Budget-Setting Session Reaches Deadline, But Show May Go On
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.
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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.
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.
The Golden Knights had taken a two-games-to-one lead in the Stanley Cup Finals, but Carolina came roaring back, winning three straight to take home their first championship since the 2005-2006 season.
Roughly a half hour southwest of downtown Minneapolis, businesses in Shakopee, Minnesota, say they're booming due to area growth.
Ryan Kreidler's RBI double off the center-field wall in the eighth inning scored Luke Keaschall and completed the Minnesota Twins' comeback in a 5-4 win against the St. Louis Cardinals.
The U.S. and Iran are expected to meet for a signing ceremony on Friday, June 19, in Switzerland, Pakistan's prime minister said.
Rio de Janeiro's Military Fire Department said one of the helicopters crashed in the parking lot of a car dealership, where several electric vehicles were parked, igniting a fire.
Roughly a half hour southwest of downtown Minneapolis, businesses in Shakopee, Minnesota, say they're booming due to area growth.
The 42-year-old woman is facing one count of second-degree manslaughter.
A year ago, Sen. John Hoffman was shot nine times, his wife, Yvette, eight and their daughter, Hope, was hurled across the room. WCCO is looking back at how the family has spent the past year after their safety was shattered.
This weekend marks one year since a stunning act of political violence shocked the state. Since then, Minnesota has seen several changes, but one of the biggest is at the Capitol in St. Paul, which used to be the most accessible in the country.
People gathered in Minneapolis to celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday, while also taking time to reflect.
Authorities in central Minnesota say alcohol and speed may have contributed to a crash that seriously injured two people Saturday night.
The driver of an SUV was killed in a head-on collision with a semi truck in central Minnesota Friday afternoon, authorities said.
A motorcyclist died when he lost control around a curve and crashed in northern Minnesota Friday evening, authorities said.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation says an exploding population of mayflies could cause serious trouble for drivers in southeast Minnesota.
Saturday and Sunday will be breezy and cool in the Twin Cities as crisp Canadian air settles in.
A man serving a life sentence in a Wisconsin prison for killing six hunters during a confrontation over trespassing in 2004 has died, officials said.
Two women were involved in a deadly head-on crash Tuesday night in Chisago City, Minnesota.
Attorneys for Salah Sarsour, president of Wisconsin's largest mosque, told a federal judge he has lost 30 pounds and is not receiving consistent medical care for Type 2 diabetes while held in an Indiana jail.
President Trump was in western Wisconsin Friday afternoon to host a roundtable on farming at Custer Farms in Chippewa Falls.
A federal judge heard arguments Wednesday on whether to throw out former Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan's felony obstruction conviction, postponing her sentencing indefinitely while he considers the matter.
On the Lake Harriet shoreline in Minneapolis Saturday evening, dozens of children picked up a fishing rod for the first time.
Hours after the announcement, community members were eager to learn more about the one challenged with leading the most scrutinized police department in the country.
Created by Freedom Reads, a nonprofit organization in Connecticut, the Inside Literary Prize is the first major U.S. book award decided exclusively by incarcerated readers.
A 23-year-old man from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, faces a criminal vehicular homicide charge after prosecutors say he hit and killed a person on a highway, then fled.
Quincy Street isn't just at the center of Art-A-Whirl, it's at the heart of the Arts District in northeast Minneapolis. The road itself, however, is falling apart. And the only thing bumpier than the exposed brick is the reaction to the city's plans to fix it.
The U.S. and Iran are expected to meet for a signing ceremony on Friday, June 19, in Switzerland, Pakistan's prime minister said.
Over the past year, many people have found ways to honor Mark and Melissa Hortmans' dog, Gilbert. He, too, was shot on June 14, 2025, and had to be put down.
Sen. Mitch McConnell was admitted to the hospital Sunday morning, a spokesperson for the Republican confirmed to CBS News.
A year later, the people who loved Mark Hortman still find themselves returning to certain moments.
Lawmakers across the political spectrum say what best defines Hortman's legacy in St. Paul is that she consistently put people above politics.
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.
The dream of a woman in Minnesota started with excitement, but quickly unraveled into loss after she said she fell victim to a scheme that targeted more than 30 Spanish speakers.
For years, it was all hands on deck; a business model buoyed by a bevy of free time that sent sales surging in a way never before seen. But as Minnesota enters lake season, outdoor sales for boats, jet skis and more have almost dropped anchor.
Jester Concepts' Monday announcement noted that Borough will mark its remaining five weeks of service through June 27 with events celebrating the restaurant's history, and it encouraged customers to reserve tables during the final weeks.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has issued a consumer advisory for four products produced by Milkjam Creamery, an ice cream shop in Minneapolis, due to "the potential presence of metal fragments," the state agency said.
The 42-year-old woman is facing one count of second-degree manslaughter.
A woman is dead and two other people are hurt after a shooting in north Minneapolis early Saturday morning, police said.
