Bianca Virnig wins state representative special election
Virnig received 58% of the vote and defeated Republican Cynthia Lonnquist.
Minnesota Senate
What legal recreational marijuana will look like Minnesota
The Senate signed off on a bill to legalize cannabis for adults 21 and older starting this summer. WCCO’s Caroline Cummings explains the long road to get here and what’s next for the historic change to the state’s drug policy.
Legal cannabis bill nearing final vote
We’re hours away from getting the answer to this question: Will weed become legal in Minnesota? If lawmakers in the Senate give the bill the green light, it will head to the governor’s desk.
Paid family and medical leave bill headed to Gov. Walz's desk
The Minnesota Senate voted 34-32 for the creation of the program offering up to 20 weeks of time off for a serious medical condition or caring for a family member, including bonding with a newborn.
Race to the finish line at Minnesota Capitol
It's crunch time at the capitol. Lawmakers are trying to wrap up their work in the next four days. There's still a lot of work to do in that short amount of time.
Minnesota Senate debating public safety package that includes tougher gun laws
Friday, the Minnesota Senate is debating a big public safety package. It includes two tougher gun laws. Caroline Cummings has the latest.
Minnesota Legislature nearing end of session
Lawmakers are wrapping up key parts of the budget and other big policies still on the table.
Minnesota Senate sends bill to governor that would provide free college tuition for families making
Starting next school year, thousands of Minnesota students who qualify can attend the state’s public colleges and universities for free under a new program approved by the legislature and sent to DFL Gov. Tim Walz’s desk for signature.
Minnesota Senate passes paid family and medical leave
The Minnesota Senate voted Monday to approve a plan to entitle workers across the state to paid leave when they're sick or caring for relatives who are ill.
Talking Points: After DFL's legislative spree, some top priorities remain
On Monday, the Minnesota Senate will take up a groundbreaking family leave bill, which would set up a state insurance program that would provide 18 weeks of paid leave for family and medical needs.
Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson discusses gun violence, business in Minnesota
Sen. Mark Johnson weighs in recent moves at the Capitol.
Sen. Kari Dziedzic, back on the floor after cancer surgery, talks successful session for DFL
With the DFL in control of both the House and the Senate, many bills got passed this session. Sen. Kari Dziedzic talks about what's passed.
Mayo Clinic threatens to pull investments if changes aren't made to HHS omnibus bill
In emails obtained by WCCO, Mayo Clinic says the only path to maintaining investments is by amending two provisions in the Health and Human Services omnibus bill.
Minnesota Senate approves renaming stretch of Highway 5 to honor Prince
A stretch of highway in the city Prince called home will officially be renamed for the late Minnesota icon.
Minnesota Senate revives sports betting bill
Legal sports betting in Minnesota is still out of our league. But there's a big interest in changing that.
Minnesota Senate passes tax bill featuring $4B in cuts
The Minnesota Senate passed its tax bill on Tuesday and will now seek to iron out differences between its plan and those of the Minnesota House and Gov. Tim Walz.
Minnesota Senate expected to vote on tax bill Tuesday
Among the big issues in the bill is how much money could come back to you in the form of rebate checks.
Minnesota Legislature begins negotiations on budget, outstanding policy as end of session nears
Minnesota lawmakers began end-of-session negotiations on the roughly $72 billion proposed two-year budget and other unfinished policy priorities as the legislature enters the final three weeks before adjournment.
Minnesota Senate and House to work out differences in marijuana bill
Now that both the Minnesota House and Senate have passed their own versions of bills legalizing recreational marijuana, a committee will meet to iron out the differences.
Minnesota Senate GOP discuss pot bill ahead of Friday vote
The Minnesota Senate on Friday is expected to pass a bill that would legalize recreational cannabis. Ahead of the vote, GOP lawmakers spoke about their take on the bill.
Minnesota Senate expected to vote on recreational cannabis bill Friday
Legalizing cannabis is now at the top of the docket for the Minnesota senate.
Minnesota Senate passes bill making it even easier to vote
The DFL-led bill intends to make voting easier and more accessible and ensure fair elections.
Minnesota Senate lawmakers unveil tax bill
Lawmakers in the Minnesota Senate unveiled a proposal on Wednesday morning which would provide $4 billion in tax relief over 4 years for Minnesotans.
Minnesota Senate passes $1.5B Health and Human Services omnibus, including nursing act
The Minnesota Senate on Wednesday passed an omnibus bill that could have a big impact on your family's health.
Minnesota Senate passes $1.5B Health and Human Services omnibus, including nursing act
The Minnesota Senate on Wednesday passed an omnibus bill that could have a big impact on your family's health.
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Latest News
The U.S. states where homeowners gained — and lost — equity — in 2023
Although home prices have continued to rise across much of the U.S., homeowners in some states saw their home equity shrink.
Burglar targets Twin Cities cat cafe twice in 1 month
A cat-themed cafe in the Twin Cities says the same crook is behind two recent break-ins, and both were caught on camera.
Minneapolis students, families receive 500 free laptops
Urban League says these laptops will help families finish homework receive telehealth and connect with community resources.
VIDEO: Suspect spins out in vehicle, runs from scene after trooper pursuit in Eagan
Video shows a suspect fleeing the scene on foot after a trooper pursuit in the south metro early Friday morning.
Derrick Thompson indicted on drugs, weapons charges in crash that killed 5 young women in Minneapolis
The son of a former Minnesota state representative was indicted by a federal jury Thursday on drug- and firearm-related charges following a crash earlier this year that claimed the lives of five young women.
Twin Cities News
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Burglar targets Twin Cities cat cafe twice in 1 month
A cat-themed cafe in the Twin Cities says the same crook is behind two recent break-ins, and both were caught on camera.
Minneapolis students, families receive 500 free laptops
Urban League says these laptops will help families finish homework receive telehealth and connect with community resources.
VIDEO: Suspect spins out in vehicle, runs from scene after trooper pursuit in Eagan
Video shows a suspect fleeing the scene on foot after a trooper pursuit in the south metro early Friday morning.
Derrick Thompson indicted on drugs, weapons charges in crash that killed 5 young women in Minneapolis
The son of a former Minnesota state representative was indicted by a federal jury Thursday on drug- and firearm-related charges following a crash earlier this year that claimed the lives of five young women.
Target Field trifecta: Def Leppard, Journey and Steve Miller Band to play ballpark next year
Three staples of the classic rock genre are heading to Minneapolis next summer.
Greater Minnesota News
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Brandon Williams-Gillard found guilty in Duluth drive-by shooting that killed 1, injured another
A 25-year-old man was found guilty on Thursday for shooting a teenager and injuring another in Duluth this summer.
New Granite Falls exhibit pays tribute to the memory of Pearl Harbor
Diane and Ron Fagen opened their museum in 2012 as a way to honor Ron's father, who fought in World War II. The hangars are filled with actual planes used in the war. On Pearl Harbor Day, the Fagens unveiled their latest exhibit.
Nashke Native Games celebrates partnership bringing more of its Ojibwe language games to store shelves
Nashke Native Games, founded by local educator Tony Drews, aims to make entertaining games that are focused on teaching and preserving the Ojibwe language and culture.
Man dies at firewood processing facility in central Minnesota, say officials
A man was killed after being trapped in machinery at a firewood processing plant.
Bemidji boy, 17, charged with making threats that led district to close area schools
A 17-year-old boy in Bemidji has been charged with a felony after he allegedly made threats that prompted area schools to close earlier this week.
Wisconsin News
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Gov. Evers vetoes Wisconsin bill banning gender-affirming care for kids
The veto was expected from Evers, who has vowed to strike down any proposals from the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature that he deems harmful to LGBTQ+ youth.
Wisconsin judge reaffirms July ruling that state law permits consensual abortions
A Wisconsin judge has reaffirmed her ruling this summer that state law permits consensual medical abortions, handing abortion rights advocates a massive victory.
Wisconsin Gov. Evers signs off on $500M plan to fund repairs and upgrades at Brewers stadium
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has signed a bill that spends half-a-billion in taxpayer dollars to help the Milwaukee Brewers cover stadium repairs over the next decade.
Limp Bizkit (and Corey Feldman) coming to Somerset Amphitheater next July
Limp Bizkit — under frontman Fred Durst — burned bright and fast during the waning years of the 1990s, most notoriously urging disgruntled crowds at the 1999 edition of Woodstock to "Break Stuff."
Republican leaders of Wisconsin Legislature at odds over withholding university pay raises
The Republican head of the Wisconsin Senate says he wants to see pay raises approved for Universities of Wisconsin employees.
Community Journalism
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Minneapolis students, families receive 500 free laptops
Urban League says these laptops will help families finish homework receive telehealth and connect with community resources.
Minnesota deputy honored for fiery rescue on Interstate 94
A Washington County Deputy is being honored for life-saving heroics from the summer.
New Granite Falls exhibit pays tribute to the memory of Pearl Harbor
Diane and Ron Fagen opened their museum in 2012 as a way to honor Ron's father, who fought in World War II. The hangars are filled with actual planes used in the war. On Pearl Harbor Day, the Fagens unveiled their latest exhibit.
Santa's Senior Helpers making sure everyone's holiday is bright and tasks accomplished
The holidays are here and they can pose some challenges for people, especially our older neighbors. Santa's Senior Helpers is an agency making life easier and less lonely for seniors.
MACV reaches out directly to homeless veterans at metro warming houses
In the corner of the room, James McCloden, Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans outreach coordinator knows coming here he has a good chance of talking to and helping a veteran.
Politics
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Politics
Hunter Biden faces new federal charges
Late Thursday, prosecutors formally charged President Joe Biden's son with evading federal taxes.
Who's running for president in 2024? Meet the candidates
Twelve Republicans announced their candidacies for president, though some dropped out as the campaign progressed. And President Biden announced in April that he'd run for reelection.
The House has censured Rep. Jamaal Bowman. What does a censure mean?
Two House Democrats have faced censure votes this fall.
Some St. Paul residents will see medical debt relief
People living in St. Paul with medical debt will see some relief in the new year thanks to the budget passed Wednesday.
Gov. Walz “deeply disappointed” one-time rebate checks will be taxed federally
Millions of Minnesotans got state-issued checks or direct deposits this year. But it turns out they may owe money come tax time.
Consumer News
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How to make your Christmas tree last the whole holiday season
How can you make your Christmas tree last the whole holiday season? Some experts weigh in.
St. Paul to use $1 million in federal funds to help residents with medical debt
People living in St. Paul with medical debt will see some relief in the new year thanks to the budget passed Wednesday.
Tipping etiquette: Your questions answered
When, who and how much to tip is becoming more of a question in consumers' minds.
Minnesota's one-time tax rebate will be federally taxed, Gov. Walz says he's "deeply disappointed"
More than 2 million Minnesotans received anywhere from $260 to $1,300 in tax rebate payments, as part of the $3 billion One Minnesota budget, signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz in May.
Metro Transit to enforce fare payment, issue $35 citations starting Monday
Starting Monday, Metro Transit will start issuing citations and fining people who have not paid their fare.
Crime News
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Burglar targets Twin Cities cat cafe twice in 1 month
A cat-themed cafe in the Twin Cities says the same crook is behind two recent break-ins, and both were caught on camera.
VIDEO: Suspect spins out in vehicle, runs from scene after trooper pursuit in Eagan
Video shows a suspect fleeing the scene on foot after a trooper pursuit in the south metro early Friday morning.
Derrick Thompson indicted on drugs, weapons charges in crash that killed 5 young women in Minneapolis
The son of a former Minnesota state representative was indicted by a federal jury Thursday on drug- and firearm-related charges following a crash earlier this year that claimed the lives of five young women.
Brandon Williams-Gillard found guilty in Duluth drive-by shooting that killed 1, injured another
A 25-year-old man was found guilty on Thursday for shooting a teenager and injuring another in Duluth this summer.
Girl, 17, seriously hurt in north Minneapolis shooting
A 17-year-old girl is fighting for her life after she was shot Thursday afternoon in north Minneapolis.
Health News
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FDA approves gene-editing treatment for sickle cell disease
Sickle cell disease affects approximately 100,000 people in the U.S., predominantly people of color.
St. Paul to use $1 million in federal funds to help residents with medical debt
People living in St. Paul with medical debt will see some relief in the new year thanks to the budget passed Wednesday.
Wildfire smoke reversing air quality improvements, researchers say
Wildfires in the U.S. have caused a decline in air quality and an increase in deaths in parts of the U.S. – even though air quality had been improving, researchers say.
Gov. Evers vetoes Wisconsin bill banning gender-affirming care for kids
The veto was expected from Evers, who has vowed to strike down any proposals from the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature that he deems harmful to LGBTQ+ youth.
Wisconsin judge reaffirms July ruling that state law permits consensual abortions
A Wisconsin judge has reaffirmed her ruling this summer that state law permits consensual medical abortions, handing abortion rights advocates a massive victory.
Entertainment News
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Target Field trifecta: Def Leppard, Journey and Steve Miller Band to play ballpark next year
Three staples of the classic rock genre are heading to Minneapolis next summer.
Daddy Yankee says he's retiring from music to focus on his faith
Daddy Yankee, the iconic reggaeton superstar, announced his plans to focus on his faith during his final musical performance Sunday in Puerto Rico.
Norman Lear, legendary TV producer, dies at age 101
Norman Lear created groundbreaking shows like "All in the Family," "Maude" and "The Jeffersons" that took on serious social issues with humor.
Taylor Swift is TIME's 2023 Person of the Year
"This is the proudest and happiest I've ever felt," Taylor Swift told TIME after being named the magazine's Person of the Year for 2023.
Limp Bizkit (and Corey Feldman) coming to Somerset Amphitheater next July
Limp Bizkit — under frontman Fred Durst — burned bright and fast during the waning years of the 1990s, most notoriously urging disgruntled crowds at the 1999 edition of Woodstock to "Break Stuff."
Sports News
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Target Field trifecta: Def Leppard, Journey and Steve Miller Band to play ballpark next year
Three staples of the classic rock genre are heading to Minneapolis next summer.
The hype is real: Timberwolves fans excited as team leads NBA
Timberwolves clinch best record in the NBA thanks to their latest five-game winning streak.
Minnesota overcomes loss of leading scorer Garcia, rallies to beat Nebraska 76-65
Elijah Hawkins scored 12 points with 11 assists and Minnesota overcame a 15-point halftime deficit and the loss of leading scorer Dawson Garcia to beat Nebraska 76-65.
Gobert has 16 points and 21 rebounds, helps Timberwolves beat Wembanyama, Spurs 102-94
Rudy Gobert had 16 points and 21 rebounds and the NBA-leading Minnesota Timberwolves held on to beat San Antonio 102-94 on Wednesday night for their fifth straight victory and the Spurs' 15th loss in a row.
Minnesota Vikings will give QB Joshua Dobbs another start vs. Las Vegas Raiders
The Minnesota Vikings have announced who will be starting at quarterback for Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Talking Points
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Talking Points: Climate change is altering what farming zone Minnesota falls into
Minnesota's warming winters are impacting what you can grow. That change is reflected in the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2023 plant hardiness zone map. Compared to 2012, there has been a significant change for much of Minnesota.
Minnesota’s agricultural zones are changing with climate
For years, the Twin Cities and the area surrounding it was in growing zone 4. Now new maps from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows us in Zone 5A.
Talking Points: Climate change is altering what farming zone Minnesota falls into (part 3)
Minnesota's warming winters are impacting what you can grow. That change is reflected in the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2023 plant hardiness zone map. The impact is enormous on the state's $21 billion farm economy. Soybeans have now eclipsed corn, wheat and alfalfa as Minnesota's number one cash crop. Click here to see the full story.
Talking Points: Climate change is altering what farming zone Minnesota falls into (part 2)
Minnesota's warming winters are impacting what you can grow. That change is reflected in the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2023 plant hardiness zone map. Compared to 2012, there has been a significant change for much of Minnesota. But what does this mean for you? According to Julie Weisenhorn, an extension educator of horticulture at the University of Minnesota, this hardiness change opens the possibilities for metro gardeners. Click here to see the full story.
Talking Points: Climate change is altering what farming zone Minnesota falls into (part 1)
Minnesota's warming winters are impacting what you can grow. That change is reflected in the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2023 plant hardiness zone map. Compared to 2012, there has been a significant change for much of Minnesota. WCCO's Director of Meteorology and NEXT Weather Meteorologist Mike Augustyniak said these changes are happening faster in Northern areas like ours. Click here for the full story.
Finding Minnesota
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Montevideo company makes custom-made fish houses fit for royalty
A Montevideo company's fish houses have become a popular sight in the "Land of 10,000 frozen lakes."
This Nordic drive-thru in western Minnesota is a popular spot for lefse
We've all been through the coffee and fast-food drive-thrus, but they have nothing on this Evansville business. In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen takes us to a drive-through that's as Nordic as it gets.
"The Mary Tyler Moore Show" continues to leave its mark on Minneapolis half a century later
In this week's Finding Minnesota, John Lauritsen shows us how an iconic show from the 70s put Minneapolis on the map, and why this year marks a special anniversary in the show's history.
Finding Minnesota: For 4 decades, Dennis Foy has painted commemorative Vikings game footballs
For nearly 40 years, Dennis Foy has been on the receiving end of footballs from the Vikings. They send him dozens each season along with emails about whose name they want on the game ball, and what they want it to say.
Jasper man's old-school windmill collection draws visitors from across the country
In 1999, Terry Rodman built a windmill for his wife, from scratch. Then, to balance things out, he put up a farm windmill — and people around Jasper, took notice.
Good Question
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How to make your Christmas tree last the whole holiday season
How can you make your Christmas tree last the whole holiday season? Some experts weigh in.
Why do stores keep extending their holiday sales? Good question.
Some shoppers enjoy taking advantage of the extended sales, while others say it's just holiday noise.
What does the appendix do and why are we fine without it?
Stephen Colbert is away from late-night TV following emergency surgery last week — the comedian's appendix burst. That made us wonder: What does the appendix do for our body? And why are we fine without it? Good Question. Jeff Wagner explains the mystery behind the tiny organ.
Is a dessert bar a cookie?
Heather Brown confers with some culinary experts to find the definitive answer!
Could November's minimal snow total impact December's output? Good Question.
The fluffy four-tenths of an inch that fell last Saturday kept the Twin Cities from notching a record of a snowless November.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2023
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Northern Lights in Minnesota: Dec. 1, 2023
For two nights in a row, the northern lights danced overhead in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, and WCCO viewers sent in their best photos.
Northern Lights over Minnesota and Wisconsin: Nov. 30, 2023
Some WCCO viewers shared marvelous photos of Thursday night's northern lights.
Items sold at "The Fashion of Prince" auction
Here's a look at some of the hot items on auction at "The Fashion of Prince."
Minnesota state flag and seal submissions: The good, the bad, and the loony
Minnesota leaders tasked the state's residents with helping to reimagine the state's flag and emblem. The citizenry has delivered, with designs running the gamut of reverent to just plain ridiculous.
Weather
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Weather
NEXT Weather: 12 p.m. forecast from Dec. 8, 2023
Snow showers move into northwestern Minnesota this evening. A second storm Saturday morning will pass to our south. Snow amounts will be minimal (coating-1"), but could make roads icy. Snow wraps up for all by Saturday night
What is Next Weather?
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.
NEXT Weather: 9 a.m. forecast from Dec. 8, 2023
Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says enjoy Friday's warmth, because a wintry feel returns this weekend.
NEXT Weather: 6:30 a.m. forecast from Dec. 8, 2023
Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says we may break a 33-year-old record for warmth Friday.
Mild for one more day, wintry weekend ahead
We're challenging highs for one more day Friday, with highs back near 50 — which would tie the record set in 1990.
Latest Videos
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Latest Videos
Traffic cams show suspect fleeing on foot after Eagan trooper pursuit
Traffic cameras from the Minnesota Department of Transportation show a suspect fleeing the scene on foot after an overnight trooper pursuit in the south metro.
NEXT Weather: 12 p.m. forecast from Dec. 8, 2023
Snow showers move into northwestern Minnesota this evening. A second storm Saturday morning will pass to our south. Snow amounts will be minimal (coating-1"), but could make roads icy. Snow wraps up for all by Saturday night
Rebecca Kolls has last minute appetizer ideas
She shares a recipe that you'll only need a few ingredients but will dazzle your holiday guests.
Nationwide outbreak of salmonella linked to cantaloupe leads to more hospitalizations, deaths
There have been over 100 new cases of and about 30 new hospitalizations across the country because of the outbreak. Minnesota has now had a total of 20 cases and 2 deaths. That’s the most cases in the country. Wisconsin has had the second highest cases with 18. The CDC says you should not eat any pre-cut cantaloupe- and if you eat the fruit at all you should wash it thoroughly.
Minneapolis students, families receive 500 laptops
The refurbished laptops were given to families and students served by the Urban League Twin Cities and the Northside Achievement Zone.