAL Minnesota, an immigrant rights group training constitutional/legal observers, documenting ICE tactics, and providing resources for detained individuals and the families left behind.
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.