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Minnesota's now-scattered 67 state senators are planning their move into offices under one roof for the first time anyone can recall. As the new, $90 million Senate Office Building nears completion, an office draft is underway.
A third Republican state senator plans to step down next year. Sen. Branden Petersen announced Monday he won't run for a second term in 2016. The Andover Republican served one term in the House before being elected to the Senate in 2012.
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.
The Minnesota Senate has rejected a bill to fund environmental and agricultural programs that's key to a successful wrapup to the legislative session.
The Minnesota House passed the education finance bill early Monday morning. Just before 4:30 a.m. the House passed the bill 71 to 59.
The Minnesota Lottery's experiment with paperless, instant-play tickets sold over the Internet and other platforms will come to an end because Gov. Mark Dayton decided Thursday against vetoing legislation suspending the games.
Soon, Minnesota drivers can show proof of insurance with a smartphone. Both the Minnesota House and Minnesota Senate unanimously approved the new law. Now, it goes to the governor for his signature.
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.
Gov. Mark Dayton's cabinet is officially on the job. The DFL-led Minnesota Senate confirmed seven state agency heads Tuesday. Candidates on the slate oversee pollution control, veterans affairs and other areas.
Minnesota's Senate has adopted a tax plan that could put a dent in property taxes for homeowners, farmers and businesses — except for railroad companies.
In a pair of votes Monday, the Senate rejected attempts to bar use of public dollars toward football's premier event and to repeal a sales tax exemption on Super Bowl tickets.
Minnesota lawmakers are hoping to send more help to turkey farmers and the state as they fight a deadly bird flu outbreak.
Schools and families are joining Minnesota's governor to say House and Senate education budget proposals are too small. Both the GOP-led House and DFL-controlled Senate would increase education spending.
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.
A longtime staff member of the Minnesota Senate was killed after being struck by a Green Line light rail train on her way to work Thursday morning. Lynne Thomas had been a legislative assistant in the Senate for 28 years. She was crossing University Avenue on the light rail tracks when she was hit and killed by a train around 7:30 a.m.
Senate Republicans are putting pressure on one of Gov. Mark Dayton's commissioners. Mike Rothman has served as commissioner of the Department of Commerce since 2011.
State lawmakers will soon draw the final line in Minnesota's education funding debate.
Minnesota state senators have found some new digs in downtown St. Paul. Senate Democrats and staffers will move into a temporary office space in the UBS Tower in late May as construction consumes the Capitol. They'll stay there until a new senate office building opens early next year.
Proponents of scrapping the state's long-standing ban on Sunday liquor sales have one more shot this year. The House was set to take up a bill Tuesday afternoon that makes more limited changes to the ban. It would allow craft brewers to sell 64-ounce growlers of beer on Sundays and let bars sell booze at 8 a.m. on Sunday.
State officials say the cost for responding to a deadly bird flu outbreak has risen to roughly $6 million. The scope of the outbreak has nearly doubled in the last week alone. Nearly 50 Minnesota turkey farms had been hit as of Friday, costing farmers almost 3 million birds.
Minnesota's Democratic majority senators are bidding far lower than in-charge House Republicans when it comes to tax cuts.
An attempt to dismantle the Minnesota health insurance exchange failed to get enough votes at the State Capitol Friday. The Democratic-led Minnesota Senate defeated the attempt by Republicans to get rid of MNsure via a budget bill.
Minnesota senators have turned back a measure that would have led to twice yearly inspections and $10,200 licensing fees for clinics that provide 10 or more abortions per month. Friday's 32-29 vote establishes a chamber position as senators head into budget negotiations with the Republican-led House.
The Minnesota House and Senate went their separate ways Wednesday with expansive bills covering economic development, energy regulation and broadband Internet access programs, offering a glimpse of the gulf they'll have to bridge on those items and the broader budget over the final weeks of the session.
Senate lawmakers are leaving no room for debate: There should be no state money for a new professional soccer stadium. Minnesota's Senate overwhelmingly voted Monday to ban any state funds from being used to build a Major League Soccer Stadium.
On Wednesday, Minnesota Wild and Frost in-game host Kirsten Krull returned to Grand Casino Arena for the first time, since the death of a friend, who may as well have been family.
Two popular Minneapolis bike trails — Kenilworth and North Cedar Lake — have reopened after being closed for seven years due to construction tied to the Metro Green Line Extension project, marking a major milestone for cyclists and commuters in the region.
Small businesses across the metro say they're still feeling the fallout from Operation Metro Surge. Many are struggling to stay open and are barely holding on.
As of late, the warmth is winning out, but Minnesotans know all too well that winter can often make a quick encore.
Mackenzie Reed, head custodian at Shakopee East Middle School, has painted large-scale murals throughout the building she once attended as a student, creating a more welcoming space for current students.