A man serving a life sentence in a Wisconsin prison for killing six hunters during a confrontation over trespassing in 2004 has died, officials said.
The suspect, Victor Mata Villarreal, was wanted for attempted murder of a police officer after shooting at law enforcement during a vehicle chase earlier this week, officials said.
Authorities allege the driver in a fatal crash in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, on Wednesday had a blood alcohol content more than three times the legal limit.
Minnesotans weathered the third air quality alert triggered by ozone of the year Monday. If two more happen, it will tie the yearly record.
HCMC in Minneapolis got what they wanted, a large financial boost from lawmakers, and now the leaders of Minnesota's busiest trauma hospital say they'll put their money where their mouths are and get to work restructuring finances.
The studio also incorporates balance and cognitive training to help clients maintain stability and coordination as they age.
Minnesota officials say they have completed a review of almost 5,600 "high-risk Medicaid providers," part of an effort to stave off the federal government's freezing of $2 billion in funding.
Minnesota state officials are feeling pressure from the federal government, working to revalidate thousands of Medicaid providers who operate in programs that are at high-risk for fraud.
Rio de Janeiro's Military Fire Department said one of the helicopters crashed in the parking lot of a car dealership, where several electric vehicles were parked, igniting a fire.
There's plenty to do in Minnesota this weekend, including some major anniversary parties, Maple Grove's ever-popular Chalkfest and much more!
Anthony Head played librarian and mentor Rupert Giles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and recently appeared in "Ted Lasso."
Everywhere you look in downtown Minneapolis, people are sporting purple in honor of Prince.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is on the cover of Madden NFL 27, the first Bear ever to grace the primary cover of the massively popular video game.
The Golden Knights had taken a two-games-to-one lead in the Stanley Cup Finals, but Carolina came roaring back, winning three straight to take home their first championship since the 2005-2006 season.
Ryan Kreidler's RBI double off the center-field wall in the eighth inning scored Luke Keaschall and completed the Minnesota Twins' comeback in a 5-4 win against the St. Louis Cardinals.
A'ja Wilson had 24 points and 10 rebounds to offset a career-high 29 points from Minnesota rookie Olivia Miles and the Las Vegas Aces beat the Lynx 100-97 on Saturday night to take the West lead in the Commissioner's Cup.
The New York Knicks captured their first NBA championship since 1973 with a 94-90 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday night.
Blaze Jordan hit his first major league homer and Iván Herrera went deep twice for the St. Louis Cardinals in a power-fueled 9-6 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
After disputes about ballots and concerns about voting totals, businessman Kendall Qualls won the endorsement.
Minnesota's endorsing conventions are over, and the story of the weekend is the upset of House Speaker Lisa Demuth in the GOP governor's race.
Minnesota's election season officially kicks off this week as both major parties hold conventions to endorse candidates for governor and U.S. Senate, with competitive battles on the Republican side and clearer paths for Democrats.
Both parties begin the endorsement process today in Rochester and Duluth, with the August primary just two months away.
Friday, the Democratic and Republican parties begin the process of endorsing nominees for statewide offices.
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.
Minneiska, Minnesota, is a small river town on Highway 61 near the Mississippi River, but at one point it was home to a castle.
The sign is 51 feet tall and 63 feet wide. And when it was built 85 years ago it was one of the largest neon signs in the entire country.
There's a place in Wabasha County, Minnesota, where people go wild for wildflowers.
Minnesotans weathered the third air quality alert triggered by ozone of the year Monday. If two more happen, it will tie the yearly record.
Milder winters mean more ticks survive to the following spring, and a southern species that can trigger a red meat allergy is now gaining ground in Minnesota as a result.
She didn't win her party's endorsement, but Republican Lisa Demuth plans to keep running for governor anyway. History shows that might actually work in her favor.
Cops are cracking down on a popular way to pedal around town.
If you're holding back on spending or worried about losing your job, you are not alone. U.S. consumer sentiment just hit an all-time low this month.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Katie Steiner says tomorrow will top out in the upper 70s before rain moves in later in the evening.
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 Adam Del Rosso says today will be cooler and windy, with gusts reaching 30 mph.
A sunny Sunday is on tap with lows in the 70s and gusty winds
Sunday will look and feel like yesterday with lots of sun, highs in the low 70s and gusty winds. NEXT Weather meteorologist Adam Del Rosso breaks down our next rain chances.
WCCO meteorologist Katie Steiner says tomorrow will top out in the upper 70s before rain moves in later in the evening.
Businesses in Shakopee say they're booming due to area growth. Frankie McLister went to the town's historic district to find out what's bringing people to town.
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games are coming right here to Minnesota next week. Amanda Brinkman, a longtime volunteer and board member with USA Games, and Tyler Sarff, an athlete competing, join Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield on WCCO Sunday Morning at 7 a.m.
A mother and her daughter join WCCO's Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield to talk about how adoption has changed their lives, and why they say their unique age gap actually works out great.
In partnership with the Reel Hope Project, we’re highlighting stories from kids who are in the foster system.