On Wednesday, Minnesota Wild and Frost in-game host Kirsten Krull returned to Grand Casino Arena for the first time, since the death of a friend, who may as well have been family.
Two popular Minneapolis bike trails — Kenilworth and North Cedar Lake — have reopened after being closed for seven years due to construction tied to the Metro Green Line Extension project, marking a major milestone for cyclists and commuters in the region.
Small businesses across the metro say they're still feeling the fallout from Operation Metro Surge. Many are struggling to stay open and are barely holding on.
Mackenzie Reed, head custodian at Shakopee East Middle School, has painted large-scale murals throughout the building she once attended as a student, creating a more welcoming space for current students.
The mother of the man who orchestrated the 2022 killing of 23-year-old Zaria McKeever in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, pleaded guilty on Wednesday.
A 45-year-old St. Paul man was convicted Wednesday of killing a man during an Isanti County, Minnesota, robbery that went wrong in December 2023.
Charges say law enforcement was called to St. Cloud State University after a student informed campus public safety that another student made threats to "shoot up a fraternity."
A 33-year-old man accused of shooting a woman in the chest last year pleaded guilty on Friday.
Officials in northern Minnesota say an eroding cemetery along Lake Superior is leaving human remains exposed near a major tourist destination.
Deron Russell has long been a problem for opposing teams. The Waseca, Minnesota, star broke his own school record in the section semifinal game with a 51-point performance.
Wisconsin lawmakers are taking a shot at expanding sports betting in the state.
A Wisconsin legislator has pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct in connection with a bitter feud with her caucus over resolutions honoring Hispanics.
As the war in Iran evolves, National Guardsmen from Wisconsin are being recognized for what they are doing in the Middle East.
It's the season for booking those spring break getaways, and if you're looking to skip the airport this year, take a page out of the Condé Nast Traveler.
A judge has sentenced a Wisconsin man who forged threats against President Donald Trump as part of a deportation scheme to 16½ years in prison.
Mackenzie Reed, head custodian at Shakopee East Middle School, has painted large-scale murals throughout the building she once attended as a student, creating a more welcoming space for current students.
Kristi comes to the Salvation Army not only to get food, but to shine her light. She talks with and encourages people waiting in line.
The way Mary Hernandez describes it, the effort to keep families off the street in Shakopee, Minnesota, is like trying to keep your head above water.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections says 95% of all incarcerated individuals will eventually be released from prison. The DOC says it does all it can to help people transition back into the community as productive citizens.
Minnesota has formally submitted a bid to host the NFL draft in 2028, organizers announced Wednesday.
History was made Wednesday at the Minnesota Capitol, where a new rule means children are now allowed on the Senate floor.
Minnesota lawmakers and grocery store workers are joining forces to push for legislation to tackle surveillance pricing.
The lawsuit challenges a recent Trump administration policy that is suddenly fast-tracking asylum cases for Somali immigrants.
Legal service providers are challenging what they call a discriminatory fast-tracking policy targeting Somali immigrants.
Minnesota lawmakers and grocery store workers are joining forces to push for legislation to tackle surveillance pricing.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says more than 3,200 officers with the Transportation Safety Administration missed work on Monday. More than 450 have quit altogether since the government shutdown began.
Minnesota's recent swing from heavy snow to record heat is a recipe for rocky roads.
If you have a newer car, you may be in for some sticker shock when you renew your Minnesota license tabs. That's because the formula for calculating license tab fees has changed because of a 2023 bill.
Gas prices have been rising in the weeks since the Iran war started and WCCO has been tracking them since President Trump took office again last year.
A 45-year-old St. Paul man was convicted Wednesday of killing a man during an Isanti County, Minnesota, robbery that went wrong in December 2023.
The mother of the man who orchestrated the 2022 killing of 23-year-old Zaria McKeever in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, pleaded guilty on Wednesday.
Charges say law enforcement was called to St. Cloud State University after a student informed campus public safety that another student made threats to "shoot up a fraternity."
Proposed legislation to make grooming in schools a crime has passed another hurdle in the Minnesota House Tuesday.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has released evidence in connection to the deadly shooting of three Burnsville first responders in 2024, including footage from 12 different body cameras and thousands of photos.
The produce section at grocery stores is packed with nutrient-dense foods. Certain fruits and vegetables, in particular, are packed with fiber, and a new diet trend has people "maxxing" out on it.
Deputy Fire Marshal Shawn Johnson, 61, died March 5 after a two-year battle with job-related cancer, the Minnetonka Fire Department announced.
Sacramento-based Sutter Health announced plans to acquire Minneapolis-based Allina Health, promising a $2 billion investment in Minnesota and Wisconsin, but healthcare unions say workers weren't consulted.
Hennepin County lawmakers plan to urge state legislators Wednesday morning to save Hennepin Healthcare, the state's busiest Level 1 trauma center, which officials say could close this year without immediate action.
Hennepin County lawmakers plan to urge state legislators Wednesday morning to save Hennepin Healthcare, the state's busiest Level 1 trauma center, which officials say could close this year without immediate action.
Three of the most iconic '90s music groups are joining forces at this year's Minnesota State Fair.
Afroman spoke to CBS News after he won the case, which tested the limits of parody and the license artists can take in social commentary directed at public figures.
Spring break does not have to mean big travel plans or big spending for families who head to the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, where a new exhibit invites children to climb, crawl and create as part of the art experience.
Comedian Bert Kreischer is without a tour bus after his caught fire in Minnesota.
The film follows CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp through their seven-year journey to document the toll of America's school shooting epidemic.
Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson has signed with Real American Freestyle wrestling.
Minnesota has formally submitted a bid to host the NFL draft in 2028, organizers announced Wednesday.
Erik Cernak scored a tiebreaking goal with 2:53 left in the third period when Minnesota goaltender Filip Gustavsson misplayed a carom off the end boards and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Wild 6-3.
Deron Russell has long been a problem for opposing teams. The Waseca, Minnesota, star broke his own school record in the section semifinal game with a 51-point performance.
A Minnesota economics professor is breaking down the historic WNBA contract for her students in a fun and engaging way.
Young mothers working as Minnesota state senators are trying to change a system that was never designed to include them, saying their workplace is not allowing them time and space to breastfeed their infants.
Unlike the Minnesota House, which does allow children on the House floor, the Minnesota Senate bars children from being on the floor.
President Donald Trump has called the bill his number one priority and says it would prevent non-citizens from voting in the 2026 midterm elections.
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says non-citizen voting is extremely rare. He cited a University of St. Thomas study that found only three instances of non-citizens voting in Minnesota between 2014 and 2024.
The U.S. Senate has begun debate on a controversial elections bill that would require voters to show proof of citizenship with a birth certificate or passport. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon says non-citizen voting is extremely rare. He cited a University of St. Thomas study that found only three instances of non-citizens voting in Minnesota between 2014 and 2024.
The Nuss Collection is home to a lot of vintage trucks.
Denis Doyle was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. He emigrated to the U.S. and in 1856, Doyle traveled to Le Sueur County. Other Irish immigrants joined Doyle and the town was born.
One of the oldest operating theaters in the Midwest is in danger of closing its doors for good.
In St. Louis Park, Minnesota, there's a place where you can find radio and television technology that's nearly a century old — and it still works.
One of the best views in Minnesota is at the top of a Bloomington hill. But 15-year-old Jacob Larson isn't here for the scenery. He's here for the jump.
The produce section at grocery stores is packed with nutrient-dense foods. Certain fruits and vegetables, in particular, are packed with fiber, and a new diet trend has people "maxxing" out on it.
Minnesota's recent swing from heavy snow to record heat is a recipe for rocky roads.
Heavy snow followed by bitter cold hit Minnesotans with a double whammy of winter. The good news is spring-like weather is right around the corner, but its quick arrival could spell trouble for homeowners.
Minnesota lakes remain frozen. The people walking on trails around them remain bundled up. After a warm start to March, the seasonal shift is sputtering as it often tends to do.
Drivers are bracing themselves for higher prices when they pull up to gas stations. But the pump isn't the only place you can expect to pay more in the weeks ahead.
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.
Wednesday had those summer-like feels, with temperatures hitting the upper 60s. A cold front overnight will make Thursday feel more like spring, with temperatures dropping down to the high 30s and low 40s for the lower part of the state and the teens for northern Minnesota. Chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer breaks all of that down and shares when we start to warm again.
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.
As of late, the warmth is winning out, but Minnesotans know all too well that winter can often make a quick encore.
As of late, the warmth is winning out, but Minnesotans know all too well that winter can often make a quick encore.
Wednesday evening will be very pleasant, though a cold front approaches — bringing a chance of rain overnight into Thursday, says NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Wednesday had those summer-like feels, with temperatures hitting the upper 60s. A cold front overnight will make Thursday feel more like spring, with temperatures dropping down to the high 30s and low 40s for the lower part of the state and the teens for northern Minnesota. Chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer breaks all of that down and shares when we start to warm again.
After 7 years of being closed due to nearby construction, two iconic biking trails have reopened.
Small businesses across the metro say they're still feeling the fallout from Operation Metro Surge. Many are struggling to stay open and are barely holding on.
A plan to help lower the cost of renewing car tabs is stuck in neutral at the State Capitol.
Kirsten Krull returned to Grand Casino Arena on Wednesday, the first time since the loss of her close friend Jessi Pierce